Our Staff

Our Staff

Pastor

We are currently searching for the next pastor of Union University Church. Please see our Pastoral Search web page for more information. Here is a link to our history, including a list of the pastors who have served the people of UUC since the church was organized in 1922.

Administrative Secretary

Our Administrative Secretary and Newsletter editor is Rima O’Connor. Rima came to Alfred in 1991 to serve as a librarian at Alfred University, but her interests, skills, and experiences are many and varied. In addition to being a librarian at AU’s Herrick Library and at the Alfred Box of Books, she is a Veterinary Technologist who worked in a veterinary office in the area for several years. As Rima puts it, “I love books and libraries, and all creatures Great and Small!”

Rima is in the church office on Thursdays and Fridays 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Office phone: 607.587.9288. Email: uucalfred@gmail.com.

Musicians

Our pianist since 1996 is Peter O’Conner. Peter has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition and he specializes in jazz piano. Frequently our congregation is treated to a gospel swing postlude. In addition to his work at the church, Peter also  teaches private piano lessons.

Our organist is Laurel Buckwalter. Laurel has a Bachelor of Music in piano, a Master of Science in Education and Carillonneur certification with the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. She and Peter frequently play organ-piano duets for the prelude and at other times in worship. Laurel was a technical specialist in music at Alfred University but is now retired.

Maintenance

Maureen Wilsey is responsible for cleaning the Church and the Church Center, which means not only cleaning the buildings following the typical Sunday use but also maintaining them during the week for the groups that use the Church Center. Maureen has been on staff since August 2022.