The Reverend Dr. Larry A. Blakeburn
Pastor
Larry was born in Muskogee, OK, but grew up in a mobile environment as his father prepared for and participated in full-time ministry. He has lived in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee. Tennessee is the area in which he has lived the longest.
He graduated from Greeneville High School, Bethel University, and later earned a Master of Divinity degree at Memphis Theological Seminary. Additionally, he was the first recipient of a Doctor of Ministry degree from MTS.
Larry joined the Marine Corps in 1968, and served in Vietnam in 1969, where he was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Pastor Blakeburn has 44 years of pastoral experience. He has served five churches: Bolivar CP Church, Bolivar, TN (1976-1981), St. Luke CP Church in Ft. Worth, TX (1981-1993), West Nashville CP Church (1993-1997), Dyersburg First CP Church (2001-2015), and First CP Church of Oak Ridge (2015 – present). Dr. Blakeburn was President of Memphis Theological Seminary from 1997 to 2001.
Larry has three children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Rev. Carlton Harper
Interim Music Director
Carlton Harper is an honorably retired minister of East Tennessee Presbytery. Chaplain (LT COL) Harper is also a retired Army Chaplain. Music has been a part of his life from early childhood. He has studied voice, piano, and organ.
Tracy Dunlap
Secretary
Tracy Dunlap, a native of Western New York, has spent the majority of her life in East Tennessee. She pursued her education in Administrative Professional Technology at Cleveland State. Tracy and her husband are proud parents of two sons.
Barbara Spence
Organist
Barbara was born in Wickliffe, KY and attended Murray State University, the University of North Carolina and the University of Tennessee. She retired from Cardiology Associates of East Tennessee in 1997 as Physician Coordinator. She has two sons, a daughter, and 5 grandchildren. Her hobbies are music and crafts.
Youth Ministry Leaders
AMELIA SHELTON
Amelia is a lifelong member of Oak Ridge First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She has been working with the children of the church as well as in presbytery since she began high school. She is currently a senior at Maryville College where she is majoring in Religious Studies.
DUNCAN SHELTON
Duncan is a lifelong Cumberland Presbyterian and a lifelong member of this church. He currently works with his father in the family business. Duncan strives to work with youth and young adults in the church.
