REV. RONALD SCHMIDT

Pastor Ron Schmidt was born February 28, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the oldest of two children born to Clarence and Ruth Schmidt who were teachers in the Hubbard Ohio Public Schools. He has a younger brother, David, who now lives in Troy, Michigan. After graduating from Hubbard High School, Pastor Schmidt went to Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.

Pastor Schmidt served as vicar in Appleton, Wisconsin, at First English Lutheran Church and graduated from Seminary in 1961. He then received a Call to Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit and served as Pastor for 39 years. The ministry at Faith is on the far east side of Detroit in the Jefferson-Chalmers area. Pastor Schmidt saw the congregation through many social and economic changes. During his ministry, a soup kitchen was established. This ministry has fed nutritious meals to the folks of the community for over seventeen years.

In addition, in 1997, a Kids Club was begun for neighborhood children from grades 1 through 10. Bible studies, music, tutoring, gym and dinner were provided weekly. A parish nurse program at Faith funded by Bon Secours Hospital provided health care and counseling to the congregation and neighborhood.

Pastor Schmidt has been active in community affairs serving on the Board of People in Faith United, which provided meals for seniors at Faith Church and rehabilitated housed in the Jefferson-Chalmers area in the 1980's and early 1990's. He also worked with Eddie Edwards and the Joy of Jesus in several programs including providing Christmas baskets and blankets to the needy of the area. This partnership with Joy of Jesus also provided a valuable Summer Camping experience for the boys and girls of the area.

Pastor Schmidt retired from his pastorate in June of 2000. He is married to Sharon and has two step-children, Suzanne and Jeffrey and three grandchildren, Jacob, Rachel and Makenna. In his leisure time, Pastor Schmidt enjoys reading, history and travel, especially, Bed & Breakfasts and visiting family.

Rev. Ronald Schmidt has moved to St. Joseph, Michigan and will be working part time with a church in that area. We are all very appreciative of his ministry in our midst. We wish him and his wife Sharon God's blessings.

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