Pastor Fullerton set to retire
Jenn Brookens — Staff WriterArticle Photos
FAIRMONT - He has been a presence at Fairmont Covenant Church for 16 years, but on July 5 Pastor Dan Fullerton will be stepping down from the pulpit.
Fullerton will still be involved in many community organizations, along with being a pilot at the Fairmont airport and teaching religion classes at Presentation College.
"The city community here has been very accepting," Fullerton said. "It's been a tremendous community for our children to grow up, and there have been lots of opportunities accessible here."
Fullerton and his family first came to Fairmont after he served as pastor in churches in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and Orlando, Fla.
"We were in Orlando and one reason we wanted to come to Fairmont was because we wanted seasons again," Fullerton said.
His wife, Dawn, also had family in Minnesota.
"We also liked the church, and they wanted us to come here," Fullerton said. "This has always been a very exciting and challenging church to be a part of. We've had great opportunities to ministry and do projects together with other organizations."
One instance that stands out is the addition to the church.
"We started fundraising for it around 2000, construction started in '05, and we were moved in for '06," Fullerton said.
Along with the church, the Fullerton family found opportunities throughout the community.
"Our daughter was with the Rotary and went to France," Fullerton recalled. "She was an exchange student and we also hosted exchange students. Our youngest was active in speech and drama because of the opportunities at school. They were also active in the community theatre."
While Fullerton and his wife plan to stay in Fairmont, they will be stepping away from Covenant Church until the new pastor is settled.
"I need to step out entirely for a few years, and let whoever takes over do so without me sniffing over his shoulder," Fullerton said.
Fullerton has not decided which congregation he will become a part of once he retires, but feels fortunate that he has friends from several other congregations in town.
"Somehow our family has been embraced and has allowed us to exercise leadership in many areas," Fullerton said. "I have nothing but appreciation for both the church and the city communities."
An open house retirement party will be held for Fullerton on Sunday, July 5, at the Covenant Church following his final worship service.
