A LEGACY 0F FAITH

Chapter 18

Changes, and a Notable Milestone

Rev. Ken Thompson recognized it, the Board of Administration recognized it and the youth of the church recognized the fact that someone was needed to lead them and also support the Senior Pastor. The Pastoral Search Committee found

an energetic young man from Florida with excellent references and credentials. Reverend Michael A. Lipe hadjust completed his Masters of Divinity and Religious Education at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. When called, Mike Lipe accepted the opportunity to move north with his wife Jeanette and their three children. The new associate minister at First Baptist began in August of 1981, aware that Senior Pastor Ken Thompson had suddenly resigned and departed on very short notice. It was a situation that happened quickly and was causing some concern for the Board of Management. It was not an earth shaking matter; more a series of misunderstandings and personality conflicts that got out of hand and occurred before they could be properly addressed.

A search for a senior pastor was

Dr. MurrayArmstrong

initiated immediately and in short order they found Dr. J. Murray Armstrong, a retired minister in New Brunswick. He agreed to serve on an interim basis, with a three month renewable contract beginning in October. The immediate concern Was resolved, but the search for a senior pastor would continue.

The church trustees were still ultimately responsible for the campsite at Rice Point, and they realized its success depended on the broad range approach of the PEI Baptist Association Camp Committee. Together they were trying to enhance the capital asset by adding a new chalet to the camp every year. First Baptist trustees were recommending Segunakadeck be deeded over to the Atlantic Baptist Convention. This would give the PEI Baptist Camp Board Inc. the leeway needed to make extensive alterations and additions. The Baptist Association would have

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