Staff

Tim Leigh,

Interim Pastor

Bailey Pickens,

Community Connections Director

I’m a cradle Presbyterian, and I grew up in a town of just about Franklin’s size in Florida. I’ve lived all over the place, most recently in Tucson, Arizona. I’ve also worked all over the place, including as a translator, a Japanese teacher, a camp counselor, a hospital chaplain, a hospice chaplain, a director of children’s ministry, a campus minister, and a pastor. My wife and I and our very small dog moved to Nashville in 2021 so that she could start a PhD in Sacramental Theology at Vanderbilt, and we are so happy to be a little closer to home: we’ve been Southern expats sojourning in strange lands for long enough. At FPC, my job is to connect dots, and I love finding what’s already happening in the community and amplifying it and discovering places for people to plug in. I believe that everything is in God’s hands, and that God graciously equips us to meet every need in the service of greater justice and more righteousness—if we’re brave and humble enough to open our hearts and ask!

Candice Mendoza, Office Administrator

I was born and raised in Franklin, KY and I currently live here with my husband. I previously spent several years working in the healthcare field. After taking a break to just enjoy married life, I have now been part of the FPC family for many years! Greatest joy is supporting my nephews and niece in their many sports & dance activities and that’s usually where you’ll find me! I am also an animal advocate, and a very passionate and proud F-S alum and fan, and UK fan. Go Big Blue!

Jason Matteson, Music Director

Jason Matteson has been an active participant in community music-making for more than two decades and has performed with numerous instrumental and vocal ensembles in central New York, Ontario, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. In 2005, Jason earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts, which was quickly followed up with earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from the Crane School of Music. After teaching music, ENL and literacy in several school districts for several years in central New York, Jason moved to Tennessee during the Covid-19 pandemic and earned his master’s degree in choral conducting from Austin Peay, where he taught some classes and conducted the university choirs.

Personally, Jason enjoys hiking, kayaking, going barefoot, and spending time outside whenever possible. He is also an avid lover of history, geology, and antiques, collecting old music books and hymnals to odd eccentricities. Being a bagpiper and professional Scottish Drum Major, Jason feels a deep connection to the British Isles, including its expansive history, long standing traditions, varied musics, comedies, and food/drink. All which runs into other nationalities and cultures across Europe and the globe. He is also very passionate about supporting the ethical treatment of animals, and if it wasn’t for cheese, Jason would be vegan. Musically, Jason is very eclectic and likes a lot of music ranging from medieval music to folk music and world music, classical music to classic rock, old country western to indie folk, and much more including contemporary choir music. For further biographical information, please visit Jason’s website at www.jasonmatteson.com.

Donna Houston, Organist

Originally from Russellville, Kentucky, I moved to Franklin in 1983 via Bowling Green. I have two grown children and several grandchildren. Spending time with them is one of the joys of my life. I graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in music and education. I taught piano from a studio at my home, and I also taught primary school for many years. A retired teacher, I really enjoy my time as organist and hand bell director at FPC.

Shirley Crutcher, Nursery

I have been married now for almost 40 years! We have been blessed to have two daughters. We moved to Franklin, KY 20 years ago from Portland, TN seeking to be further out in the country.

I have been working in education for the past 35 years. My love for working with children brought me to Franklin Presbyterian Church when there was a need for a Nursery teacher for Sunday services. I have now been here for 14 years and loving it!