Central Presbyterian Church (USA), Russellville, Arkansas

The Rev. R. Brian Brock has been the pastor at Central since May 2010. He is a born and bred Southerner hence the R. Brian. If you ask for Robert he is going to start looking around for his father. A Presbyterian since being confirmed at Unity Presbyterian Church (USA) in Fort Mill, SC while in middle school, he attended the University of South Carolina after serving in the Navy as a nuclear electricians mate on submarines. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and was ordained by Abingdon Presbytery in Southwest Virginia. He and his wife, Maggie, have enjoyed over 25 years of mostly wedded bliss. They are the proud parents of two grown sons, Andy and Wynn, and are the servants of two usually benevolent overlord cats. An unabashed foodie Pastor Brian likes to spend his spare time experimenting in the kitchen. He has been known to get lost in a good book. His family requests that you refrain from calling or texting when his beloved Gamecocks are on television because he is normally pacing around the house with his arms crossed using his sailor language. He is constantly trying to faithfully live up to the ideal found in Micah 6:8, "He has told you, human one, what is good and what the LORD requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God."

Karen is the face of Central for most people who have day to day contact with the church. A native of Peoria, Illinois, she came to Russellville in 1992 after an 11 years sojourn in St. Louis. 

Karen has been the church administrator since 2015 having come to us after retiring early from her position as a Human Resources Manager for Regions Bank. She has blessed for us with her many gifts and talents used over the years as a volunteer candy stripper in a hospital and working in accounting and commercial insurance.

When she is not toiling away in the office she spends a lot of time herding the cats in her life both figurative, her husband Mike, and literal, their fur baby Princess. She is the proud mother of three grown children and their spouses and grandmother of five granddaughters as close by as Dover and as far away as New Zealand.

Mission outreach is a passion for Karen as seen by her involvement with the local United Way board, coordinator of the CPC Food Pantry, and dedicate member of the Ministries Outside the Walls team. When she takes a moment to relax, Karen enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking (sometimes).

Shelia is essential to CPC's day to day operations. In addition to keeping our facilities clean and tidy, she sets up Knox Hall for events, she ensures our lights are burning bright, and the HVAC is keeping our members comfortable. 

Shelia and her husband Richard are long time members of Central and are always willing to make room on their pew for others. One of her favorite ministries is coordinating CPC's participation in All Saints Episcopal Church's Neighbors' Table program.

When she is not at the church, Shelia enjoys her time with all the members of the blended family she and Richard have made together. In total there are 4 children and stepchildren, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Shelia spends any remaining free time shopping for bargain school supplies for teachers in our community, craft supplies for our youth program and community organizations, growing vegetables in her garden with Richard to share with others, and playing with her spoiled fur baby, Jasmine.

Wynn is one of those odd PKs (Preacher's Kid) who really enjoys being part of the church's ministry. Wynn comes from a very long line of Presbyterians who can trace his family and church roots all the way back to Scotland. Born to a church manse he has never known a time away from a Presbyterian church. 

A graduate of Russellville Schools, Wynn was a two-time state champion in swimming and part of a state record relay team. In addition to athletics, he was involved in student government, band, and the National Honors Society. He is currently a senior at Arkansas Tech University studying Middle Grades Math and Social Studies education. He is also a full time employee of Russellville City Parks and Recreation, being the Head Lifeguard at the Russellville Aquatics Center.

When he is not at church, school, or work, you can normally find him either playing NCAA '25 on his PS5, looking up his team's Fantasy Football league standing, or cheering on one of his two favorite soccer teams, Arsenal FC of the Premier League or the Seattle Sounders of MLS.