It was announced on Sunday that First United Methodist and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Churches will be getting a new pastor. Interim pastors had served the churches since August.

Dr. Greg Bell made the announcement during morning worship services that the District Superintendent had informed the churches that their new minister would be Reverend Dr. Paul Curtis Carroll, Jr. Carroll has ties to Coushatta and the churches. He will be in Coushatta starting July first.

Carroll’s father, Paul Curtis Carroll, Sr. pastored Wesley Chapel and First Church years ago while Carroll, Jr. was a teenager. Carroll, Jr. graduated from Coushatta High School.

A biographical sketch of Dr. Carroll was presented to church members on Sunday. In it Dr. Carroll said, “I have served in rural, suburban and urban ministry in local churches. I have served in community ministries beyond the local church setting, including as a minister working with refugees and even in a National Park.”

Dr. Carroll says he has published poems as well as academic papers. “I enjoy travel, cooking classes, rock climbing, fishing, running and swimming.”

Billy Turner had pastored First Church and Wesley Chapel for more than a year before he passed away last July. Retired ministers William Peoples and Doug Cain have served as interim pastors since that time.