Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Hector!
We’re so glad you’re here.
At First Presbyterian, we’re a caring and inclusive community of faith. We believe that God calls us to share the good news of grace, and that we understand God’s purpose more clearly when we walk this journey together.
Our mission is a joyful response to God’s invitation into a renewed and hope-filled life. We come together each Sunday to worship, grow in our faith through prayer and learning, and to serve—with love—our local community and the world beyond.
We care deeply: for those in our congregation, for our neighbors near and far, and for God’s beautiful creation.
Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.
Our Mission
Micah 6:8 – “Do Justice, Love Kindness and walk humbly with our God.”
Hector Presbyterian Church is a caring, inclusive and committed community in faith. Our mission is a joyful response to God’s gracious invitation to a new and redeemed life: to serve God in Christ in partnership with the people in the surrounding communities and to reach out to the global community. We seek to nurture this response through prayer, worship, education, and outreach.
Our Vision
Sharing God’s love by caring through action and a commitment to inclusiveness
We celebrate the richness of diversity within our membership and welcome all who profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to join us as members and as equal partners in ministry. We are committed to be advocates of the poor and oppressed, and victims of injustice, stewards of the world’s blessings and resources, and messengers of reconciliation of all people.
History
Located in the Finger Lakes of western New York, First Presbyterian Church of Hector was organized on September 15, 1809 with seven members. The current sanctuary was constructed nine years later. The congregation was composed principally of farmers who had settled in this new frontier. As the congregation grew, the sanctuary underwent several major renovations. In 1931-32 a fellowship hall, kitchen, and basement with Sunday school rooms was added. Today, we are a vibrant congregation who respond to the call of the Holy Spirit, who gather weekly to worship God, who grow in faith through Christian education and prayer, and who follow our Lord Jesus Christ by reaching out to our members and friends, our community, and the world.
Community
Our congregation is located in the Finger Lakes of New York, on the east side of Seneca Lake, about 9 miles north of Watkins Glen. The area has been undergoing a major transformation into a premier winegrowing region. Wineries and breweries are part of the area’s revitalization. We are surrounded by vineyards, as well as cherry, peach, and apple orchards, blueberry farms, and corn fields. We also have a number of dairy, beef cattle, and sheep farms. Some farms and vineyards are moving to organic certification. Nearby Watkins Glen is the host of several car races at Watkins Glen International, including a 355-mile NASCAR race, and the annual Vintage Car Festival celebrating the years when the town hosted the U.S. Grand Prix. Also nearby is Ithaca, NY, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, and one of the original vegetarian restaurants, Moosewood.
For 2026, the ruling elders on session are:
Ruling Elder Email
Pastor Mike Ball michael.andrew.ball@gmail.com
Michele Gimbar windswept3934@aol.com
Paul Lehey valoisbros@att.net
Richard Pike pickapike@hotmail.com
Benjamin Saks saksb79@gmail.com
Kitty Schallenberger kitty5421@gmail.com
Vicki Schamel vickischamel@gmail.com, treasurer
Roger Swartwood roger.swartwood@siemens-energy.com
Gail Walker gailwalker77@gmail.com
