Rev. Ernest Turney
Sr. Pastor 
2000-2006
"Ernie" Turney came to Ashford in June of 2000 from Caldwell United Methodist Church, where he served as Sr. Pastor for 5-years. He holds a B.S. degree in Psychology, and a  Master's degree in Theology.  In addition, Rev. Turney completed four quarters in Clinical Pastoral Education at Rusk State Hospital.  

Rev. Gary Leinhart
Assoc. Pastor
2002-2006
Rev. Leinhart came to us after serving as Assoc. Pastor at First United Methodist in Pasadena.  With over 25 years in Christian Education experience,  Gary earned a B.S, degree in Marine Transportation from Texas A&M. He served several years in the Merchant Marines before entering Seminary at SMU/Perkins School of Theology. He received his Masters of Theology in 1976.

Rev. Patty Wehn-Glowski 
Assoc. Pastor
1997 - 2002
MEMORIES 
Rev. Glowski was a long time member of AUMC before answering God's call to ministry.  Patty served many roles in the church before deciding to enter the ministry.  She began serving as Assoc. Pastor during seminary, and received her ordination as a Deacon at Annual Conference in Galveston on June 6, 2000.  Rev. Glowski earned a B.A. in Social Work and Psychology at Michigan State University.  Her Masters of  Divinity was awarded by Southern Methodist University.  

Dr. Richard L. White
Sr. Pastor
January 1996-2000

Dr. White came to AUMC in January, 1996.  Under his leadership, Ashford began a period of quickly paying off debt with the "Setting The Vision Free" capital campaign.  He was also known for his loving and visionary ministry and the introduction of our church's Mission Statement.  Our church's second parsonage was purchased and paid off during Dr. White's tenure.

Rev. Harold Jones
Assoc. Pastor
1993-1997
MEMORIES
Rev. Jones is another long-time member of Ashford.  He decided to pursue the ministry after retiring from his "secular" job.  He served simultaneously at two small churches in East Texas as sort of a traveling preacher before returning to Ashford to serve as Assoc. pastor.  

Dr. Bruce Wood  
Sr. Pastor
1992-Jan. 1996
MEMORIES
Dr. Wood greatly expanded Ashford's already active reputation as a missions church as he and members took part in missions projects in Houston and Jamaica.  Dr. Wood also was also dedicated to prayer and evangelism, stressing  the goal of "Every Member In Ministry."

Dr. Chappell Temple  
Sr. Pastor
1989-1992
Memories
Dr. Temple's leadership also stressed missionary work, as he urged members of the congregation to travel to Jamaica to help rebuild a hurricane damaged church.  He also oversaw construction of much needed classroom space on the second floor of the Fellowship Hall.  His last project was to re-carpet the sanctuary - the carpet was installed just in time to welcome his successor!

Dr. Jim Foster 
Sr. Pastor
1983-1989
Memories
Dr. Foster felt replacing Ashford's founding pastor would be quite a task. He soon discovered the congregation's love and willingness to help. Dr. Foster stressed bible study, helping organize the Bethel Bible Study series.  He also oversaw the beginning of our church's sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 993 and soon thereafter, two Cub Scout packs.

Rev. James A. House  
Assoc. Pastor
1983-1988
MEMORIES
Rev. House was perhaps best know for his smile and loving attitude.  He started out as part-time but was soon hired on as a full-time Assoc. pastor.  Jim was quick to pitch in when something needed to be done, even consenting to play a role in a church-wide play depicting a radio station in 1945. (Rev. House passed away on December 20, 1995)

Rev. Sarah Owen-Gemoets  
Assoc. Pastor
1979-1983
MEMORIES
Rev. Owen-Gemoets was Ashford's first Assoc. Pastor.  It was unusual at that time for women to serve as pastors, but she quickly grew into her new position.   She was active in our "visitation" ministry and founded a Singles ministry that proved to be very popular.  Her well known nickname was "Sister Sarah," sometimes followed with "The Holy Terror!"

Dr. Jim Killen  
Sr. Pastor
Sept. 1969-1983
MEMORIES
Dr. Killen had the unenviable task of turning the "idea" of a church into reality.  When he arrived, Worship Services were held in a funeral home.  By the time he left, all current buildings on the AUMC property were built.  This was a period of rapid growth, but Rev. Killen made sure we took time to expand programs to meet the spiritual needs of our church and community.

Rev. Don Willis
Organizing Pastor
June-September 1969

Rev. Willis was appointed to organize a church, to be built on 6 acres of land donated in 1961.  He did a lot of organizational work and membership recruiting before turning over leadership of the church to Dr. Killen.  

(No picture of Rev. Willis is available.)