MEET OUR TEAM

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jesse Mabanglo

Jesse grew up mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area but considers the Northwest his home base. He grew up with seven brothers, which shaped his personality and humor.

He received his BA from Chico State University, his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary. And if that was not enough, he found time to do a year of graduate work at Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served churches in California, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia. He has recently served as Transitional Pastor at Skyline Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, WA.

Jesse’s pastoral ministry is centered on a desire to bring together the vivacity of the mind, heart, and soul with the love of God. He is energized by talking to people who are asking who Jesus is, and is fulfilled by building and experiencing community. In his own words, “it spins his prop” when he is able to encourage intentional leadership and collaborative ministry. Jesse has two great adult kids, Eddie (27) and Jessica (25). Eddie is a student at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, and Jessica lives and works in Boston, MA, with her husband, Nate. When not engaged in the deeply satisfying work of ministry, you can find Jesse fly fishing in some unnamed stream chasing wily trout, working wood for his next project, sitting at a local coffee shop absorbed in conversation, or just hanging out with Team Mabanglo.

Office Staff

Laura Perfors

Administrative Coordinator

office@fpcmontrose.com

Born in the States but brought up in France as a missionary kid, I have now spent more time in CO than anywhere else.

My husband, Dave, and I have three children; two grown and one still at home. Our family moved to Montrose in 2007 and has been a part of FPC since 2012.

Over the years, I have helped in the nursery, helped with Youth and Worship, and have recently been asked to step into an administrative role. I love my job and especially love my interactions with people who stop by my office.

When I am not found in the office I can usually be found doing housework or cheering on our youngest at some sort of athletic event. In my downtime, I love to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea to read a novel or watch a Chick-Flick.

I have called Montrose home since 1980, and Sally and I have been members of FPC Montrose ever since.

I worked for GE Power Systems from the time I graduated with a degree in Engineering Design at Colorado University until my partial retirement in 2007.

In 1983 I became the treasurer until 1997. After a 10-year period of working internationally, I then returned to being the treasurer in 2007 and have been serving in that role as a volunteer to the present.

Golf is my current interest though I was active in coaching youth basketball and participated on various sports teams.

I look forward to continued service as Treasurer and Elder in this time of challenging change.

Jerry Furuiye

Financial Coordinator

financials@firstpresmontrose

Adele Creasey

Accompanist

Adele Creasey loves to share the joy of music and hopes it inspires others in their walk with Jesus. Worship is central to her love of music. Also, she teaches piano, beginning guitar, and music exploration for young children. Her thirty-two years of experience as an elementary school educator is valuable when it comes to teaching. She also loves playing for weddings, retreats, and special events. One of her favorite musical experiences was playing at the True Grit in Ridgway for the tourist. She also had the privilege of attending several piano retreats in Michigan and taking lessons from the best ragtime pianist in the country, Bob Milne.

Adele lives in Cedaredge, CO, with her husband, James. They have seven grandchildren and enjoy spending time with their family. They also have a Border- Collie and Aussie who love to run and play on their 15 acres nestled by the Grand Mesa. Adele enjoys gardening, reading, photography, and journaling. She and her husband are also passionate about sharing the history of our nation through the “Patriot Academy.”

Adele came to know Jesus at the age of fourteen after a friend from “Youth for Christ” introduced her to the Lord. Part of her testimony involves being snowed in during a Wyoming blizzard. She loves to share Christ with others, so ask her to share the story. She is a follower of Christ. Her gifts of the Holy Spirit include hospitality, faith, prayer, and worship through music.

She is very happy to be part of the staff at First Presbyterian Church.

Leigh Mahoney joined FPC Montrose in January 2023 as church accompanist.

Leigh was a founding member and first violinist of the Tosca String Quartet. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, received her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, and her MM from the University of Texas at Austin.

Leigh has been teaching private piano and violin lessons for over 20 years. She recently relocated from Fort Worth, TX, to Delta, CO, with her husband, Ken, an award-winning taxidermist.