A festive spirit colored a special Sunday service last week at the Southampton United Methodist Church, where dozens of people filled the pews to celebrate the installation of Pastor Leslie Duroseau.
The air was filled with music, dancing and a collage of perfumes, as Rev. Duroseau took the stage with a tear-stained face to perform a liturgical dance rife with emotion. She thanked God and her family at Southampton United Methodist Church for her new role.
"This has been truly a celebration of what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives," the reverend said.
Rev. Duroseau, a queens native from Springfield Gardens, is 42. She currently lives in Southampton and has four children.
This is Rev. Duroseau's first pastorship. Prior to being assigned to the Southampton United Methodist Church, she was a minister.
A women who has worn many hats, she is a former hip-hop dancer and a social worker who served as a patient advocate at St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, Queens.
At the service, distinguished guests and congregation members spoke highly of Rev. Duroseau including Adrienne Brewington, district superintendent of the Long Island East District of United Methodist Churches.
Guests in attendance had traveled from as far and wide as Syracuse to witness the service, speakers said.
The new reverend accepted several religious gifts- baptismal water, a hymn book, and a book of worship- from members of the Staff Parish Relations Committee as part of the ceremony.
After the ceremony, Rev. Duroseau said she was moved by all of the support. She had been in tears for most of the service.
"You can't really put into words, love," she said. "Just so much love ... This must be a touch of heaven."
