On Sunday, July 22, Bethesda Presbyterian, the tall-steepled church overlooking the scenic pond on U.S. 1 in Aberdeen, was filled with worshippers from across the Sandhills and beyond who gathered for the celebration marking 60 years to the day that the Rev. William Matheson Clark had been ordained.

The Moore Brass Band was there filling the sanctuary with lively gathering music all the way to the toe-tapping "When the Saints Go Marching In" in the postlude.

The Sanctuary Choir returned from its normal July break to bring special music, including the "The Lord Is My Shepherd," and "The Holy City," sung by soloist and director of music Nancy Arnold.

Acting General Presbyter Charles Elliott brought greetings from the 188 churches of Coastal Carolina Presbytery. State Sen. Harris Blake, a boyhood friend, presented Clark with a certificate of service from the Senate, noting that since retiring and returning to North Carolina, he had served 42 churches either as interim or pulpit supply.

Blake also presented a flag sent by Gov. Bev Perdue and a citation signed by her declaring the flag was flown over the Capital June 18, 2012.

The Rev. Jonathan Wallace, pastor of the church, then presented Clark, who preached for the special service.

His topic was "Take the Towel and Keep Your Fork." The message called upon church members on Earth to follow God's example.

Following the service, a reception for the Clark family was held in the fellowship hall of the church, where the places served by Clark and many recent cards and letters from those churches were displayed.