Our Pastor Emeritus

A person wearing a suit and patterned tie, holding a Bible in front of a dark-paneled wall.

During the morning service of April 19, 2026, our beloved Pastor of over 54 years Brother Lester Austin became the Pastor Emeritus of Christ’s Church of Starke, stepping aside to yield the pastorate to his assistant pastor of 17 years, Brother Jason Crawford. Here is a portion of his announcement from that morning’s service.


We the members of Christ's Church of Starke are very humbled by the example of love and service Bro Lester has exhibited for these many decades. We praise God for his faithfulness to speak the Truth in love to us throughout his pastorate.



On Sunday, December 19, 2021, our church celebrated Bro Lesters 50th year of service to our church, His Lord and our community. It was a very special day full of worship, fellowship and thanksgiving unto God for His Grace toward us all. It was a “Celebration of God’s Grace.”

Bro Lester was presented with this plaque marking the special occasion.


An acrylic award from Christ’s Church of Starke honoring Pastor Luter Austin’s 50th pastoral anniversary, dated Dec 19, 2021.

At this link are a few photos of the day’s activities.


Below you will find a video in tribute to him for his 40th year pastorate celebration.

Lester Austin, son of Eugene and Avie Austin, surrendered to preach in August of 1970 at Highland Baptist Church under the pastorate of Bro. Raymond Caudill. Bro. Lester, his wife Louise, and their daughters, Annette, Pam, and Kim, came to Laura in July of 1971, when members of the church extended the call for him to be pastor. Bro. Lester accepted the call of pastor of our church on December 29,1971. The Austin’s last daughter, Becky, was born during Bro. Lester’s third year as pastor. Bro. Lester and Sister Louise were married on October 17, 1963. Our dear Sister Louise passed away on October 24, 2019.