Spencer serves as our Director of Music Ministry.

 

Spencer has served churches for over a decade as a Music Director, Section Leader, and Worship Leader in both traditional and contemporary congregations. His work as a church musician has been integral to his musical and faith journey.

 

Spencer holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Millikin University, where he sang with the prestigious Millikin University Choir. Following his studies at Millikin, Spencer received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Ball State University. As an educator at Ball State, Spencer taught collegiate voice lessons, curriculum choirs, and assisted the opera program. Additionally at this time, he served as Interim and Assistant Director of Music at High Street United Methodist Church.

 

Spencer’s conducting career was shaped in part by his residency at St. Albans Cathedral in England. He has since led collegiate, community, youth, church, and professional ensembles in a wide range of repertoire, and was a National Finalist for the American Prize in Opera Conducting. One of Spencer’s main philosophies is largely influenced by the works of Alice Parker and the Shape Note choral tradition, where there should always be space for one to share their voice and join in song. As a singer, Spencer has performed in more than 25 operas in leading, supporting, and ensemble roles, and has appeared as a soloist and chorister in both professional and collegiate concert performances. In addition to his vocal and conducting training. Spencer began his musical journey as a jazz guitarist and continues to perform on guitar, piano, and bass.

Wes serves as our Associate Pastor as well as leader of our Contemporary Worship Band.  

 

After graduating from The King’s Christian High School, Wes attended Temple University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Theater. While attending Temple, Wes commuted weekly to New York City to train with the Second City in improvisational theater. Upon graduation, Wes moved to Chicago and continued studying improv at Second City and the Annoyance Theater.

 

While in Chicago, Rev. Allen found himself asking God for direction one night and received the answer – his call to ministry. Wes graduated with a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He completed his Field Education at Asbury United Methodist Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania and First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown. He would later complete his Clinical Pastoral Education at the Elizabeth Boggs Center at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.

 

Wes plays the guitar and harmonica in the Worship band and also sings. He has a ‘side gig’ with local band ‘The Trophy Husbands’ made up of friends and members of FPC Moorestown. You can see them at the Strawberry Festival!