Dr. William C. Moore, 67, founding pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of West Ann Arbor and Gotfredson roads in Superior Township, died Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., following a brief illness.

Moore served as senior pastor of the church from Trinity’s beginning in 1979 until March 2010, when he retired from the leadership role. After retirement he taught a number of classes, worked with new members, moderated the board of deacons, attended to pastoral care duties and preached on a monthly basis, according to the church's press release.

"Bill was a pastor, friend and mentor to thousands over the course of his pastoral ministry. His influence on the communities of Plymouth and Canton is immeasurable,” said Mark Fuller, current senior pastor. “We have lost an incredibly godly and humble man who tirelessly served this church and his Lord with grace."

According to church officials, Trinity Presbyterian Church, perhaps best known locally for its monthly food pantry and soup kitchen, began as a small church plant by Ward Church, now located in Northville. Under Moore’s leadership, Trinity grew from about 100 to more than 600 members. It also planted another church, Knox Presbyterian in Ann Arbor, in 1992.

Church members and friends described Moore as a gifted speaker and leader who encouraged and empowered people. He had a way of convincing people to serve in the church, often picking up the phone himself to do a little recruiting.

“At Trinity, 80 percent of the people are involved in ministry — an unheard of number in most congregations,” said Ellie Schupra, director of outreach, who added that sometimes it is a challenge to use all of the people who want to volunteer for the monthly food pantry.

According to the church, Moore also strove for unity between denominations. He started a group called the Plymouth-Canton Clergy Association, an organization that includes Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran and Methodist clergy. Rick Thomas, pastor of New Hope Church, remembers Moore as a stabilizing force for their group.

“I will remember Bill as a man who always had a positive and peaceful demeanor, who was able to bridge denominational differences without compromising the truth,” Thomas said.

Moore was a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where he met his wife Cindy (Cain). He earned a Master’s of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter Kathy (Tim Edgren); three sons, Daniel, Thomas (Jenn), Phillip (Emily) and nine grandchildren; a twin brother Charles; brother Stephen; and sister Edwina.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28 at Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile Road in Northville.

Pam Stout leads the Faith and Parenting sections for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at pamstout@annarbor.com.