Peter Macrae Paulsen

The Rev. Peter ("Pete") M. Paulsen entered the church triumphant on November 9, 2026. A devoted pastor, loving husband, father, and grandfather, Pete lived a life anchored in faith, service, and deep love for his family, community, and strangers.

Pete was born in White Plains, New York on August 30, 1942, to Peter and Maisey Paulsen. Pete grew up in Elmsford, New York with his younger brother Norman. He attended Elmsford High School where he found his love for playing the accordion. After High School, he attended Hope College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Hope College he worked in the refectory and became a member of the Phi Tau Nu fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1964. He then went on to obtain a Master of Divinity degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, NJ in 1967.

Throughout his life, Pete dedicated his pastoral heart and leadership to the Reformed Church in America and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Including New Brunswick Theological Seminary, North Branch Reformed Church, Protestant Radio and Television Center, Silver Creek Presbyterian Church, Candler School of Theology, Calvary and South Minister Churches, and Central Presbyterian Church. Most recently, Pete and his beloved wife, Beth, were cherished members of the Central Presbyterian Church community in Atlanta, Georgia, where his faithful presence touched many lives. While at Central Presbyterian Church he served as the Bridge Interim Pastor in 2021. He also served faithfully as part of the Central Chancel Choir. At Clairmont Place Independent Living, he served on the Chapel Committee, Clairmont Progressives, and with the occasional choir group. While living at Clairmont Place, Peter founded the group, Mats Matter, which serves to make sleeping bags out of grocery bags for people experiencing homelessness.

In 2025, Pete was honored as a Profiles of Positive Aging honoree by Leading Age Georgia. He and twenty-one individuals from across the state were honored for exemplifying what it means to age positively.

Beyond his ministry, Pete was happiest when surrounded by his family. Whether sharing stories, supporting his children and grandchildren, or enjoying quiet moments at home, his humor, kindness, and gentle spirit brought joy to everyone around him. Pete is best known for his charisma and sense of humor. Never one misses a punch line or a joke; Pete used his humor to make friends everywhere. Pete enjoyed traveling to visit family oversees, including family in Scotland and Norway. He also made weekly visits to the local Kroger and CVS, befriending everyone he met. The running joke being that he was the unofficial Pastor to these places.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Maisey Paulsen, his brother Norman Paulsen, and his beloved sons, Christopher Paulsen and Stephen Paulsen. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth "Beth" Johnson Paulsen; his children, Sarah Paulsen Perkins (Brandon), Grace Paulsen (Daniel del Aguila), his cherished grandchildren, Serena and Felix; his nephew David Corbitt (Heather), his former spouse, Diana Walker; and many extended family members, colleagues, and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Pete's life and witness will be held at Central Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 13th at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Pete's honor to the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, Central Presbyterian Church or New Brunswick Theological Seminary.

"In life and in death, we belong to God."