ANDERSON — A message in the St. Mary Parish online bulletin reads, “This weekend we’re having a grand celebration!” That celebration brought together around 400 people to the Rangeline Community Center on Sunday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev. Robert Williams.

The effusive outpouring of affection and admiration for a man who has dedicated his life to the service of God was apparent as members of Williams’ current parish of St. Mary’s, as well as members of parishes in Muncie, West Lafayette, Francesville, Medaryville and Hartford City where Williams previously served, came together to show their appreciation and share memories of the 40 years of Williams’ priesthood. Family members including his mother, godmother, seven brothers and sisters were also on hand.

On May 25, 1968, the Kokomo native was ordained a priest by Bishop Raymond Gallagher at St. Patrick Church in Kokomo. Williams has been at St. Mary’s Church in Anderson since 1984. He says that it is a joy to be at St. Mary’s and that he loves the people and the work.

Their love for him in turn was on display Sunday. Pat Kline of Pendleton, who has been a member at St. Mary’s for nine years, called Williams a very giving person. She went on to say that “Father Bob would do anything for anyone. He helps people find their way. You can tell by the people here tonight how much they care for him.” She said that sometimes people are not told or are not aware of how special they are and that Sunday’s celebration was about showing Williams how special he is.

The long tables of photographs, mementos and other items chronicling the 40 years of Williams’ service is one testament to how special this parish priest is. The photographs showed Williams from being a young curly-headed novice all the way to the present with his appearance not looking much different in looks and actions from the earlier photographs. Probably the most telling of Williams’ influence on those he has encountered over the years are the pages of stories written on papers left at each table place setting asking people to write out personal stories about their relationship with the priest for a memory book to be compiled.