PORTSMOUTH - There is a new face at the helm of the North Church, joining pastors serving the community church since 1641.
The Rev. Frank Newsome was officially installed at the church Sunday, in a beautiful ceremony attended by parishioners, local clergy and visiting clergy who came in support of Newsome.
Newsome and his wife, Jill, came to Portsmouth after serving four years as the head of the First Congregational Church in Norwalk, Connecticut.
"We are typical empty-nesters," said Newsome. "We have three older children out on their own now and this is the first move we have made alone."
He said the process of a church finding a new pastor and a new pastor finding a new home is a long process. In his case, he said it was about 18 months.
"Churches are looking at our profiles, and we are looking at church profiles," said Newsome. "I sometimes think it is amazing it happens at all. I came here finally in August, as a sort of guest. I met the members of the congregation on a Saturday and did a trial sermon on Sunday. Then the membership votes."
It was October when Newsome came to Portsmouth to stay. He said it is the smallest city he has ever been in, but noted it has a lot of charm - and food.
"We were in a transitional house at first, and I think my wife and I ate at more restaurants in three months than most people who live here," said Newsome. "I like to eat and love all the choices here."
Newsome said he also likes a challenge and is looking forward to helping North Church move forward with some creative changes.
The North Church, a Congregational church, may be one of the most photographed and iconic buildings in the city. It has always been a church, but its parish hall is in a second building, located on Spinney Avenue.
"It is unique, being a church with two faces," said Newsome. "From Memorial Day to Labor Day services are held here. Otherwise they are at Spinney Road except for special occasions like Christmas Eve, Advent, Easter and Palm Sunday. I want to find creative ways to use our space. For example, I worked with Dr. (Arthur) Hilson of New Hope Baptist Church and for the first time, we are holding the Martin Luther King Day service here."
Newsome said downtown churches need to find ways to be more involved with populations like people in poverty now that the Salvation Army is moving out of downtown. He said the world is changing and churches must keep up and draw in new parishioners.
"I have some ideas about that but I do not think a church should be ruled from the top down," said Newsome. "We have a committee, OOB (outside of the box) and our decisions will be those we are all passionate about. It will be a team effort."
Liz Good, moderator for the North Church, said they are pleased to have Newsome.
"We like his experience in having served many churches," said Good. "This is a very traditional church and we recognize that the world is changing. We need to think about how we can best serve our community. I think he will help us focus."