Reverend Martha Munson

Minister, First Universalist Church of Rochester, NY
Email: minister@uuroc.org
Phone: 585.325.5092
Office hours: By appointment only

About Reverend Martha Munson

Rev. Martha Munson was born into the Universalist side of the UU family tree, beginning at the Cobblestone Church in Cortland, NY, but grew up mostly on the Unitarian side (before merger) at First Unitarian in Providence, Rhode Island. She graduated from Ithaca College and Andover Newton Theological School near Boston, and was ordained as a minister in the faith 30+ years ago. She then spent 2 years as a hospital chaplain at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, and 10 years serving congregations in Ontario, Canada. In 1992 she moved to western New York, subsequently working with several small congregations in the upstate area. In her last settled position, she served the UU Church of East Aurora for 10 years. Since then, Martha’s ministry has been entirely in interim situations. She served First UU in Syracuse, and also in Youngstown, Ohio, and most recently 2 years (just concluded) at the UU Church of the North Hills, Pittsburgh. It is clear that Martha is ideally suited to work with us during this short but important period as we begin a new church year, with new initiatives and new people. Please join me in welcoming her to our community!

On a personal note, Martha and her spouse, Dave Franke, live in Batavia with his cat.  Dave is a Landscape Architect in private practice.  They have 3 splendid grandchildren: Leo who lives with his parents in Ithaca, and Zoe and Noah who live with theirs in Michigan. Martha says that when she’s “not doing ministry,” she’s tending the garden, enjoying railroad excursions, reading, and (especially in the winter) doing jigsaw puzzles and playing board games. Also from Martha: “Theologically, I call myself a ‘mystical humanist’. I love this free religious tradition of ours and can imagine no higher calling than to devote my life to strengthening our congregations and upholding its principles (as I understand them). I look forward to walking with you in this time while Sally is healing.”

Josiah Armes

Director of Music, First Universalist Church of Rochester, NY
Email: music@uuroc.org
Phone: 585.546.2826 (leave message)
Office hours: Wednesday 9am-12pm, Friday 9am-12pm or by appointment

About Josiah Armes

Josiah Armes is in his first year of studies at the Eastman School of Music, where is he working towards a doctorate in organ performance under the tutelage of David Higgs. He holds degrees in music from Stetson University and Yale University. Prior to coming to Rochester, Josiah resided in Connecticut, where he maintained an active performance schedule in addition to his duties as organist at the Noroton Presbyterian Church of Darien, Connecticut, and assistant organist at St. Joseph’s Parish in Shelton, Connecticut. A passionate supporter of the organ and its music, he is committed to increasing awareness of and support for the ‘King of Instruments’.

 Kris McCarty-White

Office Administrator, First Universalist Church of Rochester, NY
Email: office@uuroc.org
Phone: 585.546.2826
Office Hours: Tuesday- Friday 8:30 am- 2:30 pm

About Kris McCarty-White

Kris has been with First Universalist since 2006. She’s responsible for scheduling building usage, posting website content, communicating announcements, and publishing our weekly electronic newsletter; among other things. She’s happy to field any and all questions- please contact her by phone or email.

Kris lives with her husband, their teenage son, and a puppy of mysterious pedigree. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, crocheting, freelance writing, exercising, and reading.

Brandon Fagan

Sexton, First Universalist Church of Rochester, NY

About Brandon Fagan

Brandon prepares the church for the many events that take place throughout the year, and oversees the housekeeping and maintenance of our building. He also assists with the sound system and provides security when the building is open to the public.

Brandon is a Rochester native who is raising his young son. He enjoys spending time with his family, working on houses, and fixing cars in his spare time.