Special day for "North Springfield's best kept secret"

Rev. Floyd McIntyre and his wife Margaret were honored Sunday morning for their 25 years of faithful service to the Advent Christian Church in North Springfield. The solemn ceremony was followed by a dignified sermon from a guest speaker. Then from the same pulpit began a slew of terrible ribbing of "Pastor Mac".

For this Sunday's service, Rev. McIntyre sat with his wife and family members in a pew several rows back from his usual spot behind the pulpit. Also in attendance were two former pastors of the church, Rev. Clinton Tabor (1960 - 63) and Rev. William Monroe (1970-85).

Guest speaker for the day was Steve Brown, President of Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies and it quickly became obvious that Brown had a lot of contact with church's pastor over the years. In his opening remarks, he said he was tempted to turn his message time into a roast of Rev. McIntyre but wouldn't, that being inappropriate talk for a Sunday sermon. Upon concluding the morning's sermon, however, he stated that his promise had only applied to actual sermon time. He then immediately proceeded to point out everything laughable about the good Reverend, all geared towards embarrassing him as much as possible in front of his parishioners, who often call him "Pastor Mac". Brown prefers a nickname of his own for him, inspired by the way the Pastor would ramble on and on negatively about things in phone calls with him. Since Rev. McIntyre had enjoyed writing uncomplimentary limericks about him in the past, Brown decided to get back and write one titled "Pastor Grump". This he read aloud to the whole congregation. (For an online copy to read, go to http://nsps.awardspace.us/pastor_grump.html )

Later, downstairs at a less formal speakers stand during a special pot luck luncheon, Rev. McInTyre had a opportunity to go after Brown. He had not prepared for it but was able to remember one short limerick he had written about Brown. MacIntyre also enjoyed ribbing his three sisters, two of which were present. He said they like to be thought of as the "triple treat" but he always thought of them as "triple trouble". One of his sisters came all the way from Wisconsin for the celebration but the thought of having her around talking to him the next three days made him groan a bit, explaining she likes to promote her liberal Christian views. He most certainly wants to stay with his more traditional spiritual convictions.

Turning more serious, McIntyre thanked his wife for all her support and help over the years and the same to all the members of his congregation. He then remarked, "I always say the Advent Christian Church is the best kept secret in North Springfield. We have everything here." A reference to word about this church never seeming to get around to other spiritual-minded people in the Springfield area. Many older members have passed on over the past 25 years and not enough new members and visitors have come to fill the growing number of empty pews.

Concerning his professional preparation for the ministry, Pastor McIntyre earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Berkshire Christian College in 1973 and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College Graduate School in 1985.

For more information on the North Springfield Advent Christian Church, go to:
http://springfieldvt.110mb.com/ac/.