First Baptist welcomes new pastor

The First Baptist Church of Glendale has called on the Rev. Charles Updike to become the 11th pastor in the church’s 103-year history.

Updike, pastor at the First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg, Md., will begin his Glendale ministry on Sept. 16.

“I’m excited to get to know the community,” said Updike, 60. “The church is deeply rooted in the community, and now it’s time for a fresh vision. It’s a historic Baptist congregation that is interested now in growing again.”

Updike was chosen from a profile service of American Baptist churches, he said.

He was one of about 80 pastors interviewed for the position, said Judi Cline, chairwoman of the pastoral search committee.

“He has lots of experience as senior pastor, and he does have skills as far as church growth,” Cline said. “He recognizes and respects our legacy at First Baptist Church, and he wants to continue and build on that.”

Glendale’s diversity was a selling point, which Updike said could be used to help expand a congregation of 50 to 60 members.

Not only is he looking forward to serving a new congregation, but Updike and his wife, Sharon, also want to be closer to their only son, Craig, who lives in Los Angeles, Charles Updike said.

“I want to be near our son, particularly when he gets married,” he said.

Leaving a congregation of 27 years is bittersweet for Updike, but moving to Glendale will present a chance to meet new congregants from different backgrounds, he said.

“The first year, we really want to get to know all the people and get to know the neighborhood,” Updike said.

“I’ll be walking the neighborhood and meeting people and finding out what the needs are in the area.”

Updike also has long-term goals in mind for the church.

After he gets to know the parishioners and the community, Updike plans to revive the church’s youth ministries, he said.

Another task on his list is a series of capital improvement projects.

“The church is a beautiful, old structure, and I’d really like to see it restored to its original beauty,” Updike said.

Updike, a Kentucky native, has a master of divinity degree and has been in the ministry since 1973.

He will be replacing assistant pastor Frank Brougher, who is retiring after nearly six years at the pulpit, Cline said.

“We are really excited to have him around,” Cline said.

“It’s going to be sad to see Rev. Brougher leave, but we are excited about a new era.”

 ANI AMIRKHANIAN is a news assistant. She may be reached at (818) 637-3230 or by e-mail at ani.amirkhanian@latimes.com.