WESTMINSTER — If activity is the catalyst that prolongs youth, the Rev. Maurice Shaffer and his wife, Gertrude, will be forever young.
The Shaffers,working side by side, have kept busy the last 40 years spreading God's word.
The 85-year-old pastor and his 84-year-old wife live in Westminster, where their ministry, known as "God's House -- The House of Prayer," is based.
"Our work is home missionary work," said Shaffer, a Carroll native who incorporated his ministry in 1948. "Our congregations are scattered. We have up to 175 people we minister to in seven missions."
The couple's missions include monthly visits to hospitals and six nursing homes in Carroll and Baltimore counties.
Shafferalso ministers regular worship services each Sunday at Wesley Chapelon Route 26 near Eldersburg. These services are open to the public.
His wife, who serves as secretary and organist, works with her husband to minister to people of all faiths.
"We help people from alldifferent denominations," he said. "We do not discourage anyone fromcoming to our services."
Each week, the couple visits homes, hospitals and convalescent centers throughout the area to provide companionship to the lonely and hope to those who are either ill or in need.
Jeanie Reiter, activities director for Long View Nursing Home, said the Shaffers have been performing a monthly service for residents at the Manchester home for the last two years.
"Most of our peopleenjoy the program Rev. Shaffer brings to the home," Reiter said. "It's something different. He always has an interesting story or slide show to go along with his program."
The Shaffers have been longtimevolunteers at Rosewood Center in Owings Mills, Baltimore County. They were acknowledged by the Rosewood Center in 1986 with a 30-year volunteer award.
"Rev. Shaffer has been coming here for over 35 years," said Ann Maher, director of volunteer services at Rosewood. "He and Mrs. Shaffer come to give prayer and supply singing. They enjoy interacting with the clients."
The Shaffers also have received recognition for their volunteer efforts by the state.
In 1982, then-Gov.Harry Hughes presented them with the State of Maryland Volunteer Award.
"All that we do is totally volunteer work," the pastor said. "We have never been paid for our work. We take no offerings. You'd be surprised at how we make a living."
