Rev. Margaret LaMotte Torrence, Transitional Pastor
Margaret has called Swannanoa home since 2002, but has frequently left the area to serve as a transitional pastor in other communities. She is delighted to now be serving a church less than two miles from the house she shares with her husband, Lee, and parents, John and Olivia! Every chance they get, she and Lee also welcome home their adult kids: Nate (and wife Luiza) who live in Boston, and Hanna, who lives in Chicago. Margaret is never happier than when the house is full.
When there are quiet hours, you can find her dry-stacking stones, tending her moss garden, or walking local trails.
Associate in Ministry
We are currently in transition and looking for our next Associate in Ministry.
Andrew Tripp, Interim Church Administrator
Andrew was born in Georgia, where he lived until moving to Swannanoa in 2007. He comes to Warren Wilson Presbyterian from a somewhat varied career in music, education, and ministry.
When Andrew isn’t at work he likes to spend time with his grown children or with his partner and their large collection of furry companions. He also enjoys getting lost in some work of fiction or trying to remember how to play one of his too-often ignored instruments. Mostly Andrew is grateful to get to live in this beautiful area and really enjoys just appreciating the family, friends, nature, and food that are thankfully so abundant.
Ted Stewart, Interim Director of Music
Organist/Choir Director Ted Stewart retired to Swannanoa in 2016 after 40 years of music making in Independence, MO. He served there and in Kansas City as music director at Immanuel Lutheran Church, many years as a regular organ recitalist at the Auditorium, leader in the American Guild of Organist Chapter (from which he holds the AssociateAGO certificate) and being a Board member, director and teacher at Music/Arts Institute.
He has been happy to continue playing as a substitute church organist in the Asheville area. His early organ study was at Ohio State University, Southern Illinois University and post graduate work at the University of Kansas. In Swannanoa he is HOA Board President for the nearby Craggy View Cottages, and is happy to be Interim Music Director at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church.
Barbara Escalante, Bookkeeper
Barbara Escalante has served as bookkeeper since 2017. She and her husband, Ed, have three adult children, all of whom live in North Carolina. Her five-year old granddaughter is the light of her life.
Barbara has a long interest in genealogy, and has recently become connected with Coming to the Table, an organization that addresses wounds caused by racism, rooted in the United States’ history of slavery. Barbara hopes to help individuals research their families’ histories with the intent of seeking to repair historic injustice.
Olivia Crescitelli, Chapel Crew
Olivia Crescitelli hails from Charlotte. She is a junior at WWC, working toward a major in archaeology, and a minor in history. She was drawn to the college by its emphasis on experiential learning and environmentalism. The spring of 2024 marks the end of her second year on the Chapel Crew. She credits her warm interactions with members of this congregation as part of the basis for her conversion to Christianity (most weeks Olivia worships at a Greek Orthodox church). Please thank Olivia for her loving care of our facility and community.
Will Griffith, Chapel Crew
Will Griffith (whose hometown is Asheville), is a Junior at WWC, working toward a major in Conservation Biology. Will is also an athlete, having played on the lacrosse team last year, and participating on the swim team this year. (The butterfly is Will’s favorite stroke.) 2023-2024 marks Will’s first year on the Chapel Crew. He says that the best thing about Warren Wilson is the community—the relationships he’s built through the years. When you see Will, please thank him for his hard work keeping our buildings and grounds in good shape.
Mason LaMotte, Audio and Video Production
Mason is a sophomore at Owen High. His current passions include blade-smithing (he built a forge in his backyard!), baking, and coding. He lives in Black Mountain with his parents (David and Deanna), an old dog, five chickens, and two pet rats.