After 38 years in ministry, Pastor Ray “Bud” Goude Jr. of Gloucester Point Baptist Church has retired.

Goude said his time in Gloucester has been a wonderful ministry but he feels at peace with his decision to retire. He preached his final Sunday on March 27.

Goude has spent the last 13 years ministering at Gloucester Point Baptist Church. He said the people at the church have loved him and his wife since the beginning.

Goude is part of a family of ministers that include his father, son and niece. He said his father used to tell him that being a pastor wasn’t about the duration but was about the donation, how much did he and his congregation give to the Kingdom.

Not only has the congregation grown by 144 members in the last 13 years but said he’s has seen the church become more involved with the community. Groups such as New American Heritage Girls, Trail Life meet at the church and Upwards Sports have used the church grounds to hold games.

Goude said he’s blessed to ha...