With appreciation for 32 years of devoted service to our congregation, Christiansburg Wesleyan Church announces the retirement of our pastor Reverend Dr. David L. Hurd.
He preached his final sermon to the church during the morning worship service on Sunday, Feb. 25.
Pastor David and his wife Debbie have touched the lives of many during a lifetime in ministry.
Pastoring for over 39 years with selfless dedication and a servant’s heart, they have ministered to others in life’s memorable moments. They have celebrated in joyful times when decisions were made to follow Jesus Christ, at baptisms, and officiating at weddings. Together they have been present during times of trial, illness, the loss of loved ones, and presiding at funerals. They have shared God’s love while providing needed counsel, prayer, and pastoral care.
In 1986, they came to Christiansburg Wesleyan Church, then located on Harless Street. Through his leadership, Pastor Hurd guided the congregation in a shared vision for the future, leading to the purchase of land at 525 Harkrader Street. A new church facility was built and dedicated to the glory of God on Sept. 28, 1997.
Pastor Hurd also served in the local community. He participated in the Christiansburg Ministerial Association holding various offices, and volunteered as Chaplain at the local hospitals. He received a lifetime membership award from the Virginia Parents and Teachers Association for his service as President of the PTA at both the primary and elementary schools in Christiansburg. He has worked for the New River Valley Juvenile Detention Home as a Child Care Level 1, and also for the Intellectual Disabilities Agency of the NRV under the direction of Sheila Roop. He was also employed as a bus driver for Radford City Schools for a number of years leading up to his retirement.
Ordained as a minister in The Wesleyan Church in 1989, Pastor Hurd accepted God’s call into full-time ministry while attending West Virginia Bible School in Point Pleasant, WV. He earned his Master’s Degree in Theology from Emmanuel Bible College, and his Doctorate in Theology, from Emmanuel Theological Seminary, both located in Nashville, TN. His first pastoral position was as a youth minister at O’Toole Wesleyan Church in Anawalt, WV, where he later became pastor of the church. He served at Abbs Valley Wesleyan Church and Clearview Wesleyan Church before coming to Christiansburg.
Hurd has been active in the work of the Shenandoah District of The Wesleyan Church. He and Debbie have gone to and worked during the weeks of Wesleyan Kids Camp for 28 years, and Wesleyan Youth Camp for 21 years. Serving as president of the Shenandoah Family Camp for the past 16 years, he has organized and coordinated all of the administrative tasks for this week of spiritual renewal and fellowship.
Pastor David and Debbie met while on a short-term missions trip to the West Indies. They are the parents of Jason Hurd of Seneca, SC, and Christina Hurd of Christiansburg, VA. They are the proud grandparents of Miranda Lynn and Madison.
Through their faithful leadership, steadfast stewardship, and commitment to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our church has been truly blessed.
The church will honor Pastor David and Debbie Hurd at a reception from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the St. Paul United Methodist Church Activities Building, (340 College St., Christiansburg).
All are welcome to stop by to wish them well.
