Meet the staff of Murfreesboro Baptist Church
Rev. Lane Bass, Pastor (pastor@murfbc.org)
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Rev. Bass, who has served MBC since November 2017, is originally from Indian Trail, NC, a suburb of Charlotte. In 2012 he graduated from Wingate University with a degree in Religious Studies. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University Divinity School, where he graduated in 2016. During his time at Campbell, Lane met and married his wife, Susan, a fellow M.Div student. The couple will welcome their first child, a daughter, later this summer.
While at Campbell Divinity, Lane also served for two years as the Ministry Intern at First Baptist Church of Dunn, NC. Following their graduation from Campbell Divinity, Lane and Susan spent two summers serving with "A Christian Ministry in the National Parks" in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND.
Lane has been a life-long fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his favorite sport is NASCAR. He also enjoys cooking (especially baking) and watching his favorite TV show, The Office. In his spare time, Lane likes to do projects around his home and in his yard. He is also fond of time in the woods and around a campfire.
Mrs. Paula Pressnell, Organist, Pianist, & Choir Director
Paula, who has served MBC since November 2006, is from Sunbury, NC in neighboring Gates County. She attended Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, where she graduated cum laude with a earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance.
In 1999, Paula began working at Chowan University as a part-time staff accompanist. During her time at Chowan, she played piano for all choirs, voice lessons, and instrumental students. She also went on many choir tours and stayed extremely busy at the university. In 2005 she became a full time faculty member. Paula served the Chowan community until 2018, when she retired and received faculty emeritus status in 2018.
Music has been a lifelong passion as Paula would listen to her mother teach piano at home and began playing by ear at age 3. Past career ambitions have been ventriloquism (age 8), and paleontology before dinosaurs were cool, (age 11). Thankfully for any hope of success, a piano teacher encouraged her to become a music major in college. Currently she enjoys spending time with her husband Larry, two stepchildren, seven grandchildren, reading, and teaching piano to people of all ages.
Mrs. Teresa Martin, Administrative Assistant (office@murfbc.org )
Teresa, who is originally from Currituck County, NC, but now lives in Murfreesboro with Clay, her husband and best friend, has been with MBC since the summer of 2016. She graduated from Chowan University with an Associate's Degree in Communications Art. Before her time with MBC, Teresa worked for over 31 years as a marketing representative for a local newspaper.
Being from a large family, Teresa enjoys any opportunity to spend time with them. The beaches of the Carolinas and Florida are special vacation spots. When at home she likes to spend her time working her yard and flower gardens. Her time spent at MBC and serving its' members has been especially rewarding.
Rev. Tom Caulkins, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Caulkins served as the pastor of Murfreesboro Baptist Church for 25 years from 1968-1993. Following his retirement, he held several interim positions in the Hertford County area and served as pulpit supply for many churches in need of a good word. In November of 2016, MBC awarded Rev. Caulkins the honorable title of Pastor Emeritus. Tom continues to live in Murfreesboro with his wife, Ann, and they continue to embrace the work and fellowship of Murfreesboro Baptist Church.
