Kerzee, a former social sciences public school teacher and coach from Texas, felt the calling on his life at an early age. However, it took him several years to align his will with that of Gods’.

“I felt the calling when I was young,” said Kerzee “However, I don’t think I was ready. … or was the Lord ready for me at that time. It wasn’t until I was 43 and started seminary school when everything started to come together for my calling.”

However, for the married father of three adult children, and his wife the connection to the Jamestown area has been several years in the making with deep-rooted family connections somewhat locally.

“I’ve been coming back and forth to visit the area because one of my children moved to the Buffalo area,” he said. “For close to 15 years, I’ve been visiting the area. My son lives in Massachusetts and my youngest son moved with us here to Jamestown. So, we’re all just a little bit closer now.”

Kidder Memorial Church’s new Pastor Mike Kerzee and his wife Dianne Kerzee stand behind a sign at the church welcoming them, prior to his first sermon on April 7. Submitted photo

Kerzee, has some lofty plans set for his congregation and the intrepid church’s continued upwards growth and service to others.

“We’re really focused on missionary work,” he said. “I also want to grow the church, not only in numbers, but the members’ spiritual growth as well. I want our church to be a light and salt for our community. Jesus gave his church the commandment to go forth and make disciples, and you can’t do that just sitting in a church.”

Upon arrival, last week, the pastor and his wife hit the pavement running.

“My first week I officiated one funeral and attended another,” he said. “I can’t believe how busy I’ve become. Between prepping for my Sunday sermons, visiting the sick and elderly in the hospitals and retirement homes, to running the day-to-day operations of the church, it seems like there’s never enough time in the day to do everything. Plus, as a congregation, we’re moving into the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist and that takes time and effort also.”

Since 2019 more than 7000 churches have left the United Methodist Church over several key-doctrinal issues. Kidder Memorial Church is one such congregation.

However, the pastor is quick to point from where he draws his strength and energy to continue his ministerial duties.

“God and his son, Jesus Christ, give me the strength I need daily. It is an honor to serve him,” he said.

For more information about Kidder Memorial Methodist church visit the churches webpage at kidderchurch.org or visit them on their official FaceBook page.