Long-Serving Elders at FCC in Poplar Bluff

Pastor Frank Chlastak, Gene Roberts, Elder Chair Steve Fowler, Anne Roberts, Board Moderator Jack Maxwell, and Gleta Gorman.

On Palm Sunday, Gene Roberts, Anne Roberts, and Gleta Gorman were honored by First Christian Church in Poplar Bluff as elders emeriti.

They each received a certificate from the board presented by the moderator, a plaque presented by the pastor, and an elder emeritus pen presented by elder chair.

They have a combined shepherding record of our congregation of over 70 plus years.

Anne and Gene met while attending Arkansas State University. They raised their children at First Christian Church and one of them is an ordained DOC pastor in Oregon.

Gleta and her late husband Rex also raised their children at First Christian Church. One serves as a deacon and another as an elder at present. After the service, Gleta shared that she was baptized at the age of 14 in the Black River. She recently celebrated her 91st birthday.

Thank you to Rev. Frank Chlastak for this story and photo.