Chatham Township Presbyterian Church Installs The Rev. Thomas A. Brown

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT) announced that it installed The Rev. Thomas A. Brown as Pastor and Head of Staff at a service on Sunday, Oct. 20. Prior to his selection and installation, Rev. Brown had served as the church’s Associate Pastor of Congregational Life for nearly 12 years. Earlier he filled a pastoral role in the Chicago area and held a variety of leadership positions at churches in Southern California.

Taking part in the installation were members of the congregation, close friends in ministry, and representatives from the Presbytery of the Highlands, which provides support and resources to nearly 80 Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in seven counties in Northwest New Jersey, including PCCT. The Presbytery elected Rev. Brown to serve as its Moderator for 2023.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue serving PCCT, and by extension Chatham and the surrounding area,” said Rev. Brown. “Moving into this new position brings a deep sense of gratitude and genuine excitement. I believe our congregation, and each of our local places of worship, have vital roles to play in building networks that can provide support and extend a sense of welcome to each member of our community.”

Since becoming Associate Pastor in 2012, Rev. Brown has played active and visible roles in the church and community. He is a member of the Chatham Interfaith Council, and for more than a decade took part in a team of religious leaders who met with Chatham High School seniors to plan the annual Baccalaureate Service at graduation. Further, he has led eight summer mission trips involving area teens and adults focused on improving living conditions for underserved communities in several states.
Two years ago, the PCCT congregation wholeheartedly supported Rev. Brown in his successful application for a prestigious national clergy renewal grant funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., and administered by the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. This competitive program honors pastors for their extraordinary service, and enables them to engage in a period of rest and renewal with the goal of invigorating their leadership and bringing new vitality to their congregations.

Rev. Brown notes that his installation as Pastor of PCCT takes place almost exactly 25 years from the date he was ordained as a pastor following seminary. He holds dual Masters degrees in Divinity and Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary. Also, he recently completed a Certificate in Executive Leadership program at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Rev. Brown and his wife, Alison Siener Brown, have two sons, Zachary and Nathan. Alison is Director of Music for All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Millington, and took part in the installation service. Also participating was The Rev. Dr. Edward Halldorson, Pastor Emeritus of PCCT.

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship and service. Drawing members from three counties and more than 20 communities, it welcomes all, whether you are a young family, a single adult, or a couple with grown children. The congregation reflects diverse perspectives, provides rich music and education programs for all ages, and through social outreach addresses hunger, homelessness and recovery from disasters or other crises.

Follow PCCT on Facebook and Instagram to see the church in action. For more information, visit http://www.pcct-nj.org or call 973-635-2340.