GPC Staff
Our staff is a group of dedicated individuals who serve Grace Presbyterian Church with care, creativity, and faith. Each person brings unique gifts and experience to our shared ministry, working together to support worship, nurture spiritual growth, and care for our congregation and community. We are grateful for their commitment and the many ways they help make Grace a welcoming and vibrant place to grow in faith.

Dr. Jonathan Gary
Organist
Dr. Gary began his piano studies at the age of 12 in Guadeloupe, French West Indies. He received the BM in Piano Performance degree from Ouachita Baptist University and a Performer's Certificate from the Stanislav Moniuski Academy of Music in Gdansk, Poland. He earned his MM in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Baylor University. Additionally, he earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration (Higher Ed.) from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, where he taught and served in executive leadership positions for the conservatory of music and music department for 22 years.

Chelsea Stern
Minister of Music
Chelsea Stern marked her 10th year as Music Minister at Grace Presbyterian Church in 2025. Chelsea is a Temple native and grew up at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Temple. A life-long musician, Chelsea also serves the community as a music teacher and voice lesson instructor.

Josh Essary
Handbell Choir Director
A lifelong musician and educator, Josh Essary brings a wealth of professional expertise and a deep passion for the unique art of bell ringing to Grace Presbyterian. His journey began in the youth handbell choir at Ridglea Presbyterian Church in Arlington, TX, but his musical foundation is built on a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music from Hardin-Simmons University.

Emily Gary
Pianist / Accompianist
Mrs. Gary began her piano study at the age of 7 in Birmingham, AL, where she was raised. She studied at the Birmingham Southern Conservatory. She earned her BM in Piano Performance from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL and then her MM in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Baylor University. She continued post graduate studies toward her Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Oklahoma. She has her teaching certificate for the state of Texas and has taught elementary through high school public school music.

Maddie Clark
Director of Christian Education
Madalynn Clark serves as the Director of Christian Education, bringing a deep passion for faith formation and community connection to her role. Originally from North Carolina, Madalynn earned her undergraduate degree from East Carolina University, where she also served as a Youth Director for three years, developing a heart for guiding young people in their spiritual journeys.






