Rev. W. Kent Clise; 6th Minister (1990 - 1996)

In 1990, Rev. W. Kent Clise accepted a call to Trinity Avenue following interim pastors who served the church after Rev. Bennett’s 1988 retirement. Rev. Clise had been pastor and head of staff for the previous15 years at First Presbyterian Church of Rockford, Ill. Before moving to Rockford, he was associate pastor for nearly seven years at the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, MO with a primary responsibility in youth ministry.

Rev. Clise grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Butler University. He then received his Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on June 16, 1968. He continued his postgraduate education at Regent’s College in London and St. Andrew’s University in Scotland with a focus on English and Scottish Reformation History.

He and his wife Paula, brought along two sons to Durham—Scott and Brian—who both began college fall of 1990. Paula was a career educator. While in Durham, in addition to his pastoral positions, Rev. Clise was involved in community and public education, serving on civic boards and task forces. Rev. Clise believed, “Faith in God and a public education are two most enduring gifts.” He has been a member of Rotary for 30 years including a term as President.

In 1996, Rev. Clise resigned to accept a call to First Presbyterian Church of Northville in Michigan. He served there until 2010 and was named Pastor Emeritus. From 2011 to 2016 he has served as Transitional Interim Pastor at several congregations in the Greater Detroit Area.

Written by Sally M. Adkin, January 2016, drawing from church archive scrapbooks and news clippings and a brief biography provided by Rev. Clise.