Rev. Deborah Fae Swift and Carly

The Reverend Deborah Fae Swift joined South Presbyterian Church as its pastor on May 1, 2008. A native of Oneonta, NY, Pastor Deb moved to Rochester to attend Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in 1987. For sixteen years she served as Parish Associate and Minister of Music at Calvary St. Andrews Presbyterian Parish. While at South Church, Deborah will continue as Director of Operations at St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center, a ministry that provides health care and counseling for people who are un- or under- insured. Fortunately, for twelve years she did community organizing working with Neighborhood and Business Associations to improve the quality of urban living in southeast Rochester. It prepared her for St. Joe's where all of the services are provided by over 200 volunteers who Deb coordinates.

When asked about her leisure time interests, Pastor Deb laughed. "I'm a single soccer mom of a 10-year-old who thinks she's 15, and we live in a 160-year-old city house. That about sums up my life."

Our pastor enjoys gardening, working on her home, going to movies, and being with her daughter, Carly Fae. She is a published composer and author who enjoys writing mysteries for her friends to read.

Deborah and Carly live in the South Wedge with their black lab, toy poodle, and 18-year-old cat.