NEWS RELEASE

From Westminster Presbyterian Church

4114 Allison Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50310

8/9/05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              

Westminster Church calls a new associate pastor

Westminster Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the calling of a third pastor, Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy.  At a congregational meeting Sunday, August 7, church members voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to call Ms. Mardis-LeCroy to be the associate pastor for spiritual development at Westminster.

“I don’t think Westminster Church has ever been more ready for an associate pastor like Mary Beth,” said committee member Sarah Susanin.  “She brings a depth of content in preaching, teaching, and spiritual development.  I am particularly excited about the ways in which she will connect with the young adults of the congregation and the community.”

Mary Beth grew up primarily in South Carolina.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in New Haven, Conn.  She attended Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, earning her Master of Divinity degree in May 2005.  During seminary she served churches in New Jersey, Alabama, and New York City.

Last month Mary Beth married Matthew Mardis-LeCroy, who has accepted the position of minister for spiritual growth at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines.  She will be ordained as a minister of the word and sacrament later this month in Birmingham, Alabama, and will begin her ministry at Westminster on September 1, 2005.

Contact information:

Jan Davison, Communications Director

Westminster Presbyterian Church

515-274-1534, home 515-277-0444

jdavison@westpres.org