Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church Welcomes New Pastor

From the Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church

PEARL RIVER, NY — Following an extensive search, the Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church in Pearl River is pleased to announce and welcome Dr. Gregory I. Simpson as its next full-time pastor. Dr. Simpson will be responsible for leading the spiritual life of the church and its multi-faceted community.

Reverend Simpson is a gifted preacher and teacher who will advance the church’s mission of meaningfully sharing God’s grace and love with local, national and global communities. Simpson believes that Nauraushaun is a great fit in this new season of ministry because of its distinctive mission and core values. Said Simpson, “Church is not just a building, but a place of devotion, learning, relationships and discipleship. Church is where we grow as a community, where everyone’s journey is important, and where we live out our faith as the body of Christ together.”

Simpson plans to spend much of his time working with lay leaders to envision new and creative ways to provide ministry support to congregants, the community of Pearl River, and beyond.

Search Committee member Dr. Sarah Chauncey said, “Identifying and hiring a talented, passionate leader for the Nauraushaun community was critical to our church's health and growth. Dr. Simpson possesses the strategic vision, spiritual depth and commitment to community and education that will continue to build Nauraushaun's reputation as a leader in progressive faith and worship. Among several candidates, Pastor Gregory stood out as uniquely qualified to lead our congregation into the future.”

Dr. Simpson's professional journey began in Kingston, Jamaica, where he earned a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of the West Indies. He went on to complete a postdoctoral research fellowship in genomic physiology and molecular biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Upon completion of his postdoctoral training, Dr. Simpson taught organic chemistry at Worcester State University in Massachusetts. This was followed by an appointment as project director in MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering, where he focused on a USDA-sponsored small business innovation research grant.

Following nearly three decades as a research scientist and science educator, Dr. Simpson felt a strong call to ministry.

In 2013, Simpson entered Union Theological Seminary in New York, where his scholarship centered on Intellectual Property Rights, Biblical Ethics and their connection to Climate Change and environmental justice. He completed both Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology degrees in New Testament Bible and Ethics.

During his time at Union, Dr. Simpson interned at The Riverside Church and later at Broadway Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he worked in Christian Education Ministry and Eco-ministry. These experiences in ministry integrated his passion for exploring the questions of science and faith in community, and his vocation to be a minister and teacher.

In addition to parish ministry, Reverend Simpson is a strong advocate for STEM education in minority student populations, environmental justice and immigration issues. His advocacy in these areas has led to his nomination and appointment by the 2018 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA to serve as Member At-Large on the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee, a shareholder advocacy working group of the denomination.

Doctor Simpson is married to Suzanne, a candidate for ordained ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The couple is passionate about cooking, hiking, nature and felines.