New Members

Peggy and Doug moved to Richmond in 1983 from Cold Springs on the Hudson, New York. They have 2 wonderful daughters and two terrific sons-in-law. Peggy is a Memere (grandmother) and Doug is Péperè (grandfather) to 3 fun grandchildren. Doug is a retired IT professional who now enjoys being able to spend time outdoors canoeing and kayaking. Peggy was Maymont’s Director of Horticulture for 38 years. She retired from Maymont in 2022 to focus on being the host and co-producer of “Virginia Home Grown” on VPM/PBS. Doug enjoys fishing, woodworking, and cooking; Peggy loves to garden, hike, travel, bird watch, and kayak.

Holly works as a Physician Assistant at a hospital in Richmond, staffing the ICUs. She enjoys biking around Richmond with Charlie and swims laps at the YMCA. Charlie moved to Richmond in 2021 after graduating from UVA. He works at Capitol One as an analyst. You can find him most days riding his bike in the Fan with Holly.

Jacq and her husband Greg Bezilla, an Episcopal priest, are happy to be in Richmond after many years in Princeton, NJ. Jacq serves as the President of Union Presbyterian Seminary. She and Greg enjoy biking and hiking—both in extreme moderation, and have two grown children, an adolescent rescue dog, and a curmudgeonly, elderly cat who takes a dim view on all his housemates.

Hannah is from Mishawaka, Indiana, and she graduated from Purdue University in 2021. She works at WestRock in research and development, focusing on recycling and sustainability. Hannah and Aaron were married in October of 2023. Aaron is from Fredericksburg, VA, and he graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2018. He is currently the marketing specialist at Richmond International Airport. Hannah enjoys reading, visiting historic sites, trying new recipes, and basking in Virginia’s lovely weather. Aaron loves roller coasters, biking, hiking, and supporting Ravens and Hokies football.

After many moves, Katherine is happy to have found a permanent home in Richmond with her husband Mike and Irish doodle Aldus. She is happy to walk each week to work from their apartment in Shockoe Bottom and on Sundays to Second Pres.

Deepthi is a seminary student from India, pursuing her Master of Arts in Christian Education degree at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She completed her M.Div. in India and graduated with a master's degree in theology (ThM) from Union this May. In India, she engaged with various ministries of the church, particularly ministering among, children, youth, and women. Currently, Deepthi is focusing on developing a curriculum for the Dalit Christian women, seeking to address the deep-seated generational and contextual traumas faced by these women, striving to facilitate positive transformation and liberation. Deepthi is married to Paul Nalla, who serves as the Children's Minister and the Director of Urban Engagement.

Bailey is a recent NC State University graduate from Laurinburg, NC. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, exploring Richmond, and playing the piano. She is excited to join the congregation at Second Pres and delighted to have found a supportive and loving church family!

Wendel transfers her membership from a church in the presbytery. A year ago she connected with Second Pres through the weekly energetic engagement in Lectio Divina, and now she volunteers in the gardens of Richmond Hill and is studying there to become a Spiritual Director. Wendel is retired after a varied career in teaching, working with satellite systems out of NSWC/Dahlgren, and as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church. She enjoys spending time with her two sons and their families, especially her granddaughter Millie.

Jerrod Sayles attends Walk-In, and started coming for Church School and Worship. When asked about his connection to Second, Jerrod replied, “This is my church.” We are grateful that Jerrod feels connected here, and we are glad that he has officially joined our church family.