First Presbyterian Church!

About

Our Mission,
Purpose & Values

Our Mission

To open ourselves to God-seekers and to feed, nurture, and provide refuge for those in need.

Our Purpose

To care about others and our well-being with love.

Our Values

Commitment, Community, Compassion, Diversity, Integrity, Joy, Lead, Learn, Love, Nurture, Pursuit of Faith, Social Consciousness.

Staff & Leadership

Our staff

Carol Jellema

Secretary

Heather Benedict

Financial Secretary

Marcia Woodall

Music Director / Organist

Wendy McNutt

Treasurer (Volunteer)

Cynthia Nokland

Clerk of Session

Elders

Cynthia Nokland

Robion Long DeAngelo

Robin McPhillips

Beth Hoeffner

Tom McNutt

Joe Prior

Deacons

Debbie Fagen

Donna Powels

Joe Maida

Ben McNutt

Emil Pignetti

Marcia Woodall

Kim Hoeffner

Statement of Inclusion

First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery welcomes all people — of every age, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, economic circumstance, and faith background — into the full life and ministry of our congregation. We affirm that every person is a beloved child of God, and we commit ourselves to a community where all may worship, serve, lead, and grow in faith together. The diversity of God's people is a gift we celebrate.

A member of the congregation reading from the pulpit

Congregational Overview

First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery is a vibrant congregation of 101–250 members, gathered weekly for Sunday worship with an average attendance of Approx. 45. Our Sunday School serves approximately Approx. 15 children and youth. We are part of Hudson River Presbytery and the Synod of The Northeast, and we have served the village of Montgomery and the surrounding Orange County community since 1832.

Committees

Our Session designates standing committees, each chaired by a Ruling Elder, that carry out the day-to-day mission of the church. Membership on committees is open to all members and friends of the congregation.

Personnel Committee
Christian Education Committee
Worship Committee
Membership Development Committee
Mission Committee
Building & Grounds Committee
Nominating Committee
Stewardship & Budget Committee

Music at FPC Montgomery

Music is central to our worship at First Presbyterian. Under the direction of our Music Director and Organist, our choir leads the congregation in hymns, anthems, and seasonal music throughout the year. From classical hymns to contemporary spiritual songs, music draws our community deeper into worship and praise. Singers and instrumentalists of all levels are warmly invited to join.

Church History
(since 1832)

First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery was organized in 1832, gathering its first members from the village of Montgomery and the surrounding Orange County hills. From those earliest years, our congregation has worshipped on Clinton Street — first in a wood-frame meeting house, later expanded and renewed across generations.

Through nearly two centuries of change — wars, depressions, growth, and transition — the congregation has remained rooted in Scripture and committed to the people of Montgomery. We carry forward the legacy of those who built this church while continuing to be the church of today and tomorrow.

Historical image: Winter's Day on Clinton Street, Montgomery, N.Y.