Revised Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3:48 p.m.

POTSDAM -- Rev. James E. Barnes II will soon end his time as pastor of the Potsdam United Methodist Church after eight years to take a pastor position at the Clarence Center UMC just east of Buffalo.

"Those eight years are the longest I have served anywhere and the third longest pastorate in the history of the congregation," Rev. Barnes said in a letter to parishioners.

He will officially end his time as pastor on June 30.

"That day will being a close to my eight years as the pastor here and my six years as the supervising pastor of the West Stockholm UMC," he said.

"I have shed tears and anticipate shedding many more. In fact, the tears began to run down my cheek on Nov. 1 of lat year when I informed those present at that day's SPPRC meeting, that, after months of prayer, Marge (wife) and I had concluded that we needed to suggest to the bishop that he consider moving me and appointing a new pastor to serve here," Rev. Barnes said.

"Our love for this congregation and the people who make it up, has been obvious for out entire time as a part of you. We have grown in so many ways and our lives and our faith have been enriched by our time as part of you," he said.

He noted they were growing congregation for the first four years but the church has lost members and attendance in recent years.

“It became obvious that for this congregation to grow, it would require the excitement and gifts of a new pastor to move forward,” he said.