Pastor Biographies

Send a Message to Rev. Fowler

Reverend Dr. Frank L. Fowler III, Senior Pastor

Dr. Frank Fowler is the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church. He is a native of Hackettstown and Trinity was his home church as a youth. After earning a BA degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Masters of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, he served for two years as an Associate Pastor in Plainfield, New Jersey, and eight years as pastor of the United Methodist Church of Newfoundland, New Jersey. During that time he earned a Ph.D. degree from New York University.

He is married to Karen Fowler, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who is an accountant. Together they have five daughters, Faith Evans, Angela Fowler, Christina Fowler, Savannah Watson and Emily Watson. They live in Great Meadows, New Jersey.

Dr. Fowler is an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church and a clergy member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the UMC.

Send a Message to Rev. McCarthy

Reverend Joseph McCarthy, Associate Pastor

Rev. McCarthy earned a B.A. in Philosophy at St. Mary's College and an M.S. in Christian Education at Fordham University. He took his M.Div. degree at Seton Hall University.

Ordained in 1969, he served for nineteen years in the roman Catholic Church. During those years his ministries were parish work, high school teaching and service as Assistant Superintendant of Schools. He also did extensive retreat and spiritual direction work.

Rev. McCarthy transferred to the United Methodist Church in 1988, pastoring congregations in Edison, Washington and Demarest, New Jersey. He has been active as a mentor for those preparing for the pastorate.

His wife Suzanne is the Director of Learning Skills at Centenary College. They live in Independence with their three daughters, Karissa, Caly and Janelle.

Send a Message to Pastor Gebhard

Pastor Don Gebhard, Youth and Children's Pastor

Rev. Don Gebhard earned a B. A. in Psychology and Business Management from Moravian College and a M. Div degree from Drew University. He is currently a Probationary Deacon within the Greater NJ Conference.

Pastor Gebhard served as the Sr. High Youth director at Trinity from 99-01. He then served a year as the Director of Youth Ministries at Bridgewater UMC before coming back to Trinity in the role of "Youth and Children's Pastor."

Pastor Gebhard grew up in Texas, the moved to the Hackettstown area in 1992 to finish High School. He is married to Jana Gebhard, whom is a physical therapist and Hackettstown native. They live in Hackettstown, NJ with their daughter Olivia and spoiled beagle Jules!

Rev. Paul L. Wells - Interim Congregational Care Pastor

Retired United Methodist Church Pastor. BA degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University. He served churches in Pond Eddy, NY, Belvidere NJ and Mendham, NJ. Joined Trinity in 1991.

Paul is marred to Jan L. Wells, who is a retired school teacher of 27 years. They have 3 children and 7 grandsons. They live in Bangor R.D., PA. One of Paul's hobbies is stained glass.