On January 1, 2020, the Rev. Lynn Horan became the first installed female pastor of St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, since its founding in 1760.
After an extensive search process, the congregation voted unanimously in November 2020 to call Rev. Horan as their permanent pastor, after serving as the church’s interim pastor for two years. Church members feel Rev. Horan brings renewed energy and mature theological insight amid today’s politically divisiveness.
A former health policy analyst with the New York State Senate and later family therapist with the Schenectady City Mission, Rev. Horan is deeply committed to her upstate roots, having been born and raised in Guilderland.
“My husband Vince and I are delighted to be raising our family close to our roots in the Capital Region. I am incredibly inspired by the strong ethic of sustainable agriculture, social activism and artistic life that surrounds us in Columbia County. I am grateful to be called to serve in this deeply holy place.” ~Lynn Horan
Founded in 1760, with the current church building erected in 1771, St. Peter’s has been a mainstay of the Austerlitz and Chatham communities.
With a strong history of promoting social justice and equality, St. Peter’s was one of the first integrated churches in the northeast, welcoming its first African-American member, Lilla Van Buren, in 1826.
Today St. Peter’s proudly waves a rainbow flag outside its historic doors, representing the full inclusion of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation. The doors of this small church are never locked, symbolizing the radical welcome that has defined this parish for almost three centuries.
A formal installation service welcoming Rev. Lynn Horan will be held by the Albany Presbytery at St. Peter’s on February 23rd (open to public). More information can be found here.
