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After nearly three years without a permanent pastor, Irondequoit Presbyterian Church welcomed the Rev. Gene Fowler last July.
The Rev. Fowler now leads the congregation at 2881 Culver Road.
Reverend Fowler began his ministry in Tennessee, and arrived in Rochester in July 2011 after stints in Indiana, Chicago and St. Louis. He said he already feels at home in his new surroundings.
“It is a very comfortable, welcoming congregation and I believe together we can accomplish a lot of good,” Rev. Fowler said.
Church Elder Jim Tappan headed the search committee tasked with finding a new pastor.
Tappan said the process was painstaking.
“The committee had to prioritize our needs and find someone who could further our current mission while leading us to our vision for the future,” Tappan said. He added that the church leadership was impressed with Fowler’s overall philosophy and his long-term approach to strengthening the church, as well as his experience in the areas of Christian education and emphasis on local mission work and outreach efforts.
Another priority was care of the church’s elderly.
“Our church has an aging congregation. Gene Fowler has demonstrated his commitment to the elderly with hospital and home visits,” Tappan said. “He has written several books on the grieving process, and he is comfortable dealing with all aspects of the lives of his congregation.”
For Fowler, the call from the search committee was a welcome one.
“My wife, Amy, had just been named the new Presbytery leader (executive Presbyter) of the Genesee Valley Presbytery, so we were planning to move to this area,” Rev. Fowler said. “The very first time I spoke with the members of the (Irondequoit Presbyterian) committee, we just hit it off. I knew it would be a good fit for me.”
Like many churches across the country, Irondequoit Presbyterian is experiencing a downturn in attendance, a trend Rev. Fowler believes can be reversed.
“I want to make this church even more inviting and welcoming to all,” Fowler said. “This community has specific needs, particularly in light of the decline of Eastman Kodak. We must be active in reaching out to people, whatever their needs, in this difficult time.”
Transitions in leadership are always challenging for both pastor and congregation, Fowler added, but he says his first few months in Rochester have been a joy.
“My wife and I love it here. I like that the people are so friendly and outgoing,” Fowler said. “They are more straightforward and direct than Midwesterners, and that is refreshing.”
Fowler is also making time to enjoy the area’s cultural offerings, and even has positive things to say about the weather.
“The winter may be cold and snowy, but the summer is wonderful,” Fowler said “I am looking forward to spending many years here.”
After nearly three years without a permanent pastor, Irondequoit Presbyterian Church welcomed the Rev. Gene Fowler last July.
The Rev. Fowler now leads the congregation at 2881 Culver Road.
Reverend Fowler began his ministry in Tennessee, and arrived in Rochester in July 2011 after stints in Indiana, Chicago and St. Louis. He said he already feels at home in his new surroundings.
“It is a very comfortable, welcoming congregation and I believe together we can accomplish a lot of good,” Rev. Fowler said.
Church Elder Jim Tappan headed the search committee tasked with finding a new pastor.
Tappan said the process was painstaking.
“The committee had to prioritize our needs and find someone who could further our current mission while leading us to our vision for the future,” Tappan said. He added that the church leadership was impressed with Fowler’s overall philosophy and his long-term approach to strengthening the church, as well as his experience in the areas of Christian education and emphasis on local mission work and outreach efforts.
Another priority was care of the church’s elderly.
“Our church has an aging congregation. Gene Fowler has demonstrated his commitment to the elderly with hospital and home visits,” Tappan said. “He has written several books on the grieving process, and he is comfortable dealing with all aspects of the lives of his congregation.”
For Fowler, the call from the search committee was a welcome one.
“My wife, Amy, had just been named the new Presbytery leader (executive Presbyter) of the Genesee Valley Presbytery, so we were planning to move to this area,” Rev. Fowler said. “The very first time I spoke with the members of the (Irondequoit Presbyterian) committee, we just hit it off. I knew it would be a good fit for me.”
Like many churches across the country, Irondequoit Presbyterian is experiencing a downturn in attendance, a trend Rev. Fowler believes can be reversed.
“I want to make this church even more inviting and welcoming to all,” Fowler said. “This community has specific needs, particularly in light of the decline of Eastman Kodak. We must be active in reaching out to people, whatever their needs, in this difficult time.”
Transitions in leadership are always challenging for both pastor and congregation, Fowler added, but he says his first few months in Rochester have been a joy.
“My wife and I love it here. I like that the people are so friendly and outgoing,” Fowler said. “They are more straightforward and direct than Midwesterners, and that is refreshing.”
Fowler is also making time to enjoy the area’s cultural offerings, and even has positive things to say about the weather.
“The winter may be cold and snowy, but the summer is wonderful,” Fowler said “I am looking forward to spending many years here.”
