Paul Melick’s soft, glistening eyes and warm, friendly smile are the first to greet members and visitors to Walnut Ridge Baptist Church each Sunday morning. Standing at attention in suit and tie at the first of two double doors just inside this church in northeast Iowa, Paul quickly swings the door wide open while greeting each person with a cheery “Welcome!”
What most don’t know is that for the past seventy-five years Paul has been serving the Lord in this role. Come rain or shine (and sometimes with umbrella in hand), Paul’s faithful presence as greeter and door holder has been a staple at Walnut Ridge.
Yes, for the past seven decades, Paul’s presence has been that all-important first impression for churchgoers of all ages. Granted, some absences through the years have been necessary, such as illnesses. On those Sundays, he is sorely missed. But most Sundays year-round, Paul has been an ambassador of his church—and more importantly, of the Savior he loves—through his ministry of ushering.
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Mary L. Schildroth is a member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church, Waterloo, Iowa.
