Our Story

Fairmont First Church of the Nazarene is an outgrowth of a tent revival in Bellview in the summer of 1929. A few months later, another revival was held in a rented hall in downtown Fairmont. In 1930 the church was organized, with Rev. A. H. Elsey as pastor, in the home of Mrs. E. M. Straight with 17 charter members.

In May 1930, the old two-story Dunbar School property was purchased for $4,000. The main floor was used as a sanctuary and the second as a parsonage. Rev. Elsey served for seven years, and in 1937 Rev. Robert Morris came and served for two years.

In 1939 Rev. Sam Howell was called as pastor. As the church needed more room, the Market Street Methodist Church was purchased in 1944. Also, a parsonage was purchased on Guffey Street.

In 1946 Rev. Lloyd Hail, a recently discharged Army Chaplain, became pastor. The church grew, and the parsonage debt was liquidated.

In 1949 Rev. C. Glenn Bowling came, and many were added to the church during his tenure. An extensive remodeling of the church interior was completed. Rev. Bowling was succeeded by Rev. H. Carl Ross who served as pastor from 1954 until 1960.

Rev. O. C. Rushing became pastor in 1960 and due to church growth, it soon became evident that a larger facility was needed. Plans were made to purchase the Dr. Graham Estate on Morgantown Avenue, including a large two-story brick house that could be used as a parsonage. Many donated sacrificially of their time, talents, and means, and the new church at 1604 Morgantown Avenue was dedicated on November 8, 1964. 
  
Rev. John Lawwill began his tenure as pastor in 1966. With continued church growth, it became evident that additional parking was necessary. Under his leadership and with the purchase and donation of a small building and property by some church members, a long-awaited activity building was built and dedicated. The existing parsonage was demolished to make room for a parking lot. A similar two-and-a-half story brick house across Morgantown Ave. was purchased and remains the church parsonage. Adjoining property was later purchased to provide additional parking. 
  
In 1972 Rev. Kenneth Maze became pastor. Under his leadership, the parking lot adjacent to the church was completed and paved.

In 1976 Rev. Harold Clay became pastor. Plans were initiated for a three-story educational wing. In 1980 construction began as members once more gave of themselves in labor and offerings. By 1983 the facility was in use. 
  
Under the direction of Rev. Thomas Rawlings, who arrived in 1984, the second story of the educational wing was completed, the church offices were reorganized and furnished, and the steeple and cross were installed on the exterior of the church. Presently, Rev. Rawlings is the church’s longest serving pastor with 15 years of ministry at Fairmont First. 
  
Rev. Gerald Gray became pastor in 1998, and Rev. David Alley followed in 2004 as church growth continued. A house next door to the church was purchased and later became known as the “little parsonage.”

In 2006 Rev. Waitman Hager became pastor. The Westinghouse Union Building was purchased under his leadership, adding a facility later named the Nazarene Outreach Center (NOC) for unlimited uses, especially for youth.

Rev. Larry Barkley began his ministry at Fairmont First in 2011. His love and concern will forever remain in the thoughts and hearts of all those he touched while serving.

In 2016 Dr. Michael VanZant became pastor. His Biblical teaching and his caring spirit were effective but short lived as he answered God’s call to serve at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University.

Rev. Scott King started his local ministry in 2017. During his ministry, he led a food drive for flood victims in Texas. He largely constructed a new commercial kitchen in the NOC and led in the establishment of a community food pantry.

Rev. Andy Newman, the present pastor, began in 2023 along with his wife Jenny and their newborn daughter Caroline. The church is fortunate and most blessed to have him as our shepherd.

From humble beginnings and meager surroundings, Fairmont First Church of the Nazarene has evolved, enlarged, and ministered. For 93 years, this congregation has declared God’s love by precept and example. The present facilities represent the sacrifice and devotion that have been a trademark of this people through the years.

But Fairmont First is not only buildings and grounds. All those who have passed through its doors and known friendliness, love, and concern will forever remain tied to Fairmont First, regardless of their location or where they worship. Many can trace their first stirring of conviction and call to service back to this place and people.

The passing of responsibilities and devotion from one generation to another has provided an unbroken chain of duty and service. The inevitable valleys of financial struggles and human frailties and misunderstandings that arise in any family have cast shadows temporarily. But the strong woven thread of God’s love and blessing that always, and in all ways, held firm lovingly binding this dedicated group. 
  
After 93 years, Fairmont First is alive and well. Would our founders be proud of us? We trust so. Might they encourage us to renew our pledge of evangelism and service? We know so. The surrounding grounds depict the financial blessings of our church. But the real church, the body of Christ, is scattered across generations and locations.

As we celebrate this 93rd year of existence, may we show gratitude to those who unselfishly paved the rough road of life for us. The continuance of sharing God’s love would be a gift of thanksgiving our founders would fully understand and appreciate.

As we celebrate and fondly recall the history of our beloved Fairmont First, may our message be unchanging and timeless: GOD DEARLY LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE! We share, care, and prepare to remain God’s people and instruments of His calling. God’s pleasure is our goal. God’s purpose is our pledge. “God’s people” is our uniting title, comfort, and eternal security. May He timelessly live through us daily.

Elton Slusser - June 2023