Rev. Carson Rhyne shared this reflection after attending the celebration on the 27th.
Imagine being ordained as a PC(USA) minister for over 50 years. Many clergy folks have done that. Now imagine serving for 50 years in the same congregation. That is highly unusual.
Just think of it: 50 stewardship campaigns; 50 budgets; 50 Advent and Christmas seasons; 50 Easter services; 50 of everything! It is not hard to imagine these as many ministers move to various congregations during their careers. However, 50 of everything to the same congregation is breathtaking!
Well, it has happened: Rev. Shady Clark, Jr., has served the Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Church Hill, Richmond, VA, for 50 years—half a century! To commemorate that milestone, the congregation had a 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 27, 2026.
The event was a sellout. 120 people made reservations for what was a lavish, delectable, and stimulating occasion. The black-tie affair was beyond description. The food was superb; the music was delightful; the speakers were memorable; and the mementos everyone received were special remembrances of the occasion. Keep reading…
Rev. Clark was in full form, accompanied by his daughter, Shanetia. Several years ago, his beloved wife Pearl died, and she was remembered with a moment of silence. Nothing we say or write will do justice to the work the congregation did in celebrating their pastor and his unusual achievement.
As a reminder, Rev. Clark came to Eastminster Church in 1976 when the congregation was expected to close. Instead, he and the Lord had other thoughts and ideas. For 50 years, the children in that neighborhood have gone on to become presidents of companies, professors in educational institutions, executive vice presidents with large corporations, and involved church members wherever they went. Their lives have been deeply impacted by Eastminster Church and Rev. Clark. The church is located next to a low-income housing project, and through the church’s ministries, lives have been changed.
To God be the glory for Rev. Clark’s commitment to the ministry of Jesus Christ, and for the witness and work of the Eastminster congregation!
