Ministers
Ian Edward Caveny
Pastor
Pastor Ian is a lifelong Illinoisan, a voracious reader, an eager listener, and an avid talker. He has served First Presbyterian Church of Alton since May 2025, and he finds new joy each day in this pastoral work! He has two M.A. degrees from the University of Chicago, one in Comparative Literatures and the other in Divinity. He has written for various publications, including Earth & Altar and The Living Church. He also teaches one undergraduate course each semester for the John Martinson Honors Program at SIUe.
Pastor Ian is always happy to connect with folks curious about the church, interested in talking about the Bible, religion, and theology, or those in need of prayer and encouragement.
Email: pastor@firstpresalton.org
Mark Brooks
Director of Music
Mark Brook has lived a life dedicated to church music and the practice of musical worship. He has spent over 50 years working as a singer, organist, pianist, choir director, as well as a music educator and worship leader. One of his greatest joys is planning music for sacred spaces that transcends the boundaries between traditional, contemporary, and ethnic genres.
When he’s not singing, directing, or teaching, he can often be found reading and watching science fiction, dining out with family and friends, listening to live music, or spending time with his beloved dogs, Tank, Snoop Dog, and Ginger 2.
If you are interested in joining the choir, learning about upcoming concerts at First Presbyterian, or any other questions involving music at the church, please reach out at:
Email: bassclef2@hotmail.com
Staff
Alison File
Administrator & Bookkeeper
Email: contact@firstpresalton.org
618-465-3592
Jaquita Morris-Swope
Janitor