First UMC Lancaster will hold a delayed memorial service for Rev. Dr. Willam Cherry and his wife Ginny, on Saturday August 7, at 11 AM. “We lost both of them late last year, and the family deferred having a service until COVID restrictions eased,” said the Rev. Joe DiPaolo, lead pastor. 

A prominent leader in our conference for many years, Bill Cherry served as a pastor, district superintendent, Jurisdictional and General Conference delegate, and in other leadership roles, before retiring in the 1990s. The couple were active leaders at First Church and in the larger Lancaster community, said DiPaolo. The family includes four generations of ordained UM ministers. The memorial service will be followed by a luncheon, and all clergy are invited to participate in a robed procession.