Over the last three centuries, Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers has seen members come and go, has experienced change and has witnessed a lot of water pass under its spiritual bridge. But the two constants that have remained are God's presence and the congregation's commitment to following His wishes.

During his 17-year tenure as Salem Hellers' pastor, Bruce Tully has mirrored, maintained and fostered that commitment. In many ways, that is the legacy that he is leaving behind.

"I think I've done what I can," said Tully. "My key term for myself is faithfulness. God has been leading, guiding, directing this church for 300 years. I wanted to remain faithful to the calling I was given. Hopefully, people will look back on my ministry and say, 'That guy was faithful and propagated the faith of the church.'"

Tully retired as Salem Hellers' pastor effective Dec. 31. A 67-year-old native of Ohio, Tully always has seen himself as more of a "lead elder," a "spiritual guide," than the leader of the church, which is situated at 2555 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster.

"It was absolutely a difficult decision to retire, but no more difficult than the one to follow the calling," said Tully. "I was 40 years old before I went into seminary. I was called into the ministry kicking and screaming. I left behind some decent secular jobs to go into the ministry. But the last few months I've felt a weight, and that usually means it's time to listen. One day during meditation, I heard the words, 'It's time.' I decided, 'Let's go and pull the trigger on it.' It hurts to leave it behind and let it go, but I do believe I'm getting pulled out of here for a reason."

The church's leadership team has appointed a search committee to identify an interim pastor to replace Tully. Then after a period of about a year, the church is expected to form a similar search committee to locate his permanent replacement.

Tully had no direct input on who his successor will be.

"I think they need to continue the tradition of expository preaching (thoroughly explaining the meaning of a specific Scripture to clearly communicate the author's original intent)," said Tully. "I think it's what people have gotten used to. The people who come out are looking for that kind of worship experience and teaching experience. I think they need to find a person with a different set of skills. I'm very poor at administration. We need someone who can step in and help with administration. I have a lot of faith in the people on that committee."

Known locally as "the church at the top of the hill," Salem Hellers is one of about 20 spiritual institutions operating on the Conestoga Valley landscape. In any given week, Salem Hellers welcomes 85 attendees to its religious services.

"A vast majority (of parishioners) have grown up in that area," said Tully. "The goal is to glorify God, grow in spirit and go into the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a church that's been in the community for 300 years. It's a rock, a foundation of the community. Our worship style is very traditional. We remain a church that follows a liturgy. We have a choir, and we sing from a hymn book."

Salem Hellers was founded in 1725 by a group of Germans who had encountered prior religious persecution in Europe. At various times throughout its history, the church, whose current building was constructed in 1860, has been associated with other denominations.

For additional information about Salem Hellers, go to http://www.salemhellers.com.