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June/July 2005
Rev. Robert A. Rust, Sr. (pictured right), pastor at the West Congregational
Church UCC in Taunton, died peacefully at home February 15. Several months before, he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that began with a tumor in his aorta.
Pastor Bob, as he was known to his congregation, will be remembered for his deep faith, spirituality, and sense of humor. Gil Garnett, an active member of the West Congregational and chairman of the search committee that found Rust, remembered the hiring process for the West Congregational pastoral position. “I had been acquainted with Rust during his secular life, and knew he would be a caring and capable pastor; but during the three-hour interview, all the members of the search committee were impressed with his sincerity, honesty, spirituality, and good business sense.”
A Dighton resident for almost 20 years and a successful businessman in the high-tech industry, Rust’s dream was to be a minister. He worked toward that dream by attending seminary part-time for seven years prior to being called to West Congregational in 2000, his first ministerial position.
“The church soared under his leadership,” says Rev. Dale Hempen, Associate Conference Minister for the Southeast Area. “He was organized, committed, enthusiastic and dedicated to his congregation and the community. He served people wherever and whenever he was needed.” Garnett agrees. “Pastor Bob opened up the church to the community, inviting Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous groups to meet there. He volunteered as the fire department chaplain and when the 9/11 tragedy happened, the Taunton mayor called upon Bob to lead the city’s ecumenical services. Everyone who knew him had high respect for him.”
“We will miss his kindness and his sense of humor,” said Garnett. “He always tried to interject humor in his message, but in an appropriate and kind way.”
Rust leaves his wife, Ann, three daughters, two sons and four grandchildren.