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‘She moves you with her words and touches you with her heart’ — Utah pastor at historic black church retires after a grueling but gratifying tenure

Salt Lake Tribune | August 25, 2018

Related Topics: Utah, Pastor, History, Heart, Religion, Barack Obama, John Wesley, Hartford, Connecticut

Govan is stepping down at age 75, as is required by the AME denomination, and no longer will be receiving a salary.

The truth is, though, the powerhouse preacher hasn’t taken a salary for some seven years — half of her 14-year tenure — and, until the regional AME bishop appoints a new Trinity minister, she still will be preaching and teaching for the tiny church every week as its “interim pastor.”

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The entryway to the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Aug. 14, 2018. The Rev. Nurjhan Govan of the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is retiring Aug. 26, 2018.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune A placard announcing the afternoon call to prayer rests just inside the entrance to the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Aug. 14, 2018. The Rev Nurjhan Govan of the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is retiring on Aug. 26, 2018.
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The Rev. Nurjhan Govan of the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is retiring on Aug. 26, 2018.

On Sunday, the congregation is honoring her with a “pastor’s appreciation service,” recognizing the quiet dynamo as a “person of boundless love and deep compassion.

See full article at Salt Lake Tribune