Elmwood United Presbyterian Church

Rev. Maria Crompton is the first woman to serve as Senior Pastor of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange, NJ. A dynamic preacher, teacher, sought-after speaker, mentor, and workshop facilitator, Rev. Crompton brings a prophetic voice to her leadership. 

Rev. Crompton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and English from Drew University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and Certificates in Executive Leadership from Howard University School of Business and McCormick Theological Seminary. She is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.

Rev. Crompton is committed to empowering the people of God through visionary leadership. She serves as President of the East Orange Clergy Association, working closely with church and community leaders. She is a board member of Circle of Sacred Fire, a ministry preaching intensive for women of color. Additionally, she is the President of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus.

Rev. Crompton's ministry journey includes serving in various contexts, such as Bethel Baptist Church in Orange, NJ—where she was the first woman and youngest minister licensed—First Congregational Christian Church in Irvington, NJ, and Middle Collegiate Church in New York City. Rev. Crompton holds dual ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA), and her ministry is shaped by the conviction that, like Esther, she has been placed in this role “for such a time as this.”

Rev. Crompton is the proud mother of three children: Nilah Marie, Andre Joshua, and Noah Alexander.