Celebrating the work of Rev. Jimmy W. Madsen

Church applauds longtime pastor’s on his retirement

The congregation of First Lutheran Church celebrated the retirement of Rev. Jimmy W. Madsen on Dec. 10, after he spent 38 and one half years at the helm.

The event capped off a day that began with Madsen, who has been with the church since 1979, preaching his final sermon and giving communion to the congregation in the morning and a concert in the afternoon.

About 300 tickets were sold for the celebration that began with a meal served by members of the PACE Foundation and the church’s youth.

As the fellowship hall of the church’s new premises, 1019 West 5th St. in Lorain, was filled with the sounds of forks and knives scraping on plates and people animatedly talking, Madsen walked in the small space between tables laughing and sharing anecdotes with those he met along the way.

“Lorain has changed an enormous amount in 38 and a half years,” he said. “It’s presented us with all sorts of ministry opportunities. (With) the downturn in

the economy and stuff, we didn’t have to invent things to do. There was always something new and changing that we responded to.

“I’ve not been bored one minute.”

Throughout his time as a faith leader in the community, Madsen has been wellplaced to view the changing of not only Lorain but also how the city fares in contrast with the rest of the country.

Early in his ministry, he took a direct part in that by hosting a series of meetings to discuss race relations in the community.

“What’s refreshing to me is that Lorain seems to be more diverse and ok with being diverse than what I’m seeing in different parts of the country,” he said. “I’m encouraged by that.”

“I’m concerned that across the country there’s, obviously, a lot of racism that still exists and little pockets of things that pop up and are disturbing,” he continued. “But when I see the way people can get along, especially in a place like Lorain, I’m encouraged.”

Madsen’s successor, Rev. Rosalina Rivera, is aware of the shoes she must now fill in the city.

“He’s really set a legacy in this community and one that’s going to be tough to follow,” she said. “I really admire the work he’s done this community and certainly in this church. Definitely big shoes to fill.”

After dinner, the congregation enjoyed a slideshow of Madsen through the years, as well as speeches from Lorain City Councilman Joe Koziura, Rev. Linwood Chamberlain, Rev. Laurie Miller, Doug Krucinski, Rivera and Rev. Karl Biermann.

There was also a skit performed by The Whitman Players.

Madsen said he doesn’t have any concrete plans for his retirement, but he does plan to drive down to Texas to visit family for the holidays.

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Rev. Jimmy W. Madsen smiles as congregation members applaud his service Dec. 10 at First Lutheran Church, 1019 West 5th St. in Lorain, during his retirement celebration.