About our Pastor
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Rev. John F. Koerner began his ministry with Upsala on January 1, 2025.
John is a native of the small Swiss/German hamlet of Helvetia, WV. He graduated from Pickens High School in a class of 11 students in 1975. John enlisted in the Air Force after high school and was stationed for most of his four year enlistment at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He received his B.S. degree in psychology from Fairmont State College, Fairmont, WV in 1982. He received his MDiv degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theology Seminary in Louisville, KY in 1985.
While in seminary, John met his wife Charla and they were married in May of 1984. Charla and John Co-pastored two small churches in Bradford and Covington, Ohio. Later, John pastored the Beechwood Presbyterian Church in Parkersburg, WV for 17 years and the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksburg, WV for 14 years.
John and Charla have two grown daughters, Genie and Theresa. They also have one granddaughter, Marla Jean Gifford who is the love of their hearts.
After retirement, John and Charla moved to Charla's hometown in DeLand, FL. Both John and Charla have served on various committees of the presbytery. John currently serves on the Committee on Ministry and Charla serves on the Preparation for Ministry Committee.
In his spare time, John likes to read science fiction stories. He also enjoys woodworking, lawn care, and working with Habitat for Humanity.
In all things and in all ways, John seeks to serve the Lord.