Edmunds County Tribune -

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, Hannah. Each graduated from Ipswich High School, he said.

In his "Reflections" Pastor Ron had many to thank for their assistance over the years.

He said he is grateful to the people God put in his life to help with his mission.

First was new lead pastor, Jason Dignon, who has been Wickard's assistant since 1995.

He also thanked those who assisted with children's program, including his wife, Kaye. He said he was thankful for the wife God gave him.

He said he was grateful for the church leadership. They were patient in the beginning, he said, allowing him to let the scriptures be his guide. They were open to the changes that came over the years, including the new sanctuary.

He called the Richland congregation genuine people of faith.

Finally, he said he was grateful he would be staying here to serve the Lord. "I'll be serving the Lord in a new way after 42 years," he said.

Pastor Wickard plans to help as needed. Kaye will continue to teach in Ipswich.