First Church, Springville, new pastor

Chipley (Chip) Thornton is the new pastor of First Church, Springville. He holds a bachelor of science degree in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama, a master of divinity from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a doctorate with a focus in preaching from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He previously served as associate pastor of Belmar Church, Louisville, Ky., and also served at Bullitt Lick Church, Shepherdsville, Ky. He and his wife, Kerri, have four children.