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Long time pastor of Shiloh Presbyterian Church retiring |
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Written by Publisher
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Thursday, 27 December 2007 |
 Pictured here is long-time pastor of Shiloh Presbyterian Church, Bill Milligan and his wife Edie. The couple is retiring from full-time ministry at the end of this month. They are relocating to Indiana. PA.
By Grace Kriegisch
Daily Press Staff
With the ending of 2007, one area church is also looking at the end of an era. This coming Sunday, the congregation of Shiloh Presbyterian Church on Washington St. will bid goodbye to Pastor, Bill Milligan and his wife, Edie.
The Milligans, who have served at Shiloh since September 1999, are retiring from full-time ministry and are moving to Indiana, PA.
The couple plans to travel and to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Milligan also hopes to continue serving the church in a part-time capacity. A goal that will be easily achieved since Indiana is located in the presbytery where he now serves.
In addition to his regular duties at Shiloh, Milligan has been very active in the community as a whole since his arrival. He has been the chaplain of the Crystal Fire Department for five years. During that time he attended as many fire and accident calls as possible, ministering to both the responders and the victims on scene.
He has also been an active part of the St. Marys Pastor’s Fellowship and served at the St. Marys Christian Food Bank. Milligan also conducted services regularly at Pinecrest Manor and Elk Haven.
The pastor helped organize and took part in the annual National Day of Prayer services held each May, He also helped organize and conduct community prayer services following the tragedies of 9-11 and the more recent Virginia Tech shootings.
Milligan’s most recent project was spearheading “Standing Firm”: A Gathering of Men. An interdenominational gathering of Christian men which was held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds this past October.
He was also called upon to moderate the Session of the Wilcox Presbyterian Church and is currently serving as moderator of Session at the Elkton Presbyterian Church.
Under Milligan’s leadership, the missionary and evangelistic efforts at Shiloh have shown considerable growth. The church has joined in a presbytery-wide movement to develop cross-cultural relationships with other churches. As a result, Shiloh has entered into a partnership with a church in Rwanda. There has also been an increase in missionary work by both the youth and the adults of Shiloh.
A surprise gathering, for the departing pastor and his wife was held on Sunday, December 16. A special worship service was held with a fellowship meal following the service. Despite the inclement weather, the Milligan’s family was in attendance as well as some of the missionaries the church supports. A contingent from the Crystal Fire Department was also on hand.
“We have come to know and love many people during our time here,” Milligan said. A sentiment that was echoed by his wife.
Their plan for the future is to try and revisit all the churches where they have served over the years and reconnect with the people from those communities.
As for the church here, they are currently interviewing candidates for the position of interim pastor. In January, the members will elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and begin the search for the next full-time pastor to minister to the congregation.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 28 December 2007 )
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