For the first time in nearly four decades, Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church will have a new associate pastor following the retirement of the Rev. Marion Silbert on Jan. 31.

A Western Pennsylvania native, Silbert is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Princeton Theological Seminary. She joined Newlonsburg in 1983.

“Not only has Marnie spearheaded several programs during her tenure at Newlonsburg, she has officiated at countless weddings and baptisms and has been a source of inspiration and support to her church and community,” said church member Laurie Bailey.

Silbert spoke recently with the Star as she prepared to begin retirement:

Q: What was Newlonsburg Presbyterian like when you first joined the church’s staff, and how has it changed over the decades?

A: When I started, some people were not sure about having a clergywoman. The church had no copier and was using electric typewriters. Some of the décor was reminiscent of the ’60s.

Q:How has your role changed over the years?

A: I began with primary responsibility for youth ministry whereas in recent years I have supervised a youth director and a director of children’s and family ministries. Over the years, I have been a “jack of all trades,” filling the gap for whatever program staff position was vacant.

Q: Newlonsburg seems to have a vibrant church community with a wide variety of events and a good deal of parishioners willing to volunteer their time to organize and staff them — which is not always the case. How do you work to maintain that?

A: This is true. When new folks join, they are told this is what makes a vibrant church and we hope they will find a place and we cannot do what all we do without all those volunteers. Working and serving together does great things for community.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your time with Newlonsburg?

A: Churches have seasons and sometimes there are squabbles that aren’t much fun. Personally, being a single parent and managing work as a minister was definitely challenging.

Q: What will you remember most as you begin retirement?

A: What an incredible group of people have made this expression of Christ’s body. I have many memories of the 20 or so youth mission trips, of mentoring folks toward ordained ministry and serving generations of families. I have been truly blessed to have been a part of this vital congregation for all these years. I have great hope for their continued vital faithful witness.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)