Batavia Episcopal church is losing its pastor

By Joanne Beck
Thursday, October 15, 2009

BATAVIA -- When the Rev. Ronald Guy moved here two years ago, he felt it was something that was meant to be for him and his wife Marisa.

As the head of St. James Episcopal Church packs up to leave, he still sounds like this visit had a purpose. He will be leaving the church due to its inability to afford a full-time pastor.

"I have had the privilege of sharing life's journey with some incredible people I would not have met with otherwise," Father Guy said Monday at the East Main Street site. "You're there because God called you there. Once you're there you get a chance to walk the road. That has been soul enriching."

His walk here isn't finished. The former Texas police officer still plans to fulfill his duties visiting a resident at Crossroads House, conducting a funeral and giving his last sermon this week. He believes that he and his wife may end up in the Nashville area, since pastoral jobs are plentiful and the couple have "friends in the clergy" there.

Also, it doesn't have something that Batavia's parish has at this time.

"It's not in as dire of a financial situation," he said. the rest