photo by: Eric Ayres

The Rev. Dr. Bill Wendell, associate pastor at Thoburn United Methodist Church, will take over duties as executive director of House of the Carpenter in July after current Executive Director The Rev. Dr. Michael Linger retires at the end of June.

WHEELING — For six decades, the House of the Carpenter has provided transformative programs and helped serve those in need throughout the local community, and new leadership will take the reins this summer.

Officials at the House of the Carpenter gathered for the big announcement Monday at its Toni and Nancy Bedway Center for Youth on South Front Street on Wheeling Island. There, the Rev. Dr. Michael Linger, executive director of the House of the Carpenter, officially announced his retirement effective June 30 of this year.

“It’s been my privilege to serve as the executive director of House of the Carpenter for the past 14 years,” Linger said. “It’s been some of the most rewarding work that I’ve done over the past 44 years of pastoral ministry.”

Over the past few months, board members went through an extensive search process to find its next executive director. On Monday, they introduced the Rev. Dr. Bill Wendell as the person who will fill that role beginning July 1.

Wendell said he was excited and grateful for the opportunity ahead of him.

“Hearing about the work that they’ve been doing over the past 60 years is inspiring, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s also a little bit intimidating – there are big shoes to fill,” Wendell said. “But ultimately, it’s exciting to be able to work with such a great community and to be able to make such a positive impact for God’s kingdom here on earth.”

Wendell is currently the associate pastor at Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville, where he will remain until taking over for Linger beginning in July. Wendell has extensive experience in preaching, teaching and leadership, as well as experience in working with children and adults with special needs, including autism.

He has a master’s in divinity and a doctorate in ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary and majored in psychology at Baldwin-Wallace College before attending the seminary. His wife, Brittany, is a special education teacher at St. Clairsville Elementary School. They are the parents of three children, Billy, 12; Elijah, 10; and Lucy, 3.

The House of the Carpenter was founded by the West Virginia United Methodist Church to serve the growing poverty in the Upper Ohio Valley. It is a unique and special place that services as a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals and families across the region, Linger noted.

“Currently, we’re celebrating our 60th year of service,” he said. “The project began as a simple food pantry. Today, the House of the Carpenter is a vital link within our community, serving our neighbors who are struggling and who are in need. Currently we serve about 1,400 people a week.”

More than 23,000 people made use of the House of the Carpenter’s Thrift Store this past year, 7,000 came through the food pantry, hundreds of local youth attend programs after school and in the summer, and more than 125 people come to the facility for weekly recovery support.

Linger said the House of the Carpenter was able to expand its footprint in the community with the Toni and Nancy Bedway Center for Youth on Wheeling Island, which not only helped meet the basic needs of those who came through its doors, but also helped improve their quality of life with an array of educational and community-based activities.

And with significant investments made toward education, the House of the Carpenter became a strong partner with its Wheeling Island neighbor — Madison Elementary School.

Madison Principal Andrea Trio said it has been a great partnership that promises to continue when the new executive director takes the helm.

“Some may say, ‘what is it that they do?'” Trio said. “There are so many things that they do, but it’s more importantly what they’ve been called to do. Not only to help children, but to help their families. The House of the Carpenter truly helps Madison be known as the anchor of Wheeling Island. Because of them, they help us stand strong and continue to move forward to touch the lives of children.”

Members of the House of the Carpenter’s board were meticulous in the process of searching for a new director to take over when Linger steps into his retirement, board Chairman George Blum said.

The pool of over 40 candidates was initially narrowed down to eight to 10. They sent out questionnaires and did interviews with those individuals before the pool was narrowed down to the three strongest candidates. Any of those three would have done a fine job, Blum said, noting that one in particular stood out.

“There was one person who checked all of the boxes – one person who showed everything we were looking for in a future executive director for the House of the Carpenter. And that person is Rev. Dr. William Wendell,” Blum said.

“Over the past few months, the search committee has worked hard to find the next executive director. I believe they have done a great job in choosing Bill. He is the perfect choice to move the organization forward,” Linger said.

“I am excited and honored to be entrusted with the leadership of such a vital organization,” said Wendell, who has also served as a board member for the past few years. “I’m looking forward to continuing to provide for the needs of today while building hope for tomorrow. As we reflect on 60 years of service, our focus will remain on creating opportunities that empower our community members to thrive in mind, body and spirit.”

The House of the Carpenter serves people throughout the Upper Ohio Valley on both sides of the Ohio River. Its success has been made possible through the support of donors, volunteers and partners who share in its vision for a stronger community.

For more information about the House of the Carpenter and its programs, or how to get involved, visit www.houseofthecarpenter.com, sign up for the electronic newsletters or follow House of the Carpenter on social media for the latest updates on all the programs.