Pastor & Mrs. Patrick

"The property we purchased was a vacant field that had been a part of a farm. After we purchased the property and the building started to go up, people asked me if I was related to the Patrick, who some forty years before had been a pastor in Campbell. That was my Grandfather, Stephen L. Patrick Sr. I found out that he had lived about two or three blocks away on Gladstone, just over the hill from our church.

 Many times I have looked out over the valley with the houses of Youngstown silhouetted against the trees and lawns. I have mused over the lights from the houses in the evening, shining like the reflection of the stars and wondered. Had my grandfather, as he walked on his way home through the path that was on our property, seen the same sight? And seeing the flickering of candles and lanterns, could he have cried out to God, "Oh God, help me to reach these people for you." And perhaps God spoke to his heart and said, "I will not only give it to you but to your seed for an inheritance. And every place the sole of your foot has trod, shall be revisited and harvested by your seed."

 My prayer is, "Oh God, help us to claim your promise". Amen.

Our Future
We have survived the years of testing. We have gained the experience and wisdom that only time can bring. Now we launch into the future, as having gone through the fiery furnace, tempered and fully tested to do His work.

My Wife
The one person who has contributed the most to the family and encouragement to the ministry is my wife of fifty-two years, Ruby. She has excelled in being a faithful mother, wife and an example both to our children and to the people of the church. Her gentleness, kindness and caring attitude has influenced and touched the lives of untold multitudes, both young and old.

Ruby has been a Sunday School Teacher and a Church Secretary from the first meeting in the school and still is today. She in now working with me in the Adult class, taking prayer requests, correcting records, calling the absentees and making visits along with me. She has been a counselor and advisor to many ladies and girls who sought her wisdom. Her encouragement and love has been a source of my strength.

- Rev. Richard L. Patrick. Pastor Emeritus