PASTOR: Rev. Christopher J. McCloskey
Christopher was born in Ohio to two Michiganders, Tim and Jean, and is the eldest of three brothers, Andrew and Daniel. At a young age his family relocated to the Connecticut shore where he grew up in the small town of Guilford. Christopher’s childhood and young adulthood were hugely shaped by his involvement in the church and in scouting.
Christopher was raised in the First Presbyterian Church in New Haven, CT where he was confirmed and was eventually ordained as an elder.
Christopher is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society.
During high school, Christopher fully embraced his love of singing that began in church. He joined his high school choir and was accepted into the select choir in his sophomore year. He also performed of musical theater productions including South Pacific and Hello Dolly.
After High school, Christopher attended Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts where he met his wife, Susan while they were both working on a musical production. Christopher also discovered his love of ballroom dance during this time.
His desire to better understanding the human mind and passion for history, led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy with a minor in Ancient Civilizations. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2013 having been inducted into Psi Chi (the International Honor Society for Psychology), Phi Sigma Tau (the National Honor Society for Philosophy), and Phi Beta Kappa.
Christopher received a call to ministry during his undergraduate education at Clark University and enrolled in Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey where he earned his Masters of Divinity in 2016.
He was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on October 1st, 2016 in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and began his first call a couple days later on October 8th as an installed Pastor at the Brockway Presbyterian Church in Brockway, PA where he faithfully served for over 6 years.
Christopher was called to The First Reformed Church of Scotia and began serving as Pastor in April 2023.
With a song in his heart and a jig in his step, Christopher’s ministry focuses on sharing Christ’s love with the world, and building a welcoming faith community that fosters personal and communal spiritual growth.
Pastor Christopher’s email: pastorchristopher@firstreformedscotia.org
ORGANIST: Alfred “Al” Fedak
Al joined the FRCS staff in June 2021, after serving for 31 years as Minister of Music and Arts at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Capitol Hill in Albany. Prior to his service to Westminster, he and his wife Susan served for 15 years as Ministers of Music at Reformed Churches in Pompton Lakes and Somerville, New Jersey.
A graduate of Hope College where he earned degrees in Organ and Music History, Al also holds a Masters degree in Organ Performance from Montclair State University. He pursued further study at Westminster Choir College and Eastman School of Music, as well as at the Institute for European Studies in Vienna, Austria, and at the first Cambridge Choral Studies Seminar at Clare College, Cambridge University, England. He holds Fellowship and Choir Master certificates from the American Guild of Organists: his grade on the AGO’s Fellowship paperwork remains the highest ever recorded on that demanding, 7-hour examination since the founding of the Guild in 1896. In March, 2021 he was awarded a Fellowship Diploma in Composition from the Three Counties School of Music, University of Gloucestershire (UK).
A prizewinning composer, Al has published over 300 compositions for organ and voices, and his more than 100 hymn tunes appear in hymnals and collections throughout the English-speaking world and Asia. He served on the editorial committees that produced two denominational hymnals: the RCA’s SING! A NEW CREATION and the Presbyterian hymnal GLORY TO GOD. Harvard University described him as being “widely regarded as one of the greatest living composers of original hymn tunes.”
Al has performed and lectured throughout the continental US, and as a soloist, accompanist, or church musician, has performed in 11 foreign countries. Locally, he has appeared as organist, pianist, or harpsichordist with nearly every classical music ensemble in the Capital Region, including Albany Pro Musica, Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, Mohawk Valley Chorus, Musicians of Ma’alwyck, Capitol Chamber Artists, Catskill Brass, Empire State Youth Orchestra, and two Grammy®-winning ensembles: the Albany Symphony and the Canadian Brass. He serves as Accompanist and Composer-in-Residence for the Hudson-Mohawk Chorale (directed by Sue Fedak), is Organist/Choir Director at Albany’s Congregation Beth Emeth, and teaches organ at SUNY Schenectady.
Al is a Past Dean of the Eastern NY Chapter of the AGO, a member of the Guild’s national Board of Examiners, and is a Life Member of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & KIDS HOPE: Diana Ackner
Diana and her husband John have been members of FRCS for over 30 years. Together they have been involved in many aspects of church life including music ministry and Sunday school. Their daughter Grace is also very involved in church activities and particularly loves going to Camp Fowler, her home away from home. Diana was a music teacher in the Guilderland school district for 30+ years and brings a vast amount of experience to her job at First Reformed Church of Scotia. She also brings much experience working with special needs children to her job. This is a passion for her both at Guilderland schools and at home taking care of Grace who has Down Syndrome. Other than music, Diana also enjoys taking ballet and tap with her daughter Grace and making scrapbooks for her.
Diana’s email: education@firstreformedscotia.org
CHURCH MANAGER: Vicki Hayner
Vicki began her service to FRCS as Church Manager in 2022. Previously, she has served as a Church Administrator for a church in Clifton Park. Vicki feels working here is like “coming home.” She has been a member of West Glenville Reformed Church for over 40 years and have served not only her church but also the Regional Synod of Albany and Schenectady Classis in a number of capacities.
Vicki’s email is: churchmanager@firstreformedscotia.org
SEXTON: Paul Retersdorf
Paul is our Sexton. Paul worked at The Costumer for over 30 years as the Maintenance and Shipping Manager, and therefore brings with him decades of knowledge and experience. Paul is kind, enthusiastic, and a team player. He supports some of his elderly neighbors, and enjoys spending time with his boxer puppy, Gracie. In his free time he enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, and refinishing furniture.
Paul’s email: sexton@firstreformedscotia.org