Cheri B. Grizzard
Interim Pastor
Born in Scottsburg, Indiana, Cheri lived in Columbus with her family until they moved to Kentucky before her sophomore year of high school. She was baptized at First Baptist Church of Columbus, Indiana. She graduated from high school in Princeton, Kentucky, & attended the University of Kentucky, where she met her husband, Bob. Bob served for many years as pastoral counselor at BroMenn Healthcare in Normal.
Cheri holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky, M,M,(music) from the University of Maryland, & M. Div from Northern Seminary. She has directed music at churches in Washington, DC, Normal, & Peoria. She was pastor for 2 ½ years at Hudson Baptist, 11 ½ years at FBC of El Paso(IL); Pastor of Worship at FBC Peoria for 8 years & at FBC Bloomington for 3 years; and has served as interim pastor in Normal (IL), Towanda(IL), Peoria(IL), East Peoria, (IL), Columbus (IN), & most recently at First Baptist Church of Pontiac (IL).
Bob died in Jun of 2011, just six months shy of their 40th wedding anniversary. They have three sons: Philip, a moth tutor & director of the University Baptist Foundation; Mark, Director of Music at First Baptist of Peoria & assistant professor at ISU; and Paul, choral director at Greenfield Central High School, Greenfield, Indiana. Cheri has seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 10.
Interim Pastor
Born in Scottsburg, Indiana, Cheri lived in Columbus with her family until they moved to Kentucky before her sophomore year of high school. She was baptized at First Baptist Church of Columbus, Indiana. She graduated from high school in Princeton, Kentucky, & attended the University of Kentucky, where she met her husband, Bob. Bob served for many years as pastoral counselor at BroMenn Healthcare in Normal.
Cheri holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky, M,M,(music) from the University of Maryland, & M. Div from Northern Seminary. She has directed music at churches in Washington, DC, Normal, & Peoria. She was pastor for 2 ½ years at Hudson Baptist, 11 ½ years at FBC of El Paso(IL); Pastor of Worship at FBC Peoria for 8 years & at FBC Bloomington for 3 years; and has served as interim pastor in Normal (IL), Towanda(IL), Peoria(IL), East Peoria, (IL), Columbus (IN), & most recently at First Baptist Church of Pontiac (IL).
Bob died in Jun of 2011, just six months shy of their 40th wedding anniversary. They have three sons: Philip, a moth tutor & director of the University Baptist Foundation; Mark, Director of Music at First Baptist of Peoria & assistant professor at ISU; and Paul, choral director at Greenfield Central High School, Greenfield, Indiana. Cheri has seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 10.
Gretchen Thum
Director of Student Ministries & Worship
I have been a member of FBC Canton since 2013 and am so blessed to have been a part of the children and youth ministries, as well as the worship ministry since 2014. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and was so lucky to have a family that focused on ensuring we were a part of a church family. I was raised Lutheran and attended the Lutheran grade school that was a part of the church; it gave me a great foundation on how important it is to have God be a part of my life! After receiving my Bachelors of Education in Environmental, Health & Safety, I worked in management at several companies before realizing that I didn't want to miss out on raising my kids. God brought us to FBC Canton and it's been a wonderful opportunity to grow in my relationship with the Lord, as well as be a part of an amazing, talented church family! I praise God for allowing me to serve in various roles, both on the FBC Board of Ministries and other ministries within the church. I love to be a part of loving and educating kids of all ages, as well as their families! I've also learned how amazing it is to bring glory to God through my worship; it's definitely something that I'm continuing to grow with in my walk with the Lord! When I'm not at church, I love being with my family and homeschooling our kids. Reading and playing tennis are also passions of mine! My husband Ray and I have a daughter, Kalyn; a son, Caleb; a dog, Daisy and a cat, Carter. I would love to get to know you and your family and help you see how much Jesus loves and cherishes you!
Dianna McKinney
Office Manager/Treasurer
I have been in this church since 2014 after going through a divorce, which I really didn't want, but thank God it was for the best. I love my church home and have always felt loved and wanted here. After retiring in 2021 and doing nothing until 2024, it feels good to be working for MY church. I love the job and the atmosphere here; finally a job I like after 60+ years! Although, I do love waitressing since I have done that since I was 16, but the body isn't what it used to be so I have problems doing that now. I needed to go back to work and God blessed me with this job! I have one son and three grandchildren, Ethan, Alyssa and Avery Bender, with one great-grandchild due in July. Wow! That is scary, thinking that I am old enough for a great! Time sure flies by and God has granted me this time on the earth. I hope I can fill the shoes in the position and help our Church grow. I praise God and am thankful for the opportunity. Remember a positive atmosphere creates a positive Church. God bless each and every one of you!
Jami Bailey
Custodian
Hello! My name is Jami Bailey. I started cleaning here in January of 2024. I'm so thankful for this job and for all God has given, done and shown me over the 50+ years I have been here on this earth, all the small and large daily miracles I have seen God do! I'm blessed with nine grandbabies and #10 will be here later this year! I'm blessed with six good kids and a husband that I love very much; I love him more every day! God has given me so much; I could never thank Him enough for all He gives me and has done for me. Now I have the job of cleaning His house here at First Baptist five days a week, with all the great people that are here working for God as well! So with all that being said about me, I pray that you may see all the daily miracles in your life as well! God bless you all!