With great joy and anticipation the congregation of Payson Park Church welcomed the Rev. Lael Atkinson as their settled pastor in January of 2004. Prior to arriving at Payson Park Church, Rev. Atkinson served the Old South Church in Boston where her work as Associate Minister focused in the areas of pastoral care and spiritual growth since 1998. She was also involved in area outreach programs, offering leadership and support to Saturday's and Sunday's Bread meal program, Habitat for Humanity, Training, Inc. of YWCA, Boston Aging Concerns, and Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. She is active in denominational initiatives and is president of The Winthrop Club, a gathering of ministers serving the United Church of Christ.

A resident of the Boston area for twenty-five years, Rev. Atkinson was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Her undergraduate years were spent at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where she earned a B.A. in English; she received her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA. Before entering seminary she worked first in the private sector and later as an advocate for homebound elders in the South End and South Boston with the City of Boston’s Commission on Affairs for the Elderly. She has also founded a bimonthly newspaper for senior citizens and served as a Volunteer Chaplain at Mass. General Hospital.

“My call to ministry developed gradually as I learned to put my faith into action,” Lael explains. “I am glad to be sharing my experiences and leadership with the people of Payson Park Church and the surrounding area.”

If you have any questions or would like to speak with Rev. Atkinson, please call 617-484-1542. Or you may email her directly: pastor@paysonpark.org.