Rev. William (Bill) Cruse, Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. William (Bill) Cruse was ordained to the priesthood by the bishop and people of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. Bill earned a Master of Divinity at Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge MA, and a Certificate in International Ecumenism and Mission from the Boston Theological Institute in May 2015. During the Spring semester 2014 he studied at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Bill works with The Kaleidoscope Institute (KI) in congregational vitality, multiculturalism, and sustainable missional ministry, starting as a workshop participant in 1997, then Facilitator. Bill is a Sr. Associate and co-facilitating workshops in the United States and Canada with seminaries, local congregations and regional judicatories of the Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and the KI ecumenical institutes. As a consultant with KI, he is the East Coast Regional Director. In addition, Bill is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory® and an intercultural competency coach.
Bill and his family live in Jersey City, NJ, and enjoy summers at a rustic, 100+ year old log cabin in the White Mountains of NH (camping with broadband - working from some place nice). Bill is an Education for Ministry (EfM) trainer and mentor, avid gardener, gourmet cook, and enjoys day hikes in all seasons. He grew up on the south shore of Lake Erie, west of Cleveland in a sailing family, and earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Voice Performance from Ohio University. Bill sang professionally in NYC, worked as a singer/actor on two European tours, was Volunteer Coordinator for AIDS-Related Community Services, and executive assistant to the founder of a software company through a successful merger and acquisition. He then became a facilities manager for a global software company managing four properties in the USA. His faith, and a awareness of vocation, drew him back to the Church, and ordained ministry, to empower God's people to spread the Gospel of Love, social justice, and to know God's kin-dom that's here for everyone.
Jason Farrar, Co-Warden
Jason Farrar is a 24-year resident of Ramsey, NJ. First and foremost, he is a dedicated family man to Beka, his wife of 25 years, and his four daughters, Alexandra, Sabrina, Ava, and Julia. Jason has been an active member at St. John’s Memorial Episcopal Church for over 10 years, and has served on Vestry and Outreach Committee, as well as an Usher, Counter and assisting with several charitable outreach programs including Pedals for Progress and Rise Against Hunger. Jason is currently the Vice President, Business Strategy for private investment firm Stone Arch Group, and is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Jason was honored to be elected Warden of the Vestry in 2022, and loves the warm, welcoming and faithful parish that is St. Johns.
Jan Hardy, Co-Warden
Drew Kreismer, Organist & Choir Master
Drew began his musical training under the guidance of his parents, Marilyn and Harold, two professional musicians and music educators. Growing up in St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Ridgewood where Marilyn was organist and choirmaster for 15 years, Drew decided he wanted to become an organist at age 7. Upon graduation from Waldwick High School, Drew earned a Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude in Interior Design from Kean University in Union, NJ and a Bachelor of Science degree Cum Laude in Church Music/Organ from Westminster Choir College of Ryder University in Princeton, NJ. In 2004, Drew received a Master of Arts degree in Music Education also from Montclair State University. His dual career in church music at St. John’s Memorial Church, Ramsey, began in 1984 when he assumed the position of organist/choirmaster, overseeing a program of three vocal choirs singing traditional Episcopal music.
Meg Acer, Parish Administrator
Serving people has always been energizing and fulfilling for me and I am honored that I now have the opportunity to do that for the St John's congregation as a personal daily devotional of service in His name. I enjoy reading, listening to and making music and staying active with gardening, horseback riding and walking our dog, Bella. I am married and I have been blessed with two children, Harrison (17) and Mika (14) and am very involved with their school activities, particularly marching band. When I am not working for St John's or First Presbyterian Church, you can find me just relaxing, laughing, baking and enjoying what life and the Lord has put before me.