People—Rod Thompson

Kate Rohde left in 1984 to accept a church on the west coast.  The church was lay-lead until 1986 when we called Rod Thompson to serve.  Rod provided stability and a strong pastoral ministry—although he did spark a wave of controversy when he presided at the first lesbian wedding ceremonies in the CSRA in 1987.

 

During Rod’s tenure, we began to celebrate the Moravian Love Feast in December, which is now an

annual tradition in our church.  This is also the time when we began using “Spirit of Life” as our closing anthem.  A favorite pastime was lunch with the minister after church on Sunday. Yin Ying Chinese Restaurant and Athens Taverna proved to be favorite spots. Rod was also quite talented on the Washtub Bass.

 

Rod was active in the TJ District and served as Dean of the Leadership School at the Mountain several times.  After seven years as our minister, he was called to serve the Paint Branch Unitarian Church in Maryland.  He is currently serving as the District Consultant for the Ohio-Meadville District.

 

Music at a Goodson’s Picnic