It’s hard to imagine The Rev. Dr. Bruce Buchanan and his wife Carol J. Adams retiring. For more than 30 years, they have been mainstays in the Dallas community, First Presbyterian Church Dallas (FPC) and its congregation and The Stewpot clients. Over the years, they have brought to light the challenges facing the homeless and providing means to help.
Bruce Buchanan and Carol Adams*
But that’s exactly took place amid a three-day celebration honoring the couple and ending Bruce’s 41 years as a Presbyterian minister.
Starting Friday, November 17, the clients and Stewpot staff honored Bruce with their tributes, program and farewell lunch at The Stewpot.
On the following evening, Toast, Roast and Boast – a night of music, dinner, tears and laughter took place at The Statler with Bruce and Carol celebrating with their friends, family, past and present congregants and so many others from the citywide community. Thanks to The Statler and the generosity of Fanchon and Howard Hallam and other underwriters, the evening was made possible.
The next day Bruce performed his last service as a Presbyterian minister on Community Ministries Sunday. Due to construction in the FPC sanctuary, the service was held at Scottish Rite Cathedral. Bruce’s and Carol’s sons, Doug Buchanan and Ben Buchanan performed the music for the service with their four-hand piano duo. Doug had been commissioned by FPC to write the anthem for the service in honor of his parents.
Mayor Mike Rawlings presented Bruce with The Dallas Proclamation from the Mayor’s office honoring Bruce’s service to the citizens of Dallas. The service ended with the congregation endorsing Bruce as Associate Minister Emeritus of FPC of Dallas.
With bagpipers playing, the congregation then marched from Scottish Rite Cathedral to Encore Park, where a reception was held with music, chili picnic and more tributes for Bruce and Carol.
The events were spearheaded by Amy Dresler, Margie and Ray Francis, Fred and Jan Hegi and Joan and Elvis Mason, along with The Stewpot and FPC staffs.
* Photo credit: Stephen Shore Photography