PASTOR RICK SWEARINGEN HONORED - A New College Graduate

(05/09/2004)

Pastor Rick Swearingen was given a surprise pot-luck dinner yesterday at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church to celebrate his graduation from Glenville State College.

Rick admitted it was not quite a surprise, since he heard someone discuss the plans over the church PA system, someone had left the mike on. "I went along though," he said.

The Methodist pastor was recognized for his perseverance, working as a full time pastor and going to college full time. A banner across the back of the church declared him a survivor.

Rick majored in Education, specializing in Social Studies. He is the son of Shirley Sellens and the Late Ronnie Swearengin of Thornfield, Missouri. He is also the husband of Melody and father of Tyler, Zachary and Ryan of Grantsville. He is Pastor of the Mt. Zion Charge.