Our Team
Rev. Tony Matthews- Pastor
Tony is a Lincoln County native. He was raised in a rural area across from his Great-grandfather’s farm. His call to ordained ministry came early and powerfully. After finishing at West Lincoln High School, he entered High Point College and received his BA in Religion. He continued at Duke Divinity for his MDiv.
Tony’s interests are wide and varied and he has served many meals in a soup kitchen, visited UMAR residents, volunteered in schools and made connections with other local churches.
Tony lost his wife Tanya in 2020, her succumbing to a brain tumor. He has an adult daughter, Suzanne who lives in Denver with her husband, Seth. Tony’s faithful companion, Luna, is a frequent visitor at the church and loves her treats!
Tony’s office door and home is open to you and he looks forward to getting to know and journey with you. He looks to how the Holy Spirit will combine our gifts together to grow, worship and serve. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is Good.
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Elaine Watts- Administrative Assistant
Elaine came to New Salem at the end of July in 2022. Over the years she had much experience in administrative roles, but most notably were her years spent working with members at the Statesville YMCA, where she was the Wellness Director. All her years working with people and in leadership roles has prepared her to work coordinating the ins and outs of daily church happenings and correspondence. Elaine has lived in Statesville all of her adult life and is married with two grown sons and two grandsons.
Lisa Matthews -
Worship Team
Lisa is no stranger to the church as she grew up the daughter of a pastor. She joined the staff here at New Salem in April of 2020 and has added responsibilities ever since. Using her can do attitude she coordinates the office and leads worship on Sunday’s behind her keyboard. She is talented in many ways and we are thankful to have her as part of our team!