Bob, his wife Judy and four children moved to Alpena in October of 1984. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. His major concentration was in Theology and Faith Development.

During Bob's ministry the church continued in its tradition of involvement in the local community. The church, through its Mission Board, started Habitat for Humanity and was responsible for starting the "Call us for Help" program. He and Rev. Tom Downs started a Sunday morning television show "Christianity Today" on WBKB, the local CBS channel, that lasted fourteen years and is now seen as "Christian Conversations" sponsored by LARCC. (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Congregational fellowship.) The church also changed its organizational structure to the "Ministry Team" model that is still currently in use. Working with Betsy Adamus and Deborah Butler the Sunday School program was reinvigorated by changing from the traditional model to using "Workshop Rotation" and "Worship Centers".

He served our faith community faithfully for 19 years and was made Pastor Emeritus in June of 2007.