More than 250 parishioners of St. John’s Slovak Lutheran Church, Lansford, gathered in the Lansford AMVETS Post Home to pay homage to their retired pastor, the Rev. John Kovacik, who served the area congregation for 36 years.

Rev. Kovacik observed the 40th anniversary of his ordination in the holy ministry at a special service in the church on June 29, 1969. Yesterday’s fete was under the supervision of Anna Demchak and Martha Morgans.

The guest speaker was the Rev. John Brndjar, dean of the Eastern Conference of the Slovak Zion Synod of Hazleton.

Michael Kalny, president of the church council, welcomed the group and gave a resume on the life of Father Kovacik.