During a special meeting of its members on July 17, Newtown Congregational Church found its newest staff member.

A unanimous vote that Sunday morning approved the hiring of the Reverend Kristen Provost Switzer as NCC's Minister of Youth and Mission, a new title for the West Street church.

During the meeting - for which Rev Provost Switzer and her husband were not present - members of the church spoke about Rev Provost Switzer.

Bob Keegan, who has served as chairman of the search committee for the new pastoral leader, said that the committee's decision to invite Rev Provost Switzer had been unanimous. Nine people had submitted resumes when the post was announced, and four were ultimately interviewed, according to Mr Keegan.

"Right from the beginning, though, a lot of people felt 'This is our person,'" he told those assembled in the sanctuary. "Part of what we saw was her spirituality, her sincerity, and enthusiasm."

Darlene Jackson, a member of the search committee, liked how familiar the new pastor would be with the community she would be serving.

"She knows this community, she grew up in this community," Mrs Jackson said of Rev Provost Switzer. "She has a lot of interests here. She just fits."

Rev Kristen Provost Switzer, of Sandy Hook, graduated from Newtown High School.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Northeastern University, a Certificate of Professional Ministry from Hartford Seminary, and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

She has worked as youth group advisor at Monroe Congregational Church, youth minister of Spring Glen Church-UCC, and designated pastor of Prospect Congregational Church, UCC.

She was ordained on June 7, 2015, while serving at Prospect Congregational Church.

Reverend Matthew Crebbin, senior pastor of Newtown Congregational Church, said he was impressed that Rev Provost Switzer answered questions from the search committee, but also asked a lot of questions.

"A lot of candidates will answer questions correctly, but it's also important when the candidate comes back with questions that show they have been looking into us," he said, July 17. "She showed a lot of interest, and she was always very responsive to us."

Rev Provost Switzer had been invited to serve as the guest preacher that morning. She had a busy trial run that day. Rev Provost Switzer not only delivered the morning's sermon, which she titled "The Better Part," but she also offered the Children's Message and oversaw a baptism.

In addition, Rev Provost Switzer had traveled to Illinois earlier in the month with this summer's Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants.

More than 80 people attended the special meeting July 17, staying after worship service and coffee hour to make the important decision on whether or not to hire Rev Provost Switzer for a full-time position.

When she was invited, with her husband, Scott, to return to the sanctuary following the morning's vote, Rev Provost Switzer was given a standing ovation.

"Never did I think I would be returning to my hometown" as a spiritual leader, said Rev Provost Switzer. "Thank you for allowing me to serve this community."