Rev. Dr. Matthew Paugh, Bridgeport United Methodist Church Senior Pastor, WVWC Baccalaureate Speaker
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 05, 2026
West Virginia Wesleyan College has announced Rev. Dr. Matthew Paugh, senior pastor of Bridgeport United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, West Virginia, as the Baccalaureate speaker. Paugh will speak at the service held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.
A native of Kitzmiller, Maryland, Paugh holds a Bachelor of Arts from Messiah College, a Master of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing Ph.D. studies at Bangor University.
Matthew has served in pastoral ministry in Maryland and West Virginia and previously taught Bible and Theology at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. He has also contributed to ministerial education through teaching in the West Virginia Extension Course of Study and in lay ministry training across the Conference.
He and his wife, Melissa, and their son, Isaiah, live in Bridgeport, where he enjoys preaching, teaching, and helping others connect faith with everyday life.
The Baccalaureate service is open to all graduates, who are asked to wear cap and gown, but no cords or hoods. Guests are welcome. The main commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. in Rockefeller Gymnasium. For more information on Commencement, visit www.wvwc.edu/commencement
