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The Rev. Dr. Richard Powers, class of 1970, moved to Brunswick in 1967 when his father, the Rev. William Powers Jr. was called to be the fourth pastor of Grace Baptist Church. After graduation he went to Midwestern Baptist College in Pontiac, Mich., where he earned his bachelor of religious education degree.. He married Brenda (Kissinger, BHS 1973) between his second and third year of college, in 1972. His plans took an abrupt turn homeward when his father, attending Richard’s ordination in Michigan, suddenly passed away. After the funeral, members of his father’s congregation asked him to step into his father’s place as the Grace Baptist Pastor. They moved home in 1975 and he has been pastor ever since.

WHKW Radio has worked with him in the church’s radio ministry to broadcast morning services from grace each Sunday for the last 25 years. It is also streamed over the Internet to any location in the world with computer access. Over the last 25 years, Rev. Powers has reached out to community members who are not able to attend church services, through a cable program called “Heartline” seen locally on Cable Channel 21.

Dr. Powers has served 10 years as the president of the Alumni Association of the Midwestern Baptist College. He was named Alumni of the year in 1988. He currently serves as a trustee of the college, as a member of the executive committee of the Baptist Evangelestic Missionary Association in Columbus, Ohio, and his book, “Pathways to Spiritual Understanding,” is still in print. He is a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is an avid student of the Bible and a lifelong learner and has achieved his Doctor of Divinity Degree. He is completing his studies for his Masters in Pastoral Counseling Degree.

He and Brenda have three grown children, all married. Richard Jr. (Leah), Melinda (TJ) and Joshua (Beth). They have four grandchildren.