The Rev. Edward P. Townsend, head of the Episcopal churches in the Tunkhannock and Laceyville area, has accepted a call to become rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Palmerton.

The announcement was made by Edwin C. Turner, senior warden of St. John's. Rev. Townsend, a graduate of Trinity College and the Virginia Theological Seminary, will assume duties in Palmerton on June 7, 1964.He and his wife are Bethlehem natives and are the parents of a 20-month-old son.He succeeds the Rev. Frederick T. Bender, who accepted a call to Grace Episcopal Church, Allentown.