Ledger Dispatch photo by Helen Bonner Rev. William J. Adams

Sunday was the last of thought provoking and humorous sermons the Rev. William J. Adams preached at the Trinity Episcopal Church of Sutter Creek.

After 22 years as rector, Adams is stepping down. But he is not retiring. Nor is anything wrong. "These have been wonderfully loving years," Adams said. "We have achieved a great deal, moving from a small church of about 35 people to l45 nearly every Sunday." Still, he is returning to his first profession as a respiratory care practitioner at Kindred Hospital in Sacramento.

"I have always been interested in the healing arts and medicine," he continued. "I first studied at the College of California Medical Affiliates in San Francisco, and was a practicing respiratory therapist for nine years before I felt a very strong calling and became a priest."

After further studies in philosophy, he earned his masters degree at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, and by l985 was an ordained priest. A year later, he settled into his office in the 98-year-old Gothic church on Amelia Street in Sutter Creek.

Leaving the well-paid medical profession for a small rural church was a financial setback for Adams. "I accepted that. I knew what parish budgets were like, but people starve to do this work," he said. "Mine was a calling, not a career move."

At that time, Adams already had two small children. His wife, Kathy, who had sung in church since high school, pitched in as music program manager, frequent soloist, and office manager. The church soon outgrew its charming but cramped building. "The bishop said we would never get the parishioners to leave it, but in l995, after seeing the chance to expand at 430 Highway 49, they voted unanimously in favor. And the mortgage is paid off," he said with satisfaction.

Asked what accomplishments he is most proud of, Adams said the health ministries. "Religion often has a dualistic approach; separates the body from the spirit. I felt that it was not enough just to pray for sick people. Maybe because I was coming out of the healing professions, I felt we could be used by God as answers to prayer as well. After all, the root of the word salvation is healing or wholeness.

Adams and his wife will remain in Pine Grove to be near their two grandchildren, who have health problems. Besides his job at Kindred Hospital, Adams will be assisting at Saint Clements Episcopal Church in Rancho Cordova, still bridging the two worlds of church and medicine.

Rev. Mike Kerrick, who stepped in while Adams was vacationing, has nothing but praise for Adams. "I have known Father Bill since I was a candidate for the priesthood," Kerrick said. "For three years he shepherded me through seminary. He has tripled the size of this congregation and welcomed everyone who walked through the door. His is a lasting heritage at Trinity, a monument to Christ's inclusive, forgiving, and all gracious love."