Margaret Miller

Pastor Moore, A Model for Retired Life

BY MARGARET MILLER

The Rev. Carl Moore, Sr., pastor emeritus of Allen Temple AME Church (ATC), is living his best life. Don’t expect to find him in a rocking chair on a porch, or at a local fishing hole. This retired preacher is living an active life that puts some younger people to shame.

At 79 years old, he runs 4-5 miles, two or three times per week. This year, he and his son, Dr. Carl Moore, Jr., competed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race. And, you will find him in the gym cycling a couple of times each week.

Additionally, he loves golfing with friends, an interest that began 18 years ago when he was pastor of ATC. He and the late Rev. Kenneth Marcus, then pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church, challenged each other to a game of golf. This turned into a tournament between the two churches, and eventually became the ATC Annual Golf Scholarship Tournament, which is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 18.

In 1984, Moore was called by God to pastor. He pastored in Rome before being sent to ATC in Woodstock, where he pastored for 24 years before retiring four years ago. Under his leadership, the ATC congregation grew from a small number of members to more than 600 when he retired. At the beginning of his tenure, the church building was tiny. During his time there, he built a beautiful edifice of worship. His motto is, “only what you do for Christ will last.”

Pastor Moore and his wife, Gloria, have been married 54 years. They have two daughters, one son, six granddaughters and three grandsons. He and his family have called Woodstock home for the last 22 years. They are empty nesters now, but they will continue to live here, because they love the proximity to church, malls, golf courses and restaurants. When asked what is left on his bucket list, he said that he would love to take a trip to Dubai.

As if his physical activities weren’t enough to keep him busy, this retiree continues to preach, teach Bible study and minister through music at a senior center. He attributes his longevity and happiness to the goodness of the Lord, exercise and genetics. “My mother lived to be 95, and my father lived to be

Pastor Moore, right, with Carl Jr., at the 2021 AJC Peachtree Road Race.

92. My happiness comes from my relationship with the Lord and my family,” he said.

Country-western singer George Jones’ song, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin Chair,” includes lines that echo the lifestyle of this jovial retiree. “I don’t need your rockin’ chair, Geritol or Medicare. My body’s old, but it ain’t impaired. I don’t need your rockin’ chair. I ain’t ready for the junkyard yet, Cause I still feel like a new corvette. It might take a little longer, but I’ll get there. Well, I don’t need your rockin’ chair.”

And, Carl Moore, Sr. really doesn’t!

Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.