Rev. Dr. Jason Cashing grew up in the church from an early age, attending the First Presbyterian Church of Olean, NY, with his parents from the time he was three. He was later baptized, surrounded by this congregation who claimed him as adoptive family – aunts and uncles, siblings and grandparents. Later he would be confirmed by this congregation and enter into full membership. Growing up in Olean, with both parents as educators (St. Bonaventure University and Olean Middle School), Jason was active at the local YMCA on the swim team, played soccer in high school, and attempted to play violin in the school orchestra. He also became connected with the local and high school theater groups, learning the backstage arts that go into putting on shows.

After high school, he became a counselor at his local, presbytery-owned summer camp (Camp Duffield), where he would work for the next 5 summers, attending Allegheny College during the academic years. In 2000, he graduated Allegheny with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, with a minor in Psychology. It was also during this time that he discovered his ability to serve as a First Responder, gaining his EMT certification and working with a local ambulance company.

Jason knew, following college, that he was headed into ordained ministry, but desiring a break from academic life served for two years with the PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV). Through this mission service, he lived for a year in Petersburg, Alaska, and a year in West Yellowstone, Montana. Following his YAV years, he moved to Austin, Texas, for seminary at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, while continuing to pursue summer camp positions during the summer seasons.

In 2007, upon completion of seminary and all ordination requirements, Jason was ordained and installed into ministry at The Franklinville Presbyterian Church, NY, not twenty minutes from where he grew up. It was there that he and his now wife, Megan, began dating, and shortly thereafter married. Jason and Megan share a commitment to the church, a love of getting outdoors (they met at Camp Duffield, initially), and an engagement to academic thinking. They are also both fans of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Ted Lasso, and various other shows in the little free time they have.

In 2013, Jason and Megan moved to Prince George, Virginia, as Jason took the call to Gregory Memorial Presbyterian Church. During their time there, Megan established herself in the math department of the high school while Jason also connected to the local fire department as a fire chaplain for the county, and as a firefighter/lieutenant for his department. These years also saw the completion of a Doctor of Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the birth of their daughter.

Jason and Megan are both looking forward to many realities related to this upcoming transition: to being a part of the community of both FPC Cooperstown, and the town at large; to being back in New York State and closer to both sides of family; to the beauty of the region (and the mostly cooler weather!). We are excited about the prospects and possibilities, and look forward to the years to come!