An Extraordinary Life: Pastor emeritus of Joliet church lived the joy of his faith

JOLIET – His great joy in life was helping others.

So said Chrystal Abbott-Ronchetti of New Lenox, daughter of the Rev. Alvin “Doc” R. Abbott, pastor emeritus of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Joliet. In addition to pastor, Chrystal said Alvin was a fantastic father, friend, role model and community leader, someone who never really retired.

“He believed that people of different faiths should come together and serve the Lord together,” said Chrystal, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Manteno. “No matter what faith you were, he really tried to be a positive influence in the community and in people’s lives.”

Alvin was a founding member of Stronghold Camp & Conference Center in Oregon and an active member of the Joliet Ecumenical Clergy Association, Project Pride and the Joliet Arsenal Regional Advisory Board.

Chrystal recalled the times when a family vacation was delayed or shortened because someone in the church had died and Alvin wanted to be present for the family.

“If he got calls in the middle of the night or at dinner, he took the time,” Chrystal said. “He never gave up on people or things close to his heart.”

Stronghold Camp was dear to Alvin because he felt kids needed to spend time cooking over an open fire, seeing animals in their natural environment, gazing up at stars and basking in God’s creation.

“What better place for kids to see the awe and wonder of God,” Chrystal said, “and how good he was that he could care about a little cricket.”

The Rev. Matthew T. Robinson, current pastor at Westminster, said Alvin was a “jovial, upbeat guy,” one who sincerely lived his faith and found joy in it. Matthew said Alvin supported him in his own pastorate, served the presbytery on a local and regional level, and had connected people who should be connected.

“I came here a stranger,” Matthew said, “but thanks to Alvin, I knew everybody.”

Matthew said he, Alvin and the Rev. Ted Glidden – a retired minister who worships at Westminster – combined their efforts to team-lead Bible classes. Alvin also participated in a Bible study for clergy where his penchant for detailed record-keeping really shone.

Alvin had material saved from 30-some years of Bible study and could share information on both the material and the presenter for any given day. Alvin also saved minutes from meetings of every kind.

“He could pull out any sermon he ever preached,” Matthew said.

Alvin served just three churches during his ministry, said Alvin’s son, Al Abbott Jr. of Normal. From 1954 to 1962, Alvin served First Presbyterian Church in Green Valley. From 1963 to 1969, Alvin was pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Clinton. Alvin then was pastor at Westminster until his retirement in 1994.

During those years, Alvin raised his family with his wife, Donna, a retired nurse. Al Jr. said his father was active in band boosters at Joliet West High School, when Al Jr. and his brother Brad, now the executive director of a Lutheran camp in Colorado, both participated in band.

Al Jr. said the music teacher held Alvin responsible for ensuring God never rained on their parades. Ironically, not once in the six years that Alvin had sons in band did it ever rain during a performance.

“Dad never took credit for it,” Al said, “but he laughed about it and thought it was funny.”

Part of Alvin’s joy was his quirky sense of humor, but his legacy is a faith in God that was embraced and enjoyed. Alvin was 85 when he died March 28

“I told people at the funeral that God welcomed him home the way he welcomed others, with open arms,” Al said. “Dad’s God was a God of love and fun and fellowship, and it showed.”

• To feature someone in “An Extraordinary Life,” contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.