Westbury Community Church, located on Prospect Avenue in New Cassel, has welcomed a new pastor.

Reverend Victor Lewis, a Westbury resident, became the church's new leader on April 1. He replaces Robert Wilson, who left the church about a year ago. Interviewed at Westbury Community Church last Wednesday, Pastor Lewis expressed his hopes for the congregation.

"Number one is Christian education. I come from a family of grand educators. Once the education is complete, then we'll be able to begin working in the community," he said, adding, "My preaching is more teaching."

Interestingly, while the Christian denomination of Westbury Community Church is United Church of Christ (UCC), Lewis comes from a Baptist background. Nevertheless, the congregation has welcomed him as their new leader. "I'm getting acquainted with my UCC brothers and sisters," said Lewis, adding that he has dual standing as a Christian minister which enables him to serve in both denominations.

Lewis hails from Friendship Baptist Church in Roslyn, where he served as minister for three years, under the leadership of Pastor Richard Hunter, Jr., who ordained him. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lewis grew up in Jamaica, Queens. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Hampton University, in Hampton, Virginia, and bachelor of theology degree from Hugee Theological Institute in Harlem, New York, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class. He and his wife, Audrey, have resided in the village of Westbury for five years. They have two children, Netanya and Victor.

Lewis plans to make community outreach an important part of his ministry in New Cassel, with assessment of the needs of the community as a prerequisite. "I have to identify the needs of the community. That's a learning process," he said, noting that he does not want to hastily assume what those needs are. "We want to move with wisdom."

A key challenge for the 65-member congregation will be attracting youth, whom he said are the future of the church. "The youth can also give me an idea of what the needs are in the community." Lewis expressed much optimism about his new leadership role. Beaming, he said, "Yes, the pastor loves his parish. I thank God for them. They're so kind." He wished to also emphasize the compelling reason for his work. "I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," he said.

Lewis noted that he has composed a two-hour Powerpoint presentation about the vision he has for Westbury Community Church, and that the wishes of the congregation will continue to shape it. "My leadership style is one of charisma. I like everyone to work together. Whatever the church embraces, that's what we'll move with," he said. "I want it to be a unified vision - to lead with love." As one of his first steps, he has initiated a Wednesday evening prayer meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. The church also offers Sunday School, at 9 a.m., and Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.

Lewis is already familiar with the local community, as he has been active in civic life in Westbury throughout his residence here. As a Baptist minister, he has also enjoyed fellowship with leaders of Westbury's Baptist congregations. He is enthusiastic about what he describes as a current revitalization in New Cassel. "I think New Cassel is actually in a resurgence," he said. Thanks in part to local government leaders who are committed to rezoning and helping businesses improve their storefronts, he said, "New Cassel is turning around."