Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Thomas (Tom) Coye on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.
Milden Church in Sharps, where Tom is serving as the covenant pastor, celebrated the milestone on August 20 with a reception following the worship service. Attendees from throughout the region came to honor Tom for his half-century of ministry.
“Milden is grateful for Tom’s guidance and pastoral care as he exemplifies true Christianity in all its forms,” said Kathleen Beane, clerk of session for Milden. “His ministerial journey reflects his passion for spreading God’s word, giving aid to all in need and providing leadership in the church and throughout the community.”
Tom earned a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1973. He was ordained on August 5, 1973, at his home church, Lyons Presbyterian, in New York.
Over the next 15 years, Tom married, served two churches, and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1988, St. Andrews Presbyterian in Kilmarnock, Virginia, a new church development of Hanover Presbytery, called Tom as their first installed pastor.
Under the nearly 30 years of Tom’s leadership, the St. Andrews church community developed its mission to seek, celebrate, and serve Christ within and beyond the Northern Neck. In 2012, Tom led the effort to create the not-for-profit Linking Hope and Help, Inc. (The Link). Through the Link, churches in the lower Northern Neck assist community members with utility bills, rent, and the development of job skills.
Tom was granted honorable retirement in 2016. After a three-year break, Tom returned to ministry as a parish associate at Campbell Memorial Church in Weems before becoming covenant pastor at Milden in 2020.
In addition to his service to the church, Tom enjoys camping with his wife, working at a vineyard, and serving on the boards of community organizations.
