Rev. Dr. Robert Morrison, Interim Senior Pastor

Reverend Rob is a graduate of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA and earned his Master of Divinity Degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary Princeton, NJ. Rob earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, TX in 1989.

Rob served as the Associate Pastor at the Northwoods Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX from 1980 to 1995. The church had 2,000 members. From 1995 to 2001 Rob was the New Church Development Pastor, Head of Staff, of the Santa Fe Presbyterian Church in Edmond, OK. The church went from 0 to 387 members in six years.  In 2001 Rob was asked by the Monmouth Presbytery to come to Jackson, NJ and take on the task of New Church Development Pastor of the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. The church currently has 200 members. Rob retired in January 2011 and has now been called by our congregation to be the Interim Sr. Pastor of our congregation.

During his work career Rob has authored two books entitles “Gossiping the Gospel and Gambling with the Good News” and “A Brief Guide for New Church Development Leaders”.  Rob resides in Jackson, NJ with his wife Kathe.

David Cotton, Parish Associate Pastor of Education

David Cotton loves to teach the Bible, and we love to learn from him.  In addition to his Wednesday and Sunday classes, David also assists in worship and provides other pastoral support in the broader church.  In his "other ministry," he is Manager of the Pastoral Care Department at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.  He is Chairman of the Bioethics Consult Committee and serves on county and state ethics committees.  David brings to Manasquan his experience as Pastor, Interim, and Parish Associate.  He enjoys teaching the Bible on the beach in Ocean Grove during the summer.  David's wife, Margaret Joanne, a third grade teacher and professional photographer, grew up here and is a proud Manasquan High School graduate.  The Cottons live in Ocean Grove and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
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Jeff Jones, Director of Family Ministries

Jeff Jones brings enthusiastic direction and supervision to the youth and family life of First Presbyterian Church.   Although Jeff's leadership focuses primarily on the youth within the church and community, he is involved in many facets of the overall life of the church.  With eight years experience in youth ministry, Jeff incorporates creativity, passion, and light-hearted humor into his leadership style.  Jeff graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University with a degree in Biblical Studies and Communications.  Jeff and his gorgeous wife, Jesse, live in Brick along with their two beautiful daughters.  Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Jeff is an avid Chicago sports fan. He enjoys reading, watching comedy films, improvisational comedy, graphic design, and all things spicy.
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Marcello Velame, Music Director

Marcello Velame creatively uses music to enhance the worship experience. The Chancel Choir under Marcello's leadership presents a large and varied repertoire, sings regularly with orchestras and is on the guest list for MidAmerica productions at Carnegie Hall, where they have sung twice with the New England Symphony.  Marcello holds an undergraduate degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and he has studied at Julliard School of Music. He has appeared as guest conductor at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada and he has sung under the direction of acclaimed conductors  Robert Shaw, Kurt Masur and Wolfgang Sawallisch. 
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Cathy Gaestel, Assistant Music Director

Cathy Gaestel is the director of music for the 8:00 a.m. service.  She also directs the Celebration Ringers  and the Cherub Choir.  She brings music to all the Sunday School classes.  The church provides a music school for the community with private lessons in piano, guitar, and voice.  Cathy is manager of the music school and is also one of the piano teachers.  In her spare time she loves gardening, hiking, kayaking, reading, writing music and spending time with her family.
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Andrew Tufts, Bell Choir Director

Andrew Tufts joined our church as a confirmand in 1994 and is now the Director of the Jubilee Bell Choir.  He is married to Jessica and is the new father of a baby daughter.  Andy has recently left construction work and is finishing a Master's Degree in Teaching Mathematics at Monmouth University.  He has his own business, Day & Night Landscaping, and he is also an adviser for Access All Areas (Senior High Fellowship).
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Sharon Binder, Administrator and Treasury Secretary

Sharon Binder became the Assistant Administrative Secretary two years ago, and recently has become the Assistant Treasurer as well.  Sharon is also a member of the church, and her two children attend our Sunday School.  Sharon is trained as a home economics teacher, has also worked in banking, and is an avid gardener.  Her friendly nature and warm smile lights up the office.
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Dave Wilenta, Office Administrator

Dave Wilenta is the husband of Danene and father of four beautiful little girls. Dave is an active member of our church who teaches 4th grade Sunday School and will be co-leading the upcoming Alpha Course. Dave has a background in Sales and Publishing and is a certified Dog Trainer who enjoys sports, reading, studying the Bible and cooking.
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Todd Vreeland, Facility Manager

Todd Vreeland says, "First impressions are important" and he has done much to make first-timers and visitors to our church come away with a very good first impression through his care of our buildings and grounds.  Todd is our valued Facilities Manager who keeps our church buildings neat, clean and safe for everyone who uses them.  He always wears a smile and is quick to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed. 
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Tim Belding, Custodian

Tim Belding highly values his job at our church where he has been employed for eight years.  He is an accomplished artist working in oils with a concentration on light houses, gardens and buildings.  He enjoys collecting LPs, 45s, historic picture post cards, and comic books.
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Deborah MacEachern, Special Projects Coordinator

Deborah MacEachern is a member of our church and helps with technical projects, graphic presentations, and is the coordinator of our website.  She also has her own business, Shore to Please Pet Sitting.  Deb is married, and she and her husband, John, are the parents of twin boys.
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Richard Chapman, Treasurer

Richard Chapman, Treasurer
Richard Chapman, and is wife Ada, became members of the First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan 1967. Rich served as a Deacon for some time in the 1970's. From 2009 thru 2011, he was elected an as Elder of the church, serving on the Administration Commission. He also spent one year as Chairman of the Commission. Rich was elected Church Treasurer in December 2011.
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Linda Eisnaugle, Clerk of Session

Linda Eisnaugle, Clerk of Session
Linda Eisnaugle and her husband, Jack, moved from North Jersey to Wall in December, 1997 and joined the church in June, 1998.  Linda has served on the Mission Commission, the Communications Subcommittee, and the Board of Deacons, serving as its moderator her third year.  She also served on Session, as an elder for the Evangelism Commission.  She was elected Clerk of Session in September, 2007.
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Diane Moss, Financial Secretary

Diane Moss was raised in Wall and left the area to attend Clemson University, where she graduated with a BS in Business Management. She lived in Atlanta, Georgia for ten years and worked for the Turner Broadcasting System. She returned to the Jersey Shore four years ago to pursue a career in massage therapy and is currently self- employed in that line of work. Soon after returning to her roots, Diane became a member of our church is currently serving as Moderator of the Board of Deacons. She is also a member of the church staff as our new Financial Secretary.
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