Leadership at First Christian

Our tradition believes in the "ministry of all believers". 
That is, we believe that all of the staff and members of FCC
are truly intended to be ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Professional Staff

Rev. Dr. Morgan Daughety | Senior Minister

Get to know Rev. Daughety! 

"I was raised in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and made my confession of faith and was baptized when I was 15 years old.  I began to feel the call to ministry at a young age and entered college with ministry as my vocation of choice.  Very soon, I discovered that the task of discerning my call would be a challenging, ongoing, and inspiring process. As I have striven to answer this call, I believe that my response has been shaped by several factors, including: the care and nurture I received from both my birth family and my church family; personal searching and struggling with my own faith and sense of call; the education I received from women and men who were fine scholars and people of faith; and the continuing care and support from various communities who both affirm my call to ministry and support me as I strive to fulfill it.

The challenges for the church in the 21st century are significant.  In order to answer them, we must be clear and articulate about what we offer.  The church must be prepared to minister to a world that is changing rapidly, both technologically and demographically.  We must employ our gifts for ministry strategically and creatively, and be willing to change and adapt forms and manifestations of ministry without sacrificing substance.  The ministry of the church must be ecumenical, mission-focused, and spiritually rich.

There are two things, in addition to family, friends, and education, that I think have helped to ground and shape me as an adult.  One is that I was raised on a small tobacco farm in eastern North Carolina.  I have always been thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn close to the land and animals.  I believe my understanding of the world has developed the way it has because I was fortunate to spend some formative years very close to the process of tilling and planting, growing and harvesting.  Consequently, I still love the outdoors, and I am quite happy most anywhere – whether it is trout fishing in the mountains of North Carolina or Virginia or working in my own back yard.  I will even admit to something that, some years ago, I would have been a little embarrassed to share, which is that I really enjoy bird watching.  I have an app on my phone, two pair of binoculars, and I get a excited when I hear the call of pileated woodpeckers in our neighborhood. 

The other thing that keeps me grounded is that I am a life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.)  Growing up, I was fortunate to be a part of two congregations – Airy Grove Christian Church in Kinston, and Wheat Swamp Christian Church in LaGrange – and I think of them both as my “home church.”  I have fond memories of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Christmas pageants, and trips with the CYF, that steeped me in good, Biblical theology and a congregational and ecumenical understanding of the church. 

I believe that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a unique vision to offer the world.  In the newly revised version of their book, Disciples: Who We Are & What Holds Us Together, Michael Kinnamon and Jan Linn write about the identifying characteristics of Disciples.  Among these are the centrality of scripture, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.  Taken together, and alongside our traditional emphases on ecumenism and unity, Disciples have a vision for the church and world that can provide a wide welcome for searchers in the 21st century. 
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Rev. Morgan may be reached at [email protected] or EXT #201.

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Minister of Music & Organist | Casey Whaley Childers

Casey has been serving First Christian since 2007 when she arrived as organist.  She served this position while gaining the Masters of Music degree in Organ Performance and Sacred Music from East Carolina University as well as the Colleagues' Certification (CAGO) through the American Guild of Organists.  Prior to this she received Bachelor of Music degrees from Appalachian State University in both Music (Clarinet) Performance and Music Education (K-12).   She came onto the FCC Staff full time in 2009 where she continued her ministry as organist and also became director of the Chancel Choir and children's choirs.  Since then she has revived The Chalice Ringers handbell choir, has established a group of leaders (Encounter) who assist in leading more contemporary music, has provided a meaningful Mobile Music Ministry which visits members in need of spiritual nourishment in their home, and has created a seasonal music series called, "A Space for Grace".    Casey feels that authentic ministry and worship experiences are vital in a gospel that calls us to be community.  She also believes that though the past can be comprised of long lasting memories, new memories can also be created with the right heart and spirit. 

In time aside from First Christian, Casey serves as accompanist for the James B. Hunt High School Choral Program.  Her piano students in the Gloria Piano Studio participate in the North Carolina Federation of Music Club performance at ECU.  She has served on the boards of the East Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the East Carolina Musical Arts Education Foundation.  Casey is a member and serves as treasurer of The Greater Wilson Area Church Musician's Guild, Polyphony and Pi Kappa Lambda.  She has performed as organist in England, France, Germany and Spain.  She loves spending time with her husband, Andrew, sons, Jackson & Phillip, loves yard work, thrifting and all things photography.  

Casey may be reached at [email protected] or EXT #202

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Office Administrator | Charles Cauley

We have welcomed Charles in this role in February 2021.  As a valued choir member he stepped forward as this position opened.  First Christian is so fortunate to have his skills and personality as a forefront in our leadership.

Charles has been a member of FCC since 1976. He is married to Gilda and has one daughter, Madison.  He has served in various capacities in the church including Elder, Deacon, Chairman of the Board, etc.  and has been a choir member for most of his time at FCC. He retired as an engineer with NCDOT at the end of last year.  Charles enjoys photography, working in his yard and house and going to the beach.
He is very happy to be serving FCC as Interim Office Administrator. 

Charles may be reached at [email protected] or EXT #200.

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Financial Secretary | Connie Farris

Connie keeps all of the finances and bills of the church current and up-to-date!  Whether you need a reimbursement from a church related purchase or a check on your committee's budget, Connie is an organized blessing to us!  

Connie may be reached at [email protected] or EXT #203

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Nursery Attendant | Christina Terdik

Christina has been a member of First Christian and the FCC Chalice Ringers for years!  She willingly stepped into this role after the pandemic and we are so grateful to have her smiling face in the nursery week after week!  We have a wonderful place full of toys, learning tools and ways to engage during the time of worship!  The nursery is open to children ages 4 and under. 

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Custodial Staff ​| Esmerelda & Maria Salazar

Esmerelda has been with us since 2016 with Maria following shortly after.

They keep First Christian clean, sanitized and so very organized.  If one were to ever doubt their beautiful spirits and commitment, they are also known for keeping our indoor plants healthy and alive! We are fortunate to have them with us.  

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2025 Congregational Officers

Christy Proctor | Board Chairperson

Christy has been living and doing business in Wilson since 1994. You may know her as the local “Chicken Lady,” as she is the local Chick-fil-A franchisee Owner here Wilson. “My relationship with First Christian Church started when I took my son to Vacation Bible School. I fell in love with the congregation, and I have been here ever since.” Christy has served as a deacon, an elder, a Vacation Bible School teacher, and she is the current FCC Board Chair. “What I love most about FCC is that EVERYONE is welcome! My wife and I were married in this church, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts. FCC has felt like home since my first visit many years ago. The worship is wonderful, and the congregation is the best.” 

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Kenneth Dildy | Board Vice-Chairperson

Tim Sharp | Treasurer

Tim is a native Wilsonian and lifelong member of FCC Wilson.  He has served in numerous leadership positions including Board Chair, Elder, Trustee, Deacon and Treasurer.  Tim graduated from Fike High School and Barton College where he met his wife, Steffanie.  He and Steffanie have one daughter, Taylor.  He has been an independent insurance agent in Wilson for 30 years.  As Treasurer, Tim works closely with the Financial Secretary and the Financial Affairs Committee to help oversee the finances of the church.

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Kristin Lamond | Secretary