First Christian Church has called the Rev. Dr. Mark A. Benson as their new pastor.

Benson will preach his first sermon at the church, a Disciples of Christ member, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Rev. Benson is a native of Philadelphia and is a 1981 graduate of Neshoba Central High School. He holds a bachelor of arts from Anderson University, a master of divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a doctor of ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary. He served pastorates in Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina before returning to Mississippi in July.

He is married to LeAnne Malick Benson, a fourth grade teacher at Northeast Elementary School. They have two adult children, Andrew of Raleigh, N.C. and Emily of Greenville, N.C.

“We are excited to have the Bensons at First Christian Church,” Andrew Covington, chairman of the congregation, said in a statement. “Our Search Committee looked for over a year and a half, and we feel as though we have found the perfect fit for our congregation. We look forward to continuing to share the love of Christ under Rev. Benson’s leadership.”

First Christian Church is located at 1301 23rd Ave. in downtown Meridian. All are welcome to attend.