Glen Ridge Congregational Church 

Reverend Rusty Eidmann-Hicks, Bridge Minister

Rev. Rusty Eidmann-Hicks is grateful to be stepping in as Bridge pastor at GRCC this fall, though he is sorry for your loss of Jeff Mansfield’s fine ministry. Rusty has been ordained for 42 years and in the NJ Association for thirty-six years. He is married to Rev. Martha Eidmann-Hicks, who served as Associate Minister at Glen Ridge Cong from 1988 to 1992. (Martha is now in private practice as a Marriage & Family Therapist in Monmouth County. Their daughter, Suzie, is working for PBS and developing an independent film series in Los Angeles CA.)

Rusty served as the Associate (Youth) Minister at Christ Church in Summit for three years. Rusty then pastored Holmdel Community UCC for 27 years and retired from there in 2018. During his tenure, the Holmdel church’s worship attendance tripled in size, an active youth group formed, successful outreach projects developed, and the church completed a major building campaign.

He was a religion & drama major at Trinity College in Hartford, CT and has an MDiv degree from Yale Divinity School. He is also a Dharma Teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen. He has been the chair of the Pre-Ordination Commission of the NJ Association and is now serving as its President. He has a long association with GRCC and is a fan of its superb ministry, music, and leadership.

Thomas Mustachio, Minister of Music

A native of New Jersey, Thomas Mustachio completed his undergraduate work (Piano Performance & Music Education) and graduate work (Choral Conducting) at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. He has performed as a vocalist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and The Philadelphia Academy of Music. 

From 1993 to 2008 Mr. Mustachio resided in the Twin Cities as Minister of Music of historic First Congregational Church of Minnesota (Minneapolis). From 1998 to 2008 he served as Music Supervisor and Resident Music Director of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minnesota, the largest professional dinner theatre in the country. 

Career highlights include twice being named Twin Cities’ “Outstanding Music Director” for productions of West Side Story and Hair, and spending a summer playing piano on the Crystal Symphony cruise ship. Mustachio has music directed and/or accompanied over 50 theatrical productions and appears on three original cast recordings in the hit Nunsense series. One of his favorite opportunities was to partner with the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization of New York to create the score (vocal and dance arrangements; orchestrations) for the new stage version of Irving Berlin’s Easter Parade.

Mustachio returned to New Jersey during the summer of 2008. In January 2009 he was appointed Minister of Music of Glen Ridge Congregational Church, leading a music program that consists of choral and handbell choirs for all ages. He is also Music Director of the Glen Ridge Choral Society, works as a freelance service accompanist for several North Jersey synagogues, and has a roster of private music students. He is a published author and composer.

Tyra Brown,Director of Children's Ministry

A 23-year resident of Glen Ridge, Tyra Brown became the Director of Children's Ministry for Glen Ridge Congregational Church in August of 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Viola Performance from Manhattan School of Music, as well as certificates in teaching yoga from Starseed (in Montclair) and floral design from the New York Botanical Garden. Tyra currently works as the Building Administrator at Pilgrim Preschool, where she will continue to spend her mornings assisting the director, staff and children.

Tyra and her family have been very active in Glen Ridge Congregational Church since arriving in Glen Ridge. Tyra, or Mrs. Brown as the children refer to her, was the Joyful Noise Choir Director for 11 years and a Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher for 12 years. Over the years, she has assisted with various Children and Youth activities and events, such as One-Room Schoolhouses, Advent Workshops, and youth Easter celebrations. She has served on the GRCC Council as the Chairs of both the Children & Youth and Worship ministries. Tyra has chaired the GRCC Women’s Association Rummage Sale for 5 years and has volunteered in the toy department for the past 20 years. Swing by the next rummage sale and you might see her there!

 Tyra looks forward to working with the teachers, parents, children, and congregation to continue growing the youth programs at GRCC. She is excited to explore the path forward with Pastor Jeff on our faith journey together.

Karen Nisenson, Director of the Pilgrim Preschool and Pre-K Teacher

Karen has been a dedicated teacher at Pilgrim Preschool since 2008 and was recently appointed as Director replacing Mary Duus who retired after 14 years at the helm. One of Karen’s greatest pleasures is fostering the joy of learning and love of nature in young children. Watching children find their creative and independent voice is a special privilege. Karen has a BFA from Hartford Art School and has worked as a graphic designer in publishing and advertising in NYC. 

After raising her family, Karen returned to the classroom to become certified by the State of New Jersey to teach both General Education and Special Education. Karen also holds an Orton-Gillingham Therapist  credential which she uses both in the classroom and in her private practice.   The Nisenson family has called Glen Ridge home since 1988.

Support Staff

Alicia Harrison, Office Administrator

Octavio Morales, Part-time Sexton

Vernon Oliver, Part-time Sexton 

Erika Loayza, Part-time Sexton