A 2004 article in The Chronicle headlined “Devoted minister to retire” was unintentionally wrong.
Rev. Ralph Carr, who became the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis 50 years ago, didn’t retire in 2004.
Instead, he became a leader at Harrison Square Presbyterian in Centralia. And he still isn’t retired.
On Sunday, the Chehalis congregation and Carr’s family celebrated his 50-year anniversary. Since leaving Westminster Presbyterian, he’s held the title of “Pastor Emeritus,” which was reaffirmed Sunday. An atypical agreement between Carr and the congregation was formed: He will be welcomed into the church as a member henceforth.
Usually, pastors are discouraged from this to avoid “possible confusion” and “intrusiveness, even if unmeant,” according to the agreement read at the service. By explicitly defining his role on the pews, rather than the pulpit, the church expects a “satisfying mutual fellowship.”
Rev. Alison Burchett, of Centralia, delivered the sermon. She was baptized by Carr in 1989, and recalled growing up wondering how the church’s stained glass windows included a depiction of its own pastor.
It was actually a painting of Jesus Christ on the window. But Carr’s tall stature, beard and at-the-time long hair have been compared to modern depictions of Jesus more than once.
On Sunday, Burchett said the two men’s similarities didn’t end there.
“Because of his kindness, today, I am a Presbyterian minister,” Burchett said.
The remainder of The Chronicle’s 2004 story on Carr was correct.
“Carr has spent three decades as a mentor and a well-loved member of the church's family. As a community leader, Carr has led the county's movement to aid homeless people,” the article stated.
Born in Morton, he was a basketball player at Pacific Lutheran University before becoming a logger. He married his wife, Joyce, in 1960. When the duo and their children came to Chehalis for the pastoral position, Joyce Carr became a preschool teacher for Westminster Presbyterian Church. She continued that work for 27 years.
“Sadness will follow Carr's leaving, but he will be remembered as a strong leader in the Chehalis church,” the 2004 article stated. “And he will be able to return to the congregation someday if he and Joyce choose to do so. The congregation would welcome him with open arms.”
Sunday was that day.
