After impacting people for over half a century through activities and student ministry, First Baptist Church’s Minister of Activities Bob Holcomb is retiring.

Holcomb, who has been the Minister of Activities in Cedartown for almost 30 years, will officially step down from his position on Saturday, Sept. 15. A special service is planned on Sunday, Sept. 16 to honor Holcomb for 51 years of service.

“I’m retiring now because I’m almost 70 years old,” Holcomb said.

Holcomb said he started out as a student minister then spent time working at First Baptist Church in Anderson, S.C. before moving to Cedartown.

“The Church asked me to come build the Family Life Center and we did that,” Holcomb said. “I think it speaks for itself.”

Not only was Holcomb the minister of activities at First Baptist, he was also involved in fellowship trips, and worked with senior adults, Awanas and teenagers.

“It would be hard to name individuals over 30 years that I would like to thank,” Holcomb said. “That would be hundreds of coaches, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of players. But I do want to thank them all. I also want to thank the Church for the program.”

Holcomb also wanted to thank his grandson, Andrew Arencebia.

“With the health problems I had, over the past year my grandson basically took over and ran the program and I’m really thankful for all his help,” Holcomb said.

Holcomb noted that two memories immediately came to mind when reflecting on his time in Cedartown.

“A couple things come to mind real quickly,” Holcomb said. “There was a handicap lady who played indoor soccer and seeing her participate gave me fulfillment.

“Also there was a young Indian man who is now in medical school who came and participated in basketball. When he started he did not know much about the sport, he was actually just the person designated to throw the ball in.

“But by his senior year he was a good player. He worked hard to learn to play a sport that was not common in his country. To see someone work so hard and become successful was rewarding, too.”

Holcomb said he now may venture into new territory in his retirement.

“I don’t know if they still do it, but I would like to take a computer class at a college to find out what I’ve been missing,” Holcomb said with a laugh.

The special service planned for Holcomb’s retirement will be in the fellowship hall at First Baptist. The reception is from 4-6 p.m., and the community is invited.

Holcomb is married to Nancy and they have two children, Matt and Molly. Holcomb is the grandfather of Andrew and Elizabeth Arencibia.

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Editor's note: this story has been edited to correct the time of the recpetion.