Rev. Drew Hanson
Pastor
Drew became the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in May 2018. He and his wife, Cassie, drove to Quincy from Los Angeles. Drew is from San Diego and graduated from Occidental College (where he and Cassie met) with a BA in biology, but felt the pull to ministry during his senior year. Drew received a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2015 and served in two Presbyterian churches during and after seminary in Los Angeles before the call to Quincy.
When Pastor Drew is not working, you can find him hiking in the Blue Hills, walking his lovely three-legged rescue dog, Ruth, tending to his vegetable garden, watching sports, training for a Spartan race (pray for him!), or reading with a good, fairtrade cup of coffee. When he gets the opportunity, he also enjoys fishing, kayaking, kayak fishing, golfing, and traveling.
Jessi Killilea
Director of Family Ministries
Jessi Killilea joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in July 2020. In addition to being a long time attendee of the church, Jessi brings her knowledge of education and leadership to our programs. After working in the field of Early Childhood Education, she became a stay at home mom of twin boys. Among our family programs are weekly Sunday School for kids and youth, monthly Junior Bible Study for elementary school children, Youth Group, Kid Fun, Parenting groups, annual church-wide events. At First Presbyterian Church of Quincy, we strive to be an inclusive church, providing an environment where everyone feels welcome.
When not at church, Jessi spends time volunteering at her children’s school. The family can often be found hiking trails to find waterfalls, and experience nature firsthand. Jessi was recently elected to the Board of Library Trustees in Stoneham. Along with 2 eight year old boys, our family has 2 cats Bentley and Grizz. The Killilea family moved to Stoneham in 2016, and are all very happy to have a strong connection to Quincy.
Allen Thomas
Director of Music
Allen Thomas joined First Presbyterian Church in the early 1990’s. He earned his MA in organ performance at Boston University. As Director of Music, he selects hymns for congregational singing, special numbers, and anthems for the choirs. He has developed youth and children’s choirs during his tenure here. Allen also directs a yearly Gospel concert and variety show. The choir has also started an outreach program by singing at venues outside the church. In July of 2021, a handbell choir will begin rehearsing adding another musical group to our church’s roster. In addition to his work with music, Allen chairs the Worship Committee, sits on the Membership and Community Engagement Committee, and has traveled on mission trips to Bangladesh. Allen also teaches private music lessons, performs as an accompanist for community and educational theatre productions, and teaches at Suffolk University. Allen and his wife, Janan, live in Abington.
Karen Keenan
Office Administrator
Karen is in the church office Monday – Thursday, from 11 am until 3 pm. Come in and say Hello!
Karen joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in April 2017. Karen and her husband Leo have been friends of First Presbyterian for many years. Leo sings with the Quincy Choral Society along with several members of our church, and he joins the First Presbyterian Choir occasionally. They attended concerts and supported our Bangladesh mission trips long before Karen started working here.
The position of office administrator was a perfect fit. Karen has degrees in Accounting and Applied Business Management, and has served as a parish administrator/administrative assistant at two other churches. When Karen joined the staff in 2017, the church was going through a pastoral transition. Her confidence and ability to multi-task helped make everything run as smoothly as possible.
When Karen is not working, she loves spending time with family, swimming at the Y, reading, and creating delectable treats! She and Leo also love to travel, and they try to go someplace new and exciting every year. Still on their bucket list is a cruise down the Nile.
Dan Clarke
President of the Corporation
