Presbyterian minister retires after 16 years By Amanda Isley • Staff writer
WILLIAMSVILLE - When Larry Brunson got a call in 1990 from Williamsville Presbyterian Church asking him to fill in as pastor, he thought he was committing himself to a couple of months. Little did he know he would spend 16 years there, and later preach at sister church, Westminster Chapel.
At age 77, Brunson is retiring from ministry after serving both churches every Sunday for the past six years.
With a serenity about him that's hard to describe, he walked about the chapel graveyard on a sunny Thursday morning. He seemed at ease with himself, his place in the world, and his decision to retire after Easter Sunday services.
"I came here just to help out for what I thought was two months, and they couldn't get rid of me," he chuckled.
Brunson and his wife, Phyllis, moved to Goshen in 1984 when he took a job at Still Water Mills. Originally from Amsterdam, N.Y., he lived in several different places while working in the textile industry.
The couple has four children, who all reside in Virginia, plus six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
It wasn't until after he retired from his work that he got into preaching, he said. He became increasingly involved in church and was first nominated and elected deacon at a Presbyterian church in Georgia in 1961.
After 10 years at Williamsville Presbyterian, he began teaching at Westminster Chapel. The churches have been linked conceptually from the beginning. Williamsville Presbyterian, in its present form, was built in 1859 and Westminster Chapel was constructed in 1892. The chapel was erected because of the dangerous traveling conditions brought about by inclement weather.
Today, the Williamsville area is still isolated, but before the turn of the century, harsher winters and a primitive dirt road prevented some people from traveling to the church. The two are separated by about eight miles.
The Shenandoah Presbytery named Brunson commissioned lay pastor in 2005, which allowed him to give sacraments like baptism and communion. His assigned mentor, the Rev. John Timberlake, recently retired.
The Rev. Olivia Haney is the moderator for both churches. She oversees operations along with the session, which is made up of three elders from each congregation.
In addition to the strength and support provided from Timberlake and Haney, Brunson cited his wife for her commitment to the churches as well. "She's been very supportive; we're a team," he said.
Though both congregations are modest in size, Brunson says their assets are many. "Our numbers are small, but loyal and faithful. The main strength is that everyone is family and community-minded."
The congregation size at Westminster averages between 12-15 people while Williamsville's hovers around 30. "Because of the demographics, it's not conducive to numbers, but both churches are very strong in the holy spirit," he said.
After retirement, Brunson and Phyllis plan to stay in Goshen. "We want to take it easy, and Phyllis and I want to worship together again," he said.
Although she has been part of the congregation every Sunday for both services, Brunson wants to join his wife's side and be opposite the pulpit once more, he explained. He will miss his work, but he thinks it's time for someone else to fill those shoes. The future lies in the hands of today's youth, he said. "They are both vital churches and I feel it's time for younger ministry," he said.
The churches are looking for a pastor to replace him. Brunson said it will likely be the same arrangement, where one pastor serves both churches.
His filled with peace and a certain unshakable resolve as he pondered his coming retirement. "The Lord is telling me it's time. I'll miss it, but you do realize when the time comes, and it's time," he said.
"We've gained love and friendship and it's spilled over into other communities, as evidenced by the church homecomings," he added.
Westminster Chapel elder Aileen McNeal says the congregations are sad to see Brunson retire but wish him the best.
"We know it's been a lot of work and a lot of time. They've become friends to all of us and we are thankful the good Lord sent them our way," she said.
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