DUNCAN — The Rev. John Douthitt and his wife, Evelyn, will be honored at activities from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in celebration of their 35 years of service to the church.

A brief Sunday school session will begin the day, then music and guest speakers will fill the remainder of the morning. The Rev. W.W. Harkins of Praise Assembly of God will preach.

Lunch will be served at noon.

Douthitt accepted the pastorate of Glad Tidings on July 7, 1974.

“We’ve spent most of our lives in this area,” Evelyn Douthitt said. “We met when we attended Empire High School and Banner Assembly of God together. We were married in 1948 in Corum.”

The grandson of a Methodist preacher, Douthitt was born in 1928 in McAlester. He was called to preach early, but as many young men do, he did not answer God’s call at first.

“He surrendered to the call in 1953. God kept calling, and he finally decided he’d better do it,” his wife said.

She, too, is the granddaughter of a minister.

Douthitt was licensed by the Assemblies of God in 1963. The family came to Duncan from Asphaltum Assembly of God, where he served as pastor twice — once for a year and later for a two-year stint.

When the Douthitts came to Duncan, the congregation n umbered only seven. Today, about 25 to 30 people attend the church at 1614 E. Beech.

“We had 135 to 140 people at one time, but people have moved away or passed away and the congregation dwindled. We’re growing again now, though,” Evelyn Douthitt said. “We’re getting more new people coming in and we’re glad to see it.”

Several members of the congregation commented on the Douthitts and their service.

“What Glad Tidings means to me, I can come worship the Lord here and praise God out loud. And, if I have a situation, I know who I can go to for prayer and a loving friendship to help me through what I am going through. Sister Douthitt is not only a pastor’s wife but a good friend, as well. May God continue to bless them in days to come,” said Sue Watts.

Another member, who prefers to be known only as Tommy, said, “The Word of God taught by the pastor and affiliates at Glad Tidings Assembly of God has opened locks of confusion, misunderstanding and misinterpretation as to why things had happened the way they did in the past.”

Another contribution says, “The members are proud to have him and his wife as friends and as our pastor. They have served our community, our church and people they don’t even know with love, compassion and always going out of their way to help anyone in need.

“Their unselfish and loving acts of kindness have been and will be appreciated by everyone around them. We hope and pray they will be with us another 35 years.”

Pat Rochell said, “This church has meant more to me than any other. My mother and dad were an inspiration in getting me back in church. I have been in and out many times, but I am back to stay by God’s will.”

The Douthitts have three children: LaNeal Turner of Chickasha; Claud Thomas “Tom” Douthitt of Cleburne, Texas; and Johnetta L. Smith of Massachusetts. They also have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, including a brand-new baby girl named Bella Rose, whom they traveled to Texas to meet this week.

Several members of their family will take part in Sunday’s service, including some who will sing.

Evelyn Douthitt taught Sunday school for many years, including conducting classes at other churches she visited. She also taught Children’s Church for many years.

Asked if Douthitt ever thought he’d be pastor of Glad Tidings this long, his wife replied, “No, he thought he’d stay until he was about 65, but the Lord didn’t say it was OK for him to leave. He still hasn’t said it, and John is 81 now.”

Even though it will be a busy morning at the church, the evening service will take place at 6:30 p.m., as usual, she said.