Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Smithville, Ohio, installed Jeff Dilyard as pastor. Jeff grew up attending the church and had been associate pastor since July 2022.
Jeff and his wife, Rebecca, married in May 2022 and “are thankful for the opportunity to serve at his home church for God’s glory, with God’s people, and by God’s grace.”
During the installation service June 4, retiring pastor Stephen Olsen passed a baton of leadership to Jeff, and leaders from the church prayed over Jeff and his wife, Becky.
Pleasant Hill Baptist, Smithville, Ohio, honors Stephen and Mary Jane Olsen upon Stephen’s retirement as pastor.
The previous Sunday, the church family honored Stephen and his wife, Mary Jane. Stephen has retired after serving as pastor of the church since 1978.
During the service on March 28, Stephen preached his last sermon at the church, choosing the same Bible passage (Psalm 81) that he used for his first sermon at the church on May 28, 1978.
In addition to hearing from Stephen, the congregation also heard Mark Price, a former youth pastor, who shared his memories as the first youth pastor at the church. In addition, many missionaries shared tributes to Stephen and Mary Jane via video or in person.
After lunch together, the church family gathered once more for a time of singing and sharing memories of Stephen’s ministry.
Stephen is now pastor emeritus of the church.
