Edward Roberson is a child of the church. He served on the Board of Trustees of Union Presbyterian Seminary for 12 years, 2010 - 2022. He served as Chairman his last 4 years, 2018 -2022. Edward shares some of the significant contributions Howard Memorial has made and the impact these contributions have had on our church, the community and beyond.

Nancy Whitehurst is a direct descendent of Captain Robert Cotton Brown, one of the early members of Tarboro Presbyterian Church. Her service to Howard Memorial and to the presbytery is legendary. During her years at the church, Nancy has served as a deacon and elder. In 2003, she was awarded The Presbyterian Women’s, Lifetime Membership Award. In 2018, she received New Hope Presbytery’s Outstanding Older Adult Award. Nancy shares her journey to Howard Memorial and what the church has meant to her life.

Rusty Holderness is a child of the church, being a member for 73 years. During these years, Rusty has served the church in various capacities; Elder, Sunday School teacher, charter member of the Men’s Bible Study and youth basketball coach. Rusty was one of 5 children. HIs two brothers, Haywood and Jim, were Presbyterian ministers. His parents, Dail and Nancy Holderness, were instrumental in the life of Howard Memorial and the Tarboro community at large. Rusty shares his memories.

Michael Peters, a child of the church and 6th generation member of Howard Memorial, has run in the “Movin’ for Community Outreach; 5-K for TCO” race since its beginning in 2007. He was the race chairman from 2017-2022, while serving as an elder and Co-Chairman of the Mission Committee. Not only has he run locally but in 2023, this avid runner, qualified and ran in the Boston Marathon. Michael shares his thoughts and history of this annual mission initiative of the church.

Chauncey Leggett is a child of the church and is currently a Ruling Elder. His mother, Peggy Rogers Leggett was a beloved member of the congregation. On January 13, 2008, she was installed as Commissioned Lay Pastor for Congregational Care. Chauncey shares his memories of her journey and what the church has meant to him.

Farrar Martin is a child of the church, has served as an elder and for the last 5 years has been the Chairman of the Memorial Garden and Grounds Committee. He shares the rich history of the grounds, Old Town Cemetery and interesting story of Miss Mattie’s Chapel.

Lynn Browning joined Howard Memorial as an adult. She became active in the church, becoming an elder, before meeting Michael Taylor. Michael began singing in the choir, even before their marriage in 1998. Since then he has been ordained as an elder and remains active in the choir. Lynn and Michael raised their daughter, Ann Margaret, at Howard Memorial. They share their story.

Carrisa is a senior at Rocky Mount Academy and will be attending North Carolina State University next year. Carrisa shares how growing up at Howard Memorial has impacted her life thus far.

Katie and Adam came to Howard Memorial as a young married couple, just starting their teaching careers. Katie was a music teacher at Stocks Elementary and was recruited by Christopher Edmonston to lead the Children’s Choir. They liked the church so much they joined and moved to Tarboro. They now have two sons, Conner and Cooper. Katie and Adam share what their journey has been as members of Howard Memorial.

Brookes Peters is a child of the church and a direct descendent of one of the early members. The history of Howard Memorial, Upon this Rock, Vol. 1 was written by his grandparents, Mary and Brookes Peters and Vol. 2, by his mother, Frances McClure Peters. Dr. Peters shares the history of the church’s proud Scouting program.

Tate Mayo is a life long member of Howard Memorial and was one of the youngest elders ever to serve on the session. He shares his memories of growing up in the church and what it has meant to him. Tate is the current Mayor of Tarboro.

Motsie Brooks moved to Tarboro with her husband, Dr. John Brooks, in the 1960’s when he began his medical practice at The Tarboro Clinic. They soon became active members of Howard Memorial, serving the church and community in many ways. She continues to be a treasure to the church and community. In this video, Motsie shares her memories of people, events and activities, reminding us of our mission as a congregation.

The Jonathan Cobb Family; Ashley, Jonathan, Davis and Turner, moved their membership to Howard Memorial on October 31, 2021. In 2022, they welcomed Mary Charles into their family and on August 21, 2022, she was baptized in our sanctuary. The family has been active in all areas of church life, participating in Sunday School and other scheduled events. Also, Jonathan has been Stewardship Co-Chair and has recently served on the Mission Study Committee during our transition. The family shares some of the reasons they enjoy worshiping with us at Howard Memorial.

Gary Mountz moved to Tarboro in 2015 and wanted to find a Presbyterian Church. He looked at the Howard Memorial website and decided to visit. He joined in 2015, immediately becoming a member of the choir and later was ordained as an Elder. Gary has shared his love of music, not only with the church but also the community. Howard Memorial is the fourth Presbyterian Church where he has been a member. Gary tells why HMPC is important to him.

Colin and Duncan McFadyen are 10 year old twins, who were baptized in the church and have grown up attending the programs. They are the sons of John and Claire Leggett McFadyen both of whom were children of the church. Colin is older and reminds Duncan “to respect his elders.” Duncan reminds Colin he’s bigger. They have been bright spots in the children’s program. Colin and Duncan now share their thoughts on VBS.

Lori and Al Drake live in Farmville. They watched our church services online during the pandemic. After visiting in person, they decided to join. Lori is a talented writer and former Executive Director of the Farmville Chamber of Commerce. Al is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of Endocrinology at ECU Brody School of Medicine.They have served as Elders in different towns across the United States. One of their six children, Andrea, is now serving as our Children’s and Youth Director. Lori is on the 150th Anniversary Steering Committee and is writing Volume III of the church’s history, Upon This Rock. Lori and Al are active members of the Discovery Sunday School Class. They now share why they chose Howard Memorial.

Hurricane Floyd hit Tarboro on Wednesday, September 15, 1999. The weather was beautiful on Thursday. Then on Thursday night, the 16th, flooding began.  It was an important chapter in the history of Howard Memorial. Time became marked as “Before the Flood” and “After the Flood.” Gail Hussey was the new Financial Secretary and Youth Facilitator at the church. Bill Goode, who owned Bill Goode Photography was serving on the Session. They now share their memories of that time.

On October 8, 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit our area. It was the second 500 year flood in 17 years. Tarboro was spared but Princeville was again flooded along with other low areas of the county. David Anderson has been a leader in many capacities at Howard Memorial since he and his wife, Lillie, moved to Tarboro in 1982. However, his leadership skills were never more apparent than during the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. David now shares the response of our church and community to this disaster, along with founding of the Twin County Disaster Recovery Group.

Christopher Edmonston was the minister at Howard Memorial from April 2004 - May 2011. He and his wife, Colleen along with their son, Patrick moved to Tarboro from Charlotte. Howard Memorial was his first Head of Staff position. Soon after their arrival, their second son, Gabriel was born and a few years later, daughter, Amelia. Christopher shares how coming to Tarboro and serving at the church has impacted his life and ministry.