Staff & Leaders
Rev. Vernon Murray
Our Pastor
Pastor Vernon Murray is a native of West Virginia. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving on active duty both domestically and overseas.
He later pursued higher education and is a graduate of West Virginia University, Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
Pastor Murray was first ordained by the North Carolina District of the Assemblies of God. On September 11, 1988, upon completion of seminary, he was ordained into the Presbyterian Church (USA) by the Presbytery of the Peaks.
Over the course of his ministry he served several congregations in both North Carolina and Virginia. His final full-time pastorate, before retirement in 2010, was at Norview Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia where he faithfully served for fifteen years.
Following retirement, Pastor Murray remained active in ministry through the Kairos Prison Ministry. In 2022 he returned to pastoral service as the Covenant Pastor of Holmes Presbyterian Church on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Pastor Murray is married to Jackie Ditto Murray. Together, their blended family includes six adult children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. In his spare time Vernon is an accomplished and passionate woodworker.
Ms. Evelyn Burton
Our Music Director
Evelyn is a graduate of the now defunct Philadelphia Music Academy where she received a Degree in Music. She later received her Master's from Antioch University in Urban Education. She was employed by the Philadelphia School System as a Secondary Music Specialist for 43 years. During this time she served as an accompanist for the Festival and District Choirs in Districts 3, 5 and 8.
She retired to the Eastern Shore in 2005 and began playing violin with the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore. She has also played for several plays at the North Street Playhouse.
Evelyn has been a church musician in Cape Charles and in Onancock, and presently provides music for our congregation.
Session
Holmes is led by an active Session of elders who oversee the life and ministries of the church:
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Pat Lusk – Worship
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Scotty Buck – Buildings and Grounds
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Karen Smith – Missions
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Sam Long – Christian Education
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Christina Duffman – Fellowship
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Bill Stramm – Stewardship
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Carol Carnegie – Membership Care and Recruitment
Clerk of Session: Pat Lusk
Together, they help shape our worship, care, and outreach so that Holmes continues to be a faithful and welcoming church family.
