Rev. Dr. Shawn Armstrong, Pastor

Originally from Easley, South Carolina, Dr. Armstrong is the daughter of Roberta Holcombe Galloway-Pace and the late Benny Keith Galloway, Sr. She is married to her husband of 20 years, Terence Armstrong, and is the mother of three children, Trevor, Bennett, and Samantha Grace. She was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the SC Conference in 2011. She began her candidacy at her home church in Liberty, SC in 2001 and currently holds a BS from USC Columbia, a M.Div. and Doctorate from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, SC.  She has served United Methodist Churches in Salem, Abbeville, Antreville, Lowdnesville, Anderson, and Greenwood. Her family of five enjoys camping, biking, riding motorcycles, and spending family time together. She was appointment to Leesville United Methodist Church in 2021.

Debra Fowler, Treasurer

Debra serves as the part-time treasurer for LUMC.  She prepares the monthly financial reports for the church council.  She grew up in Aiken County in the rural communities of Foxtown and Monetta.  Since 2001, she has lived in Leesville.  Debra has been a member of LUMC since 2007.  She retired in 2016 from Lexington County School District 3 as the director of finance.  Debra has two grown sons and two grandchildren.  She enjoys spending time with family, cooking, reading and fun trips to the beach. 

Dr. Joel Scraper, Choir Director

Dr. Joel Scraper is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of South Carolina Aiken, where he conducts choral ensembles, oversees the music education program, and teaches courses in conducting and music education. Dr. Scraper holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where he conducted chamber choirs and taught conducting and choral literature. He also holds degrees in music education from Wichita State University and Friends University. He is a member of organizations such as the National Collegiate Choral Organization, the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, the College Music Society, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.

At USC Aiken, his choirs perform frequently and often collaborate with area music organizations. Recently, these collaborations have resulted in invitations to perform under the direction of Shizuo Z Kuwahara, Joseph Jennings, and Mack Wilberg. Choirs under his direction have traveled internationally and enjoyed successful performances in Scotland, Italy, and Russia. Dr. Scraper maintains an active schedule as a guest clinician and conductor for ensembles of all ages. He is the Chorus Master for the Symphony Orchestra Augusta and is the Director of Music at Leesville United Methodist Church. In 2011, he founded The Cecilia Ensemble, a professional vocal chamber group, and serves as the Artistic Director.