BATAVIA, N.Y.—Grace Baptist Church of Batavia, N.Y. has ordained Associate Pastor Mark W. Hurlbut. An ordination council to examine the candidate was attended by 36 Baptist pastors and messengers from churches in New York. Following a three-hour question and answer period the council unanimously voted to recommend that Grace Baptist Church proceed with formal ordination.
The ordination service was held by the church on Sunday, October 7, 2007. Participating in the service were: Rev. Craig Golden, representative of the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches, Dr. Donald A. Shirk, senior pastor at Grace Baptist, and Kenn Fillion, chairman of deacons at Grace.
During the ceremony, Pastor Shirk presented Mark Hurlbut with a ceremonial sword—a replica of the sword of Richard the Lionheart, who was known for his courage and bravery. Pastor Shirk led Mark to the Lord 16 years ago, discipled and mentored him for pastoral ministry, and then the church eventually invited Pastor Hurlbut to join the staff.
“I gave the sword as a symbolic gesture of the power of the Word in His life (Heb.4:12),” said Pastor Shirk, who commenting on Mark Hurlbut’s “warrior spirit, courage and perseverance in achieving this spiritual milestone of being officially ordained into the gospel ministry.”
Following the service a reception was given in Pastor Hurlbut’s honor.
