United Congregational Church in Middletown has reached a historic milestone by ordaining its first woman pastor in 330 years.
Rev. Patricia Berry’s path to ordination began in Bar Harbor, Maine, where she was a young mother. A career move brought her family to Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, where she took on the role of Christian Education Director at the local Congregational Church.
Berry’s passion for ministry was sparked early on. She remembers a defining moment at age nine when she was told girls couldn’t serve at the altar. “That experience made me want to speak up for equality, justice, and God’s love for everyone,” she says.
While raising three children, Berry earned her Master of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined United Congregational Church of Newport in Middletown, initially as Minister of Faith Formation and now as Bridge Pastor.
Rev. Berry’s ministry, defined by a welcoming and inclusive approach that honors each person’s unique journey, was shaped by her childhood. Her grandmother’s deep spirituality had a profound impact on her, as did early church experiences. A pivotal moment at age nine—when she was told that girls couldn’t serve at the altar—motivated her to speak out against injustice. From that early age, Rev. Berry recalls, “I felt drawn to speaking up for equality, justice, and God’s love for all.” Her early work in community organizing, advocacy, and missions further deepened her commitment to these values and paved the foundation for her transformational ministry, rooted in social justice and expanding God’s circle of love.
The ordination ceremony held last month was a community affair, with congregation members, local faith leaders, and Berry’s loved ones in attendance, according to the church.
United Congregational Church, at 524 Valley Road in Middletown, is part of the Rhode Island Association of the Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ.
For more information about the church, visit www.uccmiddletown.org or email ucc1695@aol.com.