First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fresno has hired a short-term interim pastor to help the congregation heal from its pastor’s suicide.

The Rev. Jamie Evans took his own life Feb. 25 after struggling with depression. He was 50. In November, he took leave because of exhaustion and burnout, church officials say, and received help for depression.

The Rev. Robert Hopper of Orlando, Fla., started on Aug. 22 and will serve the congregation through October or mid-November. His preaching focus will be on the healing of the congregation as he works alongside the church’s pastors, staff and governing body. Hopper is working at the church Sundays through Tuesdays.

Hopper, most recently a church planter for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Orlando, Florida area has experience in similar situation, according to a report from an official with Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Livonia, Mich.

Prior to his move to the EPC in 1996, Hopper served two pastorates in the PCA, in Ligonier, PA and Williamsburg, VA.

First Presbyterian Church will continue to search for a longer-term interim pastor and plans to take its time in finding a permanent replacement for Evans.