Rev. Davies leaving Immanuel Baptist after 30 years

After 30 years of service to Immanuel Baptist Church of Greencastle, Pastor Bob Davies has decided it is time to step down. Davies came to Greencastle in 1981.

After 30 years of service to his church and the community, Pastor Bob Davies of the Immanuel Baptist Church is stepping down from the pulpit.

Originally from Connecticut, Davies attended Taylor University to follow in his father's footsteps as a businessman. But after two years of school, Davies was called into the ministry.

Davies went on to Cornerstone University, where he met his wife Diane. They were married on Aug. 4, 1974.

Davies' first pastoring position was in the upper peninsula of Michigan. After three and a half years, 1978-1981, Davies took his current position at the Immanuel Baptist Church.

Davies recalls receiving his first copy of the Banner Graphic from a member of the congregation shortly before he came to Putnam County. The front page was stamped with the shocking news of a local woman's murder. Though the news was tragic, and shed ill-light on his soon-to-be new home, Davies came to Greencastle anyway.

"Of course the incident was tragic," Davies said, "but you couldn't find a safer or better community to raise a family."

The Davieses raised their three children, Andrew, Elizabeth and Rebekah, in Greencastle, all three of them attending Greencastle Schools.

"Most of the things I've been involved with in the community have been centered around my family," Davies said.

Davies coached in the youth soccer league when it was still held at Lonestar. He also coached in the youth softball league, was president of the Babe Ruth League for two years and was a substitute teacher at Greencastle High School from 1990-1996.

Davies and his wife intend to move to Muskegon, Mich., to be closer to family, mainly his wife's parents.

He said he plans on spending his retirement interim pastoring, fishing, in particular learning the art of fly fishing, and spending time with family, especially grandchildren.

As for his 30 years of service, Davies takes little credit for his or the church's successes.

"It's a testament to God's grace and my gracious church family," Davies said. "And I'd especially like to mention my wife. She's always been a great help."