News About the Denomination The following news items apply to (or affect) the Free Will Baptist denomination scattered across the nation and around the world.To read more about Free Will Baptists and the various departments that make up the national organization, visit www.nafwb.org. Read a brief history of Free Will Baptists in the United States.

Former Moderator Carl Cheshier With the Lord

Ft. Smith, AR—Former moderator of the National Association of Free Will Baptists Carl Cheshier (pictured below) went to his eternal reward Monday, February 13, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Born July 2, 1938, in Lindsay, Oklahoma, Cheshier graduated in 1955 from Capital Hill High School in Oklahoma City. He married Barbara Louis Brimm, and the couple had two children, Philip
and Rebecca.

After being ordained in 1957, Carl lived a life of ministry spanning six decades, four states (Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, and Texas), six churches, and the presidency of a college. His most extensive pastoral ministry took place at Cavanaugh FWB Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he stayed 28 years before accepting the presidency of Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (now Randall University) in Moore, Oklahoma, where he served nine years.

Following his time at Hillsdale, Cheshier started Community Free Will Baptist Church in Pocola, Oklahoma. Though Carl retired from full-time ministry in 2012, before long he returned to ministry at Cornerstone FWB Church in Roland, Oklahoma, where he pastored until his death.

In addition to pastoral ministry, Cheshier involved himself in denominational work at every level: Arkansas State Missions Board, Arkansas state moderator, and the national Sunday School Board. He also served nine years as assistant moderator of the National Association (1988-1997) and moderator six years (1997-2003).

Current moderator Tim York, who served as Cheshier’s assistant moderator, recalls his leadership: “When I think of Brother Carl, I think of a genuine leader, friend, and shepherd of people. Serving as his assistant moderator was an educational and inspirational experience because of his ability to smile in the midst of controversy or chaos.”

A celebration of Cheshier's life was held Friday, February 17, at Cornerstone FWB Church.

Dr. Gerald Gann Celebrates 40 Years

Eggville, MS—After graduating from Welch College in 1980, Dr. Gerald Gann and his wife Brenda (pictured below) moved to Mississippi to attend Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson. While in Jackson, he and his family attended Pearl FWB Church where he was mentored by J. L. Gore. After graduation in 1982, with Gore’s recommendation, Gann accepted the pastorate of Eggville FWB Church.

During his 40-year ministry at Eggville, Dr. Gann and the congregation have built a new auditorium and fellowship hall, added two sections of Sunday School rooms and a gym, and purchased another parsonage. The Ganns’ children Paul and Leanna have grown, married, had children of their own and now attend the Eggville Church.

Dr. Gann reflects, “I am blessed to pastor a wonderful group of people who love the Lord and seek to please Him. I feel blessed to be part of this congregation of people. I give praise to God for the strength He has provided through these years. So many wonderful people have touched my life at Eggville. Brenda and I give thanks for every one of them.”

The congregation at the Eggville Church appreciates Dr. Gann’s leadership and faithful preaching God’s Word without reservation. We salute the Ganns for their years
of ministry.

—Submitted by the Eggville FWB Congregation

Southeaster College Announces Upcoming Events

Wendell, NC—Southeastern Free Will Baptist College announces two upcoming summer events. First, the Youth Aflame conference for students grades 7-12 will be held June 19-22 at the Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Director Steve Berry notes: “Youth Aflame is more than just a youth conference. It is a time when students will choose to dedicate their lives to God, desire to seek His presence, and ultimately have a soul on fire for Jesus Christ.”

Learn more: youthaflame.com.

Second, during this year’s National Convention in Raleigh (July 16-19), the college will host a banquet for alumni and partners to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the school. Learn more about the event: sfwbc.edu.