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Gainesville First Church Of The Nazarene

1301 Otila Drive
770-532-8452

Our History:

Our Beginning
First Church of the Nazarene of Gainesville, Ga was organized on January 6, 1946, by District Superintendent Bill Davis, with fourteen charter members. Rev. Hugh Mincey was the first pastor of the church, and the meeting for organization was held in his home in Chicopee at 3:00 in the afternoon. The church was named Chicopee Church of the Nazarene. The first church building was a house across the bridge on Atlanta Highway, north of Chicopee, purchased for around $2,000. This building served as the worship and education center for the church until the spring of 1956.

In the fall of 1955, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Fletcher Digby, property was purchased and construction begun at 953 Washington Street. The first services were held in the basement of the new building in the spring of 1956, but services were not held upstairs until December 22, 1957. On January 26, 1958, the new building was dedicated by District Superintendent Mack Anderson. Rev. Paul Barnes was the pastor. At that time the name of the church was changed to Gainesville First Church of the Nazarene.

Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas E. Rash, the current nine-acre campus on Otlia Drive, just off of Highway 53, was purchased in 1991. A beautiful brick structure that can accommodate up to 300 worshipers in the sanctuary and 150 people in the Christian Education rooms was dedicated on June 27, 1993. Future plans include the expansion of ministerial and support staff, along with a Family Life Center and recreational areas.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Church remains unchanged throughout history. Christ has charged the Church to make disciples on a global scale. Who we are and what we do is summed up in the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. We are to live out and speak forth the word of God in order to reach others for Jesus Christ. Our acceptance and execution of that assignment calls for a Great Commitment.


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