When given a choice, the Rev. Pete Herndon and his wife, Carolyn, decided to return to Natchez.

&uot;We like the people in Natchez,&uot; he said. &uot;We like the atmosphere in Natchez and I think there is a great opportunity for ministry here.&uot;

Herndon has been selected as the new pastor of Jefferson Street Methodist and will preach his first sermon at the church Sunday.

&uot;This is where we felt like we should be,&uot;&160;Herndon said. &uot;(It’s) where God has called us.&uot;

Herndon has been in the ministry about 40 years, including several years as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, also in Natchez. He also has served as pastor at churches in Jackson, Pascagoula, Ellisville, Gulfport, Saucier and most recently at First Methodist Church in Canton.

Herndon and his wife were given the opportunity to move to Jefferson Street Methodist Church with the retirement of its former minister, the Rev. Curtis Moffatt.

Herndon, who became familiar with the Jefferson Street Church during his earlier years in Natchez, said the church has grown stronger in recent years. &uot;I really feel like this church is getting ready to bloom,&uot; he said.

As the new minister, Herndon wants to help the church continue to grow. He also will be taking a leadership role in the church’s plan to build a new family life center. &uot;I think great things are ahead for the church and I want to be a part of (them),&uot; Herndon said.

As a minister, Herndon strives to help people in their spiritual and emotional needs.

&uot;As far as I’m concerned that’s the most important thing in the world,&uot; he said.

As part of this process, Herndon said he wants to help his congregation achieve a right relationship with God and with each other.

&uot;My dream is to see this church grow and become greater than it is,&uot; he said.

Herndon is a graduate of Gulf Coast Community College, William Carey College and received a master of divinity degree at Emory University in Atlanta.

In addition to serving on the East Jackson District Board of Ministers, the East Jackson District Committee on Church Buildings and Locations and the Lake Junaluska Advisory Council he has been nominated to represent the state at the World Methodist Conference in England next year. Herndon and his wife have three children, Darlene Mitchell of Lakeland, Fla., Timothy Herndon of Vidalia, La., and Andrew Herndon of Canton.