Dothan pastor retires after 42 years of service

For almost 42 years, Wallace Russell enjoyed the pastoral ministry, “visiting the sick and ministering to families.”
But at age 75 and after 25 years at Bethel Baptist Church, Dothan, he felt it was time to move on.
Russell recently retired as pastor of the Columbia Baptist Association church but continues preaching through supply work.

During his career, he served four churches, beginning with Steele Baptist Church in St. Clair Baptist Association in November 1965.

Russell said he stayed at Bethel Baptist for so long because it continued to grow throughout the years. Upon his retirement, the church honored him with a special service and reception to recognize those who went into the ministry because of his influence.
Russell and his wife of 57 years, Loretta, reside in Dothan.