Rev. Dr. Richard Shaw

I remember Pastor Shaw well from growing up in Middletown during the 1970s and 1980s. Those were formative years, and he was one of the steady, familiar figures in our community and church life. I have many fond memories of him, but one story has always stayed with me.

When I was about six years old, I somehow managed to wander off on a little adventure that did not quite go as planned. I ended up walking down the road and eventually found myself at Pastor Shaw´s house. I recognized it from church gatherings and events, but at that age I was more lost than I realized. Pastor Shaw welcomed me in, calmly helped me get settled, and called my mom so she could come pick me up.

What stands out to me all these years later is his demeanor. He had a calm and steady presence about him, the kind that immediately made you feel safe and cared for. Even as a child, you could sense the kindness and genuine faith that guided how he treated people.

Looking back now, I realize that moments like that reflect the kind of man he truly was. Pastor Shaw carried himself with humility, patience, and a deep sense of God´s love. He was not just a pastor on Sundays. He lived his faith in the small, everyday interactions that shaped a community.

He was truly a great man of God, and I feel grateful to have grown up around someone who led by example the way he did. Those memories from Middletown and from people like Pastor Shaw are something I will always carry with me.