At his recent installation as pastor of First Presbyterian Church on Kansas City Street, the Rev. Bob Evans had time to reflect upon his past ministry and what now lies ahead.

A former military chaplain, the 54-year-old minister hopes his plunge into the mainstream will create positive change.

"God gave me a vision of how we can positively impact the downtown area and the region beyond," he said. "There are so many possibilities here."

The former senior United States Navy chaplain of the European Theater, Evans was responsible for all religious teams, their development and building spiritual bridges between the military and the communities served in Europe. At one time, he was also responsible for all religious ministries in the Atlantic and Pacific fleet.

Two years ago, his life's direction changed somewhat when he married.

Gretchen, a command sergeant major with the U.S. Army, served for 27 years in the military.

They met while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Even in those dangerous days in a war zone, love blossomed.

After their marriage, they lived in Naples, Italy, as Evans carried on with his ministry.

But Evans heard God's call from the opposite side of the world, about as far away from the ocean or sea as one can get.

He answered by sending an inquiry about the open position at First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City.

"They had been looking for quite a long time - I think nearly four years," Evans said of his new position as pastor.

"They were shocked to find someone interested in coming to South Dakota from Italy. They even wrestled with who they would send to Naples, Italy to interview me."

He and Gretchen were willing to return to the U.S., so the group didn't have to send its emissaries. "I came to them," he said.

What he found here, he described as a knock-out punch.

"It's a place where there are strong cultural moral values. People lead from their heart," he said.

Evans found the congregation's acceptance and hospitality to be generous, their thirst for religious knowledge to be all one could want for a scholar; and he is enthused about what he can do for the church.

"We never realized this but when God opens a door, we run through it," he said.

Centered in faith, customs and traditions, Evans went through his installation with the help of family providing support and bearing witness to a humble man seeking the Lord and asking direction.

"This place brings us to a point of balance," he said. "There's great peace here."

If you go

Who: The Rev. Bob Evans

What: Worship service summer schedule

When: 9 a.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Sunday vespers

Call: 343-6171

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 710 Kansas City St.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.