The Rev. Ann D. Cherry, Minister

Ann grew-up in New England and was educated at Elmira College (BS), Western Michigan University (M.A.), and Union Theological Seminary (MDiv), and is currently working on her
D. Min at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She has three amazing sons, two cats and two fish.

Ann was raised in the Episcopal Church and was led to the Presbyterian Church (USA) which she instantly loved. She finds the liturgy refreshing because it is grounded in both our language and plight. She is a big fan of classical spiritual mysticism and describes herself as a contemplative minister. Her work at Austin is focused on thinking through how we might recapture God’s love language and build an infrastructure to make love known through the local church.

Ann is drawn to the heart of Laurel Presbyterian Church as a beloved community of faith; a community that actively strives to see Christ in the other; a community of people who actively work to ground their faith in the nurture and care of their neighbor.

In her spare time, she is an avid learner, reader, walker and eater. In the winter, she loves to huddle by a cozy fireplace and in the summer to be anywhere near water. She meditates and awkwardly attempts the Downward Dog.

J. David Clatterbuck, Director of Music

David grew up in Harrisonburg, VA and was very active in his small church, Mount Sinai UMC. By the time he was sixteen, he became the Organist and Choir Director there. He has been either a Choir Director, Organist, or both for the last forty-four years! He loves working at Laurel Presbyterian where the congregation is very supportive and appreciative of the music program. The Laurel Choir is comprised of very dedicated and talented members of the church.

David recently retired after thirty-six years of teaching choral music; most recently in Henrico County, VA and previously in Waynesboro, VA and Waynesboro, PA. Throughout his teaching career, his students and ensembles consistently achieved superior ratings at assessments, and received many awards and accolades at choral music competitions. David has also served as accompanist or adjudicator at numerous choral events in the area. In 2007, he was named “Henrico County Music Educator of the Year” as well as Pocahontas Middle School’s “Teacher of the Year.”

David received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater College with concentration in voice and organ, a Master of Music Education degree from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, and has pursued post-graduate studies at Westminster Choir College. In addition to his teaching experience, Mr. Clatterbuck has an extensive background in musical theatre in Virginia and Florida, both as an actor and director. When time allows, he still participates in musical theatre in the Richmond area.