Community Corner

Living the Lesson: St. Matthew's Pastor Retires after 38 Years

Generations have grown up under Gary Erickson's leadership.

A 38-year career in any single profession is worthy of note for the dedication it bespeaks. Gary Erickson retired Sunday as a Lutheran minister after just that many years, but there's something more salient about his lengthy service to his calling.

Erickson spent his entire career as a pastor at , 1615 Wauwatosa Ave.

"It is remarkable for a pastor to remain at the same church for that length of time," said Sonja Mohr, communications secretary for the church. "St. Matthew's in its 91-year history has had only three senior pastors."

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Erickson's tenure was honored by his congregation Saturday with a testimonial program and reception, and he conducted his farewell services Sunday.

Erickson had served only an internship while studying at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago before being assigned after graduation to St. Matthew's as an assistant pastor in 1973. The internship was a fortunate one in that he met his wife-to-be, Sue, a children's choir director.

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The young couple expected to be moved to a new church within two or three years, but more years passed, they started a family and Erickson was promoted to associate pastor. By 1982, with the retirement of senior pastor Emerson Miller, Erickson was given the top job and was never asked to relinquish it.

It's possible that had it ever been suggested he should move, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America might have had a small rebellion on its hands. His flock has been as devoted to him as he to them.

"I've been a member of St. Matt's for 10 years and a friend of Pastor Gary's somewhat longer," said Dennis McBride. "What drew me to him and St. Matt's was the fact that, unlike some in religious or public life, he has always walked the walk and not just talked the talk. He puts his faith into action every day with the kindness and concern he shows for his fellow human beings.

"On a more personal level, I've known Gary as a true friend. My wife likes to tease that he and I were separated at birth because we're both long, lean Abraham Lincoln geeks. But Gary is a gentle friend to everyone, even those who don't have Lincoln bobbleheads in their offices.

"I will miss him, and his long, scholarly sermons, more than I can say. To me, his parting will be like a death in the family."

Those who also have labored in helping conduct the church's business found his compassion even in a bureaucratic setting.

"I've had the privilege of working closely with Pastor Gary the last three years while serving on the Church Council," said Kristen Charlson. "I appreciated his support and confidence in me, particularly in this last year when I have served as council president.

"You feel his caring and compassionate nature whenever you talk with him. In meetings you can sense that he is a strong leader in an understated way. I am excited to see him move on to this exciting time in his life, but will miss him very much."

Mike Thomae learned that Erickson's care for his congregation was, in the pastor's mind, a two-way street.

"I've discovered that Gary has only two rules that we were to follow – please note these were never written down, but everyone still understood," Thomae said. "Rule one: Whatever Gary asked, you answered, 'Yes, I would be happy to do it.' Rule two: If you thought about answering 'No,' refer to Rule One.

"And that's how a great man runs a great congregation."

In his own words, Erickson sums up the personal philosophy that motivated him for 38 years and will continue to as in retirement he continues to pursue his lifelong passion for Abraham Lincoln scholarship:

“I’m rather a determined person. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it.”


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