From baptisms to weddings and also funerals, Pastor Ian Holland has stood beside members of Swampscott’s First Congregational Church for the defining moments of their lives over the last 14 years.

The relationships Holland made through his time in Swampscott are what makes it difficult for him to bid farewell to the church community, he said. After 14 years, Holland led his last church service before retirement on Sunday. Holland said it’s time for him to step away to spend time with and care for aging family members.

“It’s very sad in many ways,” Holland said. “I’ve come to love this congregation and the people in it very deeply. It’s heartbreaking.”

Holland called his time at the church enriching and soulful. He is especially proud of how the church lived through the COVID-19 pandemic and found ways to be stronger because of it.

“This congregation has vitality, generosity and people eager to be together and part of this community,” said Holland. “We experience a lot of joy here. A lot of laughter. I’ll really miss the people, their interest, their curiosity and support.”

Holland is proud of the direction the church has taken during his time involved, from becoming open and affirming to all people to becoming more involved with the greater community of Swampscott, like founding an after school program for middle school students.

“It’s not a religious education thing,” said Holland of the program. “Purely a gift that grew out of our desire to support children.”

A congregation should serve as a beacon of the community, Holland believes.

He recalls the way the church community supported him when he went through tough times during his tenure. When Holland lost his brother and his mother, he was welcomed with a great amount of support from the community, he said.

Holland hopes that the church community will remember the time spent together fondly.

“I’ve been with these beautiful people through their ups and downs,” said Holland. “I’ve married them to each other, I’ve baptised them. I’ve been there at the hospital bed and the graveside.”

Despite how hard Holland said it will be to no longer be part of his congregation’s lives, he believes they will bring the same open heart they showed him to whoever fills the role next.

Holland’s final service ended with a formal liturgy of farewell and release where the community relieved Holland of his responsibilities.