Local pastor celebrates 50 years

0

Rev. Raymond McDaniel, Jr. has preached for 66 years; 50 of those years with the East Columbus Church of Christ in Christian Union (CCCU) in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Pastor McDaniel was born on June 7, 1942 in Jeffersonville. He was the first of four children born to Rev. Raymond and LuEmma McDaniel. He was called to preach as a young lad of 8-years-old and preached his first sermon at his father’s church, “God’s Little Mission” in London, Ohio.

On Nov. 11, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Shirley Riley, and they have three children: Cheryl Isaacs (Terry), Scott McDaniel, and Robin Smith. They also are proud of their grandchildren: Tara Arthur (Philip), Marissa Rush (Nicholas), Derek Isaacs (Jessica), and Nicolas Smith. They are blessed to enjoy three great-grandchildren: Sophia Isaacs, Elijah Arthur and Peyton Isaacs.

After being ordained in 1967, Pastor Ray was called to pastor the Idlewild CCCU that was located at the end of a dead end street with no running water and outside toilets. He moved his young family from London to Reynoldsburg.

From there, the congregation went into a local school building while waiting for the current church to be constructed. Over the years, God has continued to bless him and his congregation.

Rev. McDaniel has been a great pastor, a great leader, a great friend, and a great role model to those who have sat under his ministry. He truly is filled with the Holy Spirit of God. What he preaches, he stands for, and he lives it out in his own life every single day. “What you see is what you get,” is how most people describe this man of God.

The East Columbus Church Congregation loves Pastor Ray and Shirley and their family very much and feels blessed to have them as the leaders of their congregation.

To honor the faithfulness of Pastor Ray, anyone who has shared in his ministry is invited on Saturday, June 3 – from noon to 4 p.m. – to help us celebrate this great accomplishment. This event will be held at the East Columbus CCCU church, 6926 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (Cards can be received at the same address.) There will also be a special service on Sunday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Submitted article

No posts to display