RD McLymore Installed as New Senior Pastor

By Journalist Ms. Jones

MONTGOMERY – On Saturday, December 2, a pastoral installation banquet was held at Colden Manor at Spruce Lodge honoring Pastor Robert “RD” McLymore Sr. The banquet was a pre-celebration before the official pastoral installation service on December 3 where his father, Senior Pastor Michael McLymore Sr., would pass the torch and make Pastor RD McLymore the new senior pastor of Life Restoration Church in Newburgh.

“When my father told me that it was time, he said something that really moved me… He said, ‘I am going to honor him as my pastor.’ He respects me that much to lower himself as the founder of this church to say that… He’s the one that I’ve been following and serving for eighteen years… It just shows me that he has the utmost confidence… I’m going to take things to the next level,” said Pastor RD McLymore.

The banquet hall was filled with dignitaries including, Newburgh’s Former Mayor Nick Valentine, Newburgh City Judge the Honorable Loren Williams, deans of colleges, councilmembers, bishops, pastors, and police officers. NECSD Superintendent Dr. Roberto Padilla gave words of encouragement.

“The days we were two-stepping in the halls of schools in Newburgh, I knew we would have a special bond… I can recall times when they would come and pick me up and bring me to church. It was probably my first introduction to church… I just wanna thank you and your family…. We need strong black and Latino male role models for our kids and I’m proud to know that today… we have another black male role model… I’m glad that I can partner with you to do the critical work that our community needs,” said Padilla.

Ivan Harris shared some of Pastor RD McLymore’s history on the police force.

“My most pride was when Robert walked into the Police Academy. I was his Drill Instructor… He worked for Rockland County DA’s Office…. Then, he came up to work with me at the Sheriff’s Department… He was Deputy McLymore… He goes to Wallkill. He becomes the first detective in Wallkill of color. Then he became the first man of color to have stripes as a Sergeant [full-time] in the town of Wallkill. But best of all, he got one more record to break. He’ll be the first black man to retire from the town of Wallkill,” said Harris.

Pastor RD McLymore plans to retire from the police force in three years. Until then he will balance working full-time, pastoring, and having a wife and four kids. But, he promises to keep his family first.

“I had to find that time to make sure that I spend time with my family, to make sure that the church work is done. While they sleep, I’m up writing my sermons… Making sure I make their functions, making sure… I’m a visible father,” said Pastor RD McLymore who has already been balancing everything as Assistant Pastor.

Recording Artists William Richardson Jr., Jasmine Parker, and Ralph Williams kept the music flowing. Pastor RD McLymore ended the banquet with dancing to “Forever My Lady,” dancing with each member of his family individually. Between each person the family did a “Huddle Hug” in celebration. The family then invited guests to join them on the dance floor to “We are Family.” The event concluded with several slides and shuffles, proving that Pastor RD McLymore is “down to earth” and likes to have fun.

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