Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Mayor: Strong Churches Help Define City
Breakfast Will Rotate Each Year
FARMINGTON — Much of the growth, progress and an overall strength of this Washington County city is directly tied to its faith-based churches, Mayor Ernie Penn said Thursday.
Penn made those remarks at the inaugural Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, held at Farmington United Methodist Church.
The event attended by more than 60 area citizens, included representatives of seven area churches and the local camp of Gideon’s International, all taking part in the hourlong program.
“I am so blessed to be a part of this community,” said Penn, his voice breaking and, who at times, was emotional in his remarks at the service.
“How truly blessed we all are to be a part of this community, where there are so many strong, growing and vibrant churches, which help define our city.”
The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was a new event designed to showcase the cooperation and unity within Farmington’s faithbased congregations and honor the city leadership, according to Troy Conrad, pastor of Farmington United Methodist.
Conrad welcomed those attending the Methodist campus and directed the overall program. A breakfast buffet was held in the Fellowship Hall following the ceremonies.
After recounting his personal blessings of family members, Penn turned his remarks to his other family — the city. He also focused on three major strengths that define the Farmington community.
“First you have the strength of our churches and the awesome strength of our religious leaders in Farmington,” Penn said. “We also have a strong public school system,
led by dedicated professionals who care about this community and do their best to educate our young people. And we have a strong city government and a thriving Chamber of Commerce to make our city one of respect and the admiration of others all across Arkansas.”
As a part- time mayor, Penn lauded the city staff — from the office staff to the police, fire and public works departments. “I have another job, other than being the mayor of this fine town. The city employees do a great job to help with my part-time (mayor’s) job and it is because of their leadership and their trustworthiness that I am able to be the mayor of a great, growing city.”
Penn also recalled moving back to Farmington some 20 years or so ago when the Farmington city sign read population 1,313.
“We didn’t have many businesses along Highway 62 — why that was just a two-lane road back then, but today, well this city has more — and is much more. We have the ‘Feels Like Home’ motto by our chamber and it truly is home.”
In a brief recap of city i mprovements, Penn mentioned the new City Library, a softball and baseball complex, the new athletic arena and a stateof-the-art performing arts center. He also noted the growth in the number of the churches in the area to be a sign of continued growth and prosperity for the city.
“I feel honored and blessed to be your mayor,” he said to applause at the conclusion of his remarks.
Other pastors participating in the event were: Patrick Garcia of First Church of the Nazarene; Shannon O’Dell of Brand New Church; Mike Raine with Farmington Church of Christ; Dwight Parker, representing the Gideon’s International; Lance Arguello, pastor of Abundant Life Church; Preston Beeks, pastor of Farmington Baptist Church; and Steve Fulton, worship pastor with First Baptist Church Farmington on Rhea’s Mill Road.
Pastor Arguello delivered the devotional, noting that prayer was important, powerful and uplifting to all. As a benediction to the hourlong service, all the area ministers and many in the audience stepped forward to lay hands or prayer on the mayor for his service to the city.
Plans are to have an annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and rotate its location among churches in the community.