WHO WE ARE
The Church of the Nazarene, a Protestant Christian denomination, has a rich and vibrant history that spans over a century. It was founded on October 13, 1908, in Pilot Point, Texas, by a group of people who sought to emphasize the message of holiness and a life fully surrendered to Christ. The roots of the Church of the Nazarene can be traced back to the holiness movement, which was a revivalist and Wesleyan-influenced movement that swept across North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Out of this movement, a number of groups emerged, each seeking to emphasize the belief in entire sanctification and the experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The church's commitment to missions has always been a central part of its identity. From its earliest days, the Church of the Nazarene sought to take the gospel and share the message of holiness with people from every nation. Over the years, the Church of the Nazarene has undergone significant growth and expansion. Today, it has a presence in over 160 countries, with thousands of churches and millions of members.
OUR BRIEF HISTORY
A Brief History Fulton First Church of the Nazarene was organized by District Superintendent L.B. Matthews in June of 1935 following an 11-week Revival with Evangelist Rev. Jack Frost. Before land was purchased on Church Street, the church started in a storage building then moved to a tent in Carr Park then to Ed and Stella's Fortner's home. Rev. Lola Horton Overseen the church until the first pastor, Rev. S.B. Damron arrived. The original building was donated through the district secretary and treasurer, Rev. A.F. Collier by remaining members of the Oak Grove Church of the Nazarene in the Uba Springs Campground Area. The building was dismantled, moved, and reassembled on the Church Street property around Thanksgiving of 1935. Mr. John Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Damron, and Mr. and Mrs. Denadney were some of the Oak Grove Church members who attended the new Fulton First Church of the Nazarene. Rev. D.K. Wachtel was the pastor, and J.D. Saxson was the District Superintendent in 1944 when the church burned down. The congregation held services in the old Fulton High School Building until they could purchase and move to the current building in 1945. Although they moved to Kentucky, the members chose to remain in the Tennessee District. "Let us thank God in unison for the great things He has done, the great things that are now happening and for the great things that lie ahead for the future of this congregation until Christ receives His church." A Brief History 1935-1995
PHOTO CREDIT: JOAN BRADLEY
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand (EVS)”
