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Gateway Baptist throws party for retiring pastor
BETTY RALSTON
SPECIAL FOR THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
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Gateway Baptist Church pastor Dr. Richard Hagenbaugh and wife Carolyn. More than 500 friends and relatives came to their retirement celebration held last month.
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Submitted Photo |
When Dr. Richard Hagenbaugh retired recently from his 30-year ministry as senior pastor of Mid-countys Gateway Baptist Church, over five hundred people gathered to honor him and wife Carolyn. Included in this overflowing celebration of Hagenbaughs three decades of ministry included present Gateway Baptist members, former church participants, and friends many coming from long distances to share their best wishes for the Hagenbaughs.
Last months celebration of service was held at the Oregon Army National Guard W. D. Jackson Armory with a light buffet dinner followed by a program of music and speakers. Vocalists included the Gateway Baptist mens quartet from several years ago and many soloists. Speakers shared special experiences and memories of the Hagenbaugh husband-wife team. Carolyn Hagenbaugh was honored for her character qualities and contributions to peoples lives, as well as her musical ministries as a talented church pianist. Gateway Baptist Church staff and family honored Pastor Hagenbaugh for his faithfulness and strong work ethic in ministering to peoples needs.
His vulnerability in frequently sharing from his personal life augmented his sermons to realistic practicality. His compassion and comfort to people experiencing medical crises or other traumas endeared him to his church family. Mid-county pastors represented those outside of Gateway Baptist Church who were recipients of special encouragement and help from Pastor Hagenbaugh.
The next day, Sunday, Pastor Hagenbaugh delivered his final words of challenge to the congregation in the Sunday morning combined worship service. The Hagenbaughs have already moved to Idaho, where they live closer to one of their children.
Gateway Baptist Church was started in 1955 at its present location at Northeast 133rd and San Rafael Street. Dr. Hagenbaugh is only the fourth pastor during these fifty-one years. During his pastorate, a large Ministry Center was built to replace the small, original building called the Lawler Hall. The Ministry Center houses church offices, several classrooms for the churchs preschool and first grade, and a hall for dinners and special programs.
The church plans to have interim pastors for the next several months prior to calling a new senior pastor. The interim pastor for July and August is Dr. Carl Laney, church member and professor at Western Seminary in Portland. A full schedule of activities will continue during the summer with the Childrens Soccer Camp from July 17-21 and Family Camp at the Cove Palisades Aug. 25-27. Regular Sunday services continue with traditional worship at 8:30 a.m. and contemporary worship at 11:15 a.m. Gateway Baptist is at 13300 N.E. San Rafael St. Call 503-252-1435 for specific times of worship, services and classes.
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