Richard Logsdon to retire, Dec. 31

By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Correspondent

HUGHESVILLE, Md. —Potomac Baptist Association (PBA) Director of Missions (DOM) Dr. Richard Logsdon will retire effective Dec. 31. Logsdon has served as DOM for 21 years and in overall ministry for 40. The PBA had 20 churches when he began and now has 36.

Reflecting on the past two decades, Logsdon said some of the highlights of his ministry have been seeing church plants begin, grow and flourish. The PBA has planted churches in Southern Maryland and in Mexico.Reflecting on the past two decades, Logsdon said some of the highlights of his ministry have been seeing church plants begin, grow and flourish. The PBA has planted churches in Southern Maryland and in Mexico.

Logsdon said he’s also pleased to see the ethnic diversity in the area reflected throughout the association. In addition to Anglo churches, PBA now has active Korean, Spanish and African American congregations.

Churches have also become much more active in disaster relief under Logsdon’s leadership. He spearheaded relief efforts during Hurricane Irene and after a devastating tornado destroyed many businesses in La Plata.

Logsdon’s wife, Freda, has actively supported Richard in ministry through the years and has an ongoing ministry to ministers’ wives.

“I’ve been privileged to serve with outstanding pastors, churches and members. It has been wonderful to be part of what God has done here,” Logsdon said.

Once officially retired, Logsdon said he and Freda will continue to be actively involved in ministry, helping as needed.

“We’re not moving. Our home is here,” he said. Logsdon began ministering in 1973 as associate pastor of Capitol Hill Metropolitan Church in Washington, D.C., followed by serving as pastor of First Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro for 15 years.

“All of our ministry since seminary has been in the Washington area,” he said. “Our roots are deep here.”

There will be a reception for the Logsdons at Hughesville Baptist Church on Jan. 13 from 2:00-4:00pm.