Pastor Franz Brandenburg, the current pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, presents Pastor Rich Pearson, as his wife Vicki looks on, with a certificate from the NALC (North American Lutheran Church) notating his 50 years of ordination.

St. John’s Lutheran Church honored Pastor Richard Pearson, right, with a potluck dinner last Sunday for his 50th year of ordination. Pastor Rich and his wife, Vicki, are pictured with a cake she furnished for the occasion. (Verlaine Hall photos)

The congregation at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Westboro, Missouri, had a special service Sunday, January 22, 2023, to honor the church’s former minister, Pastor Richard Pearson, for his 50th year of ordination.

Rich was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1968 and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in December of 1972. Rich was ordained on January 21, 1973, in his home church of Bethlehem Lutheran. A few days later on January 27, he and Vicki Olson were united by God in holy matrimony at Bethlehem Lutheran. On February 1, they began serving Zion Lutheran in Perry, Oklahoma. While in Perry, they became the parents of Sara, Randy, and Josh.

Rich and Vicki were called to Atchison County and St. John’s Lutheran Church outside of Westboro and began serving there February 1, 1978. While here, their children Jon and Beth were born. They served St. John’s until Rich retired May 31, 2013.

Rich and Vicki have not only been involved in their church, but also their communities. They have always been ones to lend helping hands wherever and whenever needed. Forty-five years ago, they came to the area because of the people, and have stayed for the people. We are very glad they did!