Westminster pastor retiring after 36 years in the ministry
The Rev. William Koch started his career at Westminster Church and will end it at Westminster Church. He will retire October 31 as pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rogers City. It has been 36 years since he began his life?s work at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Roswell, New Mexico.
During his career, he has been called to serve eight churches stretching from Illinois to Oregon. As he and his wife, Linda, prepare to enjoy their retirement in New Mexico, both say it has been gratifying living in Rogers City. ?It?s been a rewarding 10 years here,? said the pastor, the eighth called in the church?s 86-year history. ?It?s been a good match between the pastor and the congregation. We?ve both grown and thrived in the process?I found a friendly group of people here, very down to earth.?
Pastor Bill, as he?s known by his congregation, was raised in Peoria, Illinois and graduated from Bradley University there in 1970. In 1973, he completed his Masters of Divinity at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. He was ordained in July 1973 at his home church, First Federated Church of Peoria.
In addition to serving three years at the Roswell Westminster church, he has been pastor or associate pastor at the First and Second Presbyterian Churches in Raton, New Mexico; Community Presbyterian Church, Lakeside, California; First Presbyterian Church, Roswell, New Mexico; Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw, Florence, Oregon; and the Second Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Illinois. Members of the church comment that Pastor Bill has a calm and warm demeanor in ministering to his flock.
?He?s a down to earth person,? said Elder Owen Lamb. ?He?s easy to talk to, a good facilitator in meetings, and his services show he?s well organized. He also has a good sense of humor. We will miss him.? Amid the last bit of packing this week, Bill and Linda celebrated their fourth anniversary. The two met through Presbyterian channels, when both were pursuing further education in the church. They were married at Chimney Rock, a landmark at the Presbyterian Church?s Ghost Ranch National Conference Center in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Together they have four children and two grandchildren.
Linda, who has a master?s degree and teaching certificate in Child Development, retired as Christian Education Director at Traverse City?s Presbyterian church. She also has a certificate in Spiritual Direction. She was drawn to that specialty while working toward a certificate in Christian Education. Linda has been active at Westminster in leading seminars and special activities, and in giving children?s sermons, as well as humorous skits.
The Kochs have built a small home in Los Lunas, New Mexico, 20 miles south of Albuquerque, and will be departing Michigan around the first of November. But they plan to spend time every summer at Linda?s family cottage on Green Lake near Interlochen. ?We will miss many people,? Pastor Bill said. ?One of my most gratifying parts of being
Reflecting on Westminster?s and Rogers City?s future, he said, ?We leave with fond memories and good thoughts. Our hope and prayer is for wonderful, positive things for this church and the community. ?I feel I?m leaving the church at a good time,? he added. ?There are a lot of skilled people and good leadership here.? This Sunday, Westminster Church members and friends will honor the Kochs with a farewell dinner.
It will likely be a year or more before Pastor Koch?s successor is called by the Westminster congregation. In keeping with Constitutional Standards of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a committee composed of Session members is currently searching for an interim pastor. He or she will serve the church for some time (typically about a year) before the church?s ninth called pastor is installed.