Who We Are

First Presbyterian Church was established in 1784 when the area was still part of the Town of Southeast in Dutchess County. The church filed incorporation papers with the State of New York in 1806 – we are proudly celebrating the bicentennial this year. This congregation is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA, and is a part of the Synod of the Northeast and the Presbytery of the Hudson River.

First Presbyterian Church is part of the historic Reformed tradition. Presbyterians understand the Bible to be the essential rule of faith and practice. They believe that God exists in the trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that Christ is the Son of God, the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity; and that the church is the Body of Christ in the world. Education is stressed by Presbyterians - both for the ministry and the laity. Presbyterians believe that the Holy Spirit constantly enlightens truth, and thus they admit different understandings of the historical confessions of faith. Ultimately, every Presbyterian must find a personal understanding of faith through study, contemplation, and worship. A very important principle is that "God alone is Lord of the conscience."

Presbyterians emphasize active participation for all members and democratic church leadership. Presbyterians follow a stated, although not strict, liturgy in services of worship, which includes thoughtful reading and interpretation of scriptures, prayer, and the sacraments of baptism and holy communion.

First Presbyterian Church is an inclusive, caring community of faith committed to loving God, loving neighbor as self, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with all people through worship, fellowship, and service.

Our Pastor

Reverend Kenneth Harvey Mast has served as Pastor since 1988. In the Mahopac community, he is an active member with: Mahopac Clergy Association; Mahopac Falls Fire Department (Protestant Chaplain); CROP Walk; and Habit for Humanity (Board of Directors).

He is a member of the Presbytery of Hudson River Committee of Ministry, and also reads ordination examinations for the denomination. Prior to coming to Mahopac, Rev Mast taught in Japan and China, and served a congregation in Schenectady, New York. He graduated from Hobart College and Princeton Theological Seminary.

Our Music Director

Armed with a Master’s Degree in music, Marcia Slater has made music her life. For many years she was pianist/assistant conductor for the Taghanic Chorale; played and conducted music for a local opera company; and was musical director/pianist for numerous community theatre productions for more than 20 years.

In addition to being the Music Director of First Presbyterian Church, she is the director/pianist with Yorktown Stage. Marcia thoroughly enjoys her affiliation with the church as well as with her students at her piano studio in Yorktown, and the numerous opportunities to accompany soloists in concert.

Spare moments are devoted to her art. Painting in acrylics and sculpting in metal and marble allow another expression of her dealing with life experience. A metal piece may be seen at the entrance of the main door at The Atrium at RAE Park in Peekskill.