Rev. Victor K. Long, DMin
Pastor

Victor is a clergy member of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and was appointed as pastor of the Marion First United Methodist Church in July 2002. A native of Dallas, TX, he has served congregations in Southern Illinois since 1989. This is his second opportunity to serve the Marion congregation, having been a seminary intern in the church during 1986-87.

Rev. Deb Pollex
Pastoral Assistant
Children's Ministries & Spiritual Formation

Deb Pollex is a Licensed Local Pastor, currently completing studies for Certification in Spiritual Formation for ordination as a Deacon. In addition to assisting in pastoral care, Deb is responsible for Children's Ministries and for providing opportunities for spiritual growth. She is a Benedictine Oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana.

Yvonne Higginbotham
Church Secretary

After growing up in Marion, Yvonne had the opportunity to live in many places around the world, including Ethiopia, England, and Panama. Her professional career included thirteen years as Director Catering for Disneyland in California. Yvonne joined our church staff as Treasurer in 2002 and became our Church Secretary in June 2007.

Ian Robertson
Director of Youth Ministries

A lifelong resident of Marion, Ian is presently a sophomore at John A. Logan College. He intends to complete his undergraduate studies at SIUC, majoring in history. He has previously served as an adult volunteer in the junior high ministry of Aldersgate UMC, and his long-term goal is to enter full-time pastoral ministry. Ian's hobbies and interests include: billiards, reading, astronomy, archeology, and watching the History Channel, Sci-Fi Channel, and "Lost" on television. Ian joined our church staff on January 1, 2008.

Yolonde Peterson
Director of Music

Yolonde has served as our Director of Music since 1964. For more than 39 years, she taught music in the Marion public schools. She is also active in serving the community, most notably as Chairperson of the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.

Justin Mitchell
Custodian

Justin, a native of Marion, is married to Amy and is the father of three. Justin joined our church staff in June of 2007 and is responsible for the cleaning, care, and maintenance of the church buildings and property.