‘Rev. Ed’ Retires

By John Larson

SOCORRO - A much-loved “goodwill ambassador” at the Good Samaritan center On Highway 60 has retired.
“Rev. Ed” Adams turned in his signature black hat Thursday, May 27, at a short ceremony prior to the start of Good Sam’s annual Volunteer Carnival. Adams has been visiting Good Sam’s for 25 years, ever since he retired from Socorro Consolidated Schools as the librarian at Socorro High School in May, 1985.
Adams originally served as Chaplain for 10 years, and for the last 15 years his weekly visits included a devotional, then entertaining the residents with his guitar, “playing them a little country music every Thursday.”
He has occasionally been accompanied musically by George Murillo, Jim Ruff, and George Shoemaker.
“It’s doing something people need,” Adams said. “It’s a real joy, providing ministry to these people. It’s the most rewarding thing you can do.
“I may stop in every now and then to say hello, but not on a
regular basis.”
According to “Rev. Ed” he has been involved with church work for many years.
“I’ve pastored little churches here and there,” he said. “San Antonio’s First Baptist Church, Mesquite Baptist and Hill Baptist in Belen, and of course Magdalena.”
Adams is Pastor Emeritus at the First Baptist Church in Magdalena, and is currently an interim pastor at the First Christian Church in Truth or Consequences. “I moved to T or C in 2002, and they needed somebody and asked me to fill in as pastor for a couple of weeks. That was two years ago.”
After graduating from Belen High School in 1943, Adams spent 10 years as a farmer and rancher before relocating to Alamogordo to work in the post office.
“It was there I got my degree in language arts and my teaching degree,” Adams said.
He also spent time with the Home Mission Field in Dayton, Ohio, building churches.
“The Lord seems to send me in these directions,” Adams said. “I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”

Picture: Michelle Apodaca holds up the signature black hat donated by “Reverend Ed” Adams at a ceremony honoring his 25 years of ministering at Good Sam’s.

Photo by John Larson

‘Rev. Ed’ Retires