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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEarly Churches and Syangogues Supporting Material Blessed to be a Blessing 4W t' ----------------- �?e g ti �a r'C r. tt A Our Savior's Lutheran Church 1939-1989 f_ " z�y e e - .. / N y, n N i m� a ot 'T� "ark Lutheran Club poses before YMCA,site of first worship services by students and area residents. Center is Pastor Kurt C.Hartmann, in rear are sponsors Dr.and Mrs.F.E. Giesecke. Only student identifiable at this late date is one in second row,extreme right in dark uniform,smiling.He later became Pastor Martin Burow and is now deceased. (Picture contributed by Mrs.Hartmann) Blessed to be a Blessing This history allows us to look back fifty years and say,"This is where we have been"and"This is what we have done." We certainly have reason to give God thanks for the past fifty years. This congregation has truly been"Blessed to be a Blessing." But a fifty-year-old congregation is a young congregation. In Europe I saw cathedrals which have served worshippers for centuries. In New England there are congregations which have existed for several hundred years,and in the Lutheran I read of Lutheran congregations celebrating 125 years or more! Our Jubilee years are ahead of us! This is more a celebration of what we can do in future years to be a blessing than a celebration of the past. The future more than the past will see us accomplish our constitutionally stated purpose. That is to: Worship the living,loving God. Administer His sacraments Proclaim His Saving Gospel. Reach out to all people with His Gospel. Serve human needs in God's Love. Nurture our members. Pray. I ask you to think of tomorrow as we today give thanks to our Lord for His saving grace. John A.Blasienz Congregation President D { J &'"T"�i EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA �NgMER�CP' 8765 West Higgins Road•Chicago,Illinois 60631•312-380-2700 Office of the Bishop September 7, 1989 Members of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Tauber and Cross Streets College Station, TX 77840 Dear Brothers and Sisters: on this happy occasion of your fiftieth anniversary, I join you in heartfelt thanksgiving for the labor and the love which have brought us to this day. I pray that the grace of God will be with each of you at Our Saviour' s Lutheran Church as you begin another year of witness and service in the College Station community. As you celebrate I would lift up for your reflection the beautiful words of the hymnwriter Georg Neumark- "If you but trust in God to guide you, And place your confidence in Him, You' ll find Him always there beside you, To give you hope and strength within. For those who trust God' s changeless love, Build on the rock that will not move. " May all your endeavors ever be built on that rock which is Christ. Cordially in Christ, Herbert W. Chilstrom Bishop HWC/mbf 1 0- let, SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS/SOUTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD ;V 350 Glenborough Drive/Suite 310/Houston,Texas 7 706 7-3 609/713/8 7 3-5 66 5 7> �NgAli— Office of September 14 , 1989 the Bishop Our Saviour ' s Lutheran Church Tauber and Cross Street College Station , TX 77840 Dear Sisters and Brothers , Our Saviour ' s Jubilee Year is a marvelous milestone of ministry ! Services of celebration and gratitude are the order of the year . It is my understanding that during the five years prior to the organization of Our Saviour ' s Church there was a ministry among the students and staff at Texas A&M University . That means fifty-five years of Christian witness of the Lutheran Church in that place . Our Saviour ' s has helped in the learning process for Lutheran pastors through support of 10 interns . Your faith and witness is being carried throughout the church by those serving now as pastors . Our Saviour ' s has also been a strong supporter of the Lutheran Church through service of many of its members on churchwide boards , synodical , district and conference committees. Our new church is strengthened by that service . Fifty years ! How many people--members and students--have heard the WORD and received the Sacraments at Our Saviour ' s during that time? 10,000? 20, 000? Add to their numbers the persons they came to know and unto whom they gave witness to the Gospel ! I am convinced our vision is often small--but be it small or large it is magnified a thousand fold by the Lord of us all ! I salute you on the first fifty and look forward to being with you for the celebration on October 15th. Happy Anniversary ! Peace and Grace , Martin L. Yonts Bishop MLY: rly r It Began in 1939 (or was it 1934?) Although Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of College Station women for the impetus to start an organized congregation.On was officially organized by adoption of a constitution on Dec. Dec. 10,in what was labeled the annual report of the secretary 10,1939,roots of the church go back to a ministry to Lutheran of the American Lutheran Church of College Station,Texas,a students enrolled