Katherine Harrington

St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church recently announced the arrival of a new pastor and head of staff, the Rev. Katherine B. Harrington. 

Harrington began her pastoral leadership Monday, according to a news release.

Harrington was born and raised in a different Wilmington – Wilmington, Ohio – where she attended The College of Wooster, majoring in political science and English. After experiencing a call to youth ministry, Harrington attended Princeton Theological Seminary and received dual degrees: master of divinity and master of arts in youth ministry, the release stated. 

She spent 17 combined years serving at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church and then Sardis Presbyterian Church. 

Harrington, who has Wilmington roots through descendants from a family in the 19th century, joins St. Andrews-Covenant as the first female head of staff in the church’s over 100-year history, the release stated.

"She is a talented preacher who loves designing rich worship experiences. She is experienced in administering large, complex congregations, leading worship, supervising education staff, leading youth programming, leading community outreach and world missions, providing oversight for a weekday preschool, and delivering pastoral care," according to the release. "Active in the Charlotte Presbytery, she led the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, the Anti-Racism Ministry Team, and served as the presbytery’s moderator."

Harrington and her husband, Todd, are the parents of Max and Josie. Todd works in central supervision for Merrill Lynch. 

When responding to the invitation to engage with St. Andrews-Covenant, Katherine Harrington wrote, “I am called to collaborate with a church staff and congregation who are willing to work together to wrestle with deep questions. And through the wrestling, adapt and pivot to better be the church and the people God is calling us to be.”