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THOMAS H.
MERZ Editorial Page Editor 337-4000, ext 222 |
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The Rev. Robert A. O'Meara, pastor (back) |
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Rev. O'Meara was a frequent visitor
to the Daily Sentinel news room. His tall, lean figure often appeared with a
handful of information he thought was important for the newspaper to print
for community's good. If he wasn't bringing in a guest editorial on free food
giveaways, then he was dropping off information on First Presbyterian's many
activities. Or, perhaps his visit had something to do with the United Way, or
the Rome Clergy Association or Rotary. Bob, as his
many friends called him, had so many interests. Over the years he served on
the board of the Rome Voluntary Action Agency, on a school district study committee
on AIDS, on the UW board of directors. He helped plan the annual citywide
Memorial Day service. Rotary
honored him with the annual Roses for the Living award. He was an inaugural
recipient of the Shirley B. Waters Award, which was presented by the mayor
for outstanding public service. A New York
City native raised in northern New Jersey, Rev. O'Meara came to Rome from
Syracuse, where, he was a pastor, in 1972. He carried on a long tradition as
the 11th pastor in First Presbyterian's 206-year history. One of his
chief goals was modernizing and restoring the 108 W Court St. church sheathed
steeple and its landmark town clock. His ministry
looked to the past with First Presbyterian as a bridge to the future. When the church celebrated its bicentennial
in 2000, the pastor stressed that First Presbyterian spanned cultures and
generations. "It links our faith with work, our local ministry with
global mission, our help to those in need," he said. "...Our bridge rises upon pillars of
worship, Christian education, youth work, community service and world
mission." After
retiring last June, Bob, 71, enjoyed spending time with his wife, Selma,
their children and grandchildren. His son Rick said he enjoyed his retirement
to the fullest. A pastor is a
shepherd. There was no better example
of someone who took care of his flock than Bob O'Meara. His life touched
many, and they were the better for it. The community has lost not only a
member of the family but a community leader and friend. |
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