First Church of the Nazarene, 834 Union St., celebrated in a big way last Sunday with a special worship service in honor of the Rev. Ron and Judy DeWitt's 30-year Shelbyville ministry.

While he admitted that he highly suspected on his pastoral anniversary something would be presented, the preacher was surprised with the large crowd, visits by dignitaries and old friends. The DeWitts expressed their emotions during the program as guests honored them with words, gifts and plaques from the pulpit.

Guests included State Rep. Pat Marsh; Kay Bartley of Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen; Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright and wife, Martha Gene; Marshall Miller, Tyson Live production manager; Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University, where Ron serves on the trustees board; Richard Reed, East Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene assistant superintendent; and Ronald McCormack, East Tennessee District superintendent.

Church members also speaking during the program included Charlene Smith, Joyce Elliott and Gerald Baker - all who were on the board when Ron was appointed to his FCN-Shelbyville position. Church treasurer Robin Phillips presented the DeWitt's a monetary donation on behalf of the church. The couple will be taking a sabbatical.

The district superintendent, who is a close friend of the honorees, said if he'd had more preachers over the last 30 years like Ron DeWitt, he wouldn't have had to work much. He mentioned that preacher DeWitt started in his ministry at FCN-Shelbyville maintaining a $100,000 budget and is now up to about half a million.

He complimented his friend and long-time colleague on likely being recorded in Tennessee Nazarene church history as the longest tenured and most highly successful pastor in the East Tennessee District. He said he was glad to call him his friend.

There were many tears shed at that point, especially when Joyce Elliott told about the family first coming to Shelbyville 30 years ago this month. She showed a 1990s slie photo of the family who attended Sunday's ceremony.

The DeWitt's hail from Carthage, Ind., and were serving in Kentucky when called to Shelbyville. They have reared their two daughters here, nuzzled their grandchildren here and melted right into the fabric of the community, speakers said.

Several other community organizations in which Ron is involved were mentioned, including his job at Tyson Foods, where he's served as a chaplain for 15 years. He is a listening ear to many working the lines, staff has said.

The speakers praised Ron - despite the fact they know him to be "very humble" about his ministry work. He was described last Sunday as a deeply spiritual man with a humble nature and giving heart. He was also touted as having helped launch many ministries in his community, including the Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen - a project within the Bedford County Ministerial Association, which he's helped lead for many years.

Kay Bartley, a volunteer with Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen said the non profit which feeds the needy every Tuesday couldn't have had a better leader. She called DeWitt a friend as well.

Those speaking on behalf of the ministry couple said they'd be amiss not to mention "Sister Judy." She was praised for her continued commitment to her husband, family and church.