Rev. Dr. Philip J. Reed
Bridge Interim Sr. Pastor and Head of Staff
Philip J. Reed was born and raised in Central Illinois. He received degrees from the University of Iowa (Bachelor of Arts), Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Fuller Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry). He was ordained as Minister of Word of Sacrament in 1981 by the Presbytery of Chicago, PC(USA). He served congregations in Minneapolis, MN; Topeka, KS; Champaign, IL; and Grosse Ile, MI. During his tenure in the Presbytery of Detroit, he served several terms on the Committee on Ministry, including one term as Chair. He was honorably retired in May 2022.
Since retiring, Rev. Reed has served two temporary positions: First Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, MI and Copper Creek Church in Champaign, IL.
Phil writes, “The Kirk is a special place for me, stunningly beautiful, lifting me into the light and peace of God’s presence, and the people of the Kirk are fantastic! I’ve had several encounters with Kirk leadership over the years through the Committee on Ministry and everyone I’ve met has been kind, caring, and committed to the Kirk and ministry of Jesus Christ. Even more significantly, my wife, Marguerite Clapham, sang in the Kirk Choir for over fifteen years. She also served on the Kirk’s Board of Deacons. We were married at the Kirk, surrounded by the Choir. Marguerite sang through the entire service. The Kirk is especially meaningful for me: I am thrilled to join the Kirk staff as your Bridge Interim Pastor/Head of Staff!”