Tribute to Rev. Preston C. Parthemer
June 17,2006

Compassionate, cheerful and loving are the characteristics that best describe our brother in the Lord. Preston Parthemer gave of himself fully in the work of the Lord for a span of 40 years.

Preston was called into the ministry at the age of 32 in 1947. Upon receiving his credentials he was assigned to the Pleasant Valley Brethren in Christ Church where he served faithfully until 1961. This ministry was followed by four years of pastoral service to the Woodbury and Crossroads churches. Preston had the urge and calling to plant a new church in Yocumtown. He was the founding pastor of the Ridgevue Brethren in Christ Church and served there from 1965 – 1977.

Preston was a bi-vocational pastor in each setting in which he served. He worked at cultivating the land as well as serving patients at the Harrisburg State Hospital. His caring, loving spirit marked his pastoral ministry. Visit!... Visit!... Visit!.....was the compelling mandate which endeared him with his congregation and community. His desire to see people come to the Lord spurred his revivalist spirit that afforded his speaking not only to the Brethren in Christ but also to the Church of God, the United Zion church and the United Christian church.

Preston was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1952. His life and labors on earth are complete. On June 17, 2006 he received his greatest affirmation from his Lord, “Well done, good & faithful servant.”

Ken Letner
Bishop, Susquehanna Conference