Rev. Gary D. Phillips
Senior Minister
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kentucky. My father was a minister so its easiest to say where I did not grow up than to pin point
a place. We lived in northern Ky for a good bit of the time in and near Covington and Newport. I graduated from
high school in the mid part of the state... Somerset “an all Kentucky city” or so the sign said. Graduated form
Berea College near Richmond and then left the state.
How did you become a Christian?
I’m a PK (preachers kid) becoming a Christian was just part of the package. It was a choice between becoming
either a career criminal or a part of the holy kingdom. The decision to avoid a life of crime was difficult to make.
There are some in Somerset that would be surprised that I am still allowed to walk the streets a free man. It
could be said with some truth that I am now in South Carolina for a good reason.
What do you do for free time?
To get my hands on free time I would beg, borrow or steal…. I just moved. The house as always needs a bit
of fixing and adjusting.. and every things I own is either a box or on the floor. For a hobby... I like to learn to
do new things. Almost any new thing. I’ve done wood working, basket weaving (ok enough of the jokes about
learning that skill in the asylum), pottery, needle work, cooking, fishing and whatever else. I have tried music…
both vocally and instrumentally… they say any idiot can learn to play dulcimer in five minutes. I built mine and
have owned it for 15 years and still cant play it. I have a book that tells me how to build flutes for a variety of
house hold items… some day when I get enough free time I’ll build one just for the experience. Some would call
me a renaissance man others a “jack of all trades, master of none”.
What's playing on your ipod these days?
I don’t have an Ipod… My wife and I inherited our daughters when she up graded to a her iTouch. It has not
been turned on since she abandoned it. But for Christmas I got a cool little doodad that will turn my old Albums
into CD’s. So I get to rock with the old guys… Three DogNight, Chicago, Dr. Hook, early Bee Gees (pre disco)...
Favorite movie?
Its probably easier to say what the ones are that I don’t like. But some of my all time favorites are the original
“Music Man”, Harvey ( with Jimmy Stewart), and Camelot.
Rev. Laura Canine
Associate Minister
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Columbia, SC and grew up in Chantilly, VA and Pawleys Island, SC.
How did you become a Christian?
I was blessed to have been born into a Christian family, who made a commitment to bring me up in the church and model the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
What do you do for free time?
I enjoy pretty much any sport and doing things outside.
What's playing on your ipod these days?
Don’t have one but right now I’m listening to some Amos Lee and NeedToBreathe.
Favorite movie?
Amazing Grace