At long last, the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua, 3005 S. Front St., will have a leader at the helm.

After two-and-a-half years of searching and reviewing applicants for the position, the congregation has named the Rev. Christine Kass, or “Pastor Christy,” as its head.

A former journalist, Kass worked as a reporter and editor before entering Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem. Congregants first met Kass when she filled in as a pulpit supply, or temporary pastor, one Sunday.

“[Kass] seemed to hit it off with our congregation that Sunday,” church treasurer Sue Butchinski said. “She is very energetic and enthusiastic and gives a great sermon.”

The feeling of belonging was mutual for Kass.

“From the first moment I stepped through the front doors of this beautiful church, I knew it was the place I am meant to be,” she wrote in her first newsletter.

Church members initially tried the traditional route of calling a pastor, a process Butchinski characterized as lengthy. Those seeking a new pastor must create a ministry information form that outlines the characteristics needed in the new pastor and provides candidates with information about the church. The requirements are fed into a database, and a list of likely candidates is returned.

For First Presbyterian Church, the results weren’t fitting the needs of its congregation.

“The process wasn’t producing any positive results for us, so we contacted Moravian (Theological Seminary) to see if there were any students graduating soon who we could talk with,” Butchinski explained.

Church officials were looking for someone who could rouse the congregation, but they were also looking for someone who was media savvy and could bring in a new generation of churchgoers.

“We were looking for someone who could help us to bring some younger people back into our fold and work with our communication committee to get the word out on social media about what we have to offer the community, while continuing to care for our existing congregation,” Butchinski said.

Kass fit the bill. From there, the May 2019 graduate was hired - and the congregation hasn’t looked back.

Now, with Kass at the helm, the church’s future appears bright, and members can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.

“With the welcome she has received so far, we’re looking forward to working with her to revive the spirit we’ve always had here at Hokey Presbyterian,” Butchinski added.

First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua obtained its charter in 1855, and worshippers met in a barn for several years until the official church was finished in 1867. The Rev. James Little served as the church’s first pastor and held the position for 48 years until his death in 1917. Kass is the 14th pastor to lead the church.