Hutchinson Farewell Dinner

More than 340 guests paid tribute to Bishop William W. Hutchinson and Mrs. Kay Hutchinson for 12 years of service to the Louisiana Annual Conference during a Retirement Celebration held June 29 at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Bishop Hutchinson retires this summer. The Hutchinsons will be moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The evening, emceed by former Conference Lay Leader George “Buzzy” Anding, was filled with heartwarming thanks and remembrances by a host of church leaders and friends. Special greetings were delivered by and from Bishop Alfred and Dr. Mackie Norris, Bishop Charles and Mrs. Karen Crutchfield, Mrs. Jane Wood with the Foundation for Evangelism and Dr. George Freeman of the World Methodist Council.

A beautiful piano medley was performed by Allen Toussaint, renowned Grammy winner and native of New Orleans.

Mark and John Hutchinson, the couple’s children, traveled in for the event. Both gave warm (and often humorous) tributes laced with remembrances from their childhood. Special guests included Mark’s wife Laura and their daughter, Madison.

Rev. Don Cottrill, provost, donned a cowboy hat to regale guests with an original tribute to the Bishop and Kay Hutchinson written to the tune from the song “Mariah.”

Kathryn Moore, executive assistant to Bishop Hutchinson, presented he and Kay with a stained glass of rendering of the United Methodist bishop’s crest.

A power point presentation showing photos of the Hutchinsons ran throughout the event. The presentation can be viewed here.

Both Bishop and Mrs. Hutchinson received a standing ovation as they addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for the evening and for the past 12 years of service in ministry together.

A blessing before dinner was delivered by Rev. John Winn and the benediction was offered by Rev. Ellen Alston.