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Our Story

A Thriving Congregation in Queens, New York

Built in 1923, we have a long and proud history of serving the people of New York City.

 

Through the dedication of our leadership, staff members, and volunteers, First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills PC (USA) is committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ and are here to spread His message. Contact us today to find out more about becoming part of our family. We are open to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds. We lead our congregation in worship, deepening the connection to God, understanding the teachings of Christ, and ultimately to a vibrant faith.

Circa 1933

First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills Now.jpg

Present

Our Mission Statement

The Mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills is to welcome all people into our diverse family of Christian faith and fellowship. To experience and celebrate God’s presence in worship and daily living. To share the love of Christ by reaching out to those in need, and to proclaim by word and deed the message of God’s love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Our Leadership

Please stop in one day. We would love to meet you.

Jeff Courter

Reverend Jeff Courter

Interim Pastor

Reverend Jeff Courter has been with us since February 2020 and is the chair of the Social Justice Committee for the Presbytery of New York City. He is actively involved with Green Faith on environmental justice issues. 

 

Prior to seminary, Jeff worked as a recruiter for the Illinois Army National Guard, after being deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. He served the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago Heights, IL and was a pastor in Westernville, NY and was moderator of InterFaith Matters of Utica. 

David Barnett

David Barnett

Administrative Assistant

David has been in the choir and a member of our church since 1993 and served on both the Board of Deacons and the Session. 

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In October 2015, he joined our staff as an Administrative Assistant, and enjoys the challenges of everyday church life and continues to look forward to the continuing changes we experience in our diverse congregation, as well as moving forward to new visions for our future.

David Yurich Choirmaster & Organist

David Yurich

Choirmaster & Organist

David Yurick has been our choirmaster and organist since 1974 and continues to play with us once a month.

David is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he studied with Ludwig Lenel at Muhlenberg College and completed a Masters's Degree in composition and studied at Queens College with Henry Weinberg, George Perle, and Leo Kraft.  

 

We are blessed to have him!

The Session

Elders​

The session serves as the administrative board that determines who and where God is calling us to be as a congregation. 

 

  • John Biswas​

  • 'Cil Brewer

  • Dawn Brewer

  • Leon Collier

  • Lois Anne DeLong

  • Luis Gallego

  • Nadina Grants

  • Joseph Jadway 'JJ" Marasigan

  • Bruno Razafindrakoto

  • Rafael Reyes-Quiroz

  • Karen Wood

​Deacon

The board of deacons provides pastoral care, support and encouragement to the congregation and surrounding community.

 

  • Margaret Chau

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Congregational Nominating Committee​​

Members of the congregation who are not serving on either board (above) serve with one elder and deacon as the nominating committee. They are:

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  • Irene Balram 

  • Tiana Andriananjason

  • Ruth Stanton

  • Rafael Reyes-Quiroz

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