Reverend Edgar Gutierrez Duarte honored as Saint Luke’s pastor retires; pantry serves 800 families a month, he says

Reverend Edgar Gutierrez Duarte received a special award at the All Chelsea Awards gala in recognition of his 18 years serving Saint Luke’s (San Lucas) Parish in Chelsea, where he established a food pantry and other community programs.

During his remarks, Reverend Edgar said he had led the parish’s community service since arriving in 2007 and that the church’s food pantry, begun with the Greater Boston Food Bank’s help, now serves “over 800 families a month.” He said he is retiring and moving to Florida, and described Chelsea as “a big family” whose people inspired his ministry.

Gala presenters credited the parish with offering soup kitchens and a food pantry that expanded dramatically after the 2007 recession. Presenters described Reverend Edgar’s work as central to meeting food needs and immigrant‑community support in Chelsea.

Ending: Reverend Edgar said he would retire to Florida but that his heart remained in Chelsea, and gala attendees gave him extended applause and thanks for his years of service.