METUCHEN – The First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Metuchen announced that the Rev. Dr. Fred Garry will serve as its senior pastor and head of staff.
Garry was elected by FPC’s congregation on Oct. 7. His official start date is Nov. 13.
Garry served as a minister in the Presbyterian Church since 1994. He has acted as the senior pastor for several Presbyterian Church congregations during this time that include the First Presbyterian Church of Pataskala in Pataskala, Ohio; Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church in Bremerton, Washington; and First Presbyterian Church of Watertown in Watertown, New York, according to information provided by the church.
Garry holds a Doctorate Degree in Ministry, a Masters in Theology, and a Masters in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Fieldwork during his studies includes working at the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.
Garry is past president of the Rotary Club and has served on numerous boards including the YMCA Board of Directors. He is also the immediate past chairman of the board for Samaritan Medical Health Systems in Watertown, New York.
He has also led several community efforts and campaigns. In 2004, he was named president of Urban Mission and helped them re-design their board structure, relocate and revamp their thrift shop and hire a new executive director. He co-led a $2 million capital campaign which allowed them to have no debt, completely renovate their facilities and grow their endowment.
Additional accomplishments during his ministry career include: growing church membership at his previous church; assisting inmates at a local correctional facility earn college credit and reduce their sentencing; helping to create a community-wide “Dollar Dinners” program which provides food and social interaction for thousands of residents; and developing a summer internship program to survey the quality of city housing and seek resident opinions regarding investments to improve deteriorating city blocks.