The Rev. Douglas Deer, left, pastor of First Baptist Church, Coopertown, chats with members of his flock, Tim Iverson and Glenn Falk, during a farewell reception in the church hall. Deer, dean of the Cooperstown clergy, delivered his final sermon today. He and wife Susan, at right, are retiring to Cortland. The congregation will vote next week on a candidate to succeed him. (Jim Kevlin/allotsego.com)