Southside, Ind., RPC

Southside (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC marked Pastor Gordon Keddie’s retirement after 40 years of ministry with a celebration on June 20 at the church building. Pastor Keddie was ordained in 1974 and served as pastor at Wishaw RPC (Scotland), North Hills RPC (Pittsburgh, Pa.), and Grace RPC (State College, Pa.). For the last 10 years he ministered at Southside Indianapolis.
Rev. John Tweed (Winchester, Kan.) gave a devotion from Joshua 13:1 on the theme of “Unpossessed Lands.” Tributes were shared from members of the congregation and from Pastor Keddie’s son, David. Video presentations were shared by Pastor David Hanson (Grace [State College, Pa.] RPC); Pastor Keddie’s son, Donald, from South Korea; and Pastor Keddie’s brother, John, from Scotland. Pastor David Whitla presented gifts from the congregation to Pastor and Mrs. Keddie, and the evening concluded with a dessert reception.

The following week on June 27, the congregation gathered to witness the ordination and installation of Associate Pastor Stanley McKenzie. Stan is a recent graduate of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mich. Pastor Adam Niess (Bloomington, Ind., RPC) served as moderator of presbytery for the event. Dr. Gerald Bilkes from Puritan Reformed Seminary gave the sermon from Ezekiel 34, “A Bright Promise for a Dark Day.” Pastor David Whitla gave the queries and Rev. Gordon Keddie gave the prayer of ordination and installation during which members of presbytery laid hands on the new pastor. The charge to the pastor was given by Pastor Michael LeFebvre (Christ Church [Brownsburg, Ind.] RPC), and the charge to the congregation was given by Dr. William VanDoodewaard of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Following the singing of Psalm 77B, Pastor McKenzie gave the benediction to conclude the service. A reception followed, giving members of the congregation and guests the opportunity to greet the new pastor and his wife, Juliet.

—Susanne Hart, correspondent

Ridgefield Park, N.J., RPC

Pastor Bruce Martin

Tim Weir launched a building project at the Ridgefield Park RP Church.  This outdoor patio was recently completed and was designed to fulfill certification for an Eagle Scout merit badge.  In addition to raising funds, Tim secured donations of plants and pavers from landscape nurseries.  Many volunteers provided time and muscle for the padio’s construction. This new outdoor room is near a rose garden that will enhance our appreciation of God’s gift of fragrant beauty.

—JoAnne Martin, correspondent