Seidel retires as pastor of First Baptist Church

Not many people can say they have spent 26 years doing a particular job these days much less doing it in the same town all that time.

Pastor Harvey Seidel and his wife, Lois, came to Thermopolis in April 1994 to become the new pastor at First Baptist Church, and after 26 years behind that pulpit, he is retiring.

“When we came our church was an older congregation,” Seidel said. “Pastor Pulis had been here 40 years and it was hard to follow a man who pastored that many years.”

Before coming to Thermopolis, the Seidel’s had been in New Church work, serving with Baptist Church Planting West for 30 years. They had been living in the Placerville, California area when they were called to Thermopolis.

Seidel said Willard Wilson was instrumental in getting them to the church as the new Senior Pastor.

Over the years, Seidel said he has thoroughly enjoyed the ministry of a thriving church here in town.

He hasn’t sat still for a moment, either, reviving the Salvation Army, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Lodging Tax Board and serving as chairman of the HOPE Agency.

The church is built on Bible teaching and preaching and has a strong missionary ministry, spending $60,000 annually on missions.

On top of all of that, the Seidel’s also own a horse ranch just south of town filled with beautiful animals that stand out against the red rock cliffs in the area. Every year they have an abundance of new colts and fillies that are enjoyed by everyone who sees them.

With his retirement two new faces are in place at the church. The new pastor is Tony Newhouse and his new assistant pastor is Caleb Howe.