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Rev. Sharon Bell, Pastor
Rev. Sharon Bell is the pastor of Highlawn Presbyterian Church and has been since 2021. While a native Texan, Sharon has called West Virginia home since 2003. She has a BA from Baylor University in Waco, TX and her MA in Divinity from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA. She enjoys traveling and binge watching her favorite TV shows. She has been known to be the loudest parent on the sidelines, cheering on her son, Grayson. Sharon is passionate about creating authentic worship and genuine community.
Sarah Specht, Director of Christian Education
Sarah Specht has been with Highlawn Presbyterian Church since 2012 and has loved every minute of it. She grew up in Columbus Ohio, and moved to Huntington in 2004. Sarah loves learning about God and making friendships through fellowship. She keeps the youth at HPC involved in mission work aimed to grow into knowing Jesus while also learning about the Bible and active fellowship with one another.
Emma (Em) Rau, Secretary
Em Rau has worked at Highlawn Presbyterian church since 2023. She graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Religious Studies. Em was born and raised in Columbus, OH and moved to Huntington, WV in 2020. She is excited to serve HPC by keeping organized and thorough records, resources, newsletters, and bulletins.
David Chenoweth, Music Director
David Chenoweth has served Highlawn for over 35 years. He has both a BA in Music Education and an MA in Music from Marshall University. David is a retired choral music and piano teacher for Huntington High School while also serving as the music department chair. Before coming to HPC, he was very active at Highlawn United Methodist Church where his father served as pastor. David is an avid musician in the community where he is very involved in with Renaissance and the Musical Arts Guild.
Alanna Cushing, Organist and Pianist
Alanna has graced Highlawn with her beautiful organ and piano skills since 2014. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a Master’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Piano Performance. Alanna has received several awards including the Belle and Lynum Jackson Soloist Competition and the Marshall University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. She has also premiered a work by British composer, Graham Lynch at the Contemporary Music Festival in Cortona, Italy. Alanna is a private tutor, an active performer, and particularly enjoys playing new music.