While baptized at FPC, Chan’s active involvement in the life of the church didn’t start until 10th grade of high school when he was invited by a mere ninth grader named Kenny Armstrong to join him at a church activity. A simple invitation that changed his life. And the rest, as they say, is history.
It was here that he met his future wife Barrie (Stirling) in youth group. Their three children were baptized here, which came full circle last November when he participated in the baptism of their ‘baby girl’s baby girl.’
After serving in various capacities in the life of the church, from Deacon and Elder to basketball coach and bus driver, in 1997 Chan and family entered Columbia Seminary in Decatur GA. After serving churches in Mobile, Covington and Lake Charles, he retired from full-time ministry in 2023 as Chan and Barrie returned to their family home in the Garden District.
In spite of what the Scriptures say about ‘prophets and their hometowns,’ it has truly been a pleasure to come home to First Pres, and to be closer to both family and friends. Chan says, “It is both my pleasure and privilege to be able to give back to the church that has meant so much to me and our family for my whole life. I look forward to serving with both old friends and new.”
