When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix

Exactly 50 years ago this upcoming weekend, September 12, 1976, Rich Smith, a child of Church of the Beatitudes, was ordained to the Christian ministry. He went on to serve as Pastor of five UCC Churches, beginning with Tombstone, moving on to Long Beach, Tucson, Bethesda Maryland, and finally, Reno Nevada, from which he retired in 2015, having served a total of 39 years. During those years he preached 1,594 sermons, performed 517 weddings and 229 baptisms, and presided at 223 memorial services.

In retirement he lives in Tucson with Pam, his wife of 53 years, and is a member of the Rincon UCC, playing guitar and leading the church band. He remains active in the Southwest Conference, often guest preaching in Tucson area churches, occasionally heading north to fill in for churches in the east valley. In 2024 he covered Sedona’s Church of the Red Rock for two months when they were between pastors.

Rich's family joined Church of the Beatitudes (then called North Congregational Church) in 1956. In fifth grade he was an acolyte. In eighth grade he was one of 85 in the Confirmation class. In high school, he worked at the Beatitudes Campus of Care as a busboy and dishwasher, and later on the grounds crew. As president of the UCY, he also sang in high school choir.

Education: Maryland Elementary School, Washington High School, University of Redlands, Pacific School of Religion.