Our History

1925–1926 | Where It All Began

Great Bend First Church of the Nazarene began with Sunday School classes in the home of Fred and Mrs. Seiverling at 8th and Baker. As attendance grew, meetings moved to the Morrison Hotel and later to tent meetings near Kansas and Broadway.

Following a month-long revival, Great Bend First Church of the Nazarene was officially organized on March 26, 1926, with ten charter members. Rev. Anna Erdman became the church’s first pastor.

1928–1944 | Establishing a Home

In 1928, the church purchased a schoolhouse and moved it to 11th and Stone, giving the congregation its first property.

Under Rev. E.L. Duby, the congregation built its first major church building at 12th and Stone largely through volunteer labor. The new church was occupied in 1940 and, despite difficult economic times, was paid for just three years later.

1944–1960 | A Season of Growth

The postwar years brought significant growth. Sunday School attendance climbed, bus ministry expanded the church’s reach, and the congregation eventually outgrew its building.

Under Rev. Herbert Merritt, the church relocated to 4811 Broadway, where a new sanctuary, foyer and basement were built. The new church was dedicated on March 29, 1956.

1960–1984 | Growing and Serving

The congregation continued to grow through the ministries of E.R. Houston, W.E. Chapman, W.H. Campbell and T.A. Burton.

By the 1970s, Sunday School attendance reached more than 300, a fleet of buses served the community, and a new educational wing expanded the church’s ministry space.

1984–1999 | Preparing for a New Century

Rev. Gayland Aubrey served from 1984–1994, followed by Rev. Bud Prentice from 1994–1998. These years brought continued ministry growth, facility improvements and the retirement of a long-standing church mortgage.

Rev. Mark Pennington became pastor in 1999 as the congregation entered a new century of ministry.

1999–2008 | Continuing the Mission

Rev. Mark Pennington served until 2003, followed by Rev. Robert Castile from 2003–2008. The church continued its commitment to worship, discipleship, missions and serving the Great Bend community.

2008–2026 | A New Generation

Pastors Josh and Amy Foster came to Great Bend in 2008. Under their leadership, Great Bend First Church of the Nazarene has continued to grow as a church centered on worship, discipleship, outreach, missions and service.

In 2016, the congregation celebrated 90 years of ministry, honoring those whose faith and sacrifice built the church while looking toward the generations still to come.

2026 | 100 Years of God’s Faithfulness

On October 3–4, 2026, Great Bend First Church of the Nazarene celebrated its 100th anniversary, bringing together current members, former pastors, friends and generations of families whose lives have been touched by the church.

For a century, the location, buildings, pastors and ministries have changed, but the mission has remained:

Rooted in Faith. Growing in Hope. Serving in Love.