Plano Mayor John Muns presented a proclamation to declare November 7 “Robert Hasley Day” in the City of Plano 

On Sunday, November 7, hundreds gathered at the northwest corner of the St. Andrew United Methodist Church parking lot to honor beloved Founding Pastor Rev. Robert Hasley at a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Hasley Chapel. Five years ago, when the church developed its 30-year master plan, there was discussion of the addition of a chapel, which was designed by Hasley to overlook the pond and natural beauty of the woods. The chapel, while not included in this master plan, was something the church hoped to build a few years later.

This past summer, after 35 years of leading St. Andrew, Rev. Hasley passed the baton to now Senior Pastor Rev. Arthur Jones, and Hasley’s title changed to founding pastor. Almost immediately, Rev. Jones received multiple inquiries from the congregation wanting a special way to honor Hasley for his legacy and ministry. Within just a few weeks, Rev. Hasley was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The chapel, named in his honor, was determined to be the perfect way to honor his legacy at St. Andrew. The building committee met, leadership was organized, and to date over $9.1 million of the needed $10 million has been raised. Construction will begin in April 2022 with a targeted completion in 12 months. Drawings of the chapel may be seen here.

As a surprise for Rev. Hasley, Plano Mayor John Muns read a proclamation declaring November 7 “Robert Hasley Day” in Plano.

Rev. Hasley was born on January 2, 1952, in Hope, Arkansas, to Carlton and Jean Hasley. Upon graduating from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, he earned a master’s in theology followed by a doctorate in ministry from Perkins Theological Seminary.  On June 26, 1999, Rev. Hasley married Sharon, and between them they have five adult children and four grandchildren. He served as associate pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas prior to helping to found St. Andrew United Methodist Church of Plano in 1986 and is currently serving as founding pastor as he rounds out his 35th year with St. Andrew. Under his leadership, St. Andrew generously provided funding and volunteers to build over 20 Habitat for Humanity homes in the Douglass Community, secured housing for over 300 Hurricane Katrina victims, founded the Seven Loaves Food Pantry that provides critical resources to underserved families in our community, and members of all ages have been inspired to volunteer year-round with local non-profits, disaster relief groups, and a variety of mission endeavors locally and beyond. He has served on various boards such as the Methodist Hospital System, Perkins School of Theology at SMU, various committees with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, and with Plano Independent School District related to strategic vision planning and diversity.

As Mayor Muns concluded the proclamation, declaring November 7, 2021, as Robert Hasley Day in Plano, Texas, he encouraged all citizens to join him and the Plano City Council in honoring Rev. Hasley for “faithfully fulfilling his divine call to servant leadership where he has made a positive impact in countless lives.”

In addition to Plano Mayor John Muns, attendees included Bishop Mike McKee, of the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church; Senior Pastor Arthur Jones; Chapel Fundraising Campaign Co-Chairs Debbie and Dave Rader and Laura and Tom Morris; Sally Hamilton, whose husband was the first building committee chairman of St. Andrew; Kathy King, 2022 Chair of the Executive Committee of St. Andrew and who attended the first service 35 years ago at Shepton High School as a teacher and coach; members of St. Andrew; and many of Rev. Hasley’s friends and family members.

“This was a triumphant day in the life of St. Andrew United Methodist Church,” said Sr. Pastor Rev. Arthur Jones. “Out of all the joys that came from Sunday, my favorite recollection is of Robert laughing with his family and many friends. I can still hear Robert’s contagious laugh and see his smile as he visited with so many who have been a part of St. Andrew over the last 35 years. This is a reminder that the life that we live together is intended to live on – from generation to generation until all the generations are gathered at the foot of the throne with laughter and joy.”

The Hasley Chapel will honor the legacy and ministry of Rev. Robert Hasley and will serve as the home for multiple worship services, weddings, memorial services, conference center, and additional ministry opportunities.

St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.