EMAIL WEBMASTER © 2007 Charlene Beauchamp

FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE     2223 Lyndale &  Grandview  Odessa, TX 79762   OUR CHURCH CAN BE YOUR HOME  62 YEARS in ODESSA 1945 – 2007

TERRY PIERCE, PASTOR

Dedication Poem, May 6, 1956

Composed by Grover C. Kelly

It was the month of January, and the twenty-eighty day,

This little church was started, got started on it’s way.

A little group of Christians met in nineteen forty-five,

In Sister Watley’s office room, very small in size.

Bob Hocker was the preacher, sir, yes Bob was on the scene,

The day this church was started, The Odessa First Church of the Nazarene,

The Bohannans were our first pastors; they came here in July,

And finished out the year in nineteen forty-five.

On the twenty-third of September, the church took organic form.

It was organized by Hall, in Bob Brookover’s home.

Yes, Hadley Hall was here that day, he was on the scene,

The day this church was organized, The Odessa First Church of the Nazarene.

The Bohannans work was finished on the twenty-forth of May

Of nineteen forty-six; I’m sure that was the day.

They finished up their work, and both resigned,

So the church got busy, and called Aaron Wallentine.

Before Sister Bohannan left, she engaged the Odd Fellow’s Hall

Or we would have no place to worship God at all.

The Wallentine's took over when they came upon the scene,

To push the work of the Odessa Church of the Nazarene.

The Wallentine’s work was real good, and they went on their way.

Then the church called Pearl Keeton, one nice September day.

On the fifth day of September, nineteen fifty was the year,

The Keeton's moved all they had a Post; moved it all down here.

To do the work allotted them, in the Odessa First Church of the Nazarene.

Don’t you see this pretty building, see the pretty pews?

Walk outside our classroom; at them take a view.

Then come back and see our building; look at those pretty walls.

Come see the folks responding, when Pearl gives an alter call.

When they pray through to victory, and are made to realize

That Jesus is their Savior; there’s where we baptize.

The church has really prospered, since Pearl came upon the scene

To finish the Odessa First Church of the Nazarene.

Kind friends if you will listen, I would like to state:

We have met on this occasion, this church to dedicate.

This church we’ve longed and prayed for and learned to love so well,

And the love we have for it no human tongue can tell.

So now I’ll step down, and get out of the scene,

While Dr. Powers dedicates this Odessa Church of the Nazarene.