Pastor
Reverend Dr. John R. Buskey
Rev. Dr. John Buskey was raised in Manlius and has returned home as our pastor. He is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College with a BA in Psychology. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is an active member of the Manlius Fire Department, having held offices from Lieutenant to the Chief of the department. He is also the chaplain for the Town of Manlius Police Department. He coaches Volleyball for Bishop Ludden and he is the former C.E.O. of Vick and Pathfinder Camp and Conference Ministries.
Most importantly, he accepted Christ at a young age. He is married to Jean Lynn and they have two adult children.
He has been the pastor of the Elmfork Christian Church in KY, also the Oneida Baptist Church in NY, and the Edmeston Second Baptist Church in NY. He has also served our denomination as an Associate Executive Minister (area minister) in NY and the Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries. He most recently was the CEO of VP Ministries. He comes to the church with a passion to equip the saints for works of ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
Director of Music Ministry
Mary Schwarz
Mary began her “formal” music ministry at the age of 13, playing the piano in her home church. Since coming to First Baptist of Manlius, she has taken advantage of pretty much any musical opportunity that has come her way, including singing in the choir, solo and ensemble work, directing musicals, accompanying others, and eventually being called as music staff in 2013. Mary’s blessings include her large extended family and her job as Administrative Assistant with American Baptist Churches of New York State.
Pianist/Organist
Michael Buskey
Michael Buskey trained as a musician through high school and as a student at Roberts Wesleyan College.
He is a full-time paramedic and an EMS instructor.
He began as the church pianist/organist in 2021.
Playschool Director
Melissa Mapstone
playschool@firstbaptist-manlius.org
Click here for Playschool’s web page
I am an elementary school teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. I value building safe and nurturing classrooms with teachers who provide hands-on activities to encourage play and social interaction. I believe children learn letters and numbers best in the context of everyday experiences, and I love to see their artwork brightening our classroom walls and hallways!
The saying, “Fight Fear with Faith,” grew in meaning to me as God and I journeyed through my 2nd brain tumor diagnosis, and you’ll often see me wearing gray in recognition of brain tumor awareness. Supporting others as I have received comfort and care is important to me.
I am also a photographer. I enjoy taking photos of our children around our family farm, where I live with my husband, Peter. Our children attended Playschool, and I am excited to continue to be a part of the school community as Director.
Administrative Assistant
Joni Dominy
Joni joined the staff in June 2020. Office hours are Tuesday and Friday 10 AM – 4 PM. Summer hours are obtained by calling (315) 682-8941. Our voice mail is monitored and, in case of emergency, please leave a message and your call will be returned expeditiously.
Bookkeeper
Sharon Argus
Sharon joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Manlius in 2014. Her office hours are Wednesday from 9 am – 2 pm. She can be reached via email at bookkeeper@firstbaptist-manlius.org or by the office phone: (315) 682-8941.