Reverend Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins, Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins joined the JIPC family as Interim Pastor in October of 2021 and was Installed as permanent Pastor on January 22, 2023.
Dr. Perkins was the former Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Clinton where she served for seven years. Her pastoral duties also included serving as an Associate Pastor both at Hartness-Thornwell Presbyterian Church and at First Presbyterian Church of Aiken, the PCUSA Redevelopment Pastor at Owings Presbyterian Church and the Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville, SC.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Religion from Presbyterian College in 1981 and continued her studies at the United Theological College of the West Indies and at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Jeri earned her Master of Divinity with Distinction from the Columbia Theological Seminary and her Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization from the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. She has also completed her Interim/Transitional Ministry Training. Jeri is an active member and former Moderator of the Trinity Presbytery and currently serves as Moderator of their Commission on Ministry.
In addition to her pastoral duties, Jeri was the Dean of Religious Life and Director of the Cornelson Center for the Exploration of Christian Practice at Presbyterian College in Clinton for four years.
Jeri brings a wealth of experience to Johns Island Presbyterian Church including running a capital campaign resulting in a $ 4.3 Million renovation of an historic sanctuary, adding a wonderful narthex for overflow, fellowship and reception, a two-story office and music wing and a new parking lot.
E-Mail: jperkins@jipc.org