Town Welcomes Two New Pastors

First Congregational Church of Portland and St. Patrick Catholic Church both welcomed new clergymen recently. Both churches are under new leadership following the retirement of long time pastors: Rev. Marilyn Danielson and Fr. Larry King.

First Congregational Church welcomed Rev. Donald Mullen (pictured left) as interim pastor last month. Mullen will provide the congregation with spiritual leadership during the transition following the retirement of Pastor Marilyn Danielson who retired in January after 20 years of service. The church’s pulpit search committee is currently conducting a nationwide search for a regular, full time pastor.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rev. Mullen was ordained in the Methodist church before serving as pastor at many Congregational churches. He graduated with his Masters of Theology from Clarksville School of Theology in Clayton, North Carolina. During his more than forty years as a minister he has served at churches in: Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Indiana, and New York. He and his wife, Barbara will live in the FCC parsonage on Bridge St. in Portland.

St. Patrick Catholic Church welcomed Father Michael Alber (pictured right) as pastor last month. He was appointed by Bishop David Walkowiak of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, following the retirement of Father Larry King, who had served as pastor of St. Patrick for the past 14 years. Father Alber, is currently also the pastor of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Wyoming, Michigan. He will continue serving as pastor of both parishes until the end of June.

Father Michael grew up in Grand Rapids. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2001 following his graduation from the Theology School at Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. He has previously served as pastor of churches in Brunswick and Hesperia before being assigned to St. John Vianney in 2008. Between now and June, Father Alber will split his time between Portland and Wyoming. He will live in the Parish Office/Rectory on Church St. in Portland.

PHOTOS: Courtesy First Congregational Church of Portland (left) and St. Patrick Catholic Church (right)