Church Staff
Music Director and Organist - Debby Nikkari
Debby Nikkari
Debby is a native of Sebeka, Minnesota, starting as organist for her home church at the age of 11. After moving to Potsdam in 1977, she has played at numerous churches in the Potsdam-Canton area. She became the organist at the Potsdam United Methodist Church in 2009.
Debby has a BM and MM in music education from The Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. She is a retired music teacher from Potsdam Central Schools and taught piano for over 50 years. Currently she sings in the St. Lawrence University Choral Society and plays percussion in the St. Lawrence University Wind Ensemble.
She has accompanied musical performances for the Grasse River Players, Community Performance Series, area high school musicals, and various soloists at Crane and in the community. Her son Eric lives in Michigan, and her daughter Becky and partner Chris live in New Hampshire with their son, Linus.
Assistant Choir Director - Anthony Steen
Anthony Steen
Anthony Steen began attending Potsdam United Methodist Church, and immediately joined the choir in August 2023, when he moved from Troy, NY to Potsdam, NY to continue his college career.
Anthony is currently working on his bachelor's degree in Music Education at Crane. He previously received an Associates degree in Music Performance at SUNY Schenectady.
Anthony's home church is Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany, NY. Anthony was appointed Assistant Choir Director in February 2024. Anthony is very happy to be serving Potsdam UMC and spreading God's word through music.
Forever in our hearts - Choir Director (2007-2024) - Warren A. Potter
Warren Potter
Originally from Bombay, NY, Warren became a part of the Potsdam community and of our congregation when he began his studies at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music.
After graduation, Warren taught music at various area schools, directed several musicals, and was a popular sports broadcaster.
In 2007, after years of singing in both the Chancel Choir and the Men's Choir, Warren became the director of both, where he served until his untimely death in January 2024