Working in any one job for 23 years is an admirable feat, but working in the ministry for that length of time is even more incredible.

The Rev. Malcolm Eve, the Presiding Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bermuda and the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Shelly Bay, is retiring after more than two decades as a clergyman and 12 years in his present position.

Many men would be wary of this field, for it is truly one of sacrifice and struggle. However, Rev. Eve has no regrets.

"I know it was the right decision," he says of his profession. "I'm where God wanted me to be, and I'm grateful to have been able to serve Him. It's been rewarding."

As with any major life change, the Reverend looks upon his retirement with mixed emotions.

"I might have stayed on a year or two more," the 75-year-old confided in an interview last week, "but the law says I must retire. It's good to let go of some of the pressure and stress. As a minister you have a lot of responsibilities, but as Bishop (Vinton) Anderson once said, no you can say 'no' or 'go'!"

He chuckles when asked what he will do once he is retired.

"People ask me all the time: 'What are you going to do?' I say to them: 'Nothing!' You think I don't know how to do nothing?"

But he adds that there are responsibilities that come with retirement, including maintaining one's health and spending quality time with his wife.

Laughing, he says: "I'll be able to stay in bed longer, too! My wife will be very happy. I have a very supportive wife and couldn't have made it this far without her."

Seeing as they have been married for 52 years, he feels it's only right to have more time to spend with her.

With this bittersweet retirement comes reflective thoughts of his journey. His favourite part of being a worker for the Lord? "Pastoring people! The seminaries do a good job of teaching you how to preach, but not so much how to pastor. There are a lot of good preachers around, but you've got to make somebody's life more meaningful."

Rev. Eve knows what he's talking about. Even now he mentions on fostering relationships with seniors and young people – two groups that often fall by the wayside. He has a caring heart for strong marriages as well, as befits someone who has celebrated a godlen wedding anniversary, and is quick to note that although no longer the Presiding Elder or a pastor, he will still be available for counselling, support and comfort.

"When people have felt they've really needed someone the most, I've been there. I have a real concern and love for people. To really serve them is what true ministry is about."

He laments that some people come out of the seminary and are all about the money. "I'm glad that I don't have to deal with that mentality," sighs the reverend.

The celebration of his retirement, conducted by the Ministerial Alliance of the AME churches, commenced on Wednesday evening at St. Paul AME Church in Hamilton and continues through tomorrow.

A gala banquet was held at the Fairmont Southampton Princess in his honour last Sunday. First District leader Bishop Richard Norris was the keynote speaker and it is a testament to Rev. Eve's popularity that the organisers twice had to increase the number of tickets available.

Asked if he knew that he could sell out an event, Rev. Eve chuckled: "Well, people like having something to do, I guess. It's a black tie event, and people get to dress up and everything."

Rev. Eve concluded: "I'm thankful that the Lord has kept me and allowed me to serve Him and His people.

"I've enjoyed the journey. When the roads got rough, the Lord made a smooth path. It's a joy to come to the end of a journey. All praise and honour to the Lord!"