Jim Hodge, Pastor

Jim Hodge came to St. Giles in August of 1998 and quickly earned the love and respect of this congregation. Jim brings to Saint Giles over 38 years of ministerial experience. A graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, he has served congregations in Winter Haven, Florida, Elba, New York, and Bel Air, Maryland before coming to Raleigh. He has served in various roles in Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly, previously served as Moderator of the Presbytery of New Hope.  Jim places a high priority on leading members to find meaningful avenues of Christian service and witness. He believes that this is a journey we take together, learning from one another and being supported and encouraged by one another as Christ’s Spirit is allowed to live in our spirits.

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Susannah DeBenedetto, Director of Christian Education

Susannah is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky (a Presbyterian College). She has served UCC and Disciples of Christ congregations in the St. Louis area, a Presbyterian church in Moline Acres, Missouri, and a UCC church in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Joan Joslyn, Church Secretary

Joan came to St. Giles in December 1998 after serving as church secretary at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Raleigh for eight years. Joan enjoys gardening, camping, a variety of crafts, and spending time with her dog, Sunshine, and 4 cats. She also fosters cats from Wake County Animal Control and Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary.

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Carol Hodge, Director of Music

Carol holds a BS in music Education from Winthrop University, and a Masters in Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has over 35 years of experience working with Presbyterian Church choirs. She is a member of PAM (Presbyterian Association of Musicians), has taught piano, and is a capable organist.  Carol feels that her job as Director of Music is a call to ministry, and tries to be an inspiration to the people with whom she is working by showing them that music with commitment can be an exciting part of worship.

Gerald Longoria, Contemporary Worship Artistic Coordinator

Gerald and his family are a wonderful addition to our Saint Giles family, and his leadership of our E.P.I.C. Praise Team has been exciting and Spirit-filled. Gerald and his wife, Carol, have two sons, Justin and Bryson, and two daughters, Jessica and Elisa.

Joanna Baitinger, Organist

Joanna received her Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir College, and has been playing church organ music since she was 16. She has been at St. Giles since 1985. She is a member of PAM (Presbyterian Association of Musicians), and enjoys bike riding, walking, and time with family.

Julie Larson, Nursery Worker

Julie joined the staff of Saint Giles during the summer of 2010.  She has lived in Raleigh for 13 but came to North Carolina 33 years ago. A graduate of Appalachian State, Julie is married and worked as a Teacher Assistant at Stough Elementary for 5 years. She has a 13 year old daughter, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a guinea pig, Her favorite hobbies are reading, gardening and knitting. 

Haley Bateman, Nursery Worker

Haley joined the staff of Saint Giles during 2011.  She is a member of Saint Giles and a student at Meredith College.