It's no small thing to use the web to find someone for your wedding day. I understand how nerve-racking and intimidating it can be, so let me put your mind at ease a little. I've been a wedding officiant for about 5 years. In that time I've done between 450-500 Long Island and New York City weddings.
I was ordained to Christian ministry in the '80s. From 1980 to 2000 I served as a full-time pastor in two Baptist churches - first in Pennsylvania and then one on Long Island. At Western Seminary in beautiful Portland, Oregon, I earned a Master's degree in Divinity (M.Div.) and a Master's in Theology (Th.M.) - the standard theological degrees. I received my B.S. from Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
I conduct mostly non-denominational Christian weddings and funerals – sometimes non-religious ones. In both cases, the shape and style of the ceremony or service depends mostly upon you and your background and desires, not mine. It's not about me.
I'm am registered with the city of New York*, which means I have appeared before the City Clerk's office in person and produced "sufficient evidence of my ordination by a recognized religious body." *(NYC Registration #17172)
In some significant ways I'm different from many other officiants on the internet. Mostly, I'm thinking of those who don't have pastoral experience in a local church, ordination from a traditional denomination (e.g., Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist), or the recognized, standard seminary degrees. It's something for you to note as you search for an officiant - just so that as much as possible, you match your officiant with your desires as a couple (e.g., more or less traditional, more or less religious, "new age" or not, etc.)
I like to describe myself as the somewhat old-fashioned, garden variety minister. (Just picture Reverend Camden on Seventh Heaven, but on Long Island instead.) I hope this means I'm warm, helpful, caring, and professional - but not spooky or kooky.
I hope this helps! If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. These days, it doesn't hurt to make sure. (Pastor Bill Britton - 516 242-3721 or wm_britton@mac.com.)
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Pastor Bill, Many of our guests commented on how great you were. We really appreciate the words you spoke, and the moments you helped us create. You will be forever in our hearts and minds. Thank you again. Anthony & Christine
Pastor Bill serves couples planning a wedding in the Greater New York area including Long Island (Nassau County and Suffolk County), Queens, Brooklyn, New York City (Manhattan), and Westchester County. |