Pastoral Staff

The Reverend Paul L. Larson
Senior Pastor

Pastor Paul L. Larson conducted his undergraduate studies at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. He graduated from St.Olaf College in 1975, majoring in Ancient Studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at St.Olaf, he participated in their Term in the Middle East, living in the Old City of Jerusalem and studying the origins of Christianity in the Mediterranean world. He completed his graduate studies at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree in 1979 and was awarded the G. M. Bruce Prize in New Testament Studies.

In the past, Pastor Larson has served the Synod and the national church of the ELCA extensively, focusing his work primarily in Education and Evangelism. He presently serves as a Partner for Faith Incubators in developing dynamic, faith-based, confirmation programs. Pastor Larson's passions for Christian ministry are in Teaching, Evangelism and Family Ministry.

Pastor Larson and his wife Kristi (married 1975) have four children. He states: " My first love is spending time with my wife Kristi and our four children. I especially enjoy the fun and broadening experiences that we share together through traveling. My main hobbies are travel and photography." Pastor Larson has traveled extensively in the Middle East and the Mediterranean world, leading groups on tours to the Holy Land, Egypt, Jordan, Greece, Italy, and Turkey.

Pastoral Staff

The Reverend Andrew W. Jones
Associate Pastor

Pastor Andrew W. Jones joined the staff of First English as Associate Pastor in November 2002. A native of Columbus, Ohio, he was graduated from the Ohio State University with a B.S. in Education in 1983. While at OSU he served as president of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship campus chapter. Before and subsequent to his graduation he worked professionally in the audio and video production industries. After leaving Ohio State he worked in Christian camping and taught physics at the high school level.

Following his later call to professional ministry, he attended and then was graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary of Columbus, Ohio in 1994. Pastor Jones has served congregations in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin and Northport, Michigan prior to coming to First English. He is a trained instructor of the Crossways Bible Study program, and is a Developing Partner with Faith Inkubators.

Pastor Jones has extensive experience on the theatrical stage and behind the scenes. While in Michigan he served as president of the Northport Community Arts Center, Inc., a non-profit arts center advancing amateur and professional performing and static arts. Long distance bicycling keeps him slim and healthy.

Pastor Jones, his wife Joy, and children Ian and Sarah reside in Lexington.

Pastoral Staff

The Reverend Cloyd E. Kress
Visitation Pastor

Visitation Pastor of First English Lutheran Church since November 1997, Pastor Kress graduated from Monroe Township School, Pitsburg, Ohio in 1946, and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio with a B.S. in Music Education in 1951. Pastor Kress then attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Divinity in 1954. He also has attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio where he completed six quarters of Clinical Pastoral Education.

Ordained by the United Presbyterian Church, May 1954, Pastor Kress has served Presbyterian Churches in Cuyahoga Falls, Alliance, Farmersville and Mansfield in Ohio, and has also served Presbyterian Churches in Newton, NJ and Indianapolis, IN. He served as Director of Pastoral Care for Med Central Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio for 19 years, and is a retired member of the Muskingum Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of USA and a retired Board Certified Chaplain in the Association of Professional Chaplains.

Pastor Kress comments that: "Pastors do not retire, they go out to pastor." That has been true for me. Since I retired, I have continued to serve Jesus Christ in many settings. I praise God for many friends and acquaintances during my thirty years in the Mansfield area. I have lived in many locations but Mansfield has become home for Alice and me. I am thankful God gave me the opportunity to serve him. I believe my life illustrates what God can do with one who is willing to offer himself or herself to His service. I give God praise for is sustaining presence and power.

Pastor Kress has been married to his wife Alice (Gayman) since 1957, and they have two children: Rebecca who resides in Cleveland, Ohio and David who resides in Kenai, Alaska with his wife Susie and their three daughters, Hannah (10), Alisha (7) and Natalie (5).