Doylestown Presbyterian Church pastor Rev. Dr. John M. Willingham approaches retirement

After 20 years as Senior Pastor of Doylestown Presbyterian Church (DPC), the Rev. Dr. John M. Willingham is preparing his final sermon as he nears retirement.

Willingham will preach for the last time during the worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, in the sanctuary located at 127 E. Court St. in Doylestown. All are invited to attend.

Prior to DPC, Willingham led congregations in Kentucky and his home state of North Carolina during his 36-year career.

His faithful service to DPC was marked not only by caring for its members, but also for the campus, overseeing major renovations to the sanctuary and Andrews Hall, which houses offices and classrooms.

In 2011, DPC completed those projects, including the construction of a pedestrian bridge spanning Mechanics Street and connecting the two buildings for a safer way for churchgoers (especially children) to cross. The structure not only serves as a landmark within the borough but also led to DPC’s updated mission statement and call to “Be a bridge for Christ and a beacon of His love.”

Close to Willingham’s heart are DPC’s various charitable mission efforts, including trips to Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina and the Feed My Starving Children meal packing events held at Delaware Valley University. He was particularly grateful to the church members who volunteered to provide hot dinners and warm shelter in the Fellowship Hall during frigid February nights through the Code Blue program operated by the Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless.

During Willingham’s timeat DPC,a minimum of 10 percent of money donated through DPC’s various capital campaigns and generosity initiatives, which maintain the operating budgets of the church, has been used to directly support charitable causes and mission partners. This translates to about $5.8 million in funds.

Willingham’s later years at DPC saw the church become a Matthew 25 congregation in response to structural racism as well as receiving an Earth Care designation for continuing efforts to preserve and protect the environment.

Willingham looks forward to spending time with his wife, Lori, their two children, and four grandchildren. Lori Willingham retired this year after a 20-year career as a school nurse in the Central Bucks School District.

During his 36 years as a minister leading three congregations, Willingham has:

• Delivered 1,454 sermons;

• Welcomed 1,960 new members;

• Administered 330 baptisms;

• Officiated 163 weddings; and

• Officiated 329 funerals.

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