In the News ... "Pastor celebrates 30 years"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

WEST TEXAS - As the son and grandson of ministers, you could say it’s in the Rev. R.T. McNeil’s blood to lead a church.

But the longtime minister at St. James Baptist Church didn’t always want a life preaching behind the pulpit.

“It was something far from my mind. I had aspirations (to be) a professional quarterback,” McNeil said.

Though his dreams of playing on the gridiron have long passed, McNeil has accomplished 30 years as the lead pastor of St. James Baptist.

Church members are celebrating the tenure of McNeil and his wife, Amye Lee Jones McNeil, Wednesday through March 11. The celebration will feature pastors from around Texas, McNeil’s sister, gospel singer Rikki McNeil, and the pastor’s son, Timothy McNeil.

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