Rev. Bruce Ballantine began serving First Presbyterian Church as the Interim Pastor on April 1, 2017. In February 2020, he was called by the congregation to become our installed (permanent) Pastor/Head of Staff.

Julia is honored to serve as the Director of First Presbyterian Church Nursery School. Deeply rooted in the community as both a Ridgewood native and former Ridgewood Public School teacher, Julia strives to ensure children are at the center of learning at First Presbyterian Church Nursery School.

Linda Sweetman Waters’ keyboard talents have provided her with a multi-faceted career as a piano soloist, chamber musician, accompanist and organist. She has performed in New York City at Carnegie Hall...

MaryEllen Castaldo rejoined First Pres as Director of Children and Family Ministries in 2018.
She had previously served in that position with the church from 2002-2011.

Dr. Edward Schmiedecke received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in choral conducting and music education from Florida State University and the University of South Florida, and his Doctorate in vocal performance from the University of Miami.

Tom joined First Pres in March of 2017. Tom is originally from Washington Heights, NY and moved to West MIlford NJ in 1969. Tom has lived in the area since then.

Dana has been the Administrative Manager since 2012. All roads led her to this position as she received her B.A. in Communications and a Public Relations Minor and is a graduate of Kutztown University.

Before coming to First Presbyterian, Ridgewood, mezzo-soprano Carol Andrews Schmiedecke served as alto soloist at Emmanuel Baptist Church for 14 years and has also served as church soloist and choir section leader at First Presbyterian Church...