at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of proposed constitution was read and adopted. Council members Texas during the 1934-35 school year. elected were F.E.Hanson,A.P.Schipper,N.G.Schuessler,C. Rohloff,E. Boemer,and M.Jandt. In a letter dated Dec. 11, Most of the credit for founding of this ministry which later 1939, and postmarked Dec. 12, 1939, Pastor Hartmann wrote evolved into Our Saviour's can be given to the Rev. Kurt C. "Well,it is Monday.Got back from A&M 12:30 a.m.last night... Hartmann. A native of Mason,he was graduated from Texas Finished adopting the constitution there. The name of it is Lutheran College in 1931 and from Wartburg Theological `American Lutheran Church of College Station."' Seminary in May of 1934. In September,at the age of 23,he responded to a Call from the Home Mission Board of Texas to He later wrote that on Jan. 14,1940,"the councilmen of the serve the students of Texas A&M and a congregation, St. new congregation at College Station will be installed as"we John's,at Waller. (have)organized,elected councilmen,adopted a constitution, introduced the weekly envelope system for local expense, An early announcement invited students to join in Lutheran pastor's salary and benevolences." On Feb.13 he wrote"I have services in the"Y Parlors(2nd floor of the Y.M.C.A.building) written the constitution into the record book and twenty have every Sunday evening at 7 o'clock." Then called the A.&M. signed it. So we have twenty voting members at College Lutheran Club, officers were president, A.A. Hansen; vice Station." It should be noted that Mrs.Edmund(Alvina)Landua president,C.M.Thieme;and treasurer,C. Schier. One of the of Bryan is the only living charter member who is still an active students was Herb Schleider,still a member of Our Saviour's, member of Our Saviour's. and another was Al Giesenschlag, who was later to help found Our Saviour's mission church, Peace Lutheran, in College Other early pledged membership brings to mind such names StationAs the campus ministry expanded,the name was changed asBurow, Eisenhouer,Jandt,Manthei,Nagel,Potts,Rust and Zeisemer.Early members of the Women's Missionary Society, " in addition to Mrs.Landua,were Mrs.Rohloff,Mrs.Boehmer, Got back from A&M Mrs.Henry Englebrecht,Mrs.Charles Goessler,Mrs.Marvin 12:30 a.m. last night... Jandt,Mrs. Harvey Oaks,and Miss Alice Rippenhagen(later Finished adopting the Mrs.Leonard Hearne),still a member of Our Saviour's. constitution there. The In 1942,Pastor Hartmann accepted a Call from the Home In Board to move to College Station as resident pastor. name of it is 'American Thecongregation andthe Board togetherpurchasedaparsonage in an area called West Park. The parsonage was sold 17 months Lutheran Church of later in favor of a house at Cross and Main. St.Paul Lutheran College Station.."' Church of Brenham loaned$3,000 interest free to purchase six x As the campus ministry expanded,the name was changed to A&M Lutheran Student Association and Lutheran residents of College Station,Bryan and the surrounding area joined in the { services at the Y.M.C.A. By 1936,Immanuel Lutheran Church v of Wiedeville near Brenham was added to Rev. Hartmann's duties.The pastorresidedinWiedevillebutcommuted regularly � to College Station. J UA The first child to be baptised in this parish was Frank Edwin Hansen,Jr.,the son of Mr.and Mrs.F.E.Hansen,born March 14,1938,baptised May 22,1938.By November,1939,a group of women attending services organized as the Women's Missionary Society and opened their homes to families and sweethearts of Texas Aggies. In later First parsonage which was purchased and remodeled in 1942. years,charter member Mrs.Charles Rohloff gave credit to the Ruth and Carolyn Hartmann are on the porch. i lots at the present site,which was later repaid in full. Later Mr. funds,the present church building was erected.Groundbreaking and Mrs.Rohloff were to give additional lots. ceremonies for the church were conducted in January, 1954, and dedication of the church was in the following September. When World War II began, the congregation had 272 Architects were Ernest Langford and Frank Lawyer on the members. During the war years enrollment at the college faculty of the School of Architecture at A&M. The contract for dropped from 6,544 to 1,152 and a number of members saw $60,172.14 was let to R.B. Butler Construction Company of military duty. Congregational membership dropped to a low of Bryan. Building committee chairman was Elmer Fuchs and 36. When the congregation applied in 1944 for a loan of$2,500 many members of the congregation helped to plant grass and from the American Lutheran Church's mission fund to build a otherwise improve the site. chapel in its parsonage,it was refused because the church felt the congregation had no future. Pastor Swygert was succeeded in 1956 by the late Rev.Ed Svendsen.He was succeeded in 1959 by Rev.Melton Bulgerin. In 1945,Pastor Hartmann accepted a Call to work in the These were the years in which the congregation grew and Hispanic Ministry in Edinburg. The Rev.Fred Mgebroff was established itself as