Andrew J. Mertzenich, Director of Traditional Music and Organist

Andrew joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2021 as Director of Traditional Music and Organist. In this role, he leads the church’s traditional music ministry, works with the Chancel Choir, and enriches worship through his gifts as an organist and musician.

A respected musician throughout the Rockford area, Andrew has been a featured guest artist with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and is a regular performer on the Coronado Theatre’s Grande Barton Organ. In addition to his work in music ministry, Andrew is an estate planning attorney and founder of his own law practice, established in 2023. He focuses on LGBTQIA+ estate planning and assists clients with residential and commercial real estate matters. He earned his law degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2018, where he served as Managing Editor of the Law Review.

Andrew is also deeply involved in the community as Founder and Chair of the Rockford Area Pride Committee, which organizes the annual Rockford Area Pride Parade.

Andrew lives in Belvidere with his husband, Cody, a mixed-media ink and paint artist. They have been married since October 2020.

When he is not practicing law or making music, Andrew enjoys working on and driving his 1930 Model A Coupe, affectionately known as “Model gAy.” His favorite Westminster traditions are the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and the annual Chancel Choir Cantata. He is especially grateful for the flexibility Westminster provides, allowing him to serve both Westminster Presbyterian Church and Court Street United Methodist Church each Sunday.