Rev. Peter B. Grandy

Contact Rev. Grandy at pgrandy@ahcc.org

I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia and still have warm childhood memories of exploring our American roots at Independence Hall, rooting for the Phillies and Eagles, and viewing the New Year's Day Mummer's Parade. My parents were active members of the local Presbyterian Church as was I - having eight years worth of perfect attendance pins to prove it! I was the "Youth Preacher" on Youth Sunday, President of our Youth Fellowship, and memorized more Bible verses than most. My mother was a social activist and I remember many "mission trips" into the city from kindergarten through high school.

Everyone thought I'd be a minister, but I was told that to be a minister you had to do well in English and History, and I didn't. Rather, I excelled in science and math. My heart might have been with the church, but my head said "science," and so in college I majored in chemistry and worked briefly as an analytical chemist. But I wasn't content. In spite of my academic deficiencies I applied to divinity school and was accepted - miracles do happen.

Eventually I was called to serve as one of the pastors at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, where I found my real spiritual home and vocation. For the past thirty four years I have enjoyed a fulfilling ministry here spanning many areas of responsibilities, from initially working with our church school and youth programs to coordinating many of our outreach programs. Today I spend much of my time in pastoral and teaching ministries, including the coordination of many of our adult education programs. Over the years I have taught over 30 courses and usually offer at least one new course each year. Outside the church I've served on many boards and committees, presently including The Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding, ServCorps, and Hartford Hospital's Pastoral Services Advisory Committee.

As for my family life, I met and fell in love with my wife Jeanne, our freshman year in college, and we got married five years later. We have two adult children (both married) and two grandchildren. Jeanne has been active within the life of AHCC mainly by singing in the choir, coordinating our Prayer Shawl Ministry, and participating in many of the Women's Spirituality programs. Jeanne and I both enjoy crafts and together create beautiful stained glass windows -  so much so (say our children) that our home is beginning to look like the inside of a church sanctuary.

As for my faith, I believe in the love and grace of God, the path of prayer and compassion which I find in Jesus Christ, and the reality of life beyond death. I believe that, despite observations often to the contrary, the universe is in God's hands and ultimately bends toward justice, mercy and love. I believe that God calls us together as communities, to support and love one another, to reach out in love toward the world, and to celebrate the reality and grace of God with praise and thanksgiving.