THE CHURCH

Even before knowing himself, the Church knew Lloyd L. Pipersburgh and his family. In Belize, Central America, Lloyd’s maternal grandmother  Wilhelmina Amaya (nee Vasquez) raised a family of four dedicated catholic children. Lloyd‘s aunt, Wilhelmina’s oldest daughter, Auntie Hortense, was a principal in the parochial school system. The next  oldest, Uncle Alan, was the “facilities manager” for the church. Wilhelmina’s third child, Lloyd’s uncle, Brother Karl Swift SJ, joined the Jesuit Order in Belize in 1962 - the same year Lloyd was born. And Lloyd’s mother, Olivia Helena Amaya (later Pipersburgh) was an accomplished teacher in the same parochial system as her sister. Lloyd grew up always aware of his family’s devotion, especially that of his Uncle Karl and his vocation with the Society of Jesus. Though retired and  now in his 90s, Brother Karl Swift, continued to impact Belize for decades eventually earning the rare distinction of “National Hero” in 2016. The Swift Hall Venue is named in his honor.

This foundation would inspire and shape a lifetime of service for Lloyd —both within the Church and beyond it.

From an early age, Lloyd’s involvement in Sacred Heart R.C. Church extended beyond attendance into active participation and leadership. As a young man, he served as a Sunday School and CCD teacher, helping to guide younger students in their understanding of the faith. During the summer months, he remained engaged through parish-based youth programs that reinforced both discipline and community.

His role within the Church continued to expand as he became a lector at Mass, participating directly in the liturgical life of the parish, and later as a youth leader, mentoring peers and helping organize faith-centered activities. These early responsibilities fostered both confidence and a sense of accountability that would remain with him throughout his life.

The Celestials Theatre Group — Faith Through Expression

Among his most impactful contributions was the founding, production, and direction of the Celestials Theatre Group, a parish-based initiative that blended faith with creative expression. Through theatrical productions, Lloyd engaged young people in storytelling rooted in scripture and moral teaching, creating a dynamic and memorable form of ministry.

One of the group’s earliest productions featured a young Antonio Irrizary in the role of Jesus. His performance left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. Antonio’s passing at the age of 16 from leukemia marked a deeply emotional moment for the community, reinforcing the profound bonds formed through the Church and its ministries.

Community Action and Witness

Lloyd’s commitment extended beyond the walls of the Church into the surrounding community. During a period marked by the rise of crack cocaine in Brooklyn, he discovered crack vials strewn in front of a entrance to the building housing the  school, the auditorium which was home for the Celestials and the  cafeteria. That entrance was off the sidewalk and behind locked gates and fences. After conferring with the late Pastor Monsignor Walter C. Murphy, Lloyd helped organized marches and community efforts aimed at confronting the crisis and restoring stability to the local neighborhood. The destination of one such March was the Prison Ship Marty‘s Monument inside Fort Greene Park where he gave a rousing speech and a call to action. These experiences reflected a developing sense of civic responsibility rooted in faith-based values.

Leadership Formation and Ministry

Through programs such as the Bishop’s Leadership Project, Lloyd was selected among a group of young individuals identified for their potential in leadership and service. The program, established by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero, the bishop of Brooklyn & Queens, provided intensive training and mentorship, further shaping his approach to responsibility, communication, and community engagement.

He later contributed to Church-based initiatives aligned with the spirit of Vatican II, serving on the Core Staff of Sacred Heart in a leadership capacity as Director of Mission. In this role, he helped support outreach efforts and initiatives designed to strengthen both parish life and community connection, all once the exclusive domain of the priesthood.

These formative experiences within the Church not only shaped Lloyd’s character but established a lifelong framework of service, leadership, and engagement that would later define his work in public service and beyond. In fact, it was Lloyd’s devotion to the church which led him directly to a career with the NYPD.