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RENDEZVOUS

Passing the Baton

Pastor Gale Fister Retires

You'll likely not meet a man who dislikes the word "retire" more than Gale Fister. The stubborn, Pennsylvania Dutch chin juts out as he says, "I never quit anything!" So the grace in the man has found a permanent home being "pastor emeritus" in the place he helped build and loves—Lolo Community Church. From welcoming in stray people to taking out the trash, you'll find Gale's fingerprints all over the church, not just in the electrical box.

The word that continually follows this quintessential storyteller is "faithful." His 47 years of ministry wear well, and his quiet chuckle over any number of tales mark the gentle grace that God has laid over this man who describes himself as "mean and ornery."

Gale and Elsie are well known and loved throughout western Montana. Bible studies, weddings, funerals, youth groups—you name it; Gale's done it.

And just in case you'd like to add your word of thanks, here is their home address: 629 Plymouth, Missoula, MT 59801.