The Rev. Carl F. Pattison, GC, BA, D. Min., M. Ed., celebrated the Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wytheville, Virginia, his childhood church, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, exactly 50 years after his ordination in that place.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church hosted Pattison, his family and many friends at a reception following the worship service.
Many joyful letters and acknowledgments came from his former congregations, his ministerial association and family and friends, as well as special greetings from his alma maters Roanoke College and Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Pattison is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) also and has pastored churches in Alleghany County, Virginia, since 1988: All Saints Lutheran and Palestine Presbyterian Chapel, First Christian Church and Calvary Christian Church.
He also served McLean and Salem Presbyterian churches in Greenbrier County.
The pastor’s various roles have included pastoral care, clinical pastoral education, coordinator of mental health emergency services, director of Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board’s mental health services and Boy Scouts of America chaplaincy at Goshen, Virginia, scout camps.
Pattison received his certification training as an intentional interim at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary which enabled him to work with churches in transition. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling and consultation to assist congregations.
Pattison thanks the many friends, family and caring associates who made his 50th ordination anniversary an acknowledgement and delight.
“May God’s name be praised,” he said.
