GULF SHORES, Ala. — Gulf Shores United Methodist Church is very pleased to welcome to its church family new pastor, Rev. Glenn Butler and his wife Sherry.

It is always an exciting time and a challenging time for both the congregation and the new pastor of any church to find their niche.

Butler has an easy going personality that allows for a smooth transition from one pastor to the next.

Born in Tacoma, Wash., Butler lived there for his first nine years.

Then his family relocated all the way to Germany west of the Frankfurt area on the Main River.

After three years there the family moved back to the states and settled in their new home in Ft. Rucker, Ala.

After high school, Butler continued his education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. majoring in business. He played basketball in high school and again in college.

On completion of his degree he began working with General Electric Company.

During his two years with them, he felt he was called to enter the ministry. He entered the seminary in Kentucky.

After his completion of his studies he returned to Alabama to be close to home with his ailing mother.

During this time he met David McClain, an army chaplain and through him met the bishop who offered him a position in Beatrice, Ala., a three point charge (three churches).

After two years there he moved on to Wetumka, Prattville and LaVerne. In all he spent 14 years in the Montgomery area.

Leaving the Montgomery area, Butler accepted a position in Enterprise where he remained for 13 years.

It was a surprise to him when he learned that he would be taking the position in Gulf Shores.

But being familiar with the workings of the church, he knew that someday he would possibly move on.

“This is a wonderful community,” Butler said. “I always liked Gulf Shores. It is family oriented and I think the leadership of this city have tried to keep things that way and fun for everyone.”

Butler and his wife have two grown children — a son in Connecticut and a daughter in Birmingham.