Alum Jim Tweedie Closes Curtain on Influential Career as Pastor

CHINOOK OBSERVER -- The number of bridges Jim Tweedie has built, you would think he was an engineer. Instead, he describes himself as a shepherd. He retires this month as pastor of Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church after four decades of ministry in the Western states and Hawaii. He plans to remain in the community, where he has been active as a writer, photographer and amateur actor, in addition to his work as a minister and community organizer. In a recent sermon reflecting on his service since 2010, Tweedie described his contribution as a blip in the history of the church, which has existed since 1893. “It’s really the people who are the heart of the congregation. I’m just a temporary part of it,” he said. “I’m grateful for the privilege of being called to live here. It’s been a joy and delight.” Armed with Humanities degrees from San Francisco State University and considering a college teaching career, he worked in a public library for six years fueled by his love of literature.