a congregation organically linked with called by the Student Service Commission of the National campus ministry. Its pastors were part-time congregational Lutheran Council(which later became the Division of College pastors and part-time campus ministers.Half of their salary was and University work of the N.L.C.)to do student work at Texas paid by the DCUW,which also had to be consulted whenever A&M and agreed to serve the congregation,whose financial it was necessary to select a new pastor. support had been dropped by the Home Mission Board, if adequately reimbursed. Added growth brought the need for further expansion of facilities, namely two lots on Tauber given by Mr. and Mrs. In December, 1948,the congregation approved transfer of Rohloff for parking and a residence purchased to be used as"an its property to the Texas A&M Lutheran Student Foundation. experiment in Christian communal living," housing A&M Later the Commission on Student Service of the National Lutheran students at modest rental fees. Lutheran Council invested $25,000 of capital funds to build additional structures. Final release of this lien which had been In 1961 Pastor Carlton Ruch was installed.Thecongregation held on the lots was not completed until 1977. committed Our Saviour's to participate in a Tri-Synod campus ministry of the American Lutheran Church,Lutheran Church in The congregation and the students continued to hold services America, and Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod. In 1964 an in the Y.M.C.A. until the dedication of the Student Center in associate pastor,the Rev.Ron Birk,was employed to work with August, 1948. The Rev.Thomas H.Swygert succeeded Rev. both the church and the Campus Ministry. In 1965,the church Mgebroff who had accepted a Call in 1951 to Martin Luther offices and the Vocational Guidance Center were built. Lutheran Church in Giddings. During the early 1950s it was recognized that additional facilities, particularly a house of Many lay members of Our Saviors have taken active roles worship, were needed so that the Lutheran ministry could in national and district bodies and on local church committees. continue to develop. By this time the name of the congregation Notable is that of Dr. Harold B. Sorensen, who served from had been changed to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. 1968 to 1978 on the National Council of the American Lutheran Church, with four years on the Commission on Church and With the Lutheran Student Foundation also contributing Society. r i a Wooden frame buildings served the congregation for many years. astors Fred Mgebroff 1945-1951 1 W.4 1 Fred Mgebroff was called in 1945 to serve the Campus Ministry and Throughout its history,Our Savior's has been blessed with the agreed to serve as pastor of the outstanding pastors who have served the congregation. This congregation. In 1951, Pastor history is continued through the words ofthosepastors,associate, Mgebroff left to serve as pastor of assistantto the pastorandcampus pastors whocould be contacted. Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings,which he served for 36 Kurt C. Hartmann 1939-1945 years until his retirement in 1987. Founder of what was to be Our On Jan.30 of this year,his car was struck by an 18-wheeler Saviour's Lutheran Church of truck in Giddings. He was taken to Brackenridge Hospital in College Station, Pastor Kurt C. Austin suffering from severe injuries. While still recovering Hartmann was graduated from from this accident,Pastor Mgebroff suffered a heart attack Aug. - Texas Lutheran College in 1932 20 and was hospitalized for two weeks.He is now home and is and from Wartburg Theological continuing physical therapy. 1 Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in IIII May of 1934. Pastor Mgebroff has our prayers for a full recovery. s After ordination he accepted a Call from the Home Mission Pastor and Mrs.Mgebroffs address is P.O.Box 67,Giddings, Board at the age of 23 to the Lutheran Campus Ministry at the 78942• Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and St.John's Lutheran Church in Waller. He later also served Immanuel Lutheran Church at Wiederville near Brenham. He pioneered Thomas H. SW ert 1951-1956 the founding of the American Lutheran Church of College yg Station,later renamed Our Saviour's,in December, 1939. No information was received from Pastor Swygert. Pastor Hartman was in the Hispanic Ministry from 1945 to 1949 in Edinburg and San Antonio. He was pastor of Immanuel a a Lutheran Church,Pflugerville,and Dessau from 1949 to 1957. Ed S Vendsen 1957-1959 From 1957 to 1961 he was pastor of Christ of Immanuel Lutheran Church in La Vernia. He also served as interim pastor Pastor Ed Svendsen is deceased. at St.Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville for six months in 1985 and Zion Lutheran Church in Arneckeville for 11 months in 1985-86. He was nominated by two different churches for Melton N. Bulgerin 1959-1961 Texas Rural Minister of the Year, receiving a second place certificate once and honorable mention the second time. I was pastor of the congregation and campus pastor for the He began as editor of the Southern District newspaper in Foundation for nearly two years 1961 which he continued to edit through Dec.31,1982. He also starting in July,1959. Without any served as editor of "Southern Sky," the Lutheran Standard extensive briefing,I was"dumped" supplement,until retirement in 1983. He was tabbed as"Mr. on the sceneabout four weeks before Southern Lutheran"after 22 years as editor. the University began fall sessions. While I was in College Station only In retirement he served St.Paul Lutheran Church of Yorktown a short time before I was called to for five months and held other positions including church the national staff of the newly-formed American Lutheran councilman,senior choir director,worship committee member Church,we did have an active program. and taught an adult Bible class. The Yorktown Chamber of Commerce awarded him the Citizen of the Year honor for Some of the regular and special events during my ministry extensive community service. He was a member of the board were: of regents for Texas Lutheran College for 34 years,which still is a record. Lutheran Student Association: Every Wednesday night was LSA night,usually with a meal prepared by congregational and He married Frances Duderstadt on Aug. 26, 1940. After his student helpers. Weekly programs had an active attendance of death at the age of 75 on Oct.8,1986,she continues to make her about 30-40 each week. We also enjoyed fellowship with other home in Yorktown. Lutheran student groups through state and national meetings. �I Theological study groups: I started a noon "brown bag" When I arrived,Intern George Fry,the intern the past year, sandwich luncheon-discussion group for faculty members. We was here to greet us for a half day. Then Intern Fred Gaiser discussed ideas of contemporary theologicans using various arrived. Fred, who now teaches Old Testament at Luther- study guides. Northwestern Seminary,together with his wife co-authored the current women's Bible studies on the Psalms printed in the School of Religion: An experiment in advanced study for Lutheran Woman Today magazine. faculty, congregational members and students. Cooperative classes for six weeks of one-night-a-week sessions in which After Fred we had an Assistant to the Pastor,Luther Rostvold, campus pastors of several denominations served as teachers followed by an Associate Pastor,Ron Birk;both positions were with Lutheran Foundation staff. Courses such as theology and Lutheran campus ministry oriented Reformation history were offered. During the ten years of my ministry here,several traumatic A course in elementary Greek for pre-ministerial students eventsoccurred.MartinLuther King,PresidentJohn F.Kennedy and faculty: About 20 people were involved a semester. andRobert Kennedy were assassinated.During the assassination of Martin Luther King I was president of the Bryan-College Bible courses: Nine semester hours of credit courses in Bible Station Ministerial Association and along with theother officers survey courses were taught in the University Bible Chair. utilized many community media tokeep calm in thecommunities. It was an interesting time. After leaving College Station, I served as director of stewardship education for 11 years with the American Lutheran After a period of time I received a master's degree in Church and senior pastor for two large congregations before sociology and a doctorate in urban and regional planning.Since retiring in 1984 because of health problems. then I have been involved at Texas A&M University,primarily in disaster response planning and research for the Governor's Currently Pastor Melton Bulgarin lives at 3570 Locust Lane, Division ofEmergency Managementand the Federal Emergency Eau Claire,Wis. Management Agency. Carlton Ruch 1961-1971 Dr.Carlton andRamonaRuch,who served as Council president in 1987,live at 4304 Maywood,Bryan. When I came to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, I was to wear four hats: First,as pastor of Our Robert L. OtterStad 1971-1982 Saviour's; second,as the director of the A&M Lutheran Student In 1971 Our Saviour's began a Foundation;third,as the Lutheran a period of change. Prior to my campus pastor; and fourth,as the coming the senior pastor was Bible Chair teacher for the Lutheran assisted by an ordained pastor who Campus Ministry. At that time divided his time between parish Texas A&M has a Bible Chair and students could count six work and conducting a campus Bible Chair hours as part of a degree plan. Among some of the ministry atTexas A&MUniversity. courses I taught were The Acts of the Apostles,Comparative We had a facility that was owned Religion,the Synoptic Gospels,and the Book of Revelation. jointly by Our Saviour's and the National Lutheran Campus Ministry which had invested$25,000 At the time I came, the Southern District president and the for the securing of the frame building.It was situated behind the head of the Lutheran Campus Ministry for the National Lutheran church sanctuary next to a former parsonage which was used for Council concurred that