Member Spotlight: Richard Reece

In the heart of New York City, Rutgers Presbyterian Church stands as a sanctuary—both literally and figuratively—for its community members. Few people embody the spirit of this community more than Richard Reece, whose journey with Rutgers spans over three decades.

Finding a spiritual home

Rick began attending Rutgers Presbyterian in the mid-1980s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, and officially became a member in 1988. What drew him to Rutgers was profound yet simple: "I discovered that Rutgers really respects the differences and celebrates the diversity of humanity," he reflects.

A professional with a background in theater and a degree in music from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Rick arrived in New York City in 1970 after touring with "Man of La Mancha." Little did he know that nearly two decades later, he would find a spiritual home that would become an integral part of his life.

Wearing every hat

Over the years, Rick has served on every board and committee at Rutgers, chairing each of them at some point. From the Deacons (whom he describes as "the caregivers of the church") to the Session, from leading the search committee for a new pastor to chairing the trustees, Rick's institutional knowledge of Rutgers is unparalleled.

"Being on all these committees gives you a much broader knowledge of the community that you're involved in," he explains. Currently, Rick sits on Session and serves as the Chair of the Worship and Music Committee, a role particularly fitting given his musical background.

The harmonies of faith

Music has always played a significant role in Rick's life and in the Rutgers community. As a choir member with a degree in music, Rick has been part of the evolution of Rutgers' music program. "The choir is a whole community unto itself in the church," he shares warmly. "We take care of each other." The impact of Rutgers' music extends beyond religious bounds—Rick mentions friends who aren't particularly religious but attend Rutgers specifically for choral concerts.

Balancing tradition and progress

When asked about Rutgers' progressive approach to worship and theology, Rick offers thoughtful insight. He values how the current pastor, Andrew, has expanded the congregation's understanding of scripture and biblical history, and also advocates for preserving important traditions and rituals.

"In all of my reading of history—and I'm a great history buff—when you take away tradition and ritual, the community falls apart," he emphasizes. "It's an important element in who they are, whatever kind of community it is."

Rick's perspective represents a thoughtful middle ground: embracing progressive theology while honoring the practices that bind the community together.

Meaningful moments

One particularly significant moment in Rick's time at Rutgers was when the presbytery passed a resolution about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. As a gay man, Rick remembers both the joy of acceptance and the complicated feelings of becoming "the cause."

"What we wanted, of course, was to just be accepted so you wouldn't have to walk up to somebody and say, 'Hello, I'm Richard, I'm gay,'" he explains. "You just want to be part of the congregation."

Vision for the future

Looking ahead, Rick acknowledges the challenges facing Rutgers, particularly around membership growth. He advocates for adaptability and creative use of the church space.

"What we want and what we have as part of our tradition for the church is going to change," he notes. "So we have to open our minds to what will be next."

When asked what keeps him coming back week after week, Rick's answer is simple yet profound: community.

"I'm a single person living in New York City. My family's far away," he shares. "I have this family at Rutgers that takes care of me. We support each other in so many, many ways."

This sense of belonging, of being part of something greater than oneself, is the thread that has woven through Rick's decades at Rutgers Presbyterian Church—and the gift that this community continues to offer to all who enter its doors.

‍