Our Team

Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Williamson

Pastor Doug Williamson began his ministry at First Congregational Church of West Brookfield UCC in September of 2025.  He was drawn to this community of faith by the progressive, warm, and welcoming character of church, and by the heart for mission and active discipleship of its members.  Doug was ordained in the United Methodist Church and lived out his call to ministry in teaching and coaching roles for many years, transitioning to local church ministry in 2013 and since then serving UCC churches as pastor in Proctor, Vermont, Saint Marys, Ohio (interim), and Marblehead, Ohio.  In his pastoral role he hopes to help First Congregational Church expand its interaction with the wider community and explore new ways to be active in our journey of faith as disciples of Jesus, both within the church and in our mission to the world.

A native of Needham, Massachusetts, Doug earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Rockford College (Illinois), a Master of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, a Master of Divinity at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Church History and Social Ethics at Boston University.  He has taught Church History and Social Ethics at Boston University School of Theology; Religious Studies at Nebraska Wesleyan University; World History, World Religions, and Social Ethics at Augusta (GA) Preparatory Day School; Management and Leadership in Sport, Coaching Fundamentals, and Sport Psychology in the Coaching Master’s Degree programs of Ohio University; and spent five years as the national Assistant Director of Coaching Education for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (now United Soccer Coaches).

Having played on the first ever state championship soccer team at Needham High School, Doug has continued to nurture his passion for soccer through a playing career in college, amateur, and semi-pro ranks, a five-decade coaching career at the college and high school levels, and forty years of serving as a staff coach and now a Senior National Coaching Educator for the Coaching Academy of United Soccer Coaches.  He has been honored by being inducted twice into the athletic Hall of Fame of Curry College in Milton, once individually as a coach, and once along with his whole 1987 women’s soccer team, ranked #5 in the nation and a participant in the NCAA national tournament.

Doug and his wife Karen live in Barre and have appreciated the caring and warmth, the rich history, and participating in the vibrant ministry of this community of faith.

Stephen Page – Church Pianist

Committed to the piano for 36 years and professionally playing for over 30 years,
Stephen Page has studied with jazz luminaries Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef, Kenny
Werner, and Charlie Banacos. Stephen has extensive performance experience all over the eastern seaboard and has shared the stage with many notable musicians. Additionally, Stephen instructs music students at three schools, as well as in his home studio.

https://stephenpagepiano.com/

http://www.youtube.com/@stephenpagepiano/videos

stephenpagemusic@gmail.com | 413-297-7910 

Bonni Holmes – Church Secretary