The Reverend Dennis W. Jones began his ministry as the nineteenth pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge on May 11, 2009.

A native of Basking Ridge, Dennis attended Boston College, graduated from the University of Delaware in 1984, and returned to his hometown to become a police officer. Dennis was often referred to as “Father” by his fellow officers because of the philosophy with which he approached his job. Upon hearing God’s call to become a pastor, Dennis studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Divinity, and was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1990.

He began his ministry as an associate pastor with a focus on youth and their families in Charlotte, NC at the Sardis Presbyterian Church. In 1993, Dennis returned to New Jersey to serve in a similar role here at BRPC for six years. In 1999 Dennis was called to become the pastor of Alexandria First Presbyterian Church in Milford, NJ, where he served for ten years. Dennis was called to return home to BRPC in 2009 and serves as pastor and head of staff.

Dennis is married to Emily, and their daughter is Teresa.

Maureen was privileged to grow up in a Christian home and blessed to be part of a church family.

After high school, she began a study of Divinity at St. Andrews University in Scotland.  Through her participation in a Prison Fellowship group that ministered to young inmates, she felt called to ordained ministry.  After being selected for ministry by the Church of Scotland and graduation from St. Andrews, Maureen completed two years of post graduate work at the University of Edinburgh.  During that time, she gained valuable skills for ministry through her work alongside a chaplain in a general hospital.

After serving in a one year student internship in Aberdeen, NC, Maureen served as Associate Pastor for Christian Education and Youth in Raeford, NC for over six years, as well as in various positions within the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina. In September 2007, Maureen joined the staff of The Presbyterian church of Basking Ridge as the Director of Youth and Education. In May 2009, Maureen received her Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia with a focus in Christian Spirituality.

After serving for three years as Director of Youth and Education, the congregation of The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge called Dr. Paterson as Associate Pastor in September 2010.

Maureen and her husband Ian have three sons, Gregor, Angus and Callum, and a daughter, Isla.

Kate grew up in nearby Berkeley Heights and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Saint Elizabeth’s University and a master’s in school counseling at the University of Saint Joseph. She completed the Certificate in Youth & Theology through the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Seminary in April, 2025.

She is a certified counselor and worked for 15 years with high school students in the field of college admissions. Kate worked as an admissions counselor at both Drew University and the University of South Carolina before starting her own college advising business, Balboni College Advising. She also has experience serving as a learning coach for Southern New Hampshire University. In addition, Kate is a trustee for the Foundation of the Long Hill Township Public Library and is an active volunteer with the Matchlighters Scholars Program.

Kate lives in Gillette with her husband Dan, their children Gabe and Gemma, and their dog, Doyle.

Stacy oversees the ministries to children from birth through 5th grade, and their families.

She joined our staff in July 2018, with 13 years as a Christian nursery school teacher, organizing and managing events including annual carnivals, open houses, and harvest festivals. In addition Stacy is a gifted artist, having created and administered her own art program for the nursery school. Stacy has also written the curriculum and served as the director for Vacation Bible Schools.

Chris joined our staff in April 2015. At the age of four, he began improvising at the piano and hasn’t stopped since, performing, composing and arranging in styles from Classical and Jazz to Pop and Rock. Following his studies at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, Chris continued to pursue sacred music, both ancient and modern, and for over two decades has directed and transformed music experiences in New Jersey churches. He also remains an active teacher, a passionate singer, a sought-after accompanist in local schools, and a strong leader in the world of church music.

Nathan is currently completing his studies in Choral Music Education at The College of New Jersey, where he was a Conducting Fellow for both the Princeton Boychoir and Hopewell Valley Chorus. He has also performed in concerts at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and NJPAC.

He grew up here in Basking Ridge and has fond memories of his yearly piano recitals in Westminster Hall. He attended Ridge High School and sang in their A Cappella Choir. At the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, he was able to explore what would become a lifelong passion for music through singing in the Children’s Choir, playing in the Bell Choir, acting in biblical summer shows, and participating in Vacation Bible School.

Cara joined our staff as the pastoral administrative assistant in August, 2009 and was promoted into the role of Church Administrator and Treasurer in 2021. She works closely with the Board of Trustees, and manages the care and maintenance of the church facilities and grounds, including our historic church cemetery. Cara oversees the church’s financial and administrative policies and procedures, serves as Human Resources manager for both the church and Tree House staff and supervises the church support staff, including the church administrative assistants, assistant treasurer and sextons. Cara has been a member of BRPC since 1986 and is an ordained deacon and Basking Ridge resident.

She works Monday through Thursday 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Janîce (pronounced Janeese) wears several hats! She maintains the church membership database and the master calendar, including processing room use requests. She provides administrative support to our education ministries spanning newborn to adult programs, our music ministry, and the new member welcoming team.

Janîce joined the staff in 2017.  She works Monday through Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm

Lisa provides support to our clergy, program staff, the Clerk of Session and council/committee members as appropriate. Her’s is often the first voice one hears when calling our office to reach a pastor in a time of need. Her primary responsibilities are preparation of worship bulletins, prayer list, weekly email communication and supporting the administrative needs of the pastors. Contact Lisa with requests for bulletin announcements, and to schedule baptisms and weddings.

Lisa joined the staff in 2022. She works Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am—4:00 pm.

As our communication coordinator Gary’s primary responsibility is producing our live streamed worship, maintaining the church’s website, and our social network platforms. He supports the communication needs of all councils, with a special focus on the work of the Stewardship Committee and Welcoming Team.

If you want the word to get out – ask Gary!

Gary joined the team in 2013. He is in the office Monday through Thursday 11am to 4pm.

As our Administrative Assistant Cheryl welcomes and assists all who call or come into the church office. She provides administrative support to the Assistant Treasurer, office staff and church councils, and partners with the Church Administrator in maintaining cemetery and insurance records.

Cheryl joined the team in 2022. She works Monday through Thursday 9am—2pm.

Liz joined the church staff following a life-time of church volunteer service. As Assistant Treasurer, she is responsible for processing all payments, and recording all income. She prepares financial reports for the Trustees, and maintains all of our church financial records.

Liz joined the staff in 2013. She works Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-4pm.

David serves several roles on the staff. During the week he cares for the church buildings and grounds. On Sunday, and for special services including funerals and weddings, David serves as our Worship Sexton, preparing the sanctuary and assisting the clergy. He also leads our worship service recording team.

David joined the staff in 1999.  He works Monday through Friday 7 am – noon; Sunday from 7:30 am to noon; and special services as needed.

Paul’s primary focus is the care and maintenance of the Church House and grounds. He prepares the building to meet the needs of staff, members, and outside groups who use the space.

Paul joined the team in 2017. He works Monday through Thursday 11am until 3pm.