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On Oct. 17, members of Southside Baptist Church gathered to honor their longtime pastor, Brother Herbert Brown, in a retirement celebration marking his 42 years of service. Brown, who first announced his retirement on July 28, expressed a desire to spend more time with family, including his beloved wife, Peggy, their two daughters, and six grandchildren.

“The day went wonderfully; it was a good day,” Brown said. “We had an excellent morning service, and it was packed. I’d say the seats were all full, and we can seat 650. They sang some of my favorite hymns, and Bethany Norman sang ‘The King is Coming,’ which is my favorite.”

Church members worked hard to make the day special, decorating the fellowship hall and providing refreshments for those in attendance. Many attendees traveled from various churches where Brown had previously ministered, underscoring his widespread impact. 

Reflecting on his long career, Brown noted how the turnout represented his years of service. 

“There were folks from four out of the six churches that I’ve been a part of,” Brown said. “I started preaching at 15 and got my own pastorate at 16. So, 56 years preaching and 42 of those have been in one place… here in Greenville.”

Dianne Salter, a longtime member of Southside Baptist, described Brown as irreplaceable.

“He’s always so very giving, and he just felt like he had a lot on his plate,” she said. “He’ll be hard to replace but God’s got someone. We just have to trust His timing.”

For Brown, retirement doesn’t mean a complete departure from ministry.

“I’m looking forward to relaxing and organizing my schedule like I want,” he said. “I’ll still be preaching and helping out in some smaller churches.” 

He is also considering a new venture. “I’m thinking about maybe eventually doing my own website with messages and devotionals,” he added. “But mostly just relaxing and enjoying my grandchildren.”

As Brown embarks on this new chapter, Southside Baptist Church members and those who’ve been touched by his ministry bid him farewell with gratitude and admiration. 

“He really had a unique style, and we all love him,” Salter said. “He will surely be missed.”