By Andrew Scalf
Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City marked 100 years this weekend.
“It’s amazing to be doing ministry in one community for 100 years,” said Pastor Noah Farmer.
To celebrate, Eastview held a free concert featuring the band Sidewalk Prophets.
“How can we give back to the community? Why not have a big concert that’s free for everybody?” Farmer said.
Sidewalk Prophets had performed in Gas City in 2018 and 2019 for the annual “Concerts in the Park.”
“Our church took them to lunch that day, so we kind of had an in there,” Office manager, Cindy Horn, said.
Through their connection, Eastview secured Sidewalk Prophets.
“The celebration tonight, we wanted to celebrate with our community. So that’s why we wanted to bring in a free concert and make it a full experience with the food trucks and everything,” Horn said.
Attendees brought lawn chairs and could order from various food vendors nearby.
“It’s just not about inreach, but it’s about outreach as well,” Farmer said, “We care about our community and we want God to get all the glory.”
The church started in 1924 with 16 members.
“Reverend Van Matter was in Jonesboro and decided that the city on the other side of the river, Gas City, needed Jesus,” said Horn.
Growing, the church physically moved four times from tent meetings to the current building on 10th Street.
“It’s been great, I love it,” said Toni Dudley,”Everybody is so welcoming.”
Dudley joined Eastview six years ago and has since gotten involved in their programs, becoming a greeter for the concert.
“It’s an awesome church. Anybody that is interested in a church, a non-judgmental church, come as you are,” Dudley said.
Dudley came as a single mother and was greeted with a hug from one of the pastors.
“We are a church of second chances,” Horn said.
Pastors, staff and members of the congregation worked together to organize and run the event.
“It has been a lot of work, but we’re just thrilled for this opportunity to love our community and to celebrate,” Horn said.
Emily Bontrager 
Alexis Podgers