James R. Hughes, pastor of the Suffolk Church of God, and his faithful wife, Hannah Jean, will retire tomorrow after 52 years of pastoral service and 57 years of ministry. Pastor Hughes brought the word of God with love and vision to the Suffolk Church of God for nine and a half years. He had previously pastored the church for an 11-year stretch.

He first led the Suffolk Church of God as pastor from 1965 to 1976. In August 1967, construction of the current building began under the direction of Pastor Hughes. The congregation moved into the building March 31, 1968.

Since Hughes returned to the church in 2000, the church has grown from 17 members to more than 100.

Pastor Hughes has prayed with many people to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and many others to be filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He has joined many in marriage and preached countless sermons and funerals. He has spent countless hours counseling others or making trips to the hospital to visit the sick.

Hughes’ wife, Hannah, made the church beautiful, church members said. Her love for the house of God and the congregation she served was evident in every detail.