Staff photo / Bob Coupland First Lady Shanice Peterson and her husband, the Rev. Vincent E. Peterson II, were among those who attended an installation ceremony April 18 for Peterson at Third Baptist Church in Youngstown. Peterson is a native of Trumbull County and a Howland graduate.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Vincent E. Peterson II has been installed as the new senior pastor of Third Baptist Church in Youngstown.

Peterson, a Trumbull County native and Howland High School graduate, was joined by pastors, clergy and ministers from Mahoning and Trumbull counties for the official installation April 12 as the church enters a new season of ministry.

He is the sixth pastor of Third Baptist Church.

Peterson and First Lady Shanice Peterson stood together at the front of the church where the congregation and guests applauded them.

Peterson thanked the members of the church for giving him the opportunity.

“I knew God had a place for me. I am grateful to God for what he has for my life. This is a blessing to me and my family,” he said.

Peterson said he has always wanted to be like his father, who is also a pastor.

He told his father, Vince Peterson I, “You are a true man of God. If I can be half the pastor you are, I will be honored. I am excited about what God is about to do,” he said.

Peterson told the congregation that he and others will go into the community and talk to people.

“We will share the love of Jesus to people. Let us all be united as one,” he said.

“Thank you for welcoming my family and me with love. Thank you for your prayers, your trust and your support.I am honored to serve and excited for what God has in store for Third Baptist Church,” Peterson said.

The Rev. Vince Peterson I, pastor of Providence Baptist and father of the new pastor, said the “monumental moment” made him and the family proud.

“As his father, I am grateful. As a preacher, I am honored with a joy of confidence,” Peterson I said.

He and other pastors told the younger Peterson that he is a reflection of God no matter what he does.

Pastor Sampson Murray of Triedstone Baptist Church in Warren said he has always supported Peterson on whatever road he was on and was proud to learn when he was chosen as pastor of Third Baptist Church.

The Rev. Avan Odom of Friendship Baptist Church in Warren told Peterson “to let God’s word be with you in your ministry and when you preach the word.”

The Rev. Kenneth Simon of New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown told Peterson to work with his parish through energizing it.

Shanice Peterson told those at the installation that “it means so much to have the support from our church family. We are starting on a new journey. Your love and support means more to us than we can express,” she said.

After graduating from Howland High School in 2008, Vince Peterson II graduated from Villanova University, where he majored in criminal justice and minored in sociology.

His career took him to ministry and he began serving at Third Baptist Church in March.