Pat Ryan: “I rise today to honor Elder Jim Childs, a pillar of our Kingston community, for his decades of service to St. Clara's…”

“I rise today to honor Elder Jim Childs, a pillar of our Kingston community, for his decades of service to St. Clara's Church, to his and my home city of Kingston, and to families across the Hudson Valley. Elder Childs was born and raised in Kingston, New York, the very community that he continues to serve to this day. He graduated from Kingston High School, my alma mater, before beginning his career working for IBM. He worked initially as a mail clerk and took every opportunity to advance his education and training, further his knowledge, and move up within the company. Additionally, a fellow Army veteran, Elder Childs served his country in uniform while also deepening his faith and love of fellow man, a lesson that would stay with him throughout his life. When Elder Childs was first appointed pastor of St. Clara's Church of God in Christ in Kingston in 1969, he admitted that he didn't know if he was ready. Yet, he was called to serve his community, which he has done faithfully for the past 56 years. This year, Elder Childs was rightfully promoted to superintendent, and he will continue to serve the Kingston community in an even greater capacity than before.”