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4- PORT PERRY STAR - Wednesday, October 14, 1998 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Sw Rev. Jack Griffen prepares for his final sermon at Columbus Community United By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star orty years behind the pulpit will come to an end Nov. 1, when Rev. Jack Griffen preaches his final sermon at Columbus Community United Church. The 40 years Rev. Griffen has served God have been the best years of his life, he says: "I've never been sorry I went into the ministry. I couldn't have asked for a better place to serve human- ity." Rev. Griffen, youngest son of Sam and Verna Griffen, founders of Lake Scugog Lumber (which is still a family business run by his brother, Ted, and sons Paul and Ian), was born and raised in Port Perry. After dropping out of high school halfway through Grade 13, he landed a job at General Motors in Oshawa. He worked for six years in the accounts payable office, and the sales department of office management. But one day his life changed forever. "I was 22 years old, enjoying my work at GM, but one day I had a per- sonal experience with God," said Rev. Griffen. "I believe God called out to me. I accepted that call, and have never regretted my decision to join the ministry." Over the next few years, much of Rev. Griffen's time was spent in the classroom. In 1958 he graduated from McMaster University, majoring in psychology. Next came Queens University, where he obtained his Master of Divinity degree. During this time he served as a student minister at Wolfe Island. A thirst for knowledge also led Rev. Griffen to pursue his Doctor of Education degree at Syracuse University, specializing in Audio-Visual. "People thought I was crazy, taking a course in computers," he said. "Nobody ever thought back then computers would be a big thing in the future." After being ordained in 1961 Rev. Griffen and his wife Barbara served at his first charge in Coe Hill, where he was responsible for six charges and' supervised five other churches that had a layman in charge. Every Sunday he drove 78 miles, preaching five times at the various churches. Although his sermon at each church delivered the same message, each service contained different ele- ments. Rev. Jack Griffen, relaxing here with canine pal Holly, is preparing for his 'final sermon at Columbus Community United Church Nov. 1. "It'll be an emo- tional one," the minister of 40 years predicts. "They were all United Churches, but some liked a service more Anglican style, while other congregations liked the Evangelical way and others liked the Pentecostal, Presbyterian or United Church services," said Rev. Griffen. "Although each sermon had a different slant, I found each Sunday to be an enjoyment. "It was a busy time, but a happy time, too." : In 1963 Rev. Griffen left Coe Hill to become the Director of Christian Education and Assistant Manager at Kew Beach United Church in Toronto, ministering to a congregation of 2,000 people. During his time in Toronto he also taught at Pape Avenue Teachers' College, and served on the Board of Governors of Toronto Social Planning Council. After leaving Toronto Rev. Griffen served four years at St. Andrews-By- The-Lake United Church in Kingston. Here, he was also actively engaged in a daily open line radio program, Call the Padre. "We had the highest rating of open line radio at that time," he said. From 1969 to 1982, Rev. Griffen served as Minister at St. Andrews United Church in Niagara Falls. In 1982 he moved to Newmarket, where he was minister of Trinity United Church for eight years, before coming to Columbus Community United in 1989. herever his career led him, Rev. Griffen always became involved in his community. He was always there to help others in one way or another. "I feel very privileged God chose me to do this work," he said. "It's been a good life." But he hasn't done it alone. Barbara, his wife of 41 years, has been by his side all the way. "I give a lot of credit to Barbara. We've had a team ministry," said Rev. Griffen. "I couldn't have accomplished the work within the church without her. "And it wasn't a duty for her; she wanted to do it." The Griffens have three children and four grandchildren. Deanna and Ken Scott live with their two children, Kenton and Nicola, in Courtice. Bob and Patti Griffen and their two sons, Jack and Ben, reside in Newmarket, and Tim lives on Scugog Island. No doubt, Rev. Griffen has mixed feelings about the service on Nov. 1. "It'll be an emotional one," he said. "My last sermon." Following the 10 a.m. service a farewell party is being held at Trillium Trails in Raglan, where a light luncheon is being served and a presentation being made at 3:30 p.m. The deadline for purchasing the $10 tickets is Oct. 18. An educational scholarship fund is being established at PPHS in Rev. Jack and Barbara Griffen's name. If anyone would like to contribute towards this fund, they can do so up until Nov. 1. For further information contact Mary June Smith (985-2086) or Jack Nesbitt at 655-4282. @he Pocf Peeep Sav Question of the Week... Do you think Council should consider an anti-loitering bylaw aimed at teens? Do you have a question that you think would make a good question of the week? Call us at 905-985-7383. Carol Anthony I'm not sure how the bylaw would help. It wouldnt really stop them so I don't know how it would help the situation. h ; Brent Meeking It's a really bad idea. Half the kids in town either sit at home or come into town. All they're really doing is walking and talking. What's wrong with that? Greg Rankin It's a great idea. Some people are afraid to approach them because of the stuff that goes on. They block the sidewalks and their language is terrible. Sam Kwon [ think iCs fair. They shouldn't really group on the sidewalks because it's not fair to other people. If they don't move you have to go on the road and then you could get hurt. Nicole Gibson [ don't know how they could do that and not have anywhere for them to go. We can't get kids to stay oft the streets if we don't give them something to do somewhere clse.