On March 25, 2018 FPCHF members welcomed the Reverend Kirk Baker to become the next pastor of FPCHF. He began his formal role as the minister to the congregation and the community that Easter Sunday on April 1. Pastor Kirk likes to say that April Fool’s Day, the joke was on the congregation!
Kirk’s Story
Pastor Kirk grew up in Penn Yan and is a graduate of The University of Rochester, where he received a BA in English. He spent four years (1988-1992) as a tentmaking missionary teaching English at the University Level in the People’s Republic of China. It was in China that he married his wife Jen.
Upon returning to the United States Kirk was Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County, a medium-sized nonprofit community based organization, while he supported Jen’s studies and completion of her Certificate in Public Accounting.
In 2002, he entered Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School while working on staff at area churches to enhance his studies. An integral part of that preparation was the chaplaincy program at Strong Memorial Hospital. Kirk sometimes teaches as an Adjunct Instructor at Crozer Divinity, Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan College, and has completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in Higher Education at Syracuse University with the exception of his dissertation.
Kirk’s wife Jen works at the University of Rochester and has been active in vocal and bell choirs in different churches, including Honeoye Falls. They now live nearby in Henrietta and were happy to welcome their two adult children back to the area from New York City and Boston. They have two grandchildren, who are a big part of their lives.
Contact him: [email protected]
Usual Office Hours:
Tue: 10am-6pm
Wed: 10am-6pm
Thur 10am-2pm
*Pastor Kirk’s office hours change frequently based on his obligations. Though he is a hands-on pastor who believes in forging strong bonds with the community, he’s more than happy to meet with you during or outside his regular hours. Please email him at the above address if you would like to schedule a meeting.