WHAT WE BELIEVE

BIBLE

We believe the Bible is the Word of God and our guide to daily living.

COMMUNITY

We reaffirm our need to gather together and to care for one another. We are family.

DIRECTION

We acknowledge the presence of God’s Spirit for direction and the power to carry out His will.

ALL GENERATIONS

We are committed to a strong ministry with and for children and youth, as well as adults of all ages, to know and to love God and to be obedient to His will.

WITNESS

We believe it is our responsibility to equip our members to be thoughtful witnesses of their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That includes attitudes and good conversations.

MISSIONS

We accept the challenge of our Lord to “go into all the world and preach the gospel”. We are a missions-minded church. We recognize our responsibility to respond to human need locally, nationally, and globally.

WHOLE PERSON

We believe it is the responsibility of the church to attend to the spiritual and physical needs of its members, caring for the whole person in a loving relationship. Jesus Christ enables us to have a right relationship with God and engages all of life.

OUTWARD

We are here to serve our community and the world around us.
 

For more about what Presbyterians believe, see pcusa.org.

THE TEAM

Church Bookkeeper:

Alice Cloherty

Clerk of Session:

Andy Lagendyk

Moderator of Deacons:

Nancy O’Connor

Food Pantry Coordinator:

Susan Cunningham

Custodial Assistant:

Derek Kudrle

Youth Intern:
John Capizzi

Brad Morgan, Pastor.

Brad is a native Long Islander, hailing from Deer Park. From a young boy, Brad has always been interested in how God is involved in the lives of others. Whether it be through the telling of their “God moments” in their lives or the discovery of how God has led them through a particular trial or challenge, these “A-ha!” moments always intrigued him and spurred him closer to God.

Brad received his own “God” moment when the Lord revealed himself through a stranger. From that moment on, he decided to attend seminary. Since graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2017, Brad's faith journey has led him down several paths, including becoming a Board-Certified Clinical Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor. His concentration in Palliative Care Chaplaincy at Capital Health gave him an edge when dealing with multi-generational crises and family systems. Brad is currently the Convener of the West Windsor chapter of chaplains, as he hopes to continue to assist those in their journey toward board certification. During the dissolution and merger of Presbyteries in New Jersey, Brad was a member of the Technical Team Presbytery of the Highlands. During this time, Brad helped oversee and coordinate the historic merger of the Presbyteries of New Jersey to the birth of the Presbytery of the Highlands. Brad's work to continue supporting his Presbytery continues today, as a member of the Administration and Coordination leadership team of the Presbytery of the Highlands. Brad is also Moderator of the upcoming Early Ministry Institute, where he hopes to hear more testimonies of God working in those who are within five years of their first call. In his spare time, Brad loves camping, cooking, and traveling with his family, including his wife Tara, son Rowan, and infant daughter Rory. He hopes to show his children, even if at a distance, all twenty-five historical lighthouses on the Island. We have a checklist!

 Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

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Jimmy Tucker, Organist | Vocal Music Coordinator (8:30)

Jimmy is our organist, pianist, and Vocal Music Director for our 8:30 am service. He came to our church 10 years ago as our Music Director while earning his Masters degree in Piano Performance. We are so thankful he has rejoined our music staff. Jimmy teaches In the Islip School System.

Joanne Maher, Communications Coordinator

Joanne Maher currently serves as the communications coordinator. She prepares weekly print and digital media. Her office hours are Monday - Friday from 9AM to 1PM. Please feel free to contact her by phone or email.

Jeff Dein, Custodian

Jeff’s official role is to help maintain this 200+ year old campus. His carpentry, plumbing and painting background help him to keep everything and everyone happy. He is married to Candy, who he met at First Pres! Jeff loves to chronicle the life of this church through taking pictures and videos. He is also glad that the Lord is allowing him to use these gifts to be a part of the revival/renaissance that is happening here right now. His favorite things to do are traveling anywhere with Candy, taking selfies (with Candy) and observing His wonderful creation.

Sonel Eugene | Contemporary Music | IT Support |

Sonel Eugene is in charge of the Contemporary Service Music and IT Support at the church. He enjoys singing, technology, soccer and history.

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Sonia Montigny, Children and Youth Minister

Sonia Montigny has been a valued member of First Presbyterian Church of Babylon for over two decades. From her youth, she actively engaged in our community through participation in Pioneer Girls, youth groups, and various mission projects, culminating in her confirmation within our congregation. In 1990, she represented our church at the Presbyterian USA national youth triennium. Sonia currently serves as our dedicated Children and Youth Minister, overseeing vital programs such as Vacation Bible School and KidZone. Her commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of our young members is evident in her leadership and involvement in our church's children's ministry. Professionally, Sonia holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University and is currently pursuing a Master's in Education. With ABA certification and extensive experience working with special needs children, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Sonia Montigny's multifaceted contributions to our church community reflect her deep-rooted commitment to faith, service, and the holistic development of our children and youth.

Joined together to be the church

In 1730 a group of Christ’s followers “joined together to be the church” which was to become The First Presbyterian Church of Babylon. They built a place of worship on a piece of land just west of what today is Island Gastroenterology Consultants on South Country Road (now Montauk Highway) in West Islip. Surnames of early members of the church are the namesakes of streets, parks and historical sites: Conklin, Muncey, Weeks, Wickes, Howell, Sammis, and Higbie.

Our mission is to make loving, outward-focused followers of Christ.  

Our vision is to be a Christ-centered church family that fosters deeper relationships with God and each other as we reach beyond the walls of the church.

The Revolutionary War brought British soldiers to the area. After using the house of worship for a barracks, the British tore it down in 1778, transporting the lumber to the Town of Hempstead where it was used to build living quarters for military personnel. Since then we have built four church buildings (all still in use!) and recently renovated the third as a fellowship and hospitality hall. The Church House on Main Street, the oldest building in Babylon Village, was built in 1783.

The church has been a witness to Christ in the South Bay area of Long Island through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and all the major historical events of the 19th, 20th and now the 21st centuries.

The enduring gospel of Jesus is now as relevant as ever!

Today the church is focused on being a family that reaches beyond our walls.  A vibrant church is about people in the middle of daily living.  With a great gratitude to older generations, our church family is becoming younger and more impassioned to reach the world around us.  40% of our membership has joined us in the last five years. We would love to have you visit us!