Bio: Everhard, Rev. Robert (31 Oct. 2007)

Contact: R. Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Brown, Everhard, Jordanger, Rupe, Thomas, York

----Sources: The Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, Wis., Clark Co., WI), Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 (Online Edition)

Congregation honors Everhard

For the Rev. Robert Everhard, 2007 is the year of 50. It is the 50th anniversary of being ordained, 50 years of being married, 50 years of preaching, or as he jokes, "Fifty years of putting people to sleep."

Rev. Everhard was honored Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford with the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus.

According to the Rev. Marcia J. Thomas, this honor does not confer any duties or privileges to the retired pastor, but is given to him by the congregation.

"This is a gift to Bob Everhard, which says something special about him and his long time relationship with the Abbotsford community," Rev. Thomas said.

Rev. Everhard first began serving the church in 1954. He was part of the student church while attending the seminary in Hebron, Ill.

In 1957 he accepted his first full-time parish in Lodi and was there until 1963 when he became pastor at a Hillside, Ill., church for more than 13 years.

In 1977 he came to Abbotsford and was the pastor at First Presbyterian Church until his retirement in 1992.

Even in retirement, Rev. Everhard has remained an active servant of the church. He has been the interim pastor at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, Wabeno Presbyterian Church and Laona Presbyterian Church from 1993 to 1995.

Rev. Everhard served at the United Church of Christ in Medford (1993-1998) and Dorchester (1993-2007). He also served at Owen United Church of Christ from 2000 to 2004.

In total over the past 50 years, Rev. Everhard has served three full-time churches and seven part-time churches. The one constant in his life in those 50 years was his wife, Lori.

"My faithful and loving wife served the Lord by my side all through these years," he said.

A special service was held Sunday afternoon to bestow the honorary status of Pastor Emeritus from the Presbytery of Winnebago and the Presbyterian Church USA. Moderator Barbara Jordanger and Executive Presbyter the Rev. Dr. Lucy Rupe provided worship leadership.

The Rev. James York, North St. Paul, Minn., was the guest preacher and Sandy Brown served as accompanist.

Social fellowship gathers were held before and after the special service. Many community members, friends and guests gathered to greet Robert and Lori Everhard, as well as sharing memories during a "story sharing time."