Attending the one-year anniversary of Christ Wesleyan were some who have filled the pulpit. From left are Bob Holeman, Daniel Cox, Benny Hatcher, Rev. Dick DeBusk, Kenneth Bates, Rev. Russell Jones, Dr. Mark Shelton and Mike McConathy. Others who have spoken have been J.T. Atkins, Bryan Kelley, Rev. Lamar Oliver, Rayford Riley, Rev. Bill Willis, Bill Wilson, rev. Brian Yeich and the late Tom May.
Christ Wesleyan Fellowship of Winn gathered on Saturday, April 20, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the founding of the church. Members and guests were welcomed to the home of Larry and Donna Bates for a fish fry. Along with the fish, trimmings, and desserts, those attending were treated to live music.
Glenn Ford, who had the enviable task of catching the fish, was joined by Joseph Procell, Larry Bates, and Kiah Beville to fry the main dish. Though the hope was for a sunny day, Larry Bates said of the rain, “We were watching the weather but God gave us enough opening to get the fish fried before the rain started.” Desserts provided by the ladies of the church were a huge hit with attendees.
Although the weather prevented the sing-along planned for after the meal, the live music provided by Tammy and Stan Griffith, Danny Davis, John Evers, and Donny Spikes included many of the time-honored favorite songs.
Several of the men who have filled the pulpit during the past year were special guests, including Dick DeBusk, Mike McConathy, Kenneth Bates, Benny Hatcher, Mark Shelton, Daniel Cox, Bob Holeman, and Russell Jones. In his welcome, Kiah Beville credited Dick DeBusk with the help that he has given the church plant. Kiah Beville gave what he called a “bittersweet” reminder of the recent passing of Tom May, one of the founding members who had also filled the pulpit.
CWF began April 16, 2023, when a group of believers who had been meeting for Bible study rented the sanctuary of the Presbyterian Church to house their church plant. Over the next year, Christ Wesleyan incorporated and joined the new Global Methodist denomination. According to Kiah Beville, lay leader, the church is seeing steady growth as it seeks to preserve the Wesleyan tradition with a commitment to share Jesus with the people of Winnfield and around the world.
“The next step for Christ Wesleyan is to call a permanent pastor, which is expected to be very soon,” said Larry Bates. “We have Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. each week at 302 South Bevill, and a prayer meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. We welcome all who attend.”
