The Rev. Thomas Haines, formerly of Chicago, was called by a vote of 96-2 yesterday to be the pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, North Weissport.

He will succeed the Rev. Melvin I. Hamet Jr., who resigned in May to become pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Allentown.

Haines graduated last May from the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, and has served his internship at Calvary Lutheran Church, Laureldale. He has been serving as chaplain of the French Creek State Park in Chester County.

He is married to the former Diane Warner, a social worked and former alcohol counselor.