Homer Royer, senior pastor at the historic Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, along Devonshire Road, in the western portion of Salisbury Township, preached his last sermon and said goodbye to his congregation Aug. 13.

Titling his message “Benediction,” Royer spoke of where he’s been on his life’s journey and where he is headed.

By Aug. 15, he and his wife, Susan, were winging their way to western Germany where their youngest daughter is married to a German national who is studying to be a preacher.

Royer did not start out to be a pastor. Born and raised in the Pottstown area, Royer graduated from the Hill School in 1977.

He earned an associate degree in business administration, then, in 1979, his Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State.

After working as a computer operator at an engineering firm for several years, he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1984.

He served as pastor at Frieden’s UCC Church in Sumneytown, Montgomery County, from 1987 to 1995, then at Calvary UCC Church in Barto, Berks County from 1995 to 2005, then co-pastor at New Goshenhoppen Church in East Greenville from 2005 to 2010, when he came to Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church.

Royer said he and his wife will surely find music to be a part of their retirement years. Susan is a piano teacher and Royer sings with the Valley Choral Society, which specializes in religious music and Broadway favorites.

Homer also has an interest in studying genealogy, so he says he doesn’t expect to have a lack of things to do when he and his wife return from their visit to Germany.