Rev. Dr. Lillian Freeman Reynolds is serving as the temporary “regular supply pastor” for the Community Church of the Pelhams following the retirement of Pastor Noel Vanek at the end of last year, according to a press release from the church.

“The regular supply pastor position is a temporary position while the church conducts a search for a regularly settled pastor,” said the release. “This may take at least a year. The regular supply pastor may also be a candidate for the settled pastor position.”

Reynolds is an ordained Baptist minister. She has served at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon for 25 years and at the Community Church for six.

In 1983, she graduated from Miami University in Ohio, earning a bachelor’s of arts in sociology, and then a master’s degree in social science administration from Case Western University. She received a doctor of ministry in 2012 from the New York Theological Seminary. In 2018, she earned a master’s of science in education and a certificate of advanced study. In addition, she is certified to teach in New York State, a licensed social worker and served as the McKinney-Vento Liaison in the Mount Vernon City School District.

“From 2003 through 2013, Rev. Dr. Reynolds was the executive director of the Grace CDF Freedom Schools, a Children’s Defense Fund program operated under the Ujamaa Community Development Corporation in Mount Vernon,” said the press release.

Reynolds was born and raised in Cleveland.