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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Maplesville Baptist Church has named Brandon Price its new pastor.

Price comes into the role following former Pastor Terry Harris, who passed away in March.

“Terry was a good man and was with us for several years. His passing was so unexpected,” search committee member Clem Clapp said. “It took our search committee six months interviewing some really great potential pastors, and we were most fortunate in having Brandon and his wonderful wife April join with us. We think he is a very good choice to follow Bro. Harris, and to lead our congregation beyond the barrier and confusion of the pandemic. We’re looking forward to his personal and spiritual leadership both in the church and overall community.”

The first Sunday for Price was Sept. 12.

“God just opened the doors, and this is the place that he wanted me to be,” Price said, commenting that his “life experiences and education” lined up with what the church was looking for.

He said taking the position appealed to him because the people were “genuine, straightforward, generous and most welcoming.”

Price is excited about being involved in the Maplesville community and activities for the community, both children and adults, that the church is planning.

Price grew up in Chilton County and is a 1988 graduate of Thorsby High School.

“I never imagined that I would become a minister,” Price said. “I felt the call to move in that direction about 10 years after I had been through some life events that caused me to grow closer to God, and then I was able to understand what he wanted me to use those things that he had taught me through those experiences to help others.”

Price took some classes at Samford University before transferring to Liberty University to complete his bachelor’s degree in religion and science and a master’s degree in Christian ministry.

Prior to accepting the position at Maplesville Baptist, Price was a support pastor at Collectivus Church in Calera. Before that, he served at Concord Church in Calera as a fill in for the lead pastor when needed and as the children and family pastor for about three years.

He has served in pastoral ministry for five years.

Price and his wife April live in Calera, but they are hoping to move to Chilton County in the future.