Bethany Congregational Church formally installs Rev. Prabhu Sigamani

Posted Friday, September 11, 2026 10:23 am

Bethany Congregational Church Moderator Janet Moser, left, the Rev. Prabhu Sigamani and Chair of Trustees Richard Eaves celebrated Sigamani’s installation as the church’s new reverend on April 26.

Courtesy Bethany Congregational Church

East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox, left, the Rev. Prabhu Sigamani, Deputy Mayor Bruno F. Romano and East Rockaway Fire Department Chief Matthew Pignataro joined in celebrating Sigamani’s installation at Bethany Congregational Church.

Clergy from across Long Island gathered around the Rev. Prabhu Sigamani during his installation service at Bethany Congregational Church in East Rockaway.

By Kayla Dechter

Bethany Congregational Church in East Rockaway celebrated the formal installation of the Rev. Prabhu Sigamani as its settled pastor during a special service on April 26.

Sigamani began his ministry at Bethany on March 2, 2025. His installation marked the formal recognition of the relationship between the pastor, congregation and the wider United Church of Christ.

“The United Church of Christ installation service is a special event which reaffirms the sacred trust and covenantal relationship between the new clergy and his congregation and the wider church,” Bethany Congregational Church Moderator Janet Moser said.

Representatives of the Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ and the UCC New York Conference joined Bethany members for the installation, along with pastors from across Long Island and members of the East Rockaway community.

Local civic leaders also attended, including East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox, Deputy Mayor Bruno F. Romano, the village fire chief and representatives of the village executive office, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the church and the community.

The celebration also highlighted Bethany’s history in East Rockaway, where the congregation’s ministry dates back to 1885.

“The service honored Bethany’s longstanding commitment to Christ-centered ministry, a legacy that began in 1885 and continues onward and upward,” Moser said.

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