NATCHEZ — Change brings an air of excitement, and that’s exactly what the members at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church say they are feeling.

Jefferson Street has just welcomed a new minister — the Rev. Ed Temple. The Rev. Pete Herndon had been with the church for seven years, until he retired earlier this summer and moved to the coast.

“This is a big plus for the community of Natchez for someone of this quality and caliber to come here,” said Scott Kimbrell, chairman of the pastor-parish relations board.

Temple, 51, has been in ministry for 32 years. He was transferred from the Iuka United Methodist Church in Iuka. His wife, Edee and son William have also become involved in the church.

Kimbrell and his board are responsible for bringing the Temple family to Natchez. In the Methodist Church, preachers are frequently moved from church to church, due to retirement, or the will of the bishop. Church members are allowed to put in a request for what kind of reverend they wish to have.

“We asked for someone young, but who had been in the ministry long enough to know the ropes, someone interested in development, and who could help with fundraising and someone who could relate to young people and visit with older people, as well as being able to deliver a good sermon,” Kimbrell said.

Temple had heard about Jefferson Street before he knew he would be preaching there.

“I had heard the name, and what a wonderful ministry they had,” Temple said.

So far, Temple has lived up to the congregation’s expectations.

“People have come up to me and told me how much they enjoy him and his family,” Kimbrell said.

Temple is equally delighted with the church.

“I have a great deal of enthusiasm working with a church of the stature of Jefferson Street, and I have hope for a church with such an extremely bright future,” Temple said.

“Right now I am learning the way around, learning the customs and traditions, and learning how to get things done,” Temple said. “I want to be able to learn and see the direction God is leading us in.”

Temple plans on not only getting involved in the church, but in the community. In Iuka, Temple created programs in which he involved other churches in town in order to get a better result. Things such as food pantries, hospital chaplaincy and transient programs, all were run by Temple.

“I want to get involved and get to know people,” Temple said. “I am excited to see what Natchez is all about.”

As for right now, there are two words always on Temple’s mind: optimism and enthusiasm. From new construction to Bible school, Temple is looking for ways to become a part of it.

“I have been delighted with Jefferson Street, I am so proud to be associated with such a fine church,” Temple said.

“Every day I discover more wonderful things and meet great people.”