New pastor joins Fairlawn Presbyterian

In addition to celebrating its preschool, Fairlawn Presbyterian Church also is marking a new pastoral beginning.

The Rev. Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, who has served in ministry for nearly 25 years to four congregations, was recently named minister at the church. She comes from Strathmoor Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where she led that church for 11 years.

Kirkpatrick, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, has an extensive background in early childhood education projects as well, including Success by Six and an Early Childhood Council in Vermont.

Most recently, she helped strengthen ties between the preschool and church at Strathmoor Presbyterian in Louisville through monthly Chapel Chimes, Milk and Cookies Story Hours and Popcorn Playgrounds.

Her undergraduate education includes a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the College of Wooster and a doctor of ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Her volunteer activities have ranged from tutoring at an elementary school to being a Girl Scout leader to serving as a Habitat For Humanity volunteer.

She has two daughters, Katherine Brucken, a freshman at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, and Caroline Brucken, a sixth-grader at Richards Elementary School in Columbus.