Reverend Dr. John R. Buskey – Pastor
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).
Mary Schwarz – Director of Music Ministry
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.
Wendy Stearns – Playschool Director
(315) 416-3374
Click here for Playschool’s web page
Wendy Stearns was raised in Meredith, NH and has been working with children since she was 15 as camp counselor. She attended Nazareth College in Rochester for Art and Elementary education and holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy from SUNY Cortland. She began the Playschool Program in 1996 with 8 enrolled children as a way to be with her own two children through their preschool experience. Today there are 60+ children enrolled in Playschool. Wendy says she is, “… always very much amazed at how different each of their minds work and how much they have to offer and contribute. To witness this and be a part of their achievements is a great gift.” Playschool celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021!
Joni Dominy – Administrative Assistant
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.
Sharon Argus – Bookkeeper
Sharon joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Manlius in 2014. She is in the office M – W – F (9-2).