Pastor Nathaniel Fryer grew up in Wyoming, Michigan. He was raised in the Presbyterian tradition at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, where he was active in the music ministry, youth leadership, and worship. Nathaniel attended Alma College, a presbyterian institution in central Michigan where he studied History and Political Science. He discerned a calling to ministry while in the Pre-Ministry program at Alma and while writing numerous papers on Church history and politics.

During college, Nathaniel spent nine weeks in Noida, India, teaching middle schoolers and high schoolers about international affairs, Model United Nations, civics, and history. Nathaniel fell in love with teaching, inspiring him to pursue both a Master of Divinity and a Masters of Arts in Christian Education and Formation at Princeton Theological Seminary. While there, he served as Director for Children and Family Ministries at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Berwyn, PA, leading youth group, bible studies, and worship.

After graduation, Nathaniel accepted a call to ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he served as a Resident Minister. Nathaniel was ordained in May 2024. His work at first included preaching, leading worship, supporting youth ministry, facilitating the campus ministry, and occasionally presiding over session.

Nathaniel was drawn to First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, NJ, for several reasons. The church’s strong commitment to Matthew 25—especially its emphasis on welcoming all people and creating a community of inclusion, care, and compassion—stood out to him. This commitment is clearly reflected in the many ways First serves others, including the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, the Dover Faith Kitchen, the Gateway Program, and more. What especially inspired Nathaniel is how the congregation lives out its faith not only on Sundays but throughout the week—through worship, service, community involvement, and making God’s love visible to the world as the “Beacon on the Hill.” He is eager to bring his creativity for worship, preaching, pastoral care, Christian education, relational ministry, and looks forward to weaving these together in his role as solo pastor.

In his free time, Nathaniel enjoys biking, travelling, visiting museums, flying his kite, and walking between four to six miles a day. He really enjoys visiting historic churches and buildings while on family trips. He is also a proud corgi owner, often walking with his dog, Penny Nickel Dime Fryer.