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 Senior Pastor: Rev. Bart Lester 

Bart was born in Huntsville, Alabama but spent his childhood and teenage years in Birmingham.  He attended Auburn University where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1992.  After graduating from Auburn, Bart began attending Reformed Theological Seminary at the Jackson campus and then finished his MDiv at the Charlotte campus in 1996.  Bart is married to Allison Lester of Savannah, Georgia.  Bart and Allison have five children: Caroline, Barton, Oliver, Thomas, and John Bennett. Bart joined the Eastwood staff in 1996. 

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Associate Pastor: Rev. Billy Joseph

Billy was born and raised in Montgomery. His education spans from Floyd Elementary and Junior High then Lanier High School here in Montgomery to Belhaven University and Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He served as a Campus Minister for 22 years at the University of Alabama with Reformed University Fellowship. That was followed by 11 years as the Minister of Congregational Care at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Ms.  He came to Eastwood Presbyterian Church in February of 2014 as the Interim (Stated Supply) Pastor. He and his wife, Marian have two children, and five grandchildren.

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 Assistant Pastor: Rev. Lee Bloodworth

Rev. Lee Bloodworth is a transplanted Tar Heel who earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design from NC State University. He worked in an architectural woodwork shop prior to completing his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS.  Lee began his ministry as an intern in Savannah, GA, teaching upper school students and the college/career group.  He served as senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church here in Montgomery for 18 years and he has taught the Bible to most ages from 3-4 year old Covenant Kids to 103 year-old senior citizens. Lee has also taught Systematic Theology at the Montgomery extension of Birmingham Theological Seminary for 15 years.

Lee met his wife, Eliana, in Jackson, Mississippi, over 35 years ago.  They have two grown daughters.  He loves exploring the Calvinistic roots of the American Revolution, an eclectic blend of Christian music, and considering current events from a Christian worldview.

  

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Associate Pastor of Families and Administration: Rev. Ross Hodges

Ross was born and raised at Eastwood and spent time on the youth ministry staff in the early 2000's. After graduating from Auburn University Montgomery, he attended Westminster Seminary California where he earned an MDiv and met his future wife, Joanna, a fellow student in the MABS program. The Hodges both graduated in 2013 and then spent six years helping plant Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, SC, where Ross was ordained into the ministry. While in Charleston, the Lord grew the Hodges family through the addition of four children: Elias, Charlotte, Isaac, and Abel. Ross returned to Eastwood as a member of the pastoral staff in 2019.

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Missions Director: Mr. Tommy James

Tommy was born and raised in Montgomery. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration. He is married to Elaine (Lamar), also of Montgomery and they have four daughters and 12 grandchildren. In the past, Tommy has served on several advisory committees, including Sav-A-Life, Trinity Presbyterian School Board and Eastwood Christian School Board. Tommy became Eastwood’s Director of Missions in 2005. 

 
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Music Director:

Dr. Brandon Slocumb

Brandon Slocumb teaches Low Brass, Theory, Brass Pedagogy, and Ear Training at Huntingdon College. After completing a bachelor’s degree in music education at Samford University, he completed a master’s degree in trombone performance at the University of North Texas. A desire to teach at the college level led Dr. Slocumb to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2009. Brandon, his wife Youlanda, and their two children, Cecilia and James, are active members of Eastwood.

 

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Youth Director: Mr. Jake Matulia

Jake Matulia was born and raised in Eustis, Florida and moved to Montgomery to be a part of the Fisher’s Farm Ministry. He is married to Faith and they have two sons, Jack Calvin and Jude. Jake holds a B.A. from Boyce College and is currently pursuing an MDiv from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.


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EPC Administrator & ECS Headmaster: Dr. Joel Bius

Dr. Joel Bius is the Administrator for Eastwood Church and Headmaster at Eastwood Christian School. Prior to arriving at Eastwood, Dr. Bius culminated his 24 year Air Force career as the Associate Dean of Education for the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He grew up in Valdosta, Georgia, and completed his Ph.D. in American History at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2015 as an Air Force Faculty Fellow. In addition to 10 years experience teaching courses in military history, military campaign planning, leadership, American military culture, and the American Civil War, Dr. Bius has several publications in the field of military history and War & Society. He loves Classical Christian Education because it allows him to teach with the highest purpose: discovery of truth and propagation of the gospel. Joel and his wife, Leigh, are both very proud of children Jake, Brooks, Mary Jewel, and John Henry.

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Financial Administrator: Mrs. Julie Shuemake

Julie Shuemake is a graduate of Troy University and has more than ten years of experience in non-profit accounting.  Julie and her husband Steve, who teaches the music enrichment class at Eastwood Christian School, have three children: ME Grace, Caleb, and Oliver. Julie enjoys music, reading, and the beach.

 

 
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Office Manager/Pastoral Assistant: Mrs. Lynn Grace

Lynn Grace was born in Fairhope, Alabama. She was raised on the Eastern Shore and moved to Montgomery with her husband Barry in 2008. Lynn worked as an administrative assistant at Alfa Insurance for 10 years. She and her husband Barry have two children: Aubrey and Abby.

 

 

JHHeadshotNursery Co-Director: Mrs. Joanna Hodges

Joanna was born and raised in Northwest Indiana. After graduating from Trinity Christian College, she attended Westminster Seminary California where she received her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. She also met and married Ross Hodges, Associate Pastor at Eastwood. After graduating from Westminster, the Hodges spent six years helping plant Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, SC. While in Charleston, the Lord grew the Hodges family through the addition of four children: Elias, Charlotte, Isaac, and Abel.

 

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Nursery Co-Director: Mrs. Victoria Whatley

Victoria was born and raised here in Montgomery. Her family began attending Eastwood Church when she began attending Eastwood Christian School in kindergarten. She met her husband, William, while working at the Retirement Systems of Alabama, after graduating from ECS. William and Victoria are the proud parents of Abigail and Amelia.