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Our minister and our staff

The Board of Trustees is the elected body charged with oversight of the church.

The congregational meeting is the final authority in our church.

Brenda Andre, Sunday Kitchen Supervisor
Serena Andre, Child Care Provider
Claudette Blake, Church Administrator
Marybeth Truran , Director of Religious Education
Randy Fayan, Music Director
Linda Fredette, Secretary
Anthony Gonzalves, Sexton
Arthur Green, Sunday Sexton
Rev. Dan Harper, Minister

Sunday staff

Rev. Dan Harper, Minister

Dan Harper, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, has previously served congregations in Geneva, Illinois; Berkeley, California; and Athol, Massachusetts, where he was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry. He went to theological school at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, and received his undergraduate degree in philosophy at Haverford College near Philadelphia.

Dan has his own Web site and blog: Link.

Director of Religious Education

Marybeth Truran, a Unitarian Universalist lay minister licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is our Director of Religious Education. Marybeth has done graduate work at Episcopal Dinity School in Cambridge, and has experience in youth ministry, pastoral counseling, and religious education. She is also a principal of Bristol Building Redevelopment, New Bedford.

Randy M. Fayan, Music Director

Randy Fayan, a graduate of Brown University, is our amazingly versatile, irrepressible, enthusiastic organist-pianist. He studied classical piano under Linda Jorle and Diana Smirnov. His keyboard work is bright and spirited, and wonderfully varied from classical to jazz, to folk, to modern. He has a background in choral accompaniment, and is also an accomplished performer on the accordion.

Randy has a small Web site with recordings of some of his performances: Link.

Arthur Green, Sunday Sexton

Arthur Green is our friendly Sunday Sexton. With a background as a maintenance mechanic, he's the one who's responsible for opening up the building and making sure everything is ready for the weekly worship services. He also serves as sexton for occasional special events.

Serena Andre, Child Care Provider

Serena is our loving and talented child care provider. Each Sunday, she welcomes infants and toddlers in the "Green Room" in the Parish House. Serena has two children of her own, and lots of experience providing a safe, welcoming place for babies and young children.

Brenda Andre, Sunday Kitchen Supervisor

When you come to Social Hour, the busy woman you see working in the kitchen is likely to be Brenda. She oversees the kitchen on Sunday, and is available to help our Child Care Provider if needed.

 

Weekday staff

Claudette Blake, Church Administrator

Before joining First Unitarian, Claudette Blake worked as program coordinator for Coastline Elderly Services, and before that Director of Administration and Personnel at Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. A graduate of Campbell Business School, Claudette oversees the office and administration of the congregation. She is commissioned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Justice of the Peace.

Linda Fredette, Secretary and Receptionist

When you call First Unitarian, the friendly voice you hear on the phone is likely to be Linda Fredette. In addition to previous experience as a secretary and receptionsist, she has also worked as a potter and a historical interpreter at Plimoth Plantation. Linda is in charge of publishing the church newsletter and weekly order of service.

Anthony Gonzalves, Sexton

With a background in electrical and HVAC work, Tony Gonsalves works part-time as our sexton, overseeing the maintenance of our historic building. He also has a background in other building trades, computers, and industrial processes. His vast store of knowledge and abilities help keep the building and grounds in top operating condition.