Rev. Nicholas John Sollom
First Evangelical Lutheran Church of East Greenwich joyfully announces the calling of Rev. Nicholas John Sollom as its new pastor. Rev. Sollom, currently working with us in transition, will officially begin his ministry with First Lutheran on December 1, 2025. He brings with him a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing faith, and a deep desire to walk with God’s people in faith, service, and community.
Rev. Sollom comes to First Lutheran most recently having served as a Hospital Chaplain and Educator at Yale New Haven Hospital. He is known for his compassionate leadership, thoughtful preaching, pastoral presence, and devotion to Lutheran theology and liturgy. He is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive church environment.
“We are excited and honored to welcome Pastor Nick into our church family,” said Nancy Swanson, Congregation Council President. “We look forward to the ways God will work through him to lead, guide, and serve our congregation and community.”
Rev. Sollom expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, saying, “I am so filled with gratitude and joy to have been welcomed into this amazing community and look forward to getting to know everyone, making new friends, and continuing the legacy of love and care that has been the story of First Lutheran for over 150 years.”
All are warmly invited to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10am to meet Rev. Sollom in person.
Minister of Music
Philip Martorella
Phillip received his bachelor’s degree at the Mannes College of Music, master’s degree at the Juilliard School, and a Master’s in Music Education at the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to serving as the Minister of Music at First Lutheran Church, Phillip is on the adjunct piano faculty at Rhode Island College and at the RI Philharmonic Music School, and an organist at Temple Beth El in Providence. He has performed or TV, radio, schools and universities, the Odeum Theater, Providence Performing Art Center, and Opera Providence.
Phillip has composed and performed many works, including the musical scores to A Christmas Carol and Bourgeois, the musical. He recently released an album of his own compositions entitled “Relax and Dream.”
Office Adminstrator
Evelyn Athanas
Evelyn Athanas is the Church Office Administrator. A native of Attleboro, MA, she graduated from the University of Rochester and the State University of New York in Albany where she studied Foreign Languages, Linguistics, and Teaching. After many years with the NYS Education Department, Evelyn moved back to New England. She lives in Coventry with her son.