Pastor Emeritus - Reverend Thomas T. Patterson

Pastor Emeritus - Reverend Thomas T.  Patterson

Tom served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ogdensburg for 34 years, from 1966-2000.   He received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his Master’s in Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary.  Under his leadership the church participated in many ecumenical endeavors, including the first ever wedding in an Ogdensburg Protestant Church where a Catholic priest participated.  The church saw its endowment grow from $50,000  to $500,000 during Tom's tenure.  Planned Parenthood was invited to operate within the church and later in the building next door once the church purchased that property and the building was erected.  The installation of an elevator for handicapped access and the addition housing Ruth's Room were major building improvements made while Tom was pastor.

Tom has been committed to the Ogdensburg community as well as the First Presbyterian Church for many years.  He has served on a variety of boards including the hospital, hospital Foundation, school district,  Boys and Girls Club, City Charter Commission and Hospice.  He is an enthusiastic skier and loves snowy winters.  He also enjoys canoeing, kayaking and living on the St. Lawrence River.  He is happy to be in Ogdensburg during retirement, among many long time friends and colleagues.  Between them Tom and his wife Lin have 5 children and 7 grandchildren. 

As seen through the eyes of an 11 year old skier this winter Tom is "awesome".  A young neighbor says he is very smart and "old school" guy with life lessons to teach the young.  What more could anyone ask for than that? 

The church is pleased that Tom and his wife Lynn have remained active in the life of the congregation, they are certainly an important part of not only this history but of the present church family.