Being in Allen for 30 years, Brother Ed Rutherford has been in service to Allen the longest of any active pastor. Rutherford pastors the Allen Church of God of Prophecy on East Lexington or as many Allen people know, the church by the grade school.

Rutherford was raised in Coweta, Oklahoma in the same neighborhood of his wife Jan. Ed pursued the rodeo circuit for many years and 33 years ago he started preaching. He started in Quinton where he preached for three years before he moved to Allen. After many years he and Jan reconnected and were married 12 years ago. Jan currently teaches second grade at Allen Elementary. They have two sons and daughters-in-law and their pride and joys, three grandchildren.

Their church has many missions for the community, along with global service. A big mission they have started is the Blessing Box. Food and supplies are placed in the box located by their church for anyone with a need to take. “We try to keep plenty of items in there, plus members of the community also are a big help by donating as well. It’s good service project for us and it has proved to be a successful addition for the people in town,” said Rutherford. Along with that they also do the Shoebox ministry where last year they sent over 200 boxes to people in South Africa.

Also, for the last 30 years, Ed travels to the McAlester prison once a month to offer services there.

The Church provides a Bus Ministry. If you are needing a ride to services on Sunday or Wednesday evening call (580)320-0863 and they will make arrangements to pick you or your kids up for church service. Sunday services begin at 10:30 with prayer and worship begins at 11 a.m. Sunday evening Bible Study begins at 6:00 p.m. On Sundays they also offer a nursery and children’s church. During remodeling of the church Wednesday nights are youth only. The youth meet at 7:00 p.m. Matt and Chrishan Cooley are the youth leaders for the church. Jared and Valerie Johnson head up the missionary team.

The second Monday of the month the ladies meet at the church for fellowship while the men use that opportunity to go out to eat.

“I really enjoy living in Allen, I have met many great people inside and outside of the church and we are proud to make Allen our home,” said Rutherford.

They invite anyone to join them for services. If you need a ride, give them a call and they will get you there.