BELHAVEN — There is a new pastor in the town of Belhaven.

First Baptist Church in Belhaven is getting ready to install a new pastor-elect: Marian Pittman Barrow.

“We know she’s a true woman of God — a true working woman,” Verda Henderson, assistant treasurer of the church, said of Barrow.

Barrow was named pastor-elect in February, and on June 25, she will be installed as pastor.

Originally from Mississippi, Barrow has lived in Belhaven for 12 years. This will be her first time taking on the role of pastor, but she is no stranger to the church atmosphere. She’s been the assistant pastor at St. Reddick Missionary Baptist Church for the past year. Barrow said her decision to try her hand at pastoring was God-sent.

“I felt like it was a calling from the Lord directing me to take on this task,” Barrow said. “I want to demonstrate the love that Jesus taught us to show.”

Barrow said she wants to help the church grow both physically and spiritually. She said the church is in a bit of a repairing stage, and she is working toward that goal. She also hopes to redevelop the children’s and women’s ministries.

Barrow said she’s excited for a new and different job, but it was the town and the people of Belhaven that sealed the deal for her.

“I look forward to working with the people in Belhaven — I have a love for them. I want to see them grow,” Barrow said.

Barrow’s installation will fill an almost eight-month void in the church; they have been without a pastor since October 2016. Henderson said after a recommendation from another church and careful consideration, they knew Barrow was the one for the job.

“We knew she could do the job. She don’t mind getting down and working and serving right along with us,” Henderson said. “Also, she’s local. She knows the people; people know her. She can do a lot locally.”

Barrow will be the 16th pastor in the 116 years of church service. Her installation services will be held June 25 at 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Dr. James W. Harris, moderator of the Roanoke Baptist Association and pastor of St. Reddick Missionary Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker at the event.