We’ve a story to tell to the nations,” so sang the choir. Well maybe our story is not to the nations, but it is for the folks in Natchez.

There is good news at First Presbyterian Church in Natchez. The Rev. Dennison (Denny) Read and his wife, the Rev. Noelle H. Read have accepted the call to the First Presbyterian Church.

The co-pastors bring experience, inspiration, enthusiasm and a 4-year-old son Ethan to the First Presbyterian Church in Natchez.

Denny Read is an Atlanta native and a graduate of The Citadel. He has a bachelor of arts degree in English. He has a master of divinity degree from Columbia Seminary. This ministry included a summer internship in Kenya. He has completed a multi-year clinical pastoral education program and chaplain residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. He has served the past seven years at South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. One of his accomplishments was redesigning the new member class and to work for more effective outreach to the surrounding community.

Noelle is a native of Anderson, S.C. She has a bachelor of arts degree in history. She has worked in the insurance industry, and she became a PCUSA mission volunteer. This led to an assignment in London where she ministered to the elderly and mentally ill. Upon her return, she entered Columbia Seminary. She has served as Chaplain for the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Upon completion of the Basic clinical pastoral education program at Walter Reed Army Hospital, she was ordained in the summer of 1999. She has served a 3,800-member suburban congregation in Indianapolis. She has served a youth director, director of youth ministries and co-pastor at South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.

She has planned and implemented educational programs for young singles and young families.

The congregation at First Presbyterian in Natchez was established more than 200 years ago. The beautiful church has a remarkable history. There have been many events at First Presbyterian that have been important not only to the church members, but also to the citizens of Natchez. Dr. Joseph Stratton served the congregation for more than 50 years and the chapel bears his name. History is being made again when Denny and Noelle settle in Natchez as co-pastors at First Presbyterian. The congregation is anxiously awaiting their arrival.

Let us welcome Denny, Noelle and Ethan with a big Natchez welcome. Join us when the Reads will be bringing the good news at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Joan McLemore is the chairman of the evangelism committee at First Presbyterian Church.