VIP 23

Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd: Leading a 'high commitment' church
By Patrick Rheaume

Any visitor to First Church of Christ in Pittsfield, Congregational, would no doubt be rather impressed by the Victorian Gothic stone exterior or the rich chestnut woodwork interior. Inside the church, biblical scenes in stained glass seem to define the term "sanctuary."

No less impressive is the occupant of a small study in the rear of the church, the Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd., who serves as pastor.

The author of several books and numerous articles and reviews, Floyd says, "I seek to make a connection between the riches of Christian tradition and its Scriptures and the lives of people in the congregation."

"Preaching is the most visible thing that I do," Floyd observes. "Preparing sermons is the single biggest part of my workweek.” Relating his everyday life in the community to millennia of Christian thought makes the process satisfying for Floyd.

"It may sound trite," he says, "but my passion comes from a very lively and sustaining faith.”

Born in Manhattan, N.Y., Floyd completed his undergraduate work at Coe College. He then earned his master of divinity degree at Andover-Newton Theological School. He has done postgraduate work at Oxford, Cambridge and St. Andrew's universities in the United Kingdom.

Although he grew up in the church, and his father worked with The National Conference of Christians and Jews, Floyd didn't initially plan to enter the ministry. He had a keen interest in academia and thought about becoming a history professor. "After a long period of personal questioning," recalls Floyd, "I returned to my religious roots."

After serving at a church in Maine, Floyd interviewed for and accepted his position at First Church. In 21 years serving as pastor of First Church, Floyd has seen the faith community grow in dedication despite many trials and tribulations.

Though the church has, like the city of Pittsfield, lost members in recent years, Floyd says, "We've been able to hang in here because of people who have made a high commitment to the faith." He has worked to develop a strong musical program, along with church involvement in Habitat for Humanity and, since 1998, training lay caregivers.

The lay caregivers' mission seeks to help people through difficult times in their lives. "We’ve had remarkably good results with our lay caregivers," says Floyd. "That kind of activity typifies a high-commitment church."

In recent years, the physical plant of the church has received a facelift. An elevator to the parish house has been installed, making the facility universally accessible. The sanctuary is being renovated for the first time in 50 years, and the building has recently received its first new roof in 150 years. In addition, the stained glass windows have been restored.

"This is Pittsfield's oldest religious organization," Floyd says. "It is, quite literally, the First Church.”

In the Pittsfield community, Floyd serves on the boards of the Berkshire United Way and the Pittsfield Family YMCA, has chaired the pastoral care facility at Berkshire Medical Center, and served as president of the Central Berkshire Clergy Organization and the Pittsfield Area Church Council. He has done considerable work with a number of rabbis in the area. Religious leaders, he says, "share many of the same challenges and opportunities."

Floyd enjoys cooking and likes to read and listen to music. He is also an accomplished road cyclist.

He lives with his wife, Martha, and children Andrew and Rebecca.

Floyd has high hopes for First Church and its place in the community. "I would love to see downtown Pittsfield revitalized as a place for people to go," he says. To that effect, he has worked to maintain First Church's presence in the community.

"We're going to be an integral part of downtown Pittsfield," Floyd says of First Church. After all, "we’ve been here since 1764.”

RETURN TO TOP