Staff
Rev. Paige Besse-Rankin has served as a pastor in the United Church of Christ for over 30 years in both settled and interim positions. She has served churches in Fishers Island, NY, Milford, CT, Goshen, CT, Sinai, SD, Lake Campbell, SD, Yankton, SD, and Dover, NH.
Paige has particular passion for creative worship – trying to find ways to bring scripture to life and to connect with wisdom of scripture with our everyday lives. She is also deeply committed to Outdoor Ministry as church camp was an important part of her own faith story. Other professional interests have included stewardship, racial justice and healing, mission trips, partnerships, and faith formation for all ages.
Paige is a graduate of Emmanual College with a degree in Music Therapy and has an MDiv from Andover Newton Theological School. She also is credentialed by the Interim Ministry Network.
Paige is married to Rev. Gordon Rankin (who happens to be our Conference Minister). They have a daughter, Emily, who is graduated Piedmont University. Paige loves finding ways to be creative with arts and crafts and usually has a number of different projects going at home. If pushed, Paige will admit to being a national park nut, a Star Trek fan, and a Disney-phile.
Herb Tardiff is the Director of Music for Hampstead Congregational Church. Herb has been a musician and teacher for decades. He served as the Minister of Music, Organist, and Choir Director at Longmeadow Congregational Church in Auburn, NH for almost forty years.
He has also served as a choral and band instructor and director at various high schools for many years. He is an accomplished organist, pianist, and composer. We are grateful to have him serve as Director of Music, leading the choir, and playing the organ and piano for Sunday and all special services.
Maria Angelotti lives in Derry, NH and has spent the last 35 years working as an office
administrator. Maria spent her youth on the shores of Big Island Pond and loves everything about the town of Hampstead.
Maria's hobbies include traveling, cooking, playing guitar and spending time with family. Maria is thrilled to
be joining the staff at Hampstead Congregational Church.