History of Conway First Church of the Nazarene
First Church of the Nazarene in Conway, Arkansas was organized in 1919 by the Rev. Van Arnsdale. Ten members were placed on the charter membership roll. The Rev. J.W. Van Arnsdale served the church as the first pastor.
During the first year of organization the congregation met in homes, groves, tents, the courthouse, and other places, but began a building program in 1920. Mr. Otto Sullivan and his father donated the lots on which this first building was erected. The location was where the Second Baptist church now stands in the city. In May, 1922 this property was sold in preference to securing a new location on Grove Street where a worship auditorium was built
In September, 1937, the Rev. J.W. Hendrickson (then District Superintendent of North Arkansas District) and his family came and served the church as pastor until October, 1953. In 1938 the church moved to its current location and the rock sanctuary was built. Under the leadership of Reverend Hendrickson the educational building was constructed in 1948.
In August of 1956 the rock church burned. One year later the sanctuary which stands today was dedicated.
The Family Life Center was constructed under the leadership of Rev. Lynn Casseday, and dedicated in 1990 and remains the hub of much of our activity. In 2005 Conway First Church of the Nazarene moved our services into the Family Life Center.
The following have served as pastor's of Conway First Church of the Nazarene.
1919 J.W. Van Arnsdale
1920 - 21 S.C. Pritchett
1921 S.D. Slocum
1922 - 23 B. Pinson
1924 W. Blackshear
1925 A.G. Ridout
1925 - 26 W.O. Hardy
1927 G. Langfored
1927 E.D. Simpson
1927 O.E. Tapley
1928 - 30 J.A. Russell
1931 - 33 F.K. Smith
1933 - 35 M.R. Dutton
1935 - 37 U.D. Dibble
1937 - 53 J. W. Hendrickson
1953 - 58 Harold Latham
1958 - 62 Clyde Montgomery
1962 - 76 Jack Dell
1976 - 80 Harry Evans
1980 - 82 Bob Lothenore
1983 - 95 Lynn Casseday
1995 - present Tim Kellerman