Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Church Celebrates Anniversary
FARMINGTON — Fifty years ago, several families, after busing many children to a Nazrene church in Fayetteville, decided it was time to have their own church in Farmington.
“God planted a seed,” said Patrick Garcia, pastor of Farmington First Church of the Nazarene, 9 Cherry St. He noted there was a purpose to plant a church in Farmington: “to live a legacy to lift up the name of Jesus Christ.”
The church celebrated its 50th anniversary Oct. 19 with a special service to recognize charter members and hear stories of past memories.
Betty White, whose husband, Gary, served as pastor from 1986-1990, has recently returned to the church.
“My main memories are the wonderful people who’ve had an influence in our lives,” White said in the church service.
Mack Clark was the first pastor of the church and the first service was held May 24, 1964, in a 100-year-old building with wood floors and wood benches, located at the current site on Cherry Street. The congregation met in this building for two years before building a new structure at the same location.
The church ordered all new furniture for its new sanctuary on June 1, 1966, for a total cost of $2,025. Members then moved into a new sanctuary. Other additions have been built over the years. Garcia is the church’s eighth pastor. He and his wife moved to Farmington from Missouri in August.
Garcia said Farmington First Church of the Nazarene has had a faithfulness, generosity and servant’s heart that will “forever be remembered.”
Pat Odom and her husband, Carl, were charter members of the Farmington church. They had moved to Farmington from Oklahoma and were taking their five children to a Nazarene church in Fayetteville. Along with their own five children, they also were taking other kids to church.
“After two to three years, we finally decided with all the Farmington kids, it’s time to start a church here,” Pat Odom said.
Many people have come through the Farmington church over the years and many left the community for different places, she said.
“They all got started being a Christian here in this church,” said Odom, who had her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at church with her for the 50th celebration.
Odom, who is 88 years old, said she will continue to serve her church as long as she’s able. Her service in the past has included teaching Sunday School for kindergarten students.
Kent Odom was only 7 or 8 years old when Farmington church started and too young to be considered a charter member. He grew up in the church and said it was “like a beacon in a lighthouse or an outpost” to the community.
“It’s been grounding to me,” Kent Odom said. “People have come and gone. If we had everyone who ever darkened the doors, there wouldn’t be enough room.”
Garcia said the church’s legacy will continue into the future.
“The future has many more stories to tell,” Garcia said. “There’s a community out there. We want to be a church with God’s help made up of lives daily living a legacy.”