When I arrived at Fourth Presbyterian Church in the summer of 1985 many in the congregation could not envision a future without Elam Davies. There was great skepticism about the new minister who would no doubt start to change things, maybe even beloved traditions and practices and who, simply, was not Elam Davies.

Transitions, especially after a long pastorate, are not easy and sometimes painful. In 1985 unkind things were said. Some people dropped out. Somehow we got through it. Change happened.

Now, Fourth Church is in another transition time. Change will happen. Change should happen. A healthy Presbyterian church is, as the motto of the Protestant Reformation says, “Always Reforming”.

My hope is that the people of Fourth Church will embrace change and eagerly welcome new ideas, new approaches to ministry, new practices – which will, in time, become beloved traditions. And, in time, I look forward to being a part of the new version of the wonderful church we all love.