Serving Irvington and the Rivertowns since 1853
We are seeking a New Pastor!
The Rev. Dr. Lindley G. DeGarmo
Our Cherished Bridge Pastor
Lindley Grant DeGarmo, an honorably retired minister of the Presbyterian Church
(USA), began serving as Bridge Pastor of Irvington Presbyterian Church on October 1,
2026, as the congregation looks ahead to calling its next settled pastor.
He and his wife, Sarah Finlayson, live in Ardsley on Hudson, New York, and are the parents
of an adult daughter, Ellie, who is an attorney in Washington, D.C.
Dr. DeGarmo most recently served as interim pastor and head of staff of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, Connecticut, from 2024 until April 2026. Before that he was transitional pastor of Katonah Presbyterian Church in 2022 and 2023, and interim pastor of Union Church of Pocantico Hills from 2019 to 2022. Prior to his retirement, he served as pastor and head of staff of Towson Presbyterian Church, a 600-member congregation in suburban Baltimore, Maryland. He was called to Towson in 2003 from the First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, where he served as Interim Associate Pastor.
Dr. DeGarmo’s call to ministry came after a long career in international business and finance. He spent seven years with Exxon Corporation and its affiliates in the corporate finance and strategic planning functions, followed by a dozen years on Wall Street, where he headed the Global Independent Power Group at Salomon Brothers.
Dr. DeGarmo earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Princeton University; a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs; a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, New York City; and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Dr. DeGarmo is a trustee of the Presbyterian Foundation. He has served as moderator of Hudson River Presbytery and was a commissioner to the 227th General Assembly in 2026. He enjoys cooking, travel and reading mysteries and thrillers.
A Few Notes on the Bridge Pastor Role:
I’m Lindley DeGarmo, Bridge Pastor of Irvington Presbyterian Church. If you’re wondering what a "bridge pastor" is, and whether a church between settled pastors is worth visiting on a Sunday morning — my honest answer is yes.
A bridge pastor serves a congregation for a season while it prepares to call its next pastor, a role I expect to fill here for about a year. I don’t think of this time as a pause. It is a vital season in the life of a church, and it is a joyful one.
Worship begins at 10:30 on Sunday mornings, and our sanctuary is filled with people of every age. Many stay for coffee hour simply because they genuinely enjoy one another's company.
The music is exceptional: our Director of Music Ministries, Jon Riss, has led our choir and organ for nearly ten years, placing music at the very heart of our worship. Children and youth are completely at home here, offering church school, a children’s choir, and youth fellowships, with a dedicated time for young disciples during the service.
Whether you are visiting for a single Sunday or looking for a church home, you are welcome here.
Our History & Sanctuary
The Irvington Presbyterian Church has been a spiritual home in the village since 1853. Our present Romanesque sanctuary, erected in 1869 on the west side of Broadway, was designed by the architect James Renwick Jr., who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
The church was built on land donated by railroad magnate Jay Gould (owner of nearby Lyndhurst), who also provided funds for the construction of the building and the manse. Much of the stone used in the church was quarried directly from the site.
Over the years, our congregation has been blessed to count many local residents among its members, including Jay Gould, his daughter, and the artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. In 1912, Tiffany gifted our church the pale blue and green stained-glass windows that illuminate our sanctuary. These windows, alongside the enduring legacy of the families who built our church, continue to lift our hearts and welcome all who gather to worship together today.
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Lindley G. DeGarmo, Bridge Pastor
Lindley@irvingtonpresbychurch.org
Emily Villar, Office Manager
emily.villar@irvingtonpresbychurch.org
Adam McAllister, Director of Christian Education
adam@irvingtonpresbychurch.org
Jonathan Riss, Director of Music
jon.riss@irvingtonpresbychurch.org
Andrea Sarayli, Bookkeeper
andrea.sarayli@irvingtonpresbychurch.org
Rob Horan, Sexton
Leadership
In the Presbyterian tradition, the church is led by boards of elders and deacons. Nine elders plus our pastor comprise the Session, which is responsible for the overall leadership of the church. The Board of Deacons is comprised of nine individuals, who assist in care for our congregation and local community.
Affiliated Organizations
Since 1957, Good Shepherd Early Childhood Center has served the young children of Irvington and the Rivertowns. Led by director Liz Marinis, Good Shepherd offers early childhood education to 2-, 3-, and 4 year-olds.
In 2024, Irvington Shakespeare Company (home of Rivertowns Playhouse) became the official resident theater of Irvington Presbyterian Church, providing performances and workshops to the local communities.
IPC serves as the chartered organization for Boy Scouts Troop 55 and Cub Scouts Pack 120. The church is also home to numerous Girl Scout troops, and hosts a variety of AA, AlAnon, and writing groups.
Rent Space in the Heart of Irvington
Located on Broadway in beautiful Westchester County, easy drive to all the River towns.
Our Broadway location makes us an easily accessible venue for film crews, wedding parties, and community programs. Whether you are coming from Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, or just around the corner, our historic campus offers a unique and inspiring setting for your next event or production.
Ideal for:
Film & Television Productions (Easy equipment load-in off Broadway)
After-School Programs & Summer Camps (Streamlined drop-off/pick-up)
Weddings & Private Celebrations (Iconic Renwick Architecture)
Community Gatherings & Workshops
Private Events & Celebrations