a celebration of 45 years of ministry

The Rev. George L. Lee is celebrating 45 years in pastoral ministry. A gospel hymn sing is planned.

Ministry timeline: 1966, consecrated as a local pastor in the Mansfield District and assigned to Newville Methodist Church, Widowsville Methodist and Mifflin Evangelical United Brethren; 1968, assigned to the Galion circuit in the Mansfield District; 1972, ordained a deacon; 1973, assigned to Ashley UM Church in the Mount Vernon District; 1974, certificate of attainment in North Central Jurisdiction at Garrett Seminary and bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio State University; 1977, assigned to Loudonville UM in Mount Vernon District; 1978, master of arts degree in evangelism and membership care from Scarritt College in Nashville, Tenn.; 1984, assigned to Church of The Master in Akron District; 1985, ordained an elder; 1992, earned doctor of ministry in church administration; 1993, assigned to Canfield United Methodist Church in Youngstown District; 1995, received the Denman Evangelism Award from World Methodist Council; 2003, became pastor emeritus at Canfield UMC and retired then in the fall joined staff of Boardman United Methodist Church; and 2008, became pastor at West Austintown First United Methodist Church in Mahoning Valley District.

Gospel sing: The event will be at 4 p.m. March 6 at Austintown First United Methodist Church, 6749 Mahoning Ave., Austintown. Participants will be the Rev. Don Christenson, prayer; the Rev. David MacDonald, call to worship; Leslie Reedy, keyboard, and Pastor George on piano for hymn sing; Chancel Choir; the Rev. Ash Welsh on harmonica and Pastor George on piano for gospel hymns; Malvern Culp and the Rev. Peg Welch, soloists; church quartet of soprano Johnna Clark, tenor Garry Clark, alto Gay Blackann and bass John Blackann; and blessing by the Rev. Dr. David Lynn. A reception will follow in fellowship hall.

Sponsor: The United Methodist Women are sponsoring the hymn sing. Offerings will be accepted and will benefit mission projects.