Geer graced in stained glass

Ash Grove First Christian Church honors Reverend Tom Geer’s memory
On Feb. 27, 2020, Rev. Tom Geer, who pastored the First Christian Church of Ash Grove for 23 years, died of pancreatic cancer. On Sunday, July 28, the church honored Geer’s memory with a stained-glass window, which was installed in the third story of their church building.
The window is circular in shape, and has a red chalice, the logo of the First Christian Church, along with a loaf of bread and a bunch of grapes.
“It is a stained-glass window created by local artisan Amy Hatz in honor of Tom’s ministry,” said Jane Hout. “(The church) commissioned the window in honor of their beloved deceased pastor in 2023.”
Hout added that the frame of the window was built by Nick Wand, a relative of Hatz.
The church, Hout said, wanted to honor Geer’s memory because of the work he did.
“Tom was more than a pastor,” she said. “He was a friend to people in the church and the Ash Grove community. He visited people in their homes regularly and he visited church members in local nursing homes, as well. Tom was (also) a former college professor in Greek and New Testament at Abilene Christian University in Abilene Texas; he won several awards and published a book there.”
Hout said that Geer was also affiliated with the Ash Grove Missionary Alliance.
“They are a group of local pastors that give money, furniture, groceries etc., to people in need,” she said.
Additionally, Hout said, the unveiling of the window coincided with another important occasion for the First Christian Church of Ash Grove; the church celebrated their 143rd birthday on Wednesday, July 24.