Centuries-old churches welcome teacher as shared pastorDate: 2/23/2022 WESTFIELD — The First Congregational Churches in Westfield and Southwick welcomed a new shared pastor last month to lead both congregations in Sunday services.
The Rev. Paul Nesbit joined the historical churches in neighboring communities on Jan. 30, and said one of his goals was to reach out to different community groups to work with. Nesbit has a background in education, and for much of his life was teaching just about every major school subject, including religious studies, to just about every grade.
He lives in Springfield, and is making his return to Westfield, having graduated from Westfield State College in 1984. While there, he majored in psychology, and later obtained a master’s degree in pastoral studies from the former Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C. Nesbit was also the associate pastor in charge of faith ministries and faith formation at Wilbraham United Church. He said he was excited to be able to return to Greater Westfield.
“I was very excited at the prospect of being able to serve the congregations, because I had history in Westfield and I knew about Southwick and I knew who the people were,” said Nesbit.
Nesbit said that he wants everybody to feel welcome at First Congregational Church. He quoted the church’s motto, which he said reinforces that point.
“No matter who you are, or where you are in life’s journey, you are welcome,” said Nesbit.
As part of his sermon on Feb. 20 in Southwick, he preached a message of loving one’s neighbors, regardless of their creed, religion or status.
Both churches have deep roots in the histories of both communities. Westfield’s church was founded in part by the Rev. Edward Taylor in 1679, and was a keystone of the city’s early history. In Southwick, the church is on the cusp of two simultaneous milestones, and Nesbit said he is excited to be part of them.
The congregation in Southwick was first formed in 1773, the 250th anniversary of which takes place next year. The current building for the church itself, right next to the Town Green, was constructed in 1823, 50 years after the congregation originally formed, and 200 years ago next year.
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