University Christian Church, at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Richmond Street in Hillcrest, celebrated its 109th birthday on Sept. 30. Days later, the congregation welcomed a new pastor.

The Rev. Caleb Lines,  who preached his first sermon on Oct. 4, is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He holds a master of sacred theology degree with specializations in urban ministry and homelessness, and a master of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. He also has a bachelor of arts degree in religious studies with a minor in Spanish proficiency from Missouri State University, from which he graduated magna cum laude in the Honors College.

University Christian Church began in 1906 as a Mission Style church. It has been at the same location since then.

The church will officially install the Rev. Lines as Senior Minister during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Oct. 25.  The church is an open and affirming congregation and welcomes all people.

The Rev. Lines comes to University Christian Church after serving as Associate Minister at South Street Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri.  He is married to his childhood sweetheart, Shawnna, a social worker. They welcomed their first child, Katherine, whom they call “Kit,” on July 18.

Members of the Pastor Search Committee said they felt that the pastor was “tuned in” to our ever-changing society and has an understanding of the modern-day church.  In his profile, the Rev. Lines wrote, “by building upon our commonalities and accepting our differences, we can truly learn from one another and grow.”