by Bea Peterson
In a beautiful Installation Service on Sunday, October 21, Rev. Ken Webster was installed as Pastor of the Hoosick Falls First Baptist Church. Master of ceremonies for the service was Carol Gaillard. Kendal Baker welcomed everyone to the event.
Elizabeth LaPorte spoke of the search for a new Pastor and its successful conclusion. Fr. Tom Zelker of the Immaculate Conception Church and Vice President of HACA offered a scripture reading and the opening prayer. Community greetings were extended by Rev. Cheryl Peaslee of the American Baptist Conference of NY State, Carol Wilsey of the Capital Area Baptist Association and Rev. Mike Benoit, HACA President, who also offered a scripture reading. The message, “One Step He Leads,” was presented by Rev. Webster’s close friend Rev. Dr. Z. Allen Abbott who told Webster, “You are truly blessed. Celebrate this date. It is a new start for you and this church.”
Rev. Webster was openly moved by the ceremony, which included special inspirational music by William Herbsleb, the First Baptist Choir and a number by Terry Webster, Joe Steller and Lorraine Brownell.
The Installation Service was followed by a reception and ham dinner.
