Welcoming Our New Seminarians!

From the pragmatics of snack planning and the programmatics of curriculum writing to the prayerful preparation of worship and pastoral care, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church’s seminarians are a gift to our community of faith.

Fifth Avenue is delighted to welcome Jess Reese and Edu Hughes as our 2026–2027 seminarians. Thoughtful and talented, Jess and Edu are vital to the weekly rhythms of our congregation’s life. At Fifth Avenue, Jess is working alongside the Rev. Chris Palmer with our Fifth Avenue Young Adults (FAYA), while Edu is serving our youth group with the Rev. Werner Ramirez. Both seminarians are in their second year at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Jess Reese

Jess grew up in San Diego, California, and attended Chapman University in Orange County. After graduating, she served as a wilderness canoe guide in northern Minnesota, worked as a youth director at a PC(USA) congregation in San Diego, spent a year as a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer supporting an urban food ministry in New Orleans, Louisiana, and worked in retail.

It was during her time working and volunteering with youth at her local church, Christ Presbyterian Church of La Costa, that Jess felt called to pursue ordained ministry. Today, she is pursuing a Master of Divinity and is particularly passionate about ministry to young adults. She believes churches can too easily overlook this season of life, even as young adults are searching for places of belonging and formation.

“Young adults crave spaces where they can find community, meaning, and spiritual connection,” Jess says. “I’m excited to serve at Fifth Avenue because it provides this kind of third space for so many young adults.”

The Rev. Chris Palmer, associate pastor for young adults and membership, is grateful to have Jess working alongside him and FAYA

“Jess has a steady and curious presence, and her gifts compliment the ministry we’re trying to build,” Palmer says.

When Jess isn’t studying or gathering with the Fifth Avenue Young Adults, she loves long walks along Princeton’s canal, baking desserts, and picnics with friends. Her favorite food is eggplant Parmesan—unless a burrito from a San Diego taco shop is available.

Edu Hughes

Edu is pursuing a dual Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation. He calls Serrekunda, The Gambia, home. Before moving to the United States, Edu studied social work at LUGA University, worked with vulnerable children and youth through SOS Children’s Villages, and taught for over a decade.

Those years of teaching and working with young people continue to shape Edu’s sense of call. He hopes to serve the global church through youth ministry, teaching Christian education, and supporting churches and theological institutions in The Gambia and abroad.

The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country, Edu notes, and there are relatively few theologically and academically trained lay leaders in the church. “I’m passionate about nurturing the next generation of Christian leaders,” he says.

“I’m learning a lot, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve at Fifth Avenue,” Edu adds.

At the fall youth retreat, the Rev. Werner Ramirez, associate pastor for congregational care and family ministries, watched Edu come out of his shell. Despite his fear of heights, Edu braved the zip line with encouragement from the youth.

“Watching him conquer that fear for the sake of connecting with our youth was amazing,” Ramirez says.

When Edu isn’t studying or serving with our youth group, he loves playing soccer, keeping in touch with family and friends back home, and searching for good West African restaurants. His favorite dish is benachin, a beloved Senegambian rice dish.

Join us in welcoming Jess and Edu!