Quaker Gap Staff
Jack Darida, Senior Pastor
John C. “Jack” Darida has been serving the Lord as Senior Pastor of Quaker Gap Baptist Church in King, North Carolina since 2005. Previously, he served pastorates and associate pastorates in New Jersey, Florida, and Texas. Jack grew up in suburban New Jersey where he could ride his bike to the corner candy shop and the ball field as long as he was home in time for dinner. Jack has been married to Jeri since 1987, and they have been entrusted with three daughters, and a soon to be adopted son, along the journey of marriage and ministry. Jack is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University (B.S. in Bible, 1987) Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M. in Pastoral Ministries, 1992) and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min. in Ministry Coaching, 2011). email
Daniel Parker, Minister of Youth
Daniel is originally from the Island of Puerto Rico, where he grew up with his family. His family consists of mom, dad, three sisters and himself. Daniel is a graduate of Lee University with a B.A. in youth ministry, and a minor in religion. He enjoys playing and writing music, anything that has to do with soccer, and singing. He loves and listens to just about any kind of music. Daniel is bi-lingual, and loves to speak Spanish whenever he gets the chance. email
Darshan Hartgrove, Minister of Music
Darshan Hartgrove is the most recent member to join the staff here at Quaker Gap Baptist Church. She grew up in a family that ministered through music and she traveled singing and playing the bass guitar. Darshan met her husband, Clint, after moving to King, North Carolina. They were married in 1978. Her love for music and serving the Lord has led to positions in music service for the past twenty-five years. She enjoys teaching the Word of God and watching it come to life in His people whether through song or the written Word. Darshan loves to be known as the "Barnabas" of music for encouraging people to use their musical talent to glorify God and encourage His church. If asked, she and Clint would gladly share about the family with whom God has blessed them: sons Joshua Hartgrove (and wife Katie) and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (and wife Leah) and their four beautiful grandchildren. email
April Ragan, Ministry Assistant
April Ragan joined our church staff in February of 1998. She is the friendly voice you hear when you call the church office and the warm greeting you receive when you visit. April and her husband, Steve, are from Kannapolis, NC. They and their two children, Ryan and Lauren, moved to King in 1990. The Ragan family became members of Quaker Gap in August of 1996. April supports our pastoral staff with administrative tasks and ministers to our church body through prayer requests, communication, and other ministerial duties. April will be glad to answer any questions you may have about Quaker Gap’s services, Sunday School, activities, etc. If she doesn’t have an answer for you, she will help you to find the answer. email
