Middletown Church of the Nazarene

Introducing

Happy Retirement & Farewell to Rev. David Whitteberry

We honor Pastor David Whitteberry as his faithful service as associate pastor of senior adults and pastoral care at Middletown Church of the Nazarene comes to a close. He has served in this role since 1994, but also served as senior pastor of the Middletown church from 1967-1971 when the congregation worshipped at its original building located at 7th and Columbia. While he will be sorely missed, we celebrate with Dave as he moves to be near family in Jenison, Michigan.

The vow David Whitteberry made, at the age of 6, has been a lifelong vow. His repentant heart was devoted to Jesus Christ. By the time David was 11 he knew God was calling him to preach and at age 12 he preached his first sermon.

Although David preached with every opportunity, by the age of 17 he realized a need for more of God’s power and a deeper cleansing. Out of his desperation and desire to obey, David made his way into the woods, seeking a quiet place of prayer. He knelt on the ground beside a pile of wood, and there completely dedicated his life to the Lord. He would prepare to preach the gospel.

While attending Olivet Nazarene College, David preached at Manteno State Hospital. After college graduation they moved to Kansas City where he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity. The Northeastern Indiana District granted Rev. Whitteberry his first district license on August 19, 1955, and he was ordained on July 11, 1963.

Out of all the other girls around, it was Betty Ruth Niccum that caught David’s eye. Even though Betty’s family did not attend church, she faithfully walked across town to attend every service at the Lafayette Church of the Nazarene. David was so impressed he asked for her hand in marriage and on July 20, 1958, Betty Ruth became Mrs. David Whitteberry. They have two married sons, Stephen and Bruce and 5 grandchildren.

After graduating from seminary, the Whitteberrys returned to the Northeastern Indiana District. Over a span of 30 years, David pastored churches of the Nazarene in Dunkirk, Huntington Northside, Middletown, Geneva, North Manchester, Van Buren, and Angola. Since 1994 Pastor Dave has served as an associate pastor of senior adults and pastoral care at Middletown Church of the Nazarene.

In Middletown, David has served for many years as the secretarytreasurer of the Shenandoah Ministerial Association. For most of this time he has also provided leadership for the assistance fund sponsored through the local churches. In addition, he served many years on the Habitat for Humanity board of directors and has been active in organizing regular blood drives through the church.

David’s bright mind and wise heart have made him an invaluable voice on various district boards and committees of the Northeastern Indiana District: The District Advisory Board (1987-1989), Ministerial Credentials Board (1990-1994), Ministerial Studies Board (1979-1987), District Finance Committee (1986-1988), Evangelism & Home Mission Board (1974, 1976-1997), and the Auditing Committee (1972-1978). A gifted teacher, Dave has made a tremendous contribution to the NEI District School of Ministry training our future church leaders. Furthermore, he served for seven years on the NYPS Council as Bible Quiz Director, and worked in over 30 camps for children and youth. He has gone on six work and witness trips to Mexico. To this day, Pastor Dave has been a special part of the MCON pastoral staff providing leadership to our “Young at Heart” senior adult ministry and always has been the first to lend a helping hand at any church event.

We are incredibly thankful for the lifetime of service that Pastor Dave has given to God and Middletown Church of the Nazarene.

The traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall will be coming to Middletown September 27-30 at Dietrich Park. MCON is offering our parking lot and church buses to assist in this amazing opportunity. Volunteers are needed to help with driving our shuttle buses for guests to the Wall. Thank you to those that have already expressed interest in volunteering to drive . If you are interested in joining in this service opportunity, please indicate that on your connect card.