Paris to retire from Sherwood

Paris to retire from Sherwood

After 37 years of preaching, Don Paris said he’s “humbled and very thankful” that God saw fit to use him.

“It’s been good, and it’s been challenging,” he said. “By the grace of God I’ve made it this far, and it’s been wonderful.”

Paris, pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, Huntsville, will retire at the end of September.

Paris began his ministry in Kentucky after seminary and then went to Tennessee.

He came back to Alabama 21 years ago to become pastor of First Baptist Church, Wedowee, where he served for 13 years. He then accepted the pastorate of Sherwood Baptist.

The church will hold a retirement lunch for him after the morning service Sept. 30.

“During the time I have known Pastor Don Paris, I have found him to be a very humble servant of God,” said Charlie Howell, executive director of missions for Madison Baptist Association.

Howell said Paris’ ongoing ministry in his own community and beyond has had an eternal impact.

“On our recent associational missions trip to the Williamsburg, Kentucky, area, Don led the team that held a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in a church that never had one before,” Howell said. “The church had a great VBS experience and 12 children trusted in Christ as their Savior and Lord.”

Paris said he and his wife of 40 years, Susie, have grandchildren in the Huntsville area, so they probably won’t stray too far in retirement. But he has been training to become a transitional pastor and plans to continue preaching in that type of role or whatever God gives him the opportunity to do.

“Who knows what the future holds, but we know Who holds it,” Paris said. (Grace Thornton)