Remembrance Service to Honor the Life and Ministry of Pastor Russell B Greene, Sr Who Served Berne, Central Bridge

                                                               Greene, Sr., Rev. Russell B. - Summer 1975                                                    Greene, Sr., Rev, Russell B. Seminary student 1930

                                                                                                                                                                                                      BERNE & CENTRAL BRIDGE – Helderberg Lutheran Church will host a special Remembrance Service on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM to honor the life and ministry of the late Pastor Russell B. Greene, Sr. who served St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Berne (now Helderberg Lutheran) from 1936 to 1961, and passed away 50 years ago on September 15, 1975 while serving as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Central Bridge.

The service will follow the traditional Lutheran liturgy used during Pastor Greene’s time and will include Holy Communion. Robert Holt, Synod Authorized Minister for Helderberg Lutheran and a mentee of Pastor and Mrs. Greene in the 1960s and 70s, will preside and deliver a message originally written and delivered by Rev. Russell B. Greene, Jr. in 1956, on the 25th anniversary of his father’s ordination.

Local members of the Greene family, including grandchildren from Connecticut and South Carolina, will be in attendance, with grandchildren participating in the service. Two grandsons are members of Helderberg Lutheran. We invite you to bring a covered dish to share as we enjoy fellowship and share memories together in the Friendship Hall following the service.

Pastor Greene’s ministry spanned more than four decades, touching the lives of countless individuals through his service to congregations in Berne, East Berne, Gallupville, Kingston, Central Bridge, Seward, Sharon and Leesville. His wife, Ruth (Houghton) Greene, was a devoted partner in ministry, remembered for teaching confirmation, preparing the altar, and serving her community with warmth and dedication.

All are welcome—family, friends, former parishioners, and members of the wider community—to attend this meaningful service and meal as we give thanks for the life and legacy of a faithful servant.

Helderberg Lutheran Church is located at 1728 Helderberg Trail (Rt 443) Berne, NY 12023.