The Rev. William Carter

Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA)
Organization: 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. He has served the Clarks Summit congregation since 1990.

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 ten 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, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Brubeck, and Bob Brookmeyer. 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 tours nationally. The band has recorded ten CDs and three DVDs, all of which are available on the band's website (www.presbybop.com).