The last day of June will mark the end of Pastor David Stewart’s time as lead pastor of First United Methodist Church on 500 N. Main. After a long tenure with the church, he is going to Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Louis.
Stewart was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to a military family with roots in Southeast Missouri. He grew up in Farmington and served pastoral duties in the Missouri cities of Troy and Cape Girardeau and in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Mesa, Arizona, before settling in Poplar Bluff for the last 12 years.
“I’ve actually done two tours here,” he said. “I served as associate pastor 30 years ago. My wife Nancy and I got married in Poplar Bluff.”
Church Council Chairman Sandie Price has attended First United Methodist for 38 years. She remembered his first stint with the church.
“He baptized my youngest son Taylor back then,” she said. “The church was excited when he came back. We already knew him.”
During his time at First United Methodist of Poplar Bluff, Stewart has seen some positive changes.
“We’ve become much more connected to our community,” he said, noting that local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Stage Company and Caring Hands free medical ministry all use their church buildings.
“The VA hospital has hosted events here,” he added, “as have Three Rivers College and the Poplar Bluff high school choir.”
Stewart has especially fond memories of the church’s music ministries.
“My wife and I will always remember the times our church music department came together to produce combined music programs with other congregations. A lot of music goes on here. That is something I will miss,” he said.
Pastor John Gregory will take over leadership of the church on July 1. Stewart is not worried about his replacement.
“John is fired up about developing all of our community relationships and continuing our ministries,” he said.
Speaking for the congregation, Price said of the new pastor, “We are quite pleased and feel blessed to have John as David’s replacement.”
Of his Stewart’s departure, Price said, “We will miss him. We are sad to see him go but we wish him well.”
“This has been a great place to live and raise our kids,” said Stewart, “and we will deeply miss our friends and relationships, but God is calling us to go.”