by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — For 25 years, Pastor Joe DiDonato has served as chaplain at The Meadows, ministering to the spiritual needs of horsemen and horsewomen and their families.

MSOA photo

For 25 years, Pastor Joe DiDonato has served as chaplain at The Meadows.

Now, The Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will honor him for his quarter century of service with a special ceremony during Saturday’s Adios eliminations card.

In the winner’s circle following the third race, the MSOA will present Pastor Joe with a plaque and a donation for his chapel that includes money contributed by The Meadows community directly and through a GoFundMe campaign.

Pastor Joe’s ministry is broad. He conducts regular Sunday services, of course, but he also tends to the spiritual needs of injured or ailing horsemen and horsewomen, presides at weddings and funerals, administers a vacation Bible school and organizes holiday parties for children, such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Point Park College (now Point Park University), Pastor Joe held a variety of jobs, including radio disc jockey, before finding his calling. Surrounded by gambling opportunities, he confessed to the United States Trotting Association several years ago that he takes advantage of one: “I always say, ‘Bet on God to Win, Place and Show — every day!”