Sue Hamilton
WASHINGTON TWP., Montgomery County — It wasn’t a retirement, but it was a farewell for the Rev. Sue Hamilton on Aug. 29.
The minister at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave. in Washington Twp., left her position at the church after almost four years to spend more time with her family.
“Our mothers are ill,” said Hamilton of her and her husband, Steve. “I don’t know what God has in store for me.”
Since her husband was in the Air Force, Hamilton, who grew up in York, Pa., and her family have lived many places and served in many churches.
She came to the Miami Valley from Nebraska, and her family lives in Sugarcreek Twp.
“This has been a very welcoming place,” she said of the church and the area. “It has been a place that has been enjoyable to be able to serve and help others and myself grow.”
Church member Ellen Ireland said Hamilton leaves a positive legacy at Southminster.
“We as a congregation are in a better place because she helped so many of us learn how to reach people,” Ireland said. “Collectively, our church is much stronger and caring, and more heartfelt than perhaps it was before Sue was here.”
Eileen Baker, a longtime member of the church, said Hamilton was the minister for nurture, and started many programs at church.
“I have a great passion for care and senior ministry,” said Hamilton, who majored in music at California State University Stanislaus and went to seminary in St. Paul, Minn.
The congregation celebrated Hamilton with a luncheon, tributes and parting gifts.
“Everything was just very beautifully done, and very humbling to me,” the mother of two said.
Hamilton said she will remember her time at Southminster fondly.
“It is always hard leaving a place, but I think a part of you stays there and I think you take a part of them with you,” she said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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