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The Rev. William Carter is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, PA, and a well-known jazz musician (Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet).

Member of:

Presbyterian Church (USA)

Representative of:

First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, PA

The Rev. William Carter is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, PA, and a well-known jazz musician (Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet).

William G. Carter serves as the pastor and head of staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. A well-known preacher in the northeast, he is also a highly regarded jazz pianist who frequently weaves his music into his ministry.

A native of Owego, NY, Rev. Carter received his B.A. from Binghamton University in 1982, with a major in philosophy and a certificate in religious studies. He earned his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1985. Ordained as a minister of word and sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he previously served as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. Currently the president of the Alumni/ae Association of Princeton Theological Seminary, Rev. Carter was elected by Princeton alumni/ae to a position on the seminary's Board of Trustees.

Rev. Carter has received national recognition for his preaching and writing, with sermons and articles appearing in Journal for Preachers, Presbyterian Survey, Preaching, Lectionary Homiletics, The Christian Ministry, and Best Sermons 7 (HarperCollins, 1994). He is the author of seven books.

As a jazz musician, Rev. Carter has extensive experience as a composer and arranger, having studied and performed with noted jazz artists such as Phil Woods, Jim McNeely, Jimmy Knepper, and Bob Brookmeyer. He holds the piano chair in Al Hamme's Swing Street Orchestra, and performs regularly on the Binghamton University (NY) campus. Rev. Carter has written liturgical music for the popular jazz communion services in his congregation, and has traveled widely in presenting jazz worship services in churches.

His primary musical association is with the Presbybop Quartet, which he proudly calls "the only jazz quartet pictured in the Presbyterian Church''s Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study" (1997 edition, p. 368). The Presbybop Quartet has recently recorded a CD, entitled "Faith in a New Key." The CD is full of original tunes and jazz interpretations of two favorite hymns. Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck recently gave it a glowing endorsement, declaring, "I highly recommend it!"

Latest Content by The Rev. William Carter

Music In Church - A Day1 Reflection

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)
The Bible has some noisy scenes. Indeed it does. Bill Carter talks about music and what it does for the church.
More...

Easter Dinner

Isaiah 25:6-9

Easter - Year B

April 08, 2012

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

Easter is a day of celebration. The church sings alleluias after a quiet season of Lent. People dress in new clothing in springtime colors. Children and a few sneaky parents consume a lot of chocolate. And many, many people gather around full tables.

On Easter day, Isaiah's ancient poem begs the question, "What's for dinner?"

Read full transcript...

Other Recent Content by The Rev. William Carter

April 01, 2012

The Best Things Are Borrowed

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

In his Palm Sunday sermon, the Rev. Bill Carter notes that Jesus was a borrower, as revealed in his triumphal entry on a borrowed donkey. What does that tell us about our priorities in life?

March 19, 2000

Revising the Agenda

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

February 20, 2000

So What Did You Get Out of Worship This Morning?

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

January 23, 2000

When God Repented

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

April 18, 1999

Where Does Easter Happen?

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

March 21, 1999

Tears at the Tomb

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

February 07, 1999

Following the Kiss

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)

January 10, 1999

After the Water Has Dried

The Rev. William Carter (PCUSA)