Philadelphia Tribune

“I don’t have a lot of specific plans but I do know that we want to continue to build on a 119 years of service to God and
the community. We want to build on a very active involvement on the life of the neighborhood and community around
us.

“Of course, we want to have a strong worship, a vibrant, spiritual life in the congregation so that people can come to
know God. We want to make a mark. It’s too early to say what the particulars will be.”

Callahan said she was challenged and inspired by her new post, but not intimidated. St. Paul’s hospitable flock eased
some of her pressures, making their union a very compatible one.
“They’ve been wonderful; very welcoming, very warm … very open. When I visited them the first time, that was the
feeling that struck me, that they were open and curious and they’re still very open and curious and now we’re all
excited,” she said.

“I think it’s more of a feeling than anything else. As I listened to the officers and the congregation talk about the church
and its ministries as well as their hopes for the future and compared them and their hopes to my sense of calling and
hope, it just seemed more and more that it was a good fit.”

Her new congregants were more than ready to share their praise for Callahan, also the assistant professor of modern
church history and African American studies at New York Theological Seminary.

“I believe there’s a lot that she can bring. Certainly, I think she’ll bring strong preaching and teaching. That’s a given and
I also think she will increase our outreach to the community,” Deacon James Jackson said.

“I think Dr. Callahan is certainly a person of vision and determination and I truly believe that after talking to her on
several occasions, she will be dedicated to the growth of St. Paul.”

Constance Clayton concurred with the sentiment.

“Dr. Callahan’s ability, commitment as spiritual leader and teacher will one be in keeping with the historic tradition of St.
Paul and we look forward to her continuing and enhancing … the Christian work of our church in its outreach. Not only
to the broader congregation but the broader community,” she said.

The Rev. Leslie Callahan will formally step into the pulpit on Sunday and
mark her first sermon as the spiritual leader of the 119-year-old covenant.

Callahan, who has a doctoral degree and was an assistant professor of
religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania for six years and served
as interim pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Jenkintown, was still learning
about her new church and its needs. Nonetheless, she was excited to make
an impression, which would exhibit St. Paul’s long-standing commitment to
Christian service.

“I want to build on the church’s history,” Callahan said.