New United Methodist Church in Atascadero. Rev. Dexter’s appointment becomes becomes official

The Pacific and Southwest Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has announced the appointment of the Rev. Rollin W. Dexter to become the organizing pastor of a new United Methodist Church in Atascadero. Rev. Dexter’s appointment becomes official on July 1st. Dexter brings with him 32 years of experience in a wide range of appointments including five years as a missionary in Latin America. He comes to Atascadero from San Fernando where he was the senior pastor. Prior to that he served on the Central Coast as pastor of the St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Santa Maria.

“Dex,” as he is popularly called, is a second generation Californian and son of the late Earle F. Dexter, himself a Methodist minister. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of the Pacific and his graduate work at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and at The School of Theology at Claremont, California, where he earned his Master’s. degree.

Mrs. Dexter is a school teacher hasting completed her university training after the youngest of her children had begun school. Their five children are now all grown and living in their own homes. ,

The Dexter’s have seen pastorates in California, Illinois, Texas, and New Mexico as well as a term as missionaries in Costa Rica and Panama. He has been an active Kiwanian in San Fernando and is interested in the activities of the community as well as those of the “I am anxious to church. become acquainted With Atascadero and its people as quickly as possible,” states the new pastor. “We intend to be around for a long time and want the United Methodist Church of Atascadero to minister to the needs of the community and accept a responsibility for those aspects of good community organization as well.” He further expressed hope that he will find an openness and cooperative spirit with the other churches of the community.

The Dexter’s will be living in Oceano with Mrs. Dexter’s mother as well as Atascadero as they work to organize the congregation. new “Methodism began in a small said Mr. group setting,” Dexter, “and we’ll begin such a venture in our first month.” He will be preaching in United Methodist Churches in San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria during that time and anticipates beginning preaching services Atascadero in August.’ Further information may be obtained by writing to Mr. Dexter at 1402 The, Pike, Oceano 93445, telephone (805) 489 0709, or by contacting the United, Methodist Church. of San Luis Obispo or Paso Roble: Dexter said that the planned church does not have a meeting place.