Staff Members
Rev. Tod Custer
Lead Pastor
Pastor Tod grew up In Barberton, Ohio. He graduated from Muskingum University with a degree in Psychology. After college, he spent several years working for the Summit County, Ohio Social Services. He received his Master of Divinity from Louisville Seminary and accepted a call to the Emlenton and Nickleville Presbyterian churches. Since 1996, he has served Christ Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City Pa. Not only does Tod serve our community as a pastor, he is also the chaplain of the Ellwood City Fire Department. He and his wife, Donna live in Wampum, Pa. and have three grown children: Rachel and Lee Biermeyer, Hannah and Steve Brown and Caleb and Illy Custer. He enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren, Calvin and Cassie Biermeyer and Ray Custer.
Donna Custer
Director of Christian Education
Donna was born in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from Westminster College with dual elementary education and Christian Education degrees. She served as Christian Education director at First Presbyterian Church, Canfield, Ohio and was Program Director and manager of J.B.M. Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center for Eastminster Presbytery. In addition to her work at Christ Church, she recently retired from being the Parents' Preschool Education Director and part-time teacher.
Mark Smith
Director of Music
Mark has always had a heart for praise and worship music. He grew up in Ellwood City Pa., and by junior high, already served as the organist for Providence Baptist Church. He is a Geneva College alum, and his senior year he became the organist at Knox Presbyterian Church where he continued to play for 31 years. When Knox merged with Christ Presbyterian Church, he joined our worship staff and became our Director of Music in 2017. Mark also is a part of two local jazz bands outside of church. Interested in joining the choir, playing bells, or sharing special music during our service? Mark's the man who makes it happen!
Peggy Maxwell
Church Secretary
Peggy has been serving us as our Church Secretary for the past 3 years. She lives here in Ellwood City Pa. and is a mother to two sons, Jeff and David Prokovich. Her son Jeff, daughter-in-law Gwen, and grandchildren Morgan and Maggie Prokovich are all members of our congregation. So when you call us or send us an email, know that Peggy is the person on the other side of the line happy to help connect you with what you need!
Diane DiTommaso
Custodian
Diane has been working as the custodian at our church for 35 years. She's earned her nickname "the hummingbird" because we've never seen anyone who can get our church looking in shape as quickly as she does! Diane started as the custodian of Parents Preschool, where both of her children began their educations. Soon afterwards, she was hired at the church, and the rest is history. When she's not working, Diane enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren. We are so blessed by Diane!