The First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich Welcomes New Senior Pastor, Reverend Patrick Collins

The First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich is pleased to announce the permanent installation of Reverend Patrick Collins as its new Senior Pastor on Sunday, February 23^rd, 2020. This is an exciting chapter in the life of First Church, the founding church of Greenwich, which turns 355 years old this year.

A Nebraska native, Reverend Collins was raised in the Catholic tradition and enrolled in parochial schools. Patrick received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Two years later, he earned a Masters’ in Counseling and Sport Psychology from the University of Missouri, which allowed him to combine his interests in psychology and sports. Not able to find employment where he could apply his training in Sports Psychology, Patrick accepted a position as Director of Youth Ministries at Countryside Community Congregational Church in Omaha, Nebraska. In seven years, starting with about ten students, he expanded the program to over one hundred kids and their families. One of the highlights of these years was taking his youth groups to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to work with the Native American tribes there. Witnessing the incredible poverty of their living conditions made a lasting impression on Patrick.

During those early years, a small but persistent voice in the back of Reverend Collins’ mind kept suggesting that he take a look at a career in ministry. He eventually enrolled at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. Upon graduating with a Masters’ Degree in Divinity with honors, Patrick sought an opportunity to serve in a large church with multiple staff members. He responded to the call for and accepted the position of Associate Pastor at First Church in 2016.

Patrick has a vision for the future of First Church: building a community grounded, as he says, “in open, inclusive and thought-provoking faith that seeks innovative ways to inspire people to live in the fullness of our shared humanity and promotes deep spiritual growth.” Reverend Collins has already brought unique opportunities for anyone to experience the welcoming nature of First Church. The Church hosts community-wide events such as the annual Trunk or Treat, Lenten theme-based community dinners throughout the year, and mid-week Holy C.O.W. (Church on Wednesday) during the months with an extra Wednesday.

Patrick is married to Kate, a physical therapist, and they have three boys, Emmett, Micah, and Jonah, and a daughter, Norah. The Collins family has become deeply involved in the Old Greenwich/Riverside community since their arrival in 2016. Patrick has coached flag football and baseball and is a Den Leader in Cub Scout Den 3 and Kate has served in numerous volunteer roles at the Old Greenwich Elementary School.