OTISFIELD – The Pulpit Committee and the congregation of the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church have announced the call of Genise Knowlton to serve as new minister.

Knowlton was officially extended the call by the church on April 26 and was welcomed by the community at a fellowship gathering following the worship service.

Knowlton is a native of Otisfield and is the daughter of Clayton and Winona Polland. She was baptized in the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church as a teenager, and after having lived in several Maine communities, recently returned to Otisfield.

Knowlton attended the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing and the University of Southern Maine from which she received her bachelor of science degree in nursing.

In 2004, Knowlton began her studies at Bangor Theological Seminary and will receive her master of divinity degree in May. Knowlton has served as supply pastor for several area churches, including the East Otisfield. She served the First Baptist Church of Paris on Paris Hill from 2006-2008.

Knowlton has developed an interest in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and has spent time interacting with the Native American community in South Dakota and Maine.

She recently returned from an interfaith trip to Israel and continues to be in dialogue with the Jewish community through Rabbi Hillel Katzir of the Temple Shalom in Auburn.

Since the death of the Rev. Gertrude DeCoteau, the church has been served by the Rev. Dan Carr and his wife, Janet. The Carrs began their interim ministry at East Otisfield in August 2007. Their last Sunday at Otisfield will be June 7, with Knowlton assuming spiritual leadership the following week.