Meet the Staff

Rev. John E. Meeks, Pastor

Rev. John E. Meeks is a second career pastor, coming to the ministry after twenty-two years of service in the Shelby County school system. Both he and his wife, Marilyn, were born in Memphis and grew up in St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. An army veteran, John served a tour of duty in the Central Highlands of Vietnam in 1966-67 with the Combat Engineers.

After completing his army service, John finished both his undergraduate (history and philosophy) and graduate (history) degrees at the University of Memphis, then Memphis State. He taught history and coached football and girl’s track at Collierville High School for seven years before moving on to the central office. He was serving as Director of Purchasing and Warehousing for Shelby County Schools when he could no longer resist God’s call and left to study for his Masters of Divinity degree at Memphis Theological Seminary. John was commissioned as a probationary Elder upon graduation in 2000 and ordained an Elder in full connection in 2003. He served two charges in the Memphis Annual Conference before being appointed to Andrew Price Memorial in June of 2008.

John and Marilyn were married in 1970 and have three grown sons, who have families of their own. They especially delight in their grandchildren, Nora and Graham, who live in Silver Spring, Maryland.

“Being at Andrew Price Memorial has been a blessing for Marilyn and me. We appreciate the great spirit of Christian hospitality that is alive in this church and look forward to serving Andrew Price Memorial for several years to come.”

To email Brother John, click here.

Christy Earl, Dir. of Christian Education and Children's Choirs

My name is Christy Earl and I feel blessed to serve the church that I have called home my entire life. Andrew Price has always had a deep commitment to share God's love with all who enter the doors. As this church has been such an important part of my life growing up, it is now serving my children as well.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree +30 in Curriculum and Instruction. I have also completed the Children's Ministry Institute through the Tennessee Annual Conference.

I have three boys; Jonathan, Christopher and Benjamin. They are my pride and joy. So many wonderful people have touched their lives in this church. My husband David is a musician who enjoys playing during worship services. We both, along with our three boys, were baptized in this church as infants. David and I were married in the beautiful sanctuary as well. When I am not busy with my boy's activities, I enjoy reading, crafts, and going to the gym.

To email Christy, click here.

Dr. Darryl Nettles, Director of Music

Darryl Glenn Nettles, a native of New York, was granted a Doctorate in Vocal Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. While in Illinois he was a student of Mignon Dunn of the Metropolitan Opera. He also studied with Heinz Rehfuss of the Paris National Theatre and with the renowned artist William Warfield.

In addition to his vocal studies, Darryl studied composition with Salvatore Martirano and has written countless vocal, choral, and instrumental works. He is the author of African American Concert Singers Before 1950 (McFarland and Company, Inc.).

Darryl has appeared with Opera Sacra of Buffalo, New York, the Western New York Opera, was an apprentice with the Greater Miami Opera, and most recently appeared with the Buffalo Opera Unlimited Company of New York. As tenor soloist Darryl performed with the Heartland Symphony of Minnesota, the Buffalo Philharmonic of New York, and the Nashville Symphony of Tennessee. He also served as rehearsal accompanist with Maestro Julius Rudel, the internationally celebrated conductor of opera.

Darryl coached and performed with the legendary jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams and was chosen by her as featured soloist for the Western New York premiere of her jazz mass. His CD Reminiscing, a collection of jazz standards, was released in the fall of 2000. On the recording Darryl is both vocalist and pianist. A new CD project is in the making at present and will also feature jazz music.

Darryl is currently Coordinator of Vocal/Choral Studies in the Department of Music at Tennessee State University in Nashville. Prior to this appointment he served as Chairman of the Music Department and Coordinator of the Humanities/Fine Arts Division at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Darryl teaches applied voice, opera history, opera workshop, choral conducting, vocal techniques, and vocal methods and conducts the University Choir and Meistersingers.

To email Darryl, click here.

Debbie Holtz, Church Secretary

I have been a member of Andrew Price Memorial United Methodist Church for 21 years. I have a 20 year old, daughter, Grace. My hobbies include reading, attending movies, traveling and boating.

When I walked through the doors of this Church for the first time and saw the large wooden cross in the front of the church and met the friendly people I knew God had sent me to this place. During the next years I participated in many ministries at the Church such as teaching Children’s Sunday School, being a member of the United Methodist Women, serving less fortunate people at the Room at the Inn, and serving on various Church committees as well as being a Trustee. I was involved with our Playschool Program as a teacher for 3 and 4 year old children for 2 years. Teaching was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Until I began teaching at the Playschool I had been employed in the corporate world of Insurance. Prior to my insurance career I graduated from the Nashville School of Law and was employed with various attorneys. God kept telling me he had another plan for my talents. Two years ago I knew that plan was to serve Him, my Church, my family and children. It is a decision I have never regretted.

Since June of 2006 I have been serving as the Church’s secretary. God has used this position for his glory and purpose so that I may offer my talents and gifts to Andrew Price for all of the love and fellowship it has given me and my family. I have been given the opportunity to serve God, my Church, the community, and my family and friends.

To email Debbie, click here.