NACOGDOCHES, TX) – Sunday, October 13 marks Steve Newton's last sermon as the Westminster Presbyterian Church pastor. All are welcome to celebrate the retirement with worship at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow.
Newton officially began his ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church on July 15, 2003 and has faithfully served the church and the Nacogdoches community in development, growth mission and outreach.
Among the many building projects Newton oversaw in the last 16 years, members count the Narthex renovation (with the meticulously crafted cabinets), and renovations in the library, parlor, manse and Westminster Hall. A restored bell rings in the bell tower, a new sign welcomes visitors from North Street, the columbarium was completed, and many more improvements have been made throughout the church grounds.
Mission is central to the work of Westminster and Newton has served in a wide range of ways, including on the Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance, with Presbytery of New Covenant, Habitat for Humanity, Love INC of Nacogdoches, on projects with Nacogdoches HOPE, supporting Project Belize, Nacogdoches Area United Way, NOROC, Brown Family Health Center, Community Thanksgiving, Fair Trade International Market, Christian Women's Job Corps of Nacogdoches and Christian Men's Job Corps of Nacogdoches, He led the worship service for Westminster's 125th anniversary in 2018 and helped originate the Nacogdoches United Youth Ministry, a multi-church service and fellowship organization.
A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Newton first applied his degree in Biology and Secondary Education before attending Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and served as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Coleman, Associate Pastor of First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene, and Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant before joining Westminster. He has also filled in the pulpit in area churches, including Trawick Community Presbyterian Church, Tennessee Presbyterian Church near Timpson, and has participated in ecumenical services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Iron Wheel Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church through the Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance.
Steve and his wife, Sally, who will soon retire from her role as church secretary and newsletter editor, plan to remain in Nacogdoches.
“It’s been a wonderful 16 years in Nacogdoches,” Steve told The Daily Sentinel of Nacogdoches. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it."
Westminster Presbyterian Church is a designated Texas Historic Landmark that traces its roots to the first Protestant minister to be ordained on Texas soil. The invitation to worship at Westminster Church is always open to persons who wish to join us in witness and service to Jesus Christ. If you are interested in church membership or desire more information about this congregation, please call the church office at 936-564-0203.