Pastor Ron Wickard retires

Richland Church Pastor Ron Wickard gave the sermon "Reflections on 42 years" on June 20. It was his final sermon before his retirement.

Pastor Sam Crabtree, a friend and associate of Pastor Ron's, spoke on June 27 at the special service to celebrate Wickard's retirement. Past and present congregation members, as well as local residents, added to the celebration at an open house that evening.

Pastor Ron and his wife Kaye came to serve the church in July of 1979. Their daughter Heidi was only a year old.

During the next 42 years, the Wickards added two sons, Tim and Peter, and another daughter,...