WESTMORELAND, N.Y. -- Charles Thomas Hast Sr. retired this past Sunday after serving as pastor at the Bartlett Baptist Church for the last 20 years.

"He was a very strong man, very well-educated because he was an engineer first and then he went to seminary and became a pastor. We were his first and his last church and we love him to death. And in death, we love him," said Bartlett Baptist Church Treasurer Mary Dezotell.

Hast was killed earlier this week when he was checking his mailbox.

State Police said Hast was hit by a car and died from his injuries.

He was 71-years old.

"He is our brother. We see him almost every day so yes, it's hard. It has hit us hard," said Dezotell.

Pastor Hast is being remembered for more than just his character but also his messages.

"I loved it when he went back into his scientific magazines and said, 'See this proves that God is here with us'. And it just, it was a thrilling experience," Dezotell said. "We just loved him and he loved us. And this was his life, so it's gonna be rough."

The crash is still under investigation.

Information about the calling hours and funeral services can be found here: https://owens-pavlot.com/tribute/details/1805/Rev-Dr-Charles-Thomas-Hast-Sr/obituary.html#tribute-start