The Rev. Jim Benson, senior pastor at Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church in Cranberry Township, has been at his new position with the church since Aug. 1. The new position was something of a homecoming for the New Castle native. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle

CRANBERRY TWP — It took more than a year, but Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church finally landed its new senior pastor in the Rev. Jim Benson.

The New Castle native took over the pulpit in the 40-year-old church at 2662 Rochester Road on Aug. 1, replacing the late Rev. Jim Moran.

He will be assisted by associate pastor Dena Roy.

John Hammann, of Economy, a member of Cranberry Community’s seven-member pastor nominating committee, said, “It took us over a year. It was about 14 months.”

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