Bob was called to be our interim pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in October of 2007.  He did his undergraduate work at St. Olaf College in Minnesota and received his M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary in California.   Prior to coming to Mt. Pleasant, Bob served as an installed minister for 16 years in two churches in Iowa. He was an associate pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a pastor for The First Presbyterian Church near Ely, Iowa.  Interim ministry is a new vocational calling that he is pursuing! through additional education.

Bob is married to Emory Gillespie, who is the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, Iowa. They have two children who attend the Mt. Vernon School System. Tom Henry is a sophomore in high school, while Raina is in the fourth grade. They enjoy family time together telling stories, wandering bookstores, and pursuing outdoor activities. Pastor Bob commutes most days and spends an occasional evening in Mt. Pleasant.  He says he is fortunate that his family is very supportive of this arrangement.  He is thrilled to be serving this vital congregation during a time of transition, reflection and change.