Stanley and Jane, San Francisco
When a pastor retires, the general rule in the Lutheran church is that he can no longer be a member of the congregation that he last served. The accepted practice is to have retired ministers fill in as interim pastors for other congregations and assist in other ways.
After a very moving retirement ceremony at St. Mark's, Stanley and Jane moved to Hickory. They purchased their first home, a condominium near Lenoir-Rhyne College.
 Follow link to full article.Monte Mitchell, “Labor Remains for Retiring Minister,” Hickory Daily Record, August 29, 1990, p. C1. Used by permission of Hickory Daily Record. |
At first he felt unsettled. He found the whole idea of retirement contrary to his life's work. Within four months, he returned to the ministry, helping out as he could. He served as extended interim pastor of St. Paul's in Hickory from 1991-96, minister of Ebenezer Lutheran in Bandys, and visitation pastor at St. Andrews. He continued his presentations on his cross collection. He facilitated bereavement groups through Pathways. Over time, he reduced his community obligations.
 His second retirement. This one from St. Paul's.Monte Mitchell, “He's retiring, but don't haul out rocking chair just yet,” The Charlotte Observer, November 19, 1995, p. 1V, 4V. Used by permission of The Charlotte Observer. |
In 1998, he had serious heart problems that required triple bypass surgery. After recovering, he scaled back his activities but resumed pastoral duties.
50th wedding anniversary, 1999 (click on group picture for larger image)
