Long-time College Place ABC Employee Reflects on Her Years of Service

By Makena Horton

UCC Communications Coordinator

After 22 years of service, relationship building, and sharing stories with customers at the ABC Christian Bookstore in College Place, Wash., manager Kathy Geoghegan retired at the end of March.

Geoghegan began her time at the ABC after relocating to College Place in January 2000. “We just became Adventists a year before we moved, so we were excited about all the churches and schools and of course the ABC Bookstore,” she shared.

She began as a part-time salesclerk while renewing her real estate license. Geoghegan continued to volunteer at the ABC while working in real estate for approximately twelve years. When the manager position became available in 2014, her experience made her a perfect fit for the role.

“Thinking back over the years at the ABC, my favorite part was selling Bibles to someone who has just given their life to the Lord, someone who has never even owned a Bible,” shared Geoghagen. “It thrills my heart to see how excited they are and how they are filled with so much hope. They will come back and share how God is working in their lives. That never gets old!”

During her time at the ABC, Geoghegan formed lasting bonds with the customers. “As I look back over the past 22 years, my customers have become my friends,” she shared. “I have laughed with them, cried with them, and prayed with them. I will truly miss them all.”

Geoghegan plans to remain in College Place and continues to pray for God to guide her and her husband where He wants to use them next. When asked what she is excited to about retirement, Geoghegan shared, “I am looking forward to, if you can believe this, reading some books!”

“I am so grateful to the Upper Columbia Conference for letting me serve this wonderful community for so many years,” said Geoghegan. “The bookstore has been my passion and I am truly going to miss every part of it.”