Church Staff

Rev. Bob Brearley was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, and reared in Columbia, Bob graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History. After completing a Masters of Arts in English Literature from the University of South Carolina, Bob studied for the ministry at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Ordained to gospel ministry in 1979, Bob accepted the call to the Concord Presbyterian Church in Sumter County, South Carolina. In 1986 the Brearleys moved to Savannah, Georgia, where Bob served the White Bluff Presbyterian Church for twelve years. In July of 1998 Bob began his tenure as the pastor of St. Simons Presbyterian Church.

Bob is married to Mary Ann, who graduated from Furman University and the University of South Carolina with degrees in music education. She has enjoyed a career as an elementary school music teacher in South Carolina, Virginia, and now Georgia. Bob and Mary Ann have three adult children, James, David and Kate.

The calling of Bob’s life has been to strengthen churches for Jesus Christ: “The church that is faithful to its Lord is a taste of heaven on earth! At church we can be known and forgiven and loved with a compassion that sustains us in the trials of life. The doors of the church should always be open as it welcomes all who would come and as it shares the love of God with all people.”

Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Troy grew up on the beach – even if the beach was snow-covered for half of the year. He left the snowy weather of Erie for the snowy weather of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Troy attended Calvin College and received a degree in English. While at Calvin, Troy met his wife, Jessica, and they were married in August 2000.

Ever pursuing further education, Troy and Jessica moved to the slightly warmer Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Troy commuted to Bowling Green State University to get a Master of American Culture Studies degree. It was in Ann Arbor that Troy discerned a call to church ministry. Troy and Jessica served together as Campus Ministry Associates in Ann Arbor before venturing to both become students at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey.

Troy and Jessica have three children – Annika, Samuel, and Elliot – who now occupy much of their time and energy. They are a blessing, indeed! When Troy is not at the church he enjoys playing and listening to music, reading, watching movies, playing sports, running, and using his Mac. You may even see Troy on his bike commuting to the church.

The call to St. Simons Presbyterian Church finally returned Troy to the beach, although it is now one that is open year round! This is Troy’s first call, and he is thrilled to be serving Christ’s church in Georgia.