By SAVANNAH ROGERS

Staff Writer

The congregation of Peach-tree City Christian Church was saddened to hear Sunday that their pastor of nearly 20 years, the Rev. Bob Tyler, has resigned.

Chairman of the church's board, Dick Niggley, read Tyler's resignation letter Sunday morning. The text of the letter included the following: "With gratitude for all that the elders and congregation have done and meant to us, please accept herewith my resignation as your minister. The Lord's church is larger than any individual. In order that the church may proceed and I can take care of the personal issues confronting me at this time, I am convinced it is for the best."

Tyler assumed the pastorship of the church in April 1980, and has seen the membership grow from 80 to around 600. He also led the church into an exciting year last year, as they moved into a new, larger facility at the corner of Kedron Drive and Ga. Highway 74 North. Known as "Uncle Bob" to his congregation and "the bishop of Peachtree City" to local pastors, he was also instrumental in the organization of the city's annual Good Friday union service.

Tyler's wife, Ruth Ann, taught a Sunday school class all those years. She said Tuesday her husband is "going into semi-retirement." He has been pastoring churches for 40 years, in Cincinatti; Kings Point, Tenn.; East Point, Ga.; and Peachtree City.

"We don't really know at this point" what lies ahead for the couple, Mrs. Tyler said. "We're waiting to see what presents itself." She said they will likely sell their house in Peachtree City and move. The Rev. Tyler has already been asked to do some fill-in work along other lines, and may eventually do some intermittent ministry with some churches, Ruth Ann said. They will probably do more traveling and reading, she added.

"We're going to miss a lot of the people there," she said. "But he knows somebody will pick up the mantle and run with it."

The church bylaws state that a search committee will now be appointed to find a replacement. Mrs. Tyler said George Dillard, pastor of preaching and church growth, may be recommended as interim pastor.

Chairman Niggley asked the congregation "to lift up Bob and Ruth Ann in your prayers and support the ministry staff and elders as we chart the Lord's course for the future."

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