The Reverend Dr. Brandon Stewart Perrine has been called as the new senior minister at New England Congregational Church in Aurora. He will begin his ministry officially April 19. Dr. Brandon is replacing Rev. Gary McCann who retired from January 31 after 35 years of service. Similar to Rev. McCann, Dr. Perrine came from the Baptist tradition.
Dr. Perrine has served as minister for the Trinity United Church of Christ in La Crosse, Wis. since 2015 where he served as minister while pursuing a doctorate in ministry in public and mission theology at United Theological Seminary in Minneapolis/St. Paul, which he completed in 2019. While serving at Trinity, he guided the Church through the open and affirming process, led an all-church strategic planning process, and provided a popular adult education program.
Until Perrine’s official start date of April 19 arrives, the Rev. Dr. Martin Forward assumed interim pastoral duties at New England Church. He is well known to both the Fox Valley community and to New England’s congregation where he has served as an assistant pastor for several years.
Auroran Laura Pittman led the New England Search Committee. According to Pittman, “We felt confident in the process and used every resource available to find the person that was the best fit for New England. We are all eager to welcome Brandon into our family.” She added praise for his “strong and articulate preaching that weaves Biblical stories into the present day.”
Judy Lopez, New England’s elected moderator for 2020, praised the Search Committee for its work during the livestreamed meeting in January when the vote to call occurred. She reminded the congregation that a special Transition Team would assist with introductions of their new senior pastor.
“New England is special in many ways, but ultimately, it’s you, the people, whose engagement makes our church a strong, vibrant, community.”
Kathi Limoges and Cheryl Vonhoff, transition team co-leaders, are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Perrine to New England Church. They expressed their confidence that the congregation and Dr. Perrine quickly will feel comfortable together.
Kathi Limoges stated that, “we know Brandon is eager to join the New England family and plans to continue the Church’s involvement in the local community.”
— New England Congregational Church