Since 1994, Richard O. Bolin has served East Side Baptist Church, Cullman, as associate pastor and worship minister, “impacting lives” and making a difference, according to Pastor Ken Allen.
Bolin, who retired from the ministry in December 2012, began serving as the worship leader at Bethel Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove, while he was still in high school. He later served under Don Graham at Katherwood Baptist Church, Birmingham, while he was attending Samford University in Birmingham, and was licensed to the ministry at Fairfield Highlands Baptist Church, Midfield.
Bolin later served as worship minister of First Baptist Church, Mount Olive; Wilkes Baptist Church, Midfield; and East Highland Baptist Church, Hartselle, before serving East Side Baptist.
East Side celebrated Bolin’s retirement with a special service held at Cullman Regional Medical Center on Dec. 2. On Dec. 30, Bolin’s last day in the ministerial role, East Side invited members and others who served with Bolin, including Graham, to gather and recognize Bolin for his 52 years of service.
“It was a real beautiful service,” Bolin said.
Allen said, “Richard is one of those ministers … that do not come along very often. He is a unique man of God who really loves the Lord. … We were blessed to have him at (East Side) for a long time.” In his retirement Bolin said he is “ready to fill in as needed” for churches and ministries that need assistance.
Bolin and his wife, Barbara, have two children and seven grandchildren.
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