The Pastoral Search Committee at Moreland Baptist Church, along with pastors who were installed Sunday, June 3 are: (Front l-r) David T. Snyder, Galen Ryder, Donna Halterman, Beverly Ingraham, the Reverend Robert Ingraham, and committee chair, J. Howard Langdon. (Rear) Thereon “Pete” Wolf, Diane Ellis, Amanda Sheets, Kathy Stauffer, Cindy Mueller and Loretta Raup. (Gerald Houseknecht, absent for photo)

MORELAND-“A double blessing,” were words spoken by Gerald Houseknecht when referring to the husband and wife team of pastors, Beverly and the Rev. Robert Ingraham, each of whom have their own unique ministries.

Mrs. Ingraham was installed as Minister of Worship Arts. The Elizabeth, New Jersey native majored in Sacred Music and Bible at Northeastern Bible College before transferring to New Jersey City University to receive a B. A. in Music Education. She has taught both general and vocal music in private and public schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 2008, Mrs. Ingraham graduated from Regent University School of Divinity with a M. A. in Practical Theology and Renewal Studies. During their more than 26 years of marriage, her greatest joy has been serving alongside her husband as chief musician at the churches he’s pastured.

On accepting installation, Mrs. Ingraham said, “My passion is to worship God in all forms so that when people leave the church they will be changed and say God is good.”

The special service included singing by a seventeen voice choir.

Having directed handbell group choirs in the past, the Moreland congregation has donated almost the amount of finances needed to purchase bells for a choir here.

Rev. Ingraham, or Pastor Bob as he is called, is a Sommerville, New Jersey native. He holds the honor of being the first instrumentalist to make New Jersey All State Band when in high school.

Pastor Bob holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education having graduated from the State University of New York at Potsdam Crane School of Music. His jobs in addition to teaching were as manager of a sea food store and at a lumber yard.

The couple met at a Baptist camp and married in 1986. They served as youth pastors for a time until he was called to the ministry. The couple moved to Philadelphia where he attended what is now Palmer Seminary graduating in 1991. They’ve served the past 21 years at two churches before coming to Moreland Baptist.

The pastor said, “It is a privilege and honor to be in such a place where people want to serve God.”

The pastor’s family includes daughter Bethany, who will be a college sophomore this fall at Millersville University as a communications and theatre major. Son Jeremy will enter the ninth grade at Hughesville High School.

Participants in Sunday’s service included Rev. Tom Brokaw, president of East Lycoming Ministerium, Rev. James Ritter of the Northumberland Baptist Association, and Frank Frischkorn representing the American Baptist Churches of PA and DE.

The Rev. Dan Cale of Hughesville Friends Church was not overwhelmed by the number of Baptist pastors who had gathered. He assured them that, “When we get to heaven we’ll all be Friends.”