Elder Class of 2027
BROWNIE ANDERSON
M. Brownell (Brownie) Anderson was raised in Springfield and grew up at Westminster. She completed her undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis and her master’s degree at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Brownie’s career in medical education began at SIU School of Medicine, then she spent 30 years at the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, D.C. and 10 years at the National Board of Medical Examiners in Philadelphia. She worked nationally and internationally with medical schools, teaching hospitals, and ministries of health and education. Her interests include music, her farm in New Mexico, travel, volunteer work, gardening, cooking, good books, and people.
M. Brownell (Brownie) Anderson was raised in Springfield and grew up at Westminster. She completed her undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis and her master’s degree at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Brownie’s career in medical education began at SIU School of Medicine, then she spent 30 years at the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, D.C. and 10 years at the National Board of Medical Examiners in Philadelphia. She worked nationally and internationally with medical schools, teaching hospitals, and ministries of health and education. Her interests include music, her farm in New Mexico, travel, volunteer work, gardening, cooking, good books, and people.
DR. JONATHAN CARLSON-EASTVOLD
Jonathan Carlson-Eastvold has a BA in Political Science and an almost-BA in theology from Wheaton College, MA in politics (international relations, comparative politics, and political theory) and PhD in politics. His dissertation dealt with religious nationalism. Jonathan is employed by Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity doing analysis on state regulations’ impact on small businesses. He joined Westminster in 2019 and has served on Mission and Community Service Committee, sung in Westminster’s Choir. He also served as Elder and on the Strategic Planning Committee at previous churches.
Jonathan Carlson-Eastvold has a BA in Political Science and an almost-BA in theology from Wheaton College, MA in politics (international relations, comparative politics, and political theory) and PhD in politics. His dissertation dealt with religious nationalism. Jonathan is employed by Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity doing analysis on state regulations’ impact on small businesses. He joined Westminster in 2019 and has served on Mission and Community Service Committee, sung in Westminster’s Choir. He also served as Elder and on the Strategic Planning Committee at previous churches.
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JOE FIERSTOS
Joe is retired from AT&T as a Sales Director in December 2022 after a 33-year career in sales with IBM and AT&T and currently the assistant Cross Country coach at Sacred Heart Griffin High School where he also substitute teaches when called upon. A graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio, with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and French with a minor is Political Science. He met his wife Anneliese there. Joe has one son, Nate, is a Lieutenant in the US Navy and is currently deployed in the Middle East and one daughter, Abby, who is finishing her third year of law School at St. Louis University and is eager to start her career in public defense. Joe teaches confirmation prep with Mary Ray and worked with Coleman and the crew to provide furniture and cut-outs for Wooden it be Lovely. |
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VONNIE HINESLY
Vonnie Hinesly has a B.S. in biology and accounting from Sangamon State University (Now UIS) and served as a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Internal Revenue Service. As a Range Officer, Vonnie received several awards for her investigation. She is past president of the Chatham Jaycees and was its first female member. She was previously ordained as Elder at First Presbyterian Church. Vonnie is married to Roy Wehrle and both joined Westminster in 2022. She enjoys reading, hiking, tent camping, traveling, baseball, music, and playing the piano. |
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JULIE MCDONOUGH
Julie McDonough has worked in the Deputy County Clerk’s office for over 30 years. She received her B.A. degree from Depauw University. She is married to Jim McDonough, and they have 2 cats. Julie’s mother, Jeanne, has been a member of WPC for 49 years. She has previously served as a Jr. League member, was a member of the Old State Capitol Art Fair Board and the Springfield Ballet Company Board. Julie loves to travel, read, theatre, cooking, and music. Served on the Board of Deacons and as Moderator for two years. |
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PAT MOORE
Pat Moore was raised in the Episcopal Church and joined Westminster in 2015. He previously served on the Board of Deacons. Pat received his bachelor's degree in Music Education from Illinois State University in 2005 and is employed as Band Director/Guitar Instructor at Riverton School District. He is married to Katie Moore, Westminster’s Children’s Choir director and they have 3 children. Pat grew up doing community service in his church and boy scouts and looks forward to serving at Westminster. |
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MARILYN RIGNEY
Marilyn Rigney has been a member of Westminster for 55 years and is married to Jim Rigney. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly SSU) as well as earning her master’s degree in Health Care Administration. She held a variety of clinical and administrative positions at St. John’s Hospital for 35 years. Marilyn has previously served as Elder and on many committees at Westminster and is currently a tutor for our Nicaraguan family. |
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LYLE VANDEVENTER
Lyle VanDeventer has a bachelor in education from Culver-Stockton College and earned a master’s degree in Human Development Counseling from UIS. Lyle also has post-graduate hours in neuropsychology from Northwestern Illinois University, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Lyle is a semi-professional musician and has shared his instrumental and vocal talents with Westminster and Springfield Choral Society many times over the years. Lyle has also served as Bible Study leader and Adult Ed Forum presenter. |
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YOUTH SAM BATTERMAN
Sam Batterman is a student at Springfield High School and is active in youth group as well as serving as worship leader. He has participated in two mission trips. |