MCALISTERVILLE — Over the years, Dr. Howard Houtz made some of his favorite memories serving in the church ministry, which were always connected to time spent with people.

Memorable infant dedications, baptisms and weddings resulted from countless beautiful relationships.

After seminary, the 71-year-old Houtz was offered the associate pastor position at Calvary Bible Church in Lewistown. He served there for 30 years, 13 as an associate pastor before taking over as the senior pastor.

When Houtz was initially offered the position, he called a former pastor he met while stationed with the United States Air Force in Naples Italy. Houtz asked for advice in his new pastorate – a question many trained seminary students have asked when wondering how to put their life calling to work.

The former pastor gave him wisdom he still uses today, “Just love the people. If they know that you love them, they will forgive any missteps.”

Remaining faithful to the proper interpretation and exposition of scripture and crediting a very forgiving congregation, Houtz knows his love for people helped sustain him through many trials and tribulations over the years.

And possibly into his new role as administrator for the Juniata Christian School in McAlisterville. Houtz was hired for his new role at the school on July 1.

“I’m very excited and impressed,” Houtz said of his new venture. “Right now, it’s mostly getting the building ready for the students to come in for the new school year.

“We’re expanding the parking lot and putting in a new soccer field for the teams,” Houtz added.

Founded in 1954, the school was originally founded as Delaware Mennonite School. In 1980, the school, now being representative of multiple churches and congregations, changed its name to Juniata Mennonite School.

The school continued to grow in numbers requiring a larger facility. Land was purchased in the rolling hills of McAlisterville and construction began on what is now the present day school. In 1988, its current facility opened and this larger space provided for opportunity for higher enrollment and an improved learning environment.

With the growth continued, the need for additional office space, library space and still more classroom space was met by an expansion of the facilities. This paved the way for the later addition of a high school, making Juniata Christian School a kindergarten through 12th grade school.

“Juniata Christian School has a rich history,” Houtz said of what drew him to the position. “When I heard there was an opening, I felt God was calling me to apply and see what happens.

“As it turns out, it was a positive experience,” Houtz added. “It’s like I have a second career.”

Since he retired from the church in 2019, Houtz has been working several part-time jobs. He was employed at Lowe’s as well as working as a substitute teacher in the Mifflin County School District.

In his role as school administrator, he handles a great deal of the organizational responsibilities. The school is also hoping to hire a new principal in the near future.

“We look forward to Dr. Houtz building on the foundation already established here at JCS,” the Juniata Christian School Board said in a news release. “Please join us in offering Dr. Houtz a warm welcome and praying for him as he steps into this crucial role.

“We are excited for all that God has in store for Juniata Christian School under his leadership,” the board added.

Enrollment at the Juniata County school is around 180 students, Houtz said. “I’d like to see the school expand its number of students and become one of the premiere schools in the area.”

Houtz wants to see the school continue to excel in academics and athletics as it prepares students for taking that next step. “We want them to have a biblical world view when they get out of school and know what to expect,” he said.

Houtz graduated from Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster with a bachelor’s degree then earned his master’s degree at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind. and his doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas.

Houtz and his wife, Mary Ruth, live in Alfarata. They have three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 20.