Taking Root, Bearing Fruit, 1987-2000

Father Tom Ruffin brought with him years of experience in the priesthood and government service, having served in the administration of President Gerald Ford. Under his stewardship, the iconography and furnishings were completed, and the church was consecrated by Bishop JOSEPH. A new altar was dedicated in memory of Iman Tarazi, by her parents, Widad and Subhi Tarazi. Our youth programs, SOYO and Sunday school, were strengthened and grew in numbers. Children attended summer camp and the annual Christmas pageant and a visit from St. Nicholas became traditions that continue to delight young and old alike.

Once again, the parish began to look to the future and the need for a hall and Sunday school rooms that would accommodate our growing community. A building committee was established to examine the feasibility of building a new, expanded hall, Sunday school and offices. Father Tom considered his own future as well, and decided that it was time to return to Michigan to be near his family. He announced his retirement in 1999, and Metropolitan PHILIP assigned his replacement at the beginning of the new millennium.