Leadership

In June 2013, the Lord called Alex Mark and his family to Beaufort to serve as pastor of First Scots. The journey to Beaufort was a kind providence of God for the Marks, as Alex grew up here and has always longed to return to Beaufort. And as a third generation Beaufortonian, it is a joy for the Marks to be surrounded by their family, as well as their church family at First Scots.

The son of Larry and Robyn Mark, Alex became a Christian during college in 2003 and was called into ministry shortly thereafter. College was also where he met his wife, Stefany. After graduation, the couple spent seven years in Dillon, SC, where Alex served as Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church (PCA) from 2003 until 2006. After that, he stayed in Dillon and served as Assistant Headmaster of Dillon Christian School from 2006 until 2010. He also served as Pastoral Assistant at Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church (PCA) during that time.

In the summer of 2010, God called the Mark family to seminary at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. In the course of his three years of seminary, Alex served as Teaching Assistant to Dr. Douglas Kelly, a noted theologian and author, and was an intern at Sovereign Grace PCA in Charlotte.

Alex and Stefany have three sons, Joshua, Charlie and Samuel.

Alex considers his work with First Scots to be the most exciting and significant ministry in which he has served. As a pastor, he has many various duties, but he sees his primary duties as preaching the Word, spending time with church members, and praying for his congregation.

Mark has served as an elder on the First Scots session since 2016. For 14 years, he worked as the director of LifeFit at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Since retiring from the health care industry,  he is now a home inspector with his wife, Elaine, to whom he’s been married for more than 31 years. They make their home on Lady’s Island. Mark and Elaine have two children, Meaghan and Jason.

In December 1970, Ron was transferred to MCAS, Beaufort, as a Radar Intercept Officer. Married just three weeks earlier, he and his wife, Lois, began what would be an incredible life journey in the Lowcountry — now spanning over 50 years. In 1990, the Woernles were introduced to the Reformed faith at the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, which over 20 years later, called our pastor, Alex Mark, to the Beaufort plant. The Woernles followed soon afterward, and Ron has been on the session since its inception. Ron also currently chairs the Missions & Outreach Committee.

David was installed as a deacon in January of 2018.  He and his wife Sally are part of the First Scots Missions and Outreach Committee and also assist in leading our Fired Up Youth Ministry.  They have three children: Lilli, Noah, and Corrie Grace.

Geoff was installed as a deacon in October of 2022. He and his wife, Amy, serve in many areas of the church, including office volunteers, bulletin production, and social media management. They have two daughters, Sarah (married to Thomas) and Haley, as well as two precious grandchildren.

John and his wife, Kay, started attending First Scots in 2016 and in 2020 he truly came to know Jesus Christ as his one and only true Savior. He was installed as a deacon in 2024. In humble reliance upon God, John strives each day to express his gratitude for God's grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness as he serves First Scots in his role of deacon.

Tim was installed as a deacon at First Scots in 2024. His walk with the Lord extends more than 50 years. During that time God has surrounded him with many helps and blessings, including a Proverbs 31 wife, five covenant children, twelve (and counting) grandchildren, dear friends, great pastors, and iron-sharpening brothers and sisters, all of whom have helped equip him for his work as deacon.