Gary Butterfield
About Gary
Gary Butterfield’s connection to The Gathering Place—formerly North Syracuse Baptist Church—spans five generations of the Butterfield family, from his grandmother and parents to his children and grandchildren. He accepted Jesus as his Savior around the age of 11 and describes his early 20s as the time when he became fully committed to following Christ.
Gary and his wife, Maureen, met at church and have been married for 51 years. Together, they have built a family with deep roots in the church and community.
Gary served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967–1971 before beginning a career in construction. He earned an associate degree in Construction and worked in the industry from 1972 until his retirement in 2019, including 36 years as a business owner. He also served the Village of North Syracuse as an elected official for 20 years.
Serving the Church
Over the years, Gary has served the church in many different capacities, including:
Deacon – 25 years
Trustee – 6 years
Sunday School Teacher – 40+ years
Choir Member – 40+ years
Benevolence Treasurer
Capital Campaign Chair – twice
Pulpit Committee Chairman
Chairman of the Official Board – multiple terms
Wednesday Night Men’s Bible Study Facilitator
His teaching ministry has included Senior High Sponsors, PPL, Adult Singles, Gateway, and Married & More classes.
Education & Spiritual Gifts
Gary holds an Associate Degree in Construction and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967–1971.
In His Own Words
“God is not done with me yet!”
Tim Davis
Elder Nominee
About Tim
Tim Davis grew up in Johnson City, New York, and attended West Endicott Baptist Church for 16 years. He put his faith and trust in Jesus at the age of 13. Tim later attended Central Baptist Church for 13 years, where he served as a youth group leader for six years.
Tim, his wife Sara, and their family have been attending The Gathering Place since the summer of 2018. He has three children, Lincoln, Jack, and Kate. Tim’s son Jack was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five and went home to be with the Lord at the age of nine. During that time, Tim and his family were deeply blessed by the prayers and support of the TGP family.
Professionally, Tim works for National Grid as a Manager in the Control Center Training Department.
Serving the Church
Tim has been involved with the Men’s Ministry at The Gathering Place for the past three years. He and Sara have also served together in the Children’s Sunday Morning Program for the past two years.
Prior to coming to TGP, Tim served for six years as a youth group leader at Central Baptist Church.
Education & Spiritual Gifts
Tim attended Word of Life Bible Institute and earned a Pre-Seminary degree from Baptist Bible College.
Peter Frantzis
About Peter
Peter Frantzis has attended The Gathering Place for over 30 years. He was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, and immigrated to the United States in 1967 at the age of 14. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on April 5, 1981, at the age of 28 and was baptized on Easter Sunday two weeks later.
Peter and his wife, MaryBeth, have been married for 36 years. They have two sons, Ryan, who is married to Kate, and Nicholas, and are blessed with their granddaughter, Maggie.
He retired in 2020 after a career that included work in the restaurant and automotive industries, finishing with 17 years at Northside Collision as a Business Development Manager.
Serving the Church
Over the years, Peter has served the church in many different capacities, including:
High School Sunday School Team Leader
Visitation Ministry
Children’s Church Team Leader
Missions Board
Trustee, including Vice-Chair during the construction of the sanctuary
Deacon, serving as Member, Vice-Chair, and Chairman
Life Group Leader
Men’s Discipleship Facilitator
Leader and participant on numerous local and international mission trips
Education & Spiritual Gifts
Peter identifies his primary spiritual gifts as giving, service/helps, administration, hospitality, mercy, and leadership.
In His Own Words
Two passages of Scripture that have had a significant impact on Peter’s life are Romans 12:1–2 and Revelation 3:20.
Since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, the goal that has shaped his life has been:
“To serve the least, the last, and the lost for Jesus Christ.”
Douglas Hill
About Douglas
Douglas Hill and his family have attended The Gathering Place for 47 years. Throughout those years, Douglas has served the church in a variety of leadership and ministry roles.
Douglas and his wife, Marti, have two daughters, Beth and Sarah, and a granddaughter, Meghan. He is retired from the New York State Department of Transportation and enjoys spending time with his family, Bible study and devotions, helping others, and gardening.
Serving the Church
Over the years, Douglas has served the church in many different capacities, including:
Deacon Board
Trustee Board
Little Lamb Board
Church Treasurer
Mission Treasurer
Small Group Facilitator
Education & Spiritual Gifts
Douglas describes his biblical education as having had the privilege of learning under excellent pastors throughout his many years at the church.
He identifies his primary spiritual gifts as serving, ministry, helping, giving/finance, and knowledge.
In His Own Words
“I am looking forward to serving the Lord and our church.”
Dave Shepard
About Dave
Dave Shepard first visited The Gathering Place, formerly North Syracuse Baptist Church, on November 3, 1990. Just three days later, on November 6, 1990, he trusted Christ as his Savior with the help of one of the church’s visitation teams.
Born and raised in Cicero, New York, Dave and his wife, Tina, have been married for 37 years. They have been blessed with five daughters, three granddaughters, and three grandsons.
Dave entered full-time ministry in 1999 at First Baptist Church in Peekskill, New York, where he served as Minister of Evangelism & Discipleship. During his time there, he also led several mission trips to West Africa as well as multiple stateside trips. In 2005, Dave was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at First Baptist Church of Peekskill.
In 2007, Dave was called to First Baptist Church in Little Falls, New York, where he served as Associate Pastor/Minister of Evangelism & Discipleship. In 2025, he was called back to The Gathering Place as Executive Pastor of Shepherding & Discipleship and currently serves as Senior Executive Pastor.
Serving the Church
Over the years, Dave has served at The Gathering Place in a variety of ministry and leadership roles, including:
Junior High Leader
PCL Teacher
Tuesday Night Evangelism Class Teacher
Men’s Group Leader
Pastor of Shepherding & Discipleship
Senior Executive Pastor
Education & Spiritual Gifts
Dave holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University, a Bible Correspondence Certificate from Moody Bible Institute, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration from Onondaga Community College.
He identifies his primary spiritual gifts as administration, evangelism, leadership, and shepherding.