Reverend Ed Hawkins earned his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, Michigan) while a member here at First Reformed Church of Fishkill. Pastor Ed was ordained in our own sanctuary in 2010, before serving as Senior Pastor at The Second Reformed Church in Little Falls, New Jersey for 14 years. While in New Jersey he served twice as President of the Classis of Passaic Valley, and once as Vice-President, and established the Ministry Extension Foundation to help congregations establish new ministries. He is a certified transitional minister and rejoined the family of First
Reformed Church of Fishkill as Pastor in 2014.
Pastor Ed grew up in Pennsylvania, where he attended the University of Pennsylvania (BSEE, MBA). He worked as an engineer and project manager at IBM before his call into full time ministry. He and his wife Brenda returned to the Hudson Valley in 2023 and live in Plattekill. Pastor Ed & Brenda have a son and two grandsons in Virginia and two grandsons in the Hudson Valley. They enjoy exploring the Hudson Valley, hiking, and meeting new people on their travels throughout the area.
Members of the Church Leadership
Elders
Celeste Rudberg
Vice President of Consistory
Karen Twohig
Janie Koopmans
John Twohig
John Houston
Brenda Smith-Cliffe
Deacons
John Hansen
Kathleen Spencer
Paul Smith
Shunta Garcia-Cantella
Clerk of Consistory
Linda Baron
Office Administrator
Carolyn Cordoni
Treasurer
Roy Carruthers
Choir Director
Janie Koopmans
Music Director
Christine Johannsen
Children’s Community Services Director
Barbara VanVoorhis
Roles of Elders & Deacons
The Elders support the spiritual life of the church have supervision of the church in all matters and seek to be sure that conduct conforms with the Word of God. They ensure that the minister’s preaching and teaching is in accord with Scripture, assist with their good counsel, make visitations, and guard the sacraments.
The Deacons are a ministry of mercy, service and outreach. They receive and distribute contributions under consistory’s direction to ensure that gifts contributed for the benefit of the poor are distributed with discretion. They often visit and comfort those in material need.
We are grateful to be a part of a congregation that has a long history in the center of our community. Both our church congregations and our buildings have a long legacy.
Visit this page to learn more about our history.
Visit this link to visit the Library of Congress print and photographic catalogue listing for our church.
