Meet Our Staff
Rev. Stephen C. Blonder Adams
"For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and discovering my true self."
- Thomas Merton
As someone who has been called to serve God throughout his life, Rev. Stephen C. Blonder Adams proudly and faithfully serves as the thirteenth Senior Pastor at Old Stone Church.
Pastor Stephen first came to Old Stone Church in 1989, as Interim Associate Pastor, fresh out of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. At the completion of that Interim period he went on to serve as Stated Supply Pastor of the Old Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, then later servicing as Interim/Gap Pastor for Plymouth Church of Shaker, Archwood UCC, Lyndhurst Community of Faith, and again at Old Stone Church.
Until 2011, when PCUSA allowed for the full inclusion of openly gay clergy, a pastor who is gay was not able to be fully out in the denomination. Even with the support of the church and many within the Presbytery, Pastor Stephen was restricted from accepting a call to a church as a settled pastor.
Building on his undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Art, and Masters in Divinity, and the completion of four units of CPE, Pastor Stephen went into hospice work full-time. This also gave him the opportunity to serve Old Stone Church once again as a part-time Parish Associate for many years.
In 2022, during a national search for a full time Senior Pastor at Old Stone Church, Pastor Stephen was unanimously nominated by Old Stone Church's Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), and elected by the congregation on July 17th 2022 to serve as Senior Pastor. Pastor Stephen was officially installed on October 23rd.
Pastor Stephen lives with his husband, H Bruce Blonder, in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood where among their many hobbies and passions including gardening, art, singing, and caring for their Century home together.
How Can We Help You?
Anthony Kastellic
Old Stone Church Front Office Coordinator Anthony has had a multi-faceted career path. From an Elementary School teacher in Akron following graduation from Kent State University to a Modern Dancer in New York City, where he studied with the Erik Hawkins Dance Company.
Anthony's time in NY helped develop a sense of design that, with his love of sewing, allowed him to build a business as a Private Tailor/Dressmaker and Interior Designer. Currently Anthony owns AKastellic Vesture, a fabricator of Ecclesiastical Vestments and Paraments.
An active Episcopalian, Anthony belongs to the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church, as well is a Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Acolyte, and sits on the Property Committee of his parish church. Anthony is married and lives in Shaker Heights with his husband, Peter, where they enjoy cooking, entertaining, gardening and reading with their two cats, Naomi and Boaz.
Steve Kish
Steve Kish
Since 2018, Steve has served Old Stone Church as its Building Steward, assisting with custodial duties and general maintenance of our Parish House and Sanctuary.
During Sunday Worship service, Steve assists congregants with parking and is often present for Old Stone Church special events, which take place on weekends or weekday evenings.
In his free time, Steve enjoys cooking, camping, and fishing.
How Can We Help You?
Tamika Murkins
With over 25 years of administrative support experience, Tamika has worked in a variety of industries including education, healthcare, utilities and non-profit organizations. One thing she has shared is despite working in the corporate world something always calls her back to non-profit organizations and this is where she is the most comfortable.
Tamika is a mother to three sons and has five beautiful grandchildren (two girls and three boys). She currently lives in Cleveland with her boyfriend Lt. Rodney Jordan who is a Case Western Reserve University police lieutenant with 28 years on the force and in his spare time a DJ. In her spare time Tamika enjoys crafting and owns the Phoenix Design Studio where she creates and sells resin crafts, diamond paintings and more. Rodney and Tamika have combined both of their hobbies into a joint business and if you don’t find him in the lab pouring resin you will find her in the DJ booth mixing and playing music.
Tamika is very happy to be joining the team at Old Stone Church and looks forward to working with everyone from the staff to the congregation.
How Can We Help You?
Mike Murphy
A seasoned media professional with experience building studios and directing worship media across Northeast Ohio, Mike Murphy joins the Old Stone Church staff. Along with these experiences, Mike has been lead video editor/director with many high-profile clients, such as Kay Jewelers “Every Kiss Begins with Kay,” and Glidden Ralph Lauren paints.
In his new position, Mike will be responsible for the Old Stone Church streaming of Sunday worship services as well as creating content of Old Stone Church for all social platforms.
Outside of Old Stone Church, Mike volunteers with Miracle City Hospice, The March of Dimes March for Babies initiative, and the National Alliance for Mental Illness Walkathon.
Living in Broadview Heights with his wife Bridget, his son, Mike is married and living in Old Brooklyn with Mike’s grandson, Isaiah while Mike’s daughter, Kathleen lives in sunny San Diego, California.
Michael Rekoric
Michael Rekoric
Michael is a 1981 graduate of the Electronic Technology Institute in Cleveland. For 25 years, he worked in the field of electronics, primarily as a quality assurance technician/troubleshooter, but has also been involved with the fabrication of specialty electronic equipment. He has worked for various companies, including S.E. Ross Laboratories, Gould Defense Electronics, Lear Siegler/Lucas Aerospace, L.A.D. Technology, and Stanley Air Tools, all in the greater Cleveland area.
For the last 13-plus years, he has been a Staff Assistant at Old Stone Church, working for and with the Main Staff, the Mission and Urban Wellness Committee, the Board of Deacons, and other Church-related groups. He enjoys music, reading, cooking, and going for walks.
How Can We Help You?
Tom Sarago
Community Engagement
Tom is a marketing and communications professional with more than 20 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations including Playhouse Square and Dance Cleveland as well as managing his own agency, Spruce, where he helped lead marketing and communications efforts for dozens of Northeast Ohio-based nonprofit organizations.
At Old Stone Church, Tom is responsible for leading efforts to foster and grow the congregation as well as working with various committees to increase Old Stone Church’s impact within the community.
Tom has served on the Board of Directors for Cleveland Print Room, Seeds of Literacy and served as VP, Communications for American Marketing Association's Northeast Ohio chapter.
Tom lives in Lakewood with his fiancé, Jacky, and their two daughters, Emery and Edie. In his spare time, Tom enjoys producing music, buying records, and spending time connecting with colleagues.
How Can We Help You?
Frank Schwartz
Frank is a building manager with over 35 years of experience managing several downtown Cleveland buildings of various sizes up to 450,000 square feet.
At Old Stone Church, Frank works with the Directors, Session and the Senior Pastor to make improvement, upgrades and repairs to the properties. Budgets, through the 23 years here have ranged from $55,000 to $790,000 per year with $160,000 being an average.
Frank lives in Parma Hts. with his two daughters, Maia and Paige. Hobbies include boating, hiking, camping and home improvements.