MILTON — This Mother’s Day marks the 20th anniversary for Dr. David W. Spencer as First Baptist Church in Milton’s senior pastor.
The milestone also means Spencer’s time as pastor will soon end, as the longtime preacher is retiring.
The church will honor Spencer, 68, with a May 22 service that commemorates his more than 40 years as a pastor. The event will also allow church members to say ‘thank you’ to Spencer and his family.
The Senatobia, Miss., native served as pastor at several churches in North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama before being called to serve in Milton. While here, the church has thrived in multiple areas including church expansion, community outreach ministries, mission trips and even the development of other churches in the area.
“We’ve probably started eight churches over the years in Santa Rosa County,” he said. “It has been a good time for church growth.”
With an average Sunday attendance of more than 500, one of Spencer’s attributes is his talents from the pulpit, according to Dr. Gary Nichols, the church’s minister of education. “I guess he is most famously known for preaching and his story-telling ability,” Nichols said.
Dr. Brian Nall, pastor of Ferris Hill Baptist Church in Milton, said he appreciated Spencer’s support. “He and his staff have always been generous with their time and resources to partner together with us and other churches to reach our community,” he said.
In his spare time, Spencer has written four books; his most recent finished work explores the history of the church with some historical insight involving Milton. One of his more popular books, “Strolling through the Cemetery,” shares Spencer’s tales of performing funeral services. Since moving to Milton, Spencer estimates he has performed more than 400 funerals.
As for retirement, Spencer said he would like to spend more time with his family, but he will still provide services to churches in need on an interim basis.
And his successor?
“I think to be successful in a place like Milton First Baptist Church, you must be a people person,” Spencer said. “You must be involved with their lives and be friendly and approachable,” he said.
“People need their pastor.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: First Baptist Church's senior pastor to retire after 20 years