Peggy Lincoln Bates
I am a retired teacher, having taught in Manasquan High School for 22 years. I was one of the first woman elders in this church, a former moderator of Presbyterian women here, and later moderator of Monmouth Presbyterian Women, as well as serving on the governing council for many years. I sang in the choir for almost 40 years and was a delegate to General Assembly when it met in Minneapolis. I have two sons, Tim and Jeff, and the lucky grandmother of 6 and also 6 greats. When we moved here in 1960, we thought we would shop around for a church. We started here and never made it to anywhere else!  

Thomas (Tim) Bates
On being recognized for 5O years of membership on April 18, 2010:

I am honored. Let me tell you two ironic thoughts. I remember thinking when Gary Preston was recognized a couple of years ago - holy cow… 50 years and he's still here! Now I'm being recognized. The other day I was bounding up the stairs two at a time late to choir practice again when it hit me that this was what I did in 1960 and nothing has changed.

When I moved from 2nd Presbyterian Church in Blomington, Normal (yes I lived in a town called Normal), Illinois with my parents I really thought they had made a terrible Mistake. We left a large church, wonderful choirs, a beautiful home built by my parents, and a dear friend who still calls me from time to time.

Now thinking of the 1^st Presbyterian Church of Manasquan I have many friends and fond memories. My wife and I were married here March 25, 1965. My daughter was married here June 3, 1995. Three of my four children were baptized here. All four were educated, nurtured in faith, and played the bells in the bell choir. My wife ran the nursery in the 60's and early 70's. I ran a round robin basketball practice from ‘76 to '79. My wife helped run and cook for the 'Youth Club'. We taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and organized a few 'Christmas Family Night' dinners. Here there were memorial services for a grandmother, sister, and father. I was twice a deacon, member of education and evangelism committees. I've been a rnember of the choir off and on for many years.

I've been blessed in many ways to be at this church. I've found love, stability, music and faith. You have reminded me of what I've been, what I am, and what I want to become. Special thanks to Rev. Joe Brady, Fran, Janice and Harry Madole, and many other saints in this church. Hopefully I can keep on keeping on as Rev, Joe used to say for many years to come.