Staff
Reverend Fred Meade – Interim Pastor
I have been a full-time pastor since 1983. I am married with four children. My wife’s name is Julie. I finished my seminary degree at Yale Divinity School. I love ministry and the joy it brings to my life. I enjoy visiting people in the church either in homes or in my office. I am pretty much an open book with a positive outlook on ministry.
Since I unofficially retired in 2017, I have served 5 churches in various stages of transition. I have been told that I bring a sense of peace where there have been troubled waters.
I have also volunteered in the field of disaster response for the last 18 years, starting with Hurricane Katrina as I was serving a church when it happened in New Orleans, LA. I’ve deployed as a chaplain many times around the country, as well as across the state of Massachusetts through the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. I usually do that during my vacation time.
In addition, for the past eight years, I have been teaching across the United States for the National Disaster Interfaiths Network, for many NGOs (Non-Government Organizations), and FEMA. The subject matter is mostly around being a disaster chaplain and understanding how high stress and trauma can affect us.
My official office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from about 9:30 to noon. I plan to do pastoral visiting in the afternoon. I am available on Monday and Wednesday upon request. I plan to take Friday and Saturday off each week.
My contract is for at least a year and I begin preaching this Sunday (9/16.) I will be talking about the role of doubt in our faith journey.
Marcia Hempel – Music Director / Organist
Music Director Marcia Hempel is a highly skilled organist with extensive training in choral direction for both children and adults.
Marcia has studied organ at the New England Conservatory, piano and voice at the Rhode Island Conservatory and choral conducting at Westminster Choir College, to name just part of her broad and ongoing training. Her interests are eclectic ranging, as she puts it, “from Bach to Bernstein,” including the jazz organ! She also plays the guitar.
In addition to her church work, Marcia directs the Young Singers Program for ages 9-16, sponsored by the church. She conducts the Harwich Women’s Chorus, which she started in 2013, and accompanies the Victrola Chorus, which performs at nursing homes. Prior to coming to First Church, Marcia was the founder, director and accompanist of the Nantucket Women’s Choir.
Paul Frederickson – Sexton
Paul has served as our contracted Sexton at First Church since 2006. He enjoys his work and the people here.
Being the son of a long-time member, he grew up in this church and is knowledgeable about its buildings, campus and history.
A talented musician, he contributes to our Coffee House gatherings. Paul also works at the Cape Cod Technical High School.
He is married to Susan.