Dave and Renee McGullion moved to Kansas several weeks ago from Beach, N.D. They said after the subzero temperatures of a North Dakota winter, they found the 30 and 40 degree weather in Iola quite balmy.
He is the new pastor at First Christian Church, and she will serve as choir director.
The couple met in Rapid City, S.D.
He was training horses and she was the secretary at the church they both attended. They have been married for eight years.
Originally from western Kentucky, McGullion, 52, said he was raised in the Christian Church and as a youngster felt he was being drawn to be a minister.
Not sure of the strength of his feelings, he took a position in transportation management for Walmart, where he worked for 17 years.
However, the calling into ministry stayed strong. After talking with his pastor, he pursued a theological degree through independent studies online. He is working on his master of arts in theological studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
In 2005 he filled a pulpit as interim pastor in Kentucky. While seeking a full-time ministry, he served at churches in Wyoming, Colorado and N.D. before accepting the position in Iola.
IOLA IS a perfect fit, location wise, for the couple. His parents still live in Kentucky and the couple have a son, a youth pastor in Colorado.
“We figured Iola put us about halfway between family members, especially when we feel the urge to see our grandchildren,” he said.
Renee, 47, also has family in Wichita, Columbus and Joplin, Mo.
“The people in Iola have been so warm and friendly. Everyone has made us feel right at home,” she said.
With a degree in music, she said she was quite impressed with the Bowlus Fine Arts Center and the programs offered there throughout the year.
“I am excited to see the Biblesta this fall in Humboldt. So many people have told me about the parade that glorifies our Lord,” she said.
THE PARISHIONERS of First Christian Church hope to move into their new church building, being built north of Iola, the first part of May.
“I am so humbled to be the first pastor of the new church. It’s hard to put words to my feelings about filling the pulpit at the new church for the first time,” he said.
