Wellington congregation wishes Pastor Gene ‘Happy Trails’

By Bev Odom on Wednesday, May 20, 2026
  • Serving Wellington First Methodist Church for 18 years, Pastor Gene Weinette plans to hang up his preacher hat mid-June. In appreciation for his service, not only to the Methodist congregation, but to the entire community, a retirement reception will be held in his honor from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 911 Bowie St. All are invited to attend, and cards are encouraged. From left: sons Tristan and Caleb, wife Brandi and Gene Weinette. COURTESY PHOTO
    Serving Wellington First Methodist Church for 18 years, Pastor Gene Weinette plans to hang up his preacher hat mid-June. In appreciation for his service, not only to the Methodist congregation, but to the entire community, a retirement reception will be held in his honor from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 911 Bowie St. All are invited to attend, and cards are encouraged. From left: sons Tristan and Caleb, wife Brandi and Gene Weinette. COURTESY PHOTO
    WELLINGTON – “Some of the best pastoring advice I ever received is ‘preach and pray, love and stay,” commented fellow pastor Noah Downing, of Calvary Baptist Church, concerning the retirement of First Methodist Church Pastor Gene Weinette. “While we may disagree on the proper length of a sermon, Gene has modeled ministry longevity for me, and it’s been a joy to watch him finish stro...

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