Get to Know Our Deacons:

Bryan Beverly, a native of Baltimore City and a graduate of Morgan State University and The Johns Hopkins University, has worked in the social science, information technology and project management fields for 27 years. Bryan has been in church all of his life, having spent 45 years as a member of The New Metropolitan Baptist Church (TNMBC) and seven years as a member of University Baptist Church (UBC). While at TNMBC, he was ordained as a deacon in 1982 and served as the Deacon Coordinator from 1993 until his departure in 2004. At UBC, Bryan was first appointed to the Board of Deacons in 2005 and is currently in his second term as Deacon Chair. In addition to the UBC Diaconate, Bryan has served on various teams and committees; he also teaches in Sunday School and assists with leading worship when needed. “UBC is great place for me to use my skills, knowledge and abilities for the glory of God and the greater good of the Kingdom,” says Bryan.

Georgia Smith has a background in investments, training and microcredit programs. She is currently a full time mom and is excited that her kids are growing up at UBC where she did. When she’s taking a break from organizing her kids’ schedules, Georgia is organizing mission events and activities with the UBC mission team and is the keeper of the Church Chicks’ schedule. Currently the vice chair of the Deacons, Georgia also teaches one of the adult Bible study classes. The people and the quality of the fellowship are one thing she loves about UBC. 

After graduating from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia, Justin Hula moved to Baltimore to teach high school science with Teach for America. After his two year commitment with TFA, he started working for the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC. This past May, he graduated with a Masters of Science in Biotechnology/Biodefense from the Johns Hopkins University. Shortly after moving to Baltimore around three years ago, he joined University Baptist Church. Justin was immediately drawn to this church by the “warmth of the congregation, the magnificent choir, and the collective love and pursuit of Christ.” Here at UBC, Justin is a member of both the vocal and handbell choirs, the Music and Worship Committee, and the Deacons. 

Catrin Davies relocated to Baltimore to attend graduate school at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University and found UBC her first week in town. Prior to that, she studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales. Locally, she performs with many groups, including the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Young Victorian Theatre Company, Annapolis Opera, and Lyric Opera Baltimore, among others. Catrin has had a varied career in different disciplines, including public relations, arts education, arts administration, and ministry. Currently, she is a Realtor, and is an adjunct professor at Towson University in their Music Department. She holds an honors degree in history from McGill University, Montreal, and a Master's degree in Women's Studies from Oxford University. A transplanted Washingtonian, Catrin enjoys Baltimore to the fullest, and loves being a part of University Baptist Church.

Eileen Thiessen, a native of Chicago, graduated from UIUC and JHU, and worked as a high school chemistry and physics teacher. She has been a member of UBC since 1998. Eileen has also served as a Trustee and Area Representative as well as on the Music committee. In her spare time, Eileen enjoys knitting and reading.

John Abell is a long time resident of Baltimore who lives with his wife and two daughters in the Cedarcroft neighborhood. He is a CPA who works in Washington for a regulatory body that oversees the accounting profession. Prior to his current job,  John worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore as an auditor of public companies in the banking/financial services, healthcare and information technology areas. John has been attending UBC for almost thirty years and served in various roles including on the Finance Committee, Stewardship committee, Nominating committee and youth council. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. He loves to spend his free time with his family, playing tennis and cooking.

Sue Harding has worked as an Art Director, freelance graphic designer, and now works as a substitute art teacher. “ About twelve years ago, I gave up my art career feeling God was leading me in a new direction, so currently, I am working at a Baltimore County elementary school as their Community Liaison and substituting when needed.” Sue grew up in UBC and was later married here. “I love our church - it's warmth and diversity - and how, together, we strive to discover and fulfill the mission and ministries God has for us here, in this particular location - JHU and surrounding communities - and the world beyond. I believe that God, through our faith in Christ, will continue to lead us to grow spiritually the more we pray and study His Word”.

Bob Horner is a longtime member of UBC, joining in 1971. He has served in multiple positions, ranging from Sunday School teacher to  Assistant Treasurer. Bob has worked as a Lecturer in the Biology Department of Johns Hopkins University since 1989, yet takes his greatest pride in raising his family of six children with his wife Rita.

Sherry Holmes , a native of Detroit, Michigan, graduated from Tennessee Technological University and works as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore County. She has been a member of UBC since 2004, and first joined the deacon board in 2011; Sherry has also served on the nominating committee, provided child care in the church’s nursery, organized church-wide fellowship opportunities, and has served members as an area representative.  In her spare time, Sherry enjoys spending time outdoors camping, paddling, and hiking with her family.