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 is Minister of Music at Concord and continues his voice lessons with Dan Pressley and Dr. Nancy Gamble Pressley.  Over 100 oratorio performances include Messiah, Sts. John and Matthew Passions,  Verdi's Requiem, Puccini's Messa di Gloria, Elijah, and more.  Opera roles include Rodolfo (La Boheme), Alfredo (La Traviata), Nemorino (L'elisir d'amore), Il Conte (Il Barbiere Siviglia), and Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni).  Honors include National Opera Association finalist, NATS Artist Award finalist, Baltimore International Opera finalist, DSMTA Award, and James Memorial Award.  He maintains a private teaching studio, and is a composer and songwriter.  Matthew is married to Christina Pressley and has two sons, Teyton and Hobie.



Christina Pressley - Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Christina Christina, an award winning soprano, studied with Dan and Nancy Pressley for many years.  As a music educator, she 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.  She now holds the same position here at Concord.  Christina is married to Matthew Pressley and has two sons, Teyton and Hobie.
Please send comments or corrections to  Ron McKinney