St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

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On Sunday, June 6, we held a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of our Parish Associate, Rev. Rodgers Spencer.

Here are some pictures of the celebration.

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Clerk of Session Emerson Parker covered the highlights of Rodgers' career -

Then we presented him with a plaque -

The plaque read -

Rev. John Rodgers Spencer

In honor of 50 years of faithful service as an ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

Central Presbyterian, IN

Second Presbyterian, PA

Church of the Covenant, PA

First Presbyterian, OH

First Presbyterian, TX

Faith Union, TX

First Presbyterian, OK

St. James Presbyterian, OK

St. Andrews Presbyterian, OK

Then our "Poet Laureate", Gary Griffith, read a specially composed poem -

and here's the poem:

Ode to Our Good Friend Rodgers

It began in Cincinnati the year 1954.

Looking back today could Rodgers have known what was in store?

His stops across the country...Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio, to name a few.

Then it was on to El Paso, Okmulgee, and Jenks...so many jobs to do.

He settled here at St. Andrews where he thought he might find some rest.

Instead he found another challenge, was God putting him to some test?

Since 1996 he has shown us by word and thought and deed,

That God cares for all his children, especially those in need.

He is not God’s largest warrior, by some standards he’s quite small.

But if tenacity and faithfulness matter, no one stands as tall.

How do you measure greatness? It is surely not just size.

If so, it would have been Goliath, not David, who took the prize.

Perhaps the measure of greatness would be what lies within the heart.

Now, there is no tool invented that lets us see what is in this part.

But after 50 years of service, all those he has touched can easily see.

It’s what’s in Rodgers ticker that makes him different from you or me.

Greatness inspires others to be the best that they can be.

Greatness inspires poets, and to Rodgers this poet has written three.

About your chronologically gifted status we often tease.

We know you really weren’t at the stable to hear the Christ child’s first sneeze.

It is just a sign of respect and affection, we hold you in such esteem.

You’ve made our lives richer and more meaningful than we could ever dream.

We know there is a room for Rodgers in heaven, on that you can bet.

Just don’t get too anxious to see it, cause St. Andrew’s isn’t through with you yet.

So, after 50 years of faithful service we hope you can agree,

There is ample evidence that God Loves John Rodgers Spencer

.....and so do we.

This was followed with a cake -

Here's the guest of honor & his guest of honor (his wife, Jeannine)  -

and this all held the rapt attention of the congregation  -

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