Concord Presbyterian Church
The Reverend Francis J. "Fritz" Ackerman - Pastor and Head of Staff

FritzFritz was born and raised in the city of Wilmington, the second oldest of seven children.  Raised as a Catholic, he graduated from Salesianum High School and received a B.S. in accounting from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  He began his 30-year business career as a Certified Public Accountant, but early on moved into the banking industry.  Before entering seminary, he spent the previous 21 years at Wilmington Trust Company, finishing as a senior manager in the commercial banking area.

Fritz’ introduction to the Presbyterian tradition coincided with his marriage to Joyce.  They joined First and Central Presbyterian Church, and later moved to Westminster Presbyterian Church.  He was active serving as a Deacon and Elder, chairing the personnel and urban missions committees, Stephen Minister, and participating in three mission trips to Guatemala.  He has also served on the boards of several community organizations and was the founder and chairman of the Delaware Community Investment Corporation, a 38-bank community development corporation emphasizing low-income housing finance.

 He wrestled with God’s call to the ministry for about 15 years before entering Lancaster Theological Seminary where he earned the Master of Divinity degree in May 2004.  His studies included internships at Trinity Presbyterian and Friendship House, clinical pastoral education at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, and a cross cultural trip to Cuba.

 Fritz and Joyce are blessed with a son and two grandchildren.  A schnauser keeps them company at home.

Matthew Pressley - Minister of Music
MatthewMatthew Pressley was trained as a lyric tenor by renowned opera teachers Dan Pressley and Nancy Gamble Pressley.  A graduate in voice performance from the University of Delaware, Mr. Pressley has hundreds of oratorio and opera performances to his credit, numerous regional and national singing honors, and a hard-earned reputation as an engaging, communicative singer who fervently cultivates audience rapport.  As Minister of Music at Concord Presbyterian Church in Wilmington he founded and directs the dynamic music outreach program, the Concord Concert Series.  The series enlists professional musicians and dedicated volunteers to produce choral/orchestral works, full and semi-staged productions, recitals, and the series' signature themed Gala concerts, while charging no admission.  As an accomplished arranger, composer, and songwriter, Mr. Pressley has created traditional classical, contemporary, world/global, and hymn-based works for voice and piano, choir, brass, strings and contemporary ensembles.  He has maintained a private teaching studio for many years.


Christina Pressley - Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Christina Christina earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Delaware. As an award winning soprano, she studied with Dan and Nancy Pressley for many years. Christina initiated the general and vocal music program at Redding Middle School, in Middletown, Delaware.  As the sole writer of the curriculum, she was able to grow the program from 0 to over 120 choral participants in four years.  Christina then became the Director of Children and Youth Ministries at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington Delaware, where she initiated the now vital youth programs and continued her work in curriculum development. Here at Concord, Christina is Director of Youth and Children's Christian Education, leads the Youth Group, leads the Youth Choirs and weekly Chapel, writes curricula for and directs the Vacation Bible School, leads youth retreats, organizes and leads the yearly youth mission trips, serves as the Concord Preschool liaison, Preschool Chapel leader and interim Preschool Music teacher, and fills many other roles for the church and its youth and families. She has been a sought after consultant for her expertise in youth and children's programs and education. Christina has also been a licensed Kindermusik teacher, and also maintains a private piano teaching studio. Christina is married to Matthew Pressley and has two sons, Teyton and Hobie.
Please send comments or corrections to  Ron McKinney