the most critical need was the Sunday School classes and youth activities. congregation. With a healthy,active congregation,the campus ministry could also flourish. As a result I maintained a heavy In 19711 was called to serve with no assistant and no separate calling schedule with a goal of calling on members at least once campus ministry,butto collaborate with theUniversity Lutheran a year. Campus Ministry.Its facility is owned by the Lutheran Church/ Missouri Synod. Its pastor was Rev. Hubert Beck. This Shortly after I arrived,the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod satisfied our campus ministry commitment to N.L.C.M. placed the Rev.George Becker as the campus pastor for their students and the University Lutheran Chapel was built. The Since 1971 the following major changes have occurred: Rev.Hugh Beck replaced Rev.Becker. —The former Fellowship Hall StudentCenter was dismantled The Guidance Center and church office facilities were built together with a house which stood on ourpresent lot. Ithadbeen in 1965. R.P.Thorpe designed the buildings. used to house male Lutheran Aggies as an experimental campus ministry. The former parsonage on the church lot was moved A.R. (Sam) KOeI ning 1983-present away. The present Fellowship Center, designed by Rocky Thorpe, was built by volunteer labor under the direction of The past six years have been a Hank Parkman. The new parking lot was the work of A. P. time of restraint,change and new Boyd. possibilities.The year after I arrived TAMU put restrictions into affect —The new Service Book and Hymnal was introduced. The to restrain enrollment growth and congregation learned all three settings of the worship liturgy, TI closed its College Station plant. using all on a seasonal basis. It was an indication of what was to come. Community growth slowed —The chancel of the sanctuary was remodeled so as to almost to a standstill and a period of provide a communion rail and proper pulpit and lectern. Al economic recession in the state and community began. The Loke constructed the new furnishings from designs drafted by result was three to four years of budget curtailment and calls for me. giving to meet the commitments made. Some members of long- standing were forced to leave our community for economic —A new and very adequate Allen organ was purchased and reasons. installed. The organ was dedicated Feb.22, 1976,with Mary Esther Orth, professor of organ at Texas Lutheran College, Yet in the midst of the restraint new accomplishments were serving as guest organist. being made. We replaced the beveled and flat roofs on the Sanctuary and planted three new oak trees on the west side of —Services with Holy Communion were scheduled for every the Sanctuary. We retired themortgages on the Sanctuary and Sunday instead of once monthly. the Guidance Center during 1988. Seven interns have received a years training in the practice of ministry from the members of —The congregation sponsored the founding of Peace Lutheran Our Saviour's. Church of College Station, having Rev. Stanley Sultemeier serving as part-time assistant while gathering a prospective Some new developments have brought much pleasure to the membership roster for the new mission.At the founding service congregation and new possibilities for the future.Ellie Wilmeth of Peace Lutheran Oct.3, 1977,congregational president John became a part of the staff of Our Saviour's during 1984 as Blasienz delivered letters of membership for some ninety volunteer choir director. The result has been an outstanding persons and presented a gold plated chalice and paten as a gift series of music programs during the past four years."Crossways!" from Our Saviour's. has been introduced and taught for six years expanding the knowledgeof the scriptures in the congregation as well as the These items cannot reflect the dedication of hundreds of number who have it. During 1989 we began training our first members in parish education, evangelism, spiritual growth, group of Stephen Ministers who will help to expand the caring social concerns such as refugee sponsorships, and myriad ministry of the congregation in the years to come. church chores. Such a report would required much more space. To God alone be glory. Our caring work in the community has grown as needs within the community have become more apparent. In 1984 we i It should be reported that Pastor Otterstadt was one of the sponsored a Vietnamese refugee as had been done in the past. charter members of the Board of Service and Missions in As the Brazos Church Pantry began to be organized, Our America of the American Lutheran Church,serving nine years, Saviour's became an important player on the team with both five as chairman. Pastor Robert and Helene Otterstadt are money and volunteers. In 1987 we joined with other Lutheran enjoying their retirement at their home at 1403 Broadmoor, churches of the community in raising funds to open an Lutheran Bryan. In order to feel useful, Pastor Otterstad teaches two Social Services of Texas office in the Bryan-College Station sections of introductory speech at Blinn