Glen Ridge Congregational Church 

Reverend John Sampson, Designated Senior Minister

May 12, 2025

I am pleased to announce that the Reverend John Sampson has begun as the Designated Senior Minister at Glen Ridge Congregational Church.  The decision to extend a call to Pastor John was based on the unanimous recommendation of the Interim Search Committee and full endorsement of the Church Council. 

Pastor John’s Call Agreement as a Designated Senior Minister will be for two years.  The Congregation will begin a search for a Settled Minister in about a year in accordance with our By-Laws.  If, at that time, both Reverend Sampson and the Congregation agree, he will be able to be a candidate for the Settled Minister position. The Council viewed this use of the category “Designated” as positive for both the Church and Reverend Sampson, giving all of us some stability for at least two years – and longer, if God so leads us all.

The Reverend John Sampson grew up in northern New Jersey, always living within sight of the skyline of Manhattan.  And though he has lived in northern New York State for many years, he still considers New Jersey his heart home.

John graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BA in Liberal Arts, St. John’s College with an MA in Eastern Classics and from Union Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity.

Before becoming a pastor, John worked in management consulting and financial services. John did not grow up in an especially religious household; however, in his 30s he felt God’s call to join First Congregational Church in Montclair where he was baptized.

Outside of church, John is an avid hiker, reader and art lover. John is extremely excited to be offered the role of Designated Senior Minister of Glen Ridge Congregational Church, and he believes this call is filled with God’s blessing and promise.  Pastor John may be reached directly at pastorgrcc@glenridgecong.org.

Sherry Brabham 

Sherry Brabham, Church Council Moderator

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 the pastor. 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