Historical March 1993 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In mid-June of last year, B. G. (or Bill) Richardson became pastor of Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. Richardson is originally from Missouri’s Bootheel.
He attended Memphis State University, actually the closest to his boyhood home, and then became an accountant.
He worked for the Vision Craft Corporation in Memphis.
He became a minister in 1968 and attended the Eden Seminary in Webster Groves until 1972. Because he already had a family he was able to get a student appointment while he attended the seminary.
He served two small churches while also going to school fulltime. Subsequently, he served for six years in Grey Summit in Franklin County and then nine years in Pacific.
His last seven years before coming to Grace Methodist were spent at a church in Wentzville. Richardson is married to his childhood sweetheart. Mrs. Richardson is a skilled craftsperson who makes porcelein dolls.
The Richardsons have four children and six grandchildren. One son is in the entertainment business.
He is an audio engineer and has worked for Tony Orlando, Frank Sinatra, Kenny Loggins, and John Bon jovi. Rev. Richardson indicated that his first impression of Grace United Methodist was based on its very beautiful building.
He did not step inside until after his appointment was made and was overwhelmed.
He and his wife live in Parkview and they find it a wonderful place to live. Although he is still discovering the Skinker DeBaliviere area, he has high praise for the efforts of the Council and its supporting institutions to stabilize the community.
He was surprised to see that parishioners return to Grace from all over the St. Louis area After his appointment, a series of get-acquainted evenings took place in various parishioners’ homes.
Some were in Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and west of 270 as well as closer to home in the central west end.
It was evident that people had deep roots in Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. Richardson stated that there is a resurgence of interest on the part of the United Methodist Church in city churches.
This denomination almost gave up on the central city. But, because churches like Grace stood firm, the denomination finally recognized that.
It has turned resources and leadership in that direction even though once large and wealthy congregations are no longer there with the same size and resources.
The denomination will strengthen ways of investing in the city. Enjoying his new position, Rev. Richardson plans greater participation for Grace United Methodist in the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council and its projects.
Original photograph caption
Rev. Bill Richardson. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1993.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1993_03.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
