The
Rev. Jonathan Almond, key player in NKUMC’s history, to retire in July 2008
The
Rev. Jonathan Almond, key player in NKUMC’s history, to retire in July 2008
Photo at left, Jonathan Almond (at left in photo) at ground breaking for new sanctuary in 1980; photo below, Rev. Almond turns the first shovel full of earth on the site of the new sanctuary at 450 Boston Neck Road.
Published March 8, 2008
The Rev. Jonathan Almond,
who led North Kingstown United Methodist for over a decade, including the vital
period of its re-growth following the closing of Quonset/Davisville Naval Base,
will
retire July 1st of this year, according to the New England Conference.
Most recently, Jon has served for many years as the pastor at Mathewson Street UMC in Providence. But in the hearts of long time members of NKUMC, he will always be remembered as the pastor who accepted God’s call in the 1970s to lead our church after the Naval base closing decimated the church’s membership. He was here when the parsonage was built, and by 1980 membership had climbed back to 195, leading to groundbreaking on the new sanctuary, kitchen, choir room, office and fellowship hall. The sanctuary was consecrated in April 1983.
During the lean years,
Rev. Almond not only preached, but also sang in a choir that often consisted of
only two or three people, including the pastor. Jon and his wife Nora served
North Kingstown for 11 years, caring for their flock and seeing the church
through its most difficult times.
His scheduled retirement was published on the New England Conference website as part of a list of pastor appointments announced for this year.
Photo at left, Jon and Nora with grandchildren during visit to NKUMC at our annual Harvest Festival and Craft Show in October 2007.
MORE ABOUT JONATHAN ALMOND IN HISTORY OF NKUMC |
MEMORIES FROM JON AND NORA OF THEIR TIME AT NKUMC