Preston When the Rev. Stanley White interviewed at Preston City Congregational Church in 1985, he told the search committee he probably would stay as pastor about five to seven years.
“It turned out to be 36 years,” said White, 64, who will retire July 31. “I said as long as I continued to be productive and do good things for the church, I would stay.”
Longtime church members praised White s accomplishments for the church at the corner of routes 164 and 165. He endeared himself to congregants young and old with humorous or poignant sermons, lively music and empathy. When White arrived, the church served mainly Preston families. Now, it has nearly 400 members from throughout the region and parts of Rhode Island.