It was his 66th birthday and the 50th anniversary of him being a lay preacher.

Mr Pederick took the church service on the day and was presented with a certificate from the whole parish marking the milestone.

Members of the Darkan congregation cancelled their service to come to Wagin to join the celebrations.

Ann Knapp spoke for their congregation expressing appreciation to Mr Pederick.

Neil Vagg thanked Mr Pederick on behalf of the Collanilling congregation.

A letter from Sue McDougall was read, which expressed Dumbleyung congregation's warm appreciation.

Graham Wasley voiced the thanks of Wagin congregation.

All spoke of Mr Pederick's warmth and gentle style of preaching which was easy to understand yet challenging.

They acknowledged it expressed his own deep faith, which they paid tribute to.

Many said they appreciated his singing too.

A letter from the Moderator was read.

He congratulated Mr Pederick and said ordained people were expected to preach from their learning while lay people were expected to preach from their life experiences.

He joined in the congregation thanking God for Mr Pederick's 50 years of commitment to the life of the local church.

Lunch, fellowship and birthday cake followed the service.