The former pastor of a Mercer County church was sentenced yesterday to probation for stealing $18,000 from church coffers.

The Rev. Sidney Walker, 50, of White Oak, pleaded guilty in January to the theft from the First Baptist Church of Farrell.

Common Pleas Judge John C. Reed sentenced Rev. Walker to five years' probation, though some of the congregants and prosecutors had asked that he be sent to jail, Assistant District Attorney William Moder said.

"We felt that the severity of the crime would certainly justify a jail sentence. But the court was interested in making certain of restitution and that he'd be available for work," Mr. Moder said.

The preacher had faced a maximum of five years in jail for the first-degree misdemeanor conviction, Mr. Moder said.

Several church members testified in support of their former pastor to keep him out of jail.

Rev. Walker is prohibited from pastoring at First Baptist. He was ordered to pay restitution of $600 a month through a wage attachment, plus interest. The first payment is due May 1.

Since his arrest, Rev. Walker has filed for bankruptcy, which should not affect the restitution order, Mr. Moder said.

He had been pastor at First Baptist for more than four years, and he testified that he is employed at U.S. Steel's Clairton Works.

He said at the time of his guilty plea that he took the money because of personal financial problems.

Judge Reed ordered him to never again hold fiduciary responsibilities for any organization.