Rockland Community Church appoints pastor; sets April date for opening of new prayer garden

A Standing Room Only congregation witnessed the ordination of Rockland Community Church’s new pastor, William A. Orndoff, at an hour-long ceremony on Sunday, January 15. Orndoff succeeded Bishop Vince McLaughlin who retired from the position a year ago.

During the past 12 months a search committee headed by Linden’s George McIntyre interviewed several applicants before landing on Orndoff toward the end of last year. Orndoff, until now, was best known for his business background in Winchester during which time he was also highly regarded as a guest minister in more than a dozen area churches over the past decade. His new ministerial position at the Warren County church is his first full time church assignment.

At the Sunday service McIntyre said, “We are excited about William and his wife Amy and believe they will be a huge success with their ministry in Rockland.” Replied Orndoff, “I look forward to embarking on this journey with the congregation of Rockland Community Church and the local community.”

Bill Orndoff and wife Amy. Courtesy Photos John Piazza

The church’s board of deacons led by John Piazza performed the ordination ceremony, consisting of scripture readings, laying of hands, and prayers. The ceremony was highlighted by four “old” hymns that he said would have been sung throughout the 75-year history of the church. In fact, the church is marking its 75th “birthday” this year and is currently completing work on a prayer garden that is 75% complete and scheduled to open in April.

The garden was a project of Piazza’s late wife, Sheron, head of a “Gardening with God” prayer group, and features a life-sized marble statue of Christ, placed to look as though Jesus is walking on water. It presides over a 40-foot koi pond that is surrounded by brick walkways and areas shaped like a large cross. Gardens surround the whole area which is across Rockland Road from the church and its adjacent church hall. Eventually, the garden will have benches and large, flower-filled pots surrounded by white and pink dogwood trees.

Rockland Community Church’s prayer garden, now 75% complete, features this life-size, white marble effigy of Jesus Christ looking out over a 40-foot long koi pond. With 5,500 bricks already laid, placing of sod, mulching and fencing remains to be done prior to the April dedication.

The garden is filled with memorial items, including engraved bricks, trees and other garden items that may be purchased and dedicated to individuals and businesses.