By Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Current

He was prepared for the cake and punch celebration in his honor after a recent Sunday service at First Baptist Church in Geneseo, but Rev. David Murphy had no idea there would be so much more!

Rev. David Murphy and his wife Michelle at their recent anniversary reception.

He and his wife, Michelle, were honored after that worship service as they marked their 10th anniversary of serving at the Geneseo Church, which is located at 15300 Ford Rd.

“We knew there was going to be a reception after the service, but we had no idea of what had been planned for us,” Pastor Murphy said. “There was a receiving line and people came through with gifts and words of appreciation for our serving the church.”

Pastor Murphy in turn expressed his appreciation to his congregation and said, “We were overwhelmed with the expressions of love. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve the folks here at First Baptist.”

Information from 2016 story:

“The Rev. David Murphy returned to his Midwestern roots after spending 25 years in ministry in Long Beach, Calif.

It was through “word of mouth” he learned First Baptist in Geneseo was in need of a pastor.

While the family was passing through Illinois on their way to Indiana in the summer of 2016, he visited the Geneseo church and gave a sermon.

He later was invited to serve as full-time pastor.

“The decision to move to First Baptist here is what God wants,” he said at that time. “If He wanted me to go to Mongolia, then I’d go to Mongolia.”

Pastor Murphy finds it very rewarding when he can encourage someone to live for the Lord.

“Someone who may be discouraged or going through a difficulty, I like to give them words of encouragement and help,” he said.