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With the Lord

David Moore, Pastor Emeritus

By March 29, 2016May 19th, 2016No Comments

DavidMoore_inlineWATERLOO, Iowa—David Moore, pastor emeritus of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church, died Sunday morning, March 27. He was 87. His family had spent the previous night reading and singing together about Easter Sunday and the Resurrection, and Moore would occasionally stir. Then on Easter Sunday at 6:30 a.m., he opened his eyes to see his Heavenly Father’s arms outstretched, welcoming His son Home.

David served in pastoral roles after graduating in 1952 from Baptist Bible College, Johnson City, New York. He ministered at First Christian Church, Binghamton, New York (1952–1956); Walnut Ridge Baptist Church (formerly Walnut Street Baptist Church), Waterloo, Iowa (1956–1974); Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio (1974–1992); and Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cleveland (1992–1998). In 1998 he returned to Walnut Ridge Baptist Church. Previously pastor of the church, he became pastor emeritus in semiretirement and continued to actively teach and serve until this past fall.

In addition to his pastoral service, David served on the boards of a number of ministry organizations, including the GARBC, Friendship Village retirement living center in Waterloo, Cedarville University, Summit University, and Baptist Mid-Missions. His wisdom, grace, and humility were recognized qualities in these and other venues in which he served.

“David was a prime example of Christlike living and ministry,” says John Greening, GARBC national representative. “His faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of God with passion and gentleness caused him to be viewed as a model of loving pastoral care.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha, on July 26, 2012, after 60 years of marriage.

He is survived by five children, Suzanne Oettel, Elaine Mellinger, Christine Hlad (whose husband, Tom, is pastor of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church), Grace MacKeverican, and Timothy Moore; 18 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

“Pastor Moore is rejoicing now in Heaven,” Tom Hlad told his congregation March 27. “He is where he wanted to be, and we praise God for the Resurrection and the hope we have that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones.”

Visitation will be held at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church on Thursday, March 31, 4:00–8:00 pm. The funeral will be held at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church on Friday, April 1 at 11:00 am.

“It is ironic that Walnut Ridge lost two former pastors, Mark Jackson and David Moore, just a few days apart,” Greening says. “God bless Pastor Tom Hlad as he carries on the legacy of making Christ known through the church. Tom and his wife, Christine, are in our prayers as they and the church family move through the farewell and tribute events of the next few days.”