College,one in each of area. In 1988 the LSST office opened in Bryan and has become the two campuses. "We cherish our Sunday contacts with our of increasing importance to the community as one few offices friends in the congregation." that operates on a sliding scale fee basis, a fact of special importance to the students and others with diminished abilities to pay. As we began our life as part of the ELCA we changed our own constitution in 1988 creating new structures for carrying out the work of the church. Under the new structures committees are directed toward more intentional planning and more responsibility in the accomplishment of their plans. During the past six years we have also seen changes in the leadership of campus ministry.The Rev.Hubert Beck accepted the call to become Lutheran Campus Pastor at Duke University Luther Rostvold 1962-1964 in 1984 leaving behind a campus ministry that bore a great deal of the imprint of his work. The next year the Rev. Richard (Assistant to Pastor) Manus came to TAMU as the Lutheran Campus Minister. No information was received from Pastor Rostvold. Dr.A.R.(Sam)Koenning and Sheila live at 4101 Tanglewood, Bryan. Hubert Beck 196s-1984 ROIL Birk 1964-1971 (Campus Pastor) (Associate Pastor) I remember the sixteen and a I came to Our Saviour's on July half years during which Our 19,1964,to serve as associate pastor ¢ Saviour's Lutheran congregation with Carl Ruch. My primary duties and Lutheran Campus Ministry were to work with students at Texas shared in a common effort at A&M and with the youth of the TAW holding the Gospel before the lives " congregation. of students at Texas A&M with �'` great delight. From the beginning of my When I came, there were two ministry there, even though a campus ministry was being separate Lutheran Campus conducted out of Our Saviour's in behalf of the then-National Ministries. However,when Hugh Beck became the Missouri Lutheran Campus Ministry office, I found nothing other than Synod campus pastor in the late 1960's,we started doing much of our ministry together. We did it so well that I worked myself open arms and warm hearts for the ministry to which I was out of a job. called. And when,several years later,those ministries merged in what eventually became the Texas A&M arm of the Lutheran In 1971 it was decided to combine the two campus ministries. Campus Ministry in Texas and a full partnership was established Pastor Beck stayed on at A&M. I moved to San Marcos and between congregation and the campus ministry to which I was started a Try-Synod Lutheran campus ministry at Southwest called,the warmth was only multiplied and the openness only Texas State University. After 13 years at SWT I"semi-retired" raised to new heights. on Jan. 1,1984. It is with great thanksgiving that I remember the many ways in which our ministries crossed over and augmented one another, Since that time I have been a multi-careered person. My and the partnership I enjoyed with the pastors and vicar was basic occupation is a rancher. In 1979 I inherited a goat and more rewarding than I could ever put into words! cattle ranch in the Hill Country near Mason. It has been in our family since the turn of the century. In addition, I am a I presently serve the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Durham, professional speaker,actor and writer. N.C.,which includes two campuses: Duke University,a major research university with an enrollment of around 10,000 We continue to make our home in San Marcos,where Alberta including all graduate and professional schools, and North is an administrator at Southwest Texas State Univesrsity. Carolina Central University with an enrollment of close to 5,000,a university traditionally serving the black community with a fine national reputation. The ministry at each school is Members of Our Saviour's will also remember the Rev.Birk as quite different from the other,but each poses possibilities of writer of RONdom Thoughts,a usually humorous,sometimes ministry unique to its own tradition and both,in turn,are quite poignant, column which appeared through the years in the different from Texas A&M, Southern Lutheran. Pastor Ron and Alberta Birk live at 101 West Mimosa, San Marcos. Daughter Terry, an accountant, From Durham,then,I remember with fondness the beautiful lives in Jacksonville,Fla.,with her Navy husband and 14-year- Partnership that you and I enjoyed over sixteen years. f old daughter. Son Richie, a music teacher at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson,lives in Angleton with his first-grade Pastor Hubert Beck lives at 9 Churchwell Ct.,Durham,N.C. teacher wife and their year-and-a-half old daughter. ! Richard N. Manus 1985-present be lived forwards." Accept my heartfelt best wishes for many more years of service to College Station, Bryan, the Brazos j (Campus Pastor) Valley,and the great Texas A&M University. The tri-Lutheran agency, Lutheran Campus Ministry of Known as"Fish Fry"as soon as I set foot on campus(the"flat Texas,was dissolved Dec.31,1985. top" is gone, but I still have the Stetson you gave me), I The Rev.Richