After nine years of service to First United Methodist Church of Washington, and the community-at-large, Pastor Danny Allen has retired from ministry.

Allen recently retired from his position as pastor for FUMC, but the legacy he left is evident and continues to flourish in both the church and community, according to members of the congregation. His last day preaching was May 29.

Allen served well as the spiritual leader of the church, helping the church start a variety of ministries, as well as an addition to the church building, according to church counsel chairperson and longtime member Patty Peebles.

His primary mission in leading the church, however, was equipping the congregation to become for Jesus, according to Peebles.

“From his first sermon to his last, he has preached about us becoming disciples for Jesus, and going out into the world and telling others about Jesus,” Peebles said. “I believe that was his primary mission and legacy. That’s what I, personally, got out of listening to his sermons — teaching us about the Bible and how to reach out to others and minister to them.”

Throughout his time at FUMC, Allen helped plan construction for Wesley Hall, a component of the church building that now houses various conferences and a third Sunday service, dubbed Centerpoint, a blend of contemporary and traditional services, Peebles said.

A mission to reach out to the homeless and those in need was realized with the inception of the church’s Matthew 25 ministry, another ministry started during Allen’s time as pastor.

Peebles said Allen was also very close with youth members of the church, ministering to them and keeping a close relationship over his nine-year service to the church.

“He will be missed,” Peebles said. “He’s a very compassionate and patient person. He’s been there for people through deaths, sicknesses and births. If I had to picture him and say who Danny is, as a preacher, I’d pictured him with all the kids around him. He was always very close with the kids. He’s a good Christian figure for the children in our church.”

Kemp Huss, a member since 1985, said Allen was devoted to God and God’s service. It was a shock to the congregation when Allen announced his retirement, but with the new pastor, Rev. Ken Hall, the transition has been smooth, according to Huss.

“His vision over the past nine years has been remarkable,” Huss said. “He was able to see things others could not. We are where we are in our building campaign because of him. He’s big on missions and discipleship, which is the backbone of the church. There is no question that he will be missed.”

Allen, who has been with the United Methodist Conference since 1971, said his retirement will not mean him leaving Washington. He plans to remain in Washington and attend the church, as well as visit other churches in which he has served, Allen said.

Allen said one of the most important aspects of his service is his relationship with other pastors in the area, one of whom was the late Rev. Jimmy Moore with First Baptist Church. Several times, FUMC had a reciprocal arrangement with other churches, in which the churches would trade pastors for a Sunday, according to Peebles.

The church also partnered with churches in the community to host the annual Sunrise Service during the Easter season, in which Allen played a role in coordinating, Peebles said.

“The church is and has been our family during our time here in a lot of ways,” Allen said. “After a period of time, there’s a bond there; you develop a bond with the people. The church has always been a good place to be a pastor and a member. I have enjoyed being the pastor, and I look forward to being a member of the church. Washington is a great place to be and the people of Beaufort County are fantastic people. First United Methodist has been a wonderful family to be a part of and I look forward to continuing, just in a new way. It just comes a time in everyone’s life that it’s time to lay down what you’ve been doing.”

Allen was honored with a farewell party June 26 where members came together for a barbecue dinner, according to Peebles.