Dr. William E. Boylan, Sr. Pastor: Rev. William Boylan, a native of Ipswich and a graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, was called to the pastorate in 1969. A man of strong evangelical faith, he changed the church’s theological direction from the mainline liberal approach to the more strictly Biblical concepts characteristic of earlier days. Although not all members were prepared to accept this change, the net result was unprecedented growth and strength. Since his arrival, Pastor Boylan has seen numerous programs develop, both in the church and in its outreach. Building programs have given the Church the much larger meetinghouse, a new parsonage and an expanded Parish House.
Rev. Daniel R Ledwith Pastor of Administration & Church Ministries: He has been married 20 years to his wife Mandi and is the proud father of three girls. Dan is the
Author of Rest in the Shadow of the Almighty
Co-author of Forgiveness is Tremendous!
Founder of Living Grace & Truth Ministries
Education and Background:
Gordon College, B.A. Biblical and Theological Studies
Reformed Theological Seminary, M.A. Theological Studies Princeton Theological Seminary, M.Div. Biblical and Theological Studies 2002-2008 First Parish Congregational Church, Wakefield, MA
Associate Pastor of Christian Education
Listed in the Cambridge Who’s Who 2007-2008 edition. Favorite Bible Verse:
Isaiah 55:2 (NIV) Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
My Passions:
My ministry passion is to help to renew and encourage the Church through embracing the call to be full of grace and truth (John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Favorite Destination:
Orlando, Florida.
Favorite Sports Team:
New England Patriots
Hobbies:
I enjoy a fine cigar such as a Padrón Anniversario.
I love to read.
I am a Jonathan Edwards freak.
Drawing, painting.
Cooking
Watching movies
TV: NCIS, Fringe, Chuck, Leverage, Psych, Burn Notice
Favorite thing about Byfield Parish Church:
The is so much I could say…..but the pot lucks are AMAZING!!!!!
James MacDonald Director of Christian Ed & Youth Ministries: Jim is a native of Newton, MA and has been married to Joyce for 36 years. Together they have five children, one boy and four girls, and two wonderful grandsons. He has spent the majority of his professional career involved in Christian Education at the collegiate level, although he has served on the Board of the local Christian school attended by his children when the family lived in Beaver Falls, PA.
Education and Background:
BA – Clark University, majored in History
EdM – Boston University, concentration in educational administration and Social education
MBA – Bentley College, concentration in Marketing/Management
MA – Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary – focus on Church History
Ministry Passion:
I love to teach. It is the joy of my life to see how the truth of God’s Word can transform lives. My ministry passion is to train and equip the next generation of Christian leaders so that they in turn can minister to the children of our congregation and community in order that they will respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. My goal is to inspire both leaders and children so that they desire to find ways to serve Christ in their daily lives and have a passion for sharing their faith with others. This can only be accomplished as we each continue to learn what it means to follow Jesus day by day.
Robert Lathrop, Music Director: Bob Lathrop has been Music Director at Byfield Parish Church since 1995. He is employed full time at Triton Regional High School where he directs the school’s mixed choir, Women’s Select Choir, and Jazz Choir as well as the Middle School Select Choir. In addition he teaches Guitar and Sound Recording Technology classes. Bob graduated from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Education degree. He also completed coursework leading to a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Connecticut where he served on staff as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. For many years, Bob served as Music Director at Camp Wightman in southern Connecticut. Before coming to Byfield, he held the position of Music Director at churches in Mansfield, Connecticut, and Lynn, Massachusetts. He has been invited to adjudicate choral festivals and All-State auditions, and his groups have consistently scored superior ratings at state and national festivals. In 2001, his middle school Select Choir was
invited to perform at Boston’s Symphony Hall, and in 2003, the Triton Women’s Select Choir was invited to perform at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Bob lives with his wife Merri-Lynn, sons Wesley and Jeremy, and dog Tilly in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He is an avid sports fan.
Organist/Accompanist Holly Libert: A lifelong resident of Rowley, MA, Holly Libert became the Byfield Parish Church organist/accompanist in 2002 at age 18. She was 5 years old when her family acquired a free used piano, clearly provided by God to reveal her musical gifts. Already a motivated, home-schooled student, Holly started formal piano lessons at age 6. She accompanied her first church service at age 11 on Thanksgiving eve, and by age 15 was a professional “per diem” substitute accompanist for BPC and several other area churches. At that time Holly began to receive private organ instruction, first from her piano teacher Mrs. Holly Simons, then from Dr. Roy Brunner of Gordon College. Dr. Brunner encouraged Holly to consider attending Gordon College. Upon completion of her high school studies at Libert Home Academy, Holly was accepted at Gordon as an organ performance major. She entered in the fall of 2002, continued serving as the BPC organist/accompanist all through school, and graduated magna cum laude in May, 2006. She can now keep up her musical responsibilities without the stress of course work.
Holly has also worked outside of Byfield Parish Church as an accompanist under music director Bob Lathrop. She has played for his Triton Middle School and High School choral groups in numerous public performances, including regional and international competitions. She has won awards for her talents in some of these venues. Additionally Holly plays independently for weddings, funerals, and other community events by request.
Along with her music, Holly also displays artistic gifts. She designed the BPC Tercentenary logo. Her other interests include photography, travel, and “rugged outdoorsman sports” such as biking, hiking, rock-climbing, kayaking and marksmanship. She spends her summers working as a staffer in the “La Vida” day camp for middle school students conducted at Gordon College. To keep up her strength for her busy life, Holly is currently acquiring skills as a gourmet cook.
Lynda Gott, Treasurer
Minda Fowler, Church Secretary
