It is important to give credit where credit is due, and to honor the past.

In a recent press release published in the November 1 edition of The Shepherdstown Chronicle announcing our new pastor, the Reverend Gusti Linnea Newquist, we didn’t properly acknowledge the contributions of the female leaders who came before her. While Gusti assumed the responsibilities of the Reverend Randall Tremba, who retired in 2017 after serving the church for over 40 years, she is not the first female pastor to serve the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. That honor goes to the Reverend Patricia Donohoe, who was installed as Associate Pastor in 2000 and served through 2003. In addition to the contributions Pat has made, there have been a host of female lay leaders who have very ably served the church over the years. Without the contributions of Pat and others, we would not be where we are today.

Lois C. Spreen, Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church clerk of session