We are pleased to welcome The Rev. Matt McGraw to Albany Presbytery as pastor of Delmar Presbyterian Church. Get to know Matt, his family, and the journey that brought them from Texas to the Capital District, and discover what he is most excited about as he begins this new chapter in ministry.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Fort Worth Texas, where I graduated from North Crowley High School. For extracurriculars I played French horn in the band and was involved in Scouting until I attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
My mother was a CT-tech and my father worked for Dannon Yogurt for most of my life. My faith as a child was mostly guided by my love for my Granny who would take me to the Baptist church with her. While in high school I began attending an evangelical church and was very active in the Youth Group, even playing bass for the youth worship band.
After High School I earned my Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. I eventually concentrated on Historical Archaeology and spent significant time researching the ruins of the Chatsworth Plantation sugar mill. Most importantly, I met my wonderful wife Sydney when we happened to sit in the same row in an archeology class. Sydney is a classically trained oil painter and sculptor who has enriched my life with art, tea, love, and companionship.
While in Baton Rouge I found myself spiritually and theologically dissatisfied with my Baptist and Evangelical roots. After spending a year attending the Catholic chapel at LSU and a few years being unchurched, I felt called to visit University Presbyterian Church. As soon as I walked through the doors, I was greeted by Rev. Patti Snyder not knowing that the course of my life was about to dramatically shift.
One evening after a Fellowship Committee meeting, Rev. Betsy Irvine asked if I would be willing to participate in a three-day training retreat with Together Louisiana. It was at this community organizing retreat that I first began to hear God’s call to ministry. I had been working as a bankruptcy paralegal and was at a vocational crossroads. It took me almost a year of quiet conversations with God, Sydney, and Rev. Snyder for me to let go of my reluctance and embrace God’s call.
Not knowing where this call may lead me, I decided to return to my hometown to attend Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. This ecumenical program enabled me to lean into my diverse theological background through engagement with peers from a variety of theological traditions. My Presbyterian formation was enhanced through my work at First Presbyterian Ft. Worth where I served as a Parish Visitor.
This last year has been a whirlwind. In December of 2025 our son, Cyrus, was born three days before I graduated from Brite. After a few weeks of paternity leave, I jumped into Clinical Pastoral Education at a senior living facility in Ft. Worth to complete my final ordination requirements. Over the Summer I began and ended the call process while also participating in the General Assembly as a Theological Student Advisory Delegate. Our little family then made the 1,800 mile move from Ft. Worth to Delmar. While it was a long move, the love and support from everyone in Delmar, Ft. Worth, and Baton Rouge have eased our transition from the South to the Northeast.
Will you share a little about your hobbies with us?
I have a lifelong love of cooking that probably begins with my grandmother’s Sunday meals. From BBQ to soups I enjoy the challenge of trying new recipes and the joy of seeing others eat while I serve as my worst critic. While in Baton Rouge, I put this hobby to work feeding a crowd at LSU football home game as a founder of the Krewe de Kart tailgate.
My other main hobby is watching sports, especially football, baseball, and hockey. My greatest devotion to all things LSU athletics, Geaux Tigers! My other teams are the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and the Buffalo Bills. Despite growing up in Texas, I’ve been a Bills fan for as long as I can remember; I think the colors and buffalo logo appealed to me.
Growing up in scouting instilled a deep love and appreciation of the outdoors. I intend to take full advantage of the natural beauty of Upstate New York to reconnect with God’s creation through hiking, golfing, and maybe even some snowshoeing.
Is there anything in particular that brought you to the Capital District area?
Having spent our entire lives in Texas and Louisiana, Sydney and I discerned at the beginning of the call process that this was the time to explore other parts of the country. Upstate New York was high on our list from prior visits with friends in the area. We really love that the Capital District offers a wonderful balance of access to the outdoors and urban amenities. The people of Delmar Presbyterian and the wider community have embraced us with a kindness that helped assure us that this was where we are meant to be.
What are you most looking forward to in your ministry as pastor at Delmar Presbyterian Church?
I feel incredibly blessed to be called to serve as Pastor of Delmar Presbyterian Church. I look forward to walking alongside the people here through the joys and sorrows of life while seeking to deepen our discipleship with Jesus Christ. Delmar has a strong community that loves and supports one another and I’m excited to continue to foster this chosen family. Christian education is one of my passions so I’m looking forward to finding new ways to connect people with God’s word and the richness of the Reformed tradition.
