Chief among Wendell's quiet leaders is a fellow who has spent the last 25 years serving in the pulpit at Wendell First Baptist Church.

James Lee embarked on what was essentially a second career when he hit his mid-40s. After an adulthood of work in the plumbing business, Lee turned to the ministry. He became pastor at First Baptist in 1984.

By that time, he had already served as a town commissioner. He had spent time as a member of the town's planning board.

On Saturday night, and again Sunday afternoon, his congregation, family and friends gathered to celebrate a quarter-century of work saving souls.

Contrary to our childhood belief that preachers only work on Sundays, James is seldom ever still. He is an active member of the Wendell Rotary Club, which is how I came to know him. He visits regularly with members of his congregation and he's an active leader in Wendell's black community.

A few years ago, James had a little setback when his heart started acting up. But he recovered quickly and, looking at him today, you'd never know he'd had heart problems.

James was described by family and friends at Saturday night's anniversary celebration as a man of few words. That's true, though you'd hardly mistake him for stand-offish if you met him in a social situation.

As we learned Saturday night, James is a husband, father, grandfather, brother, pastor, inspirational leader, listener and an encourager. Most of those things are full-time jobs in and of themselves. Some of those things, many of us never master.

James does them all.

Mayor Harold Broadwell said Saturday night that the best judge of a man is how his children turn out. James and his wife Merle, have three sons, all grown with families and all doing well for themselves. By that measure, James Lee is a man's man.

James Lee holds an important distinction for me. At last year's National Day of Prayer, James prayed for members of the media.

The truth is, media work is pretty public stuff and when we write things that people don't like, they are quick to let us know. It can wear you down. But I was comforted that day, as I am today, knowing that James lifted me and my colleagues up in prayer.

The prayers would have been appreciated no matter who offered them up.

That the words came from a friend made me all the more grateful.

The congregation at First Baptist Church has a first-rate pastor to lead the flock.

All of Wendell, in fact, is fortunate to have James Lee among us.