REV. JULIUS "JD" JACKSON, JR.
Pastor
Rev. Jackson is a well-known pastor within the Rochester community with over a decade of experience in ministry. Before coming to UCP, Rev. Jackson served as Pastor at Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church and Chaplain of St. John’s Home in Rochester. His previous pastorships included Salem United Church of Christ, East Aurora Christian Church, and Genesee Baptist Church.
Earlier in his career he worked at the Naples Daily News, Xerox Corporation, Action for a Better Community, Wilson Commencement Park, AIDS Care, the Housing Council, and Lifespan. He is an active volunteer within the community and served as a board member of many organizations including Plymouth Crossroads, United Way Programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Alpha Phi Alpha, and the School of the Arts in Rochester. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Rev. Jackson's call to ministry comes from close to home. His father, the Rev. JD Jackson, Sr., was a well-known Baptist pastor in Rochester and nationally, and his grandfather was also a Baptist Pastor. His mother, Mrs. Josetta Jackson, served many years in the Rochester City School District -- and her father was a Methodist Pastor. Rev. Jackson is the proud father of two sons.
Rev. Jackson founded the Rev. J.D. Jackson, Sr. Memorial Foundation, Inc. to honor his late Father. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded five scholarships to local Colgate Rochester Divinity School (CRCDS) Students.
Earlier in his career he worked at the Naples Daily News, Xerox Corporation, Action for a Better Community, Wilson Commencement Park, AIDS Care, the Housing Council, and Lifespan. He is an active volunteer within the community and served as a board member of many organizations including Plymouth Crossroads, United Way Programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Alpha Phi Alpha, and the School of the Arts in Rochester. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Rev. Jackson's call to ministry comes from close to home. His father, the Rev. JD Jackson, Sr., was a well-known Baptist pastor in Rochester and nationally, and his grandfather was also a Baptist Pastor. His mother, Mrs. Josetta Jackson, served many years in the Rochester City School District -- and her father was a Methodist Pastor. Rev. Jackson is the proud father of two sons.
Rev. Jackson founded the Rev. J.D. Jackson, Sr. Memorial Foundation, Inc. to honor his late Father. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded five scholarships to local Colgate Rochester Divinity School (CRCDS) Students.
Alan Murphy
Music Director
UCP is delighted to welcome Alan Murphy as our new Music Director in 2025.
Alan teaches music and band in the Rochester City School District. He is also a songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist for the band The Mighty High & Dry. Alan also plays on a freelance basis, mainly jazz, blues and soul.
Alan received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music and his master’s degree in music teacher education from Nazareth College.
Alan teaches music and band in the Rochester City School District. He is also a songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist for the band The Mighty High & Dry. Alan also plays on a freelance basis, mainly jazz, blues and soul.
Alan received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music and his master’s degree in music teacher education from Nazareth College.