Members of Trinity Church in Plymouth — a congregation perhaps best known locally for its monthly food pantry and soup kitchen, and other community outreach efforts in southeastern Michigan — are mourning the loss of their founding pastor. Dr. William C. Moore died Feb. 22, at the age of 67, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., following a brief illness. His wife of 44 years, Cindy, was at his side.

Moore served as senior pastor of the church, located at Ann Arbor Road and Gotfredson, from Trinity’s beginning in 1979 until March 2010, when he retired from the leadership role. After a brief sabbatical, he returned to the church, and in his most recent position he taught a number of classes, worked with new members, moderated the Board of Deacons, attended to pastoral care duties and preached on a monthly basis.

“Bill was a pastor, friend and mentor to thousands over the course of his pastoral ministry. His influence on the communities of Plymouth and Canton is immeasurable,” said Mark Fuller, current senior pastor. “We have lost an incredibly godly and humble man who tirelessly served this church and his Lord with grace.”

Trinity began as a small church plant by Ward Evangelical Presbyterian Church, formerly in Detroit, then in Livonia and now located in Northville. Under Moore’s leadership Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, its formal name, grew from about 100 to more than 600 members. It also planted another church, Knox Presbyterian in Ann Arbor, in 1992…

As church members and friends remembered Moore this week, they painted a picture of a gifted speaker and strong leader, who encouraged and empowered people. He had a way of convincing people to serve in the church, often picking up the phone himself to do a little recruiting.

“At Trinity, 80 percent of the people are involved in ministry — an unheard of number in most congregations,” said Ellie Schupra, director of outreach…

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 28 at Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile, Northville.

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