McDonald gets Emeritus status at FCC

First Christian Church of Rockwall honored Robert McDonald with the status of Elder Emeritus in a ceremony at the McDonald home in Heath June 4 with his family and church members present. 

The Rev. Mark Irons and Marilyn Giles, chairperson of the Elders, presented the award.

The office of Elder Emeritus is given in recognition of long-term service, leadership and dedication to the church, and confers lifetime tenure as an elder and member of the board.

A plaque displayed in the church lists the names of six individuals designated in the church’s history: Jack Stephenson, Joe Spafford, Frank Dyer, Baylor Haines, Kyle Allen, and now McDonald.

McDonald, a life-long member of the Christian Church, brought his wife Patricia and their family to Rockwall from Dallas in 1977.

They joined the church and quickly became involved in its business and activities. Through the years, McDonald has served as elder, deacon, trustee, chairman of the board, and treasurer. McDonald’s carpentry skills were also used in remodeling the church’s first location.

As time passed and the church’s physical needs grew, McDonald served on the Land Search Committee, leading the congregation through the purchase of the property.

He chaired the planning and building committee, interfacing with the architect, construction company and city officials. 

McDonald spent many hours refurbishing the stained glass windows from the original building in order to have them installed in the new building. In honor of McDonald’s faithful service, hard work and dedication, the narthex of the new building now bears his name.