Rev. Deborah Somerville is the product of a Wabash Free Methodist parsonage and cherishes every opportunity to return to “home base,” otherwise known as Wabash Park Campground. She has been privileged to serve churches across four FM conferences, all but one being college churches to Roberts Wesleyan College (NY), Greenville University (IL), and Central Christian College (KS). Mentoring young college women and men as they explore their callings to various types of ministries has been a personal highlight throughout her journey.

Her most recent appointment, from which she retired in 2020, was as senior pastor of the Greenville Free Methodist Church. Her desire to serve both the local church and the greater Bond County resulted in the establishment of Celebrate Recovery as well as an initiative to help eliminate poverty, both of which are thriving to this day. But she recognizes that none of that would have been possible but for the Holy Spirit raising up leaders to step into those places of great need.

Retirement has afforded Deb opportunities to fill pulpits in her hometown, the Gateway Conference, and beyond. She has been a speaker at several women’s retreats, Greenville University chapels, and care facilities. She serves on the Bond County Senior Center Board and volunteers at the local food pantry as well as the church’s visitation team. Deb celebrates 52 years of marriage on the first day of this year’s Family Camp! Her husband Karl has served in the administrations of four of our Free Methodist-affiliated colleges and universities, and is now enjoying their retirement together on the family “farmette.” They enjoy sports, reading (especially on the beach), and traveling as time and health allow. They are the grateful parents of son Ryan (Amber) and daughter Courtney (Paul), and grandparents to Aiden, now a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.

Office Manager: Brianna Coleman
Office Assistants: Jody Abbott, Jody Belton, Deana Hayes-Black, Mark Hurt


WPC&RC STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS:
Deana Hayes-Black, Executive Director
Jeremy Allen, Facilities Director
Brianna Reagan, Assistant Executive Director
Jessica Gbur, Communications Director
Pastor Jen Finley, Superintendent, Wabash Conference
Pastor Mark Hurt, Wabash Conference Business Manager
Pastor Adam Conder, WPC&RC Board Chair
Board Members: Rod Matthews, William Lavender, Shelia Richerson, Annita Henson, Jay Vincent, Deron Colgan, Dennis Wilson, John Lefler, Mary Schott

Special Thanks:

• Wabash Women's Ministries for hosting the FM World Missionaries and for their special Family Camp traditions, such as the silent auction and smoothie bar!
• Wabash Historical Society for your cherished presence on the grounds, and for your diligent upkeep and preservation of our conference history.
• Deb Sommerville and family for serving as Camp Speaker this year!
• Volunteers who helped prepare the grounds for the 2025 Camp Season! Specifically, John and Bev Lancaster, and so many others!
• Donors, Heritage Partners, Lot Owners, and all who invest in the Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center Grounds.