South Highland Presbyterian Church, an architectural landmark and historic congregation in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood, has hired a graduate of Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School as its new senior pastor.

The Rev. Cort Gatliff, 32, associate pastor for discipleship at South Highland, was elected senior pastor during a vote held on Sunday, July 14.

“Cort exhibits all the traits that our congregation felt were important for our next senior pastor,” wrote Laura Ray, chair of the pastor nominating committee. “He is compassionate, relationship-oriented, and an extremely effective preacher.”

Gatliff grew up in the Detroit area and both of his parents served as pastors. He attended the University of Tennessee, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media. He then went on to work at an advertising agency for five years.

His wife, Abby, serves as associate minister for student and family discipleship at South Highland.

They have been married since 2015 and have two children, Eleanor, 4, and Ruthie, 2.

Gatliff completed his master of divinity degree at Beeson Divinity School in 2020.

In December, Gatliff wrote a magazine cover story for “Christianity Today,” about how light pollution has reduced the visibility of stars and in turn contributed to a decline in awe of God’s creation.

South Highland Presbyterian, established in 1888 and located at 2035 Highland Ave., is one of Birmingham’s oldest congregations.

The Rev. Ed Hurley retired as senior pastor at the end of 2023, after serving since 2001.