VOORHEESVILLE — Brian Gould left a job in steel distribution to join the ministry at the age of 45.

In July he returned to lead the First United Methodist Church in Voorheesville, where he trained to be a pastor as he was working on his divinity degree.

During those years, he assisted with prayer and taught a Bible-study class at the church on weekends. He spent his work weeks in New Jersey, commuting to Drew University from his home in East Greenbush, while his wife, Belinda, supported the family with her salary as a sixth-grade teacher there.
"It’s been an interesting ride," Gould said of his journey into the ministry.

He and his wife are settled into the parsonage next door to the church on Maple Avenue in Voorheesville with their two grown sons nearby. Their elder son, Jonathan, works for the Citizens Environmental Coalition in Albany and their younger son, David, is a recent college graduate, pursuing acting.

Right now Gould says he’s getting a feel for the church and the 140-member congregation before making plans for the future of the church. The previous pastor, Denise Stringer, led the church for five years, which is close to the average, he said.
"We’re hoping and expecting to be here for quite a while," said Gould.

Although he hadn’t planned on coming back to the Voorheesville church, he was pleased that the bishop assigned him here. A congregation that is so involved in the community, he said, is truly blessed. The location of the church at the heart of the village is also unique, he said.
"Being right across from the village green is special," said Gould.