The Rev. Doug Nagel has been head pastor at Gloucester’s Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Main Street, for the past 20 years and will spend his last day in the pulpit is this Sunday, Feb. 25, one day before his 70th birthday.

“I always said I would retire when I’m 70,” said Nagel.

In retirement, Nagel is looking forward to rest, travel and playing croquet. He is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club in Hartfield. He will also serve as a pulpit supply preacher at different churches when a pastor takes a vacation or is sick.

Nagel will also take over moderator duties for the presbytery that serves the area from eastern Kentucky to Maryland. This is a four-year commitment that he will begin in April and involves running meetings and sitting on most committees.

During his time at Grace Covenant, his church has been involved in many community programs, including the Bread for Life Community Food Pantry, GUEST Shelter and, most recently, the Jubilee Churches of Gloucester.

“This is a great congregation,” said Nagel. “It’s full of loving people.” He said, “I’m the longest tenured pastor this church has ever had.”

Before coming to Grace Presbyterian, Nagel served congregations in Ohio, Illinois and Maryland.

“This has been my favorite place to serve,” he said about Grace on Main.

Nagel received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lafayette College before studying at Princeton Theological Seminary to receive his master’s degree. He earned his doctor of ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Grace on Main will have a transitional pastor before hiring a new head pastor. Nagel and his wife LuAnn plan to stay in the area.