CCS Wishes a Happy Retirement to Pastor Dan Whitney

Pastor Dan Whitney has served as the Head Pastor of The Manchester Church of the Nazarene since May 2011. As the leader of the church, he also served as a leader of one of its biggest ministries — The Cornerstone Christian School.

Pastor Dan’s leadership has blessed Cornerstone in palpable ways. They range from bravely leading us through the COVID shutdown, to endless building inspections, policy manual rewrites, finance committee meetings, and, of course, the hundreds of hot dogs and pounds of pulled pork he has cooked for our school functions!

When asked about his favorite school tradition, Pastor Dan answered, “I have always loved Grandparents’ Day.” In fact, Pastor Dan and his wife Nancy have been known to step in as honorary grandparents when a student’s grandparent or special guest was unavailable to attend.

During his last week before officially retiring, the CCS faculty honored Pastor Dan with a small celebration. The room was decorated with board games, representing one of his favorite pastimes, and delicious treats provided by our teachers. The Whitneys were showered with love, prayers, cards, and gifts to thank them for their selfless service to the school.

We will miss Pastor Dan and Nancy dearly, but we pray for God’s blessings over their next steps.

Students in Grades 9-12 worked together to write an Ode to Pastor Dan. Each class wrote a stanza together.

Ode to Pastor Dan

Written by The Entirety of the Cornerstone Christian School High School Students

you’re always helpful and kind

especially when we’re in a bind

you’re always fair and considerate

and help us when we’re in the thick of it

you’re always encouraging, you lift us up

and you always make us feel like we’re enough 11th Grade

your teachings have been an inspiration

your guidance and leadership a motivation