AFTER spending 41 years in church ministry, Pastor Larry Starr will retire on Sunday, Dec. 28 from the Green Street Baptist Church.

AFTER spending 41 years in church ministry, Pastor Larry Starr will retire on Sunday, Dec. 28 from the Green Street Baptist Church.

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — Some marriages, it seems, were made in heaven. How else to explain the love and endurance these couples demonstrate.

But there’s another kind of marriage that also may have been made in heaven — the marriage between a pastor and his church.

It is the second variety that Pastor Larry Starr has enjoyed for the past 30 years at the Green Street Baptist Church.

“The honeymoon has never ended,” he said.

But all good things eventually come to an end, and on Sunday, Dec. 28, Pastor Starr will preach his final sermon. Then he will walk off into the sunset to begin the next chapter of his life — retirement.

The decision to retire did not come easy, but he is confident that in this season of his life, it’s time to turn the page.

“I now know what it means when people say, ‘You’ll know when it’s time to retire,’” he said.

But not everyone is ready to see him go, including church member and member of the Board of Trustees Phil Solmonson.

“He’s one of the finest people I’ve ever met,” said Solmonson. “He got me back into church.”

Solmonson’s friend and fellow church-goer David Hamilton agreed. In fact, when Hamilton retired he and his wife Susan moved to New Hampshire but continued to attend services and leadership meetings, despite the distance.

To use an old Dunkin’ Donuts line, “It’s worth the trip,” said Hamilton.

“Rev. Starr has worked very hard to make sure that any issues or concerns are addressed, and we strive to live by the Golden Rule,” continued Hamilton. “We are a church family who have concern for each other, with times of laughter and a warmth you can feel. We remember the command to ‘love one another.’”

Hamilton said it is Pastor Starr who has led the church in the “giving of themselves.” The church participates in Bread of Life, a food for the needy program in Malden; Habitat for Humanity; mission trips to New Orleans and, farther afield, mission trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Honduras.

“These are ‘hands on’ mission activities and, we, as a church family, donate generously to mission and charity work throughout the year,” said Hamilton. “From the church pulpit, we have heard many times, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’”

Pastor Starr grew up in Malden and was ordained in 1976 at his home church — First Baptist of Malden. Then he was called to White Street Baptist Church in East Boston where most residents were Italian except for a small enclave of Baptists.

“It was a small place, mostly of Novies and Newfies,” Pastor Starr said, referring to people who hail from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Still in seminary, he spent three years at the church before being called to First Baptist of Melrose as Associate Pastor. While there, he was in charge of Christian education and youth activities.

After five years, he moved on to First Baptist Church of Beverly and stayed one year as interim Youth Minister. Then, in 1984, he got the call — “We need you at Green Street Baptist.”

“The church was at a very low ebb at the time, to the point of possibly closing,” he said. “There was no money, so I was offered a part-time ministry. I truly felt called so I went gladly.”

Pastor Starr said he encountered a small group of discouraged people, but through his optimism and enthusiasm, everyone got busy to get the church back up and running.

“We had to believe it wasn’t over,” he said. “And slowly we started to get noticed.”

Every newcomer to town got an invitation to a church service, and creative brochures were sent to residents telling them about what the church had to offer.

“The fact that I’ve been here for 30 years is nuts,” he said. “Eight to 10 years is the usual. But God still wanted me here. I never had the sense that I was done.”

Starr said he has felt blessed “beyond measure” to have pastored the Green Street Baptist Church. Today, it is strong, faithful, growing and vibrant, he said.

“There’s no undercurrent here,” he added. “Everyone is respectful, loving and caring. The spirit of forgiveness defines the quality of our church. Sometimes churches can be places of discord, but we are free of that.”

A celebration of his ministry is in the offing — Sunday, Dec. 28 will be the last Sunday in the year, and that’s the day he has chosen to retire.

But first there will be a special worship service where Pastor Starr will give his final sermon on a topic yet to be determined.

“I want to let the Lord speak through me on my final day,” he said.

Following the service there will be a farewell banquet and program to wish him good health and peace in retirement as he continues his service to the Lord.

“I feel like a freshman in college,” he commented. “I don’t know what’s next, but the Lord will lead me into something that’s needed in His kingdom. I still want to go to church. I just don’t want to be in charge anymore.”

The beloved minister’s tentative plans post retirement include a mission trip and possibly a retreat as well as travel to Puerto Rico.

He will also spend time practicing his love of photography, playing his guitar and continuing his physical fitness program. He’ll also tinker with his computer, a pastime he also enjoys.

But he won’t be involved in finding his replacement. First, the position will be posted, then resumes will be gathered and reviewed and eventually someone will be hired to lead the church. In the meantime, an interim minister will take over, starting Thursday, Jan. 1.

“It’s folly to think you’re irreplaceable,” he said. “It’s been a marriage here as we’ve built a life together for a future vision. The Lord has the next chapter, but only He knows what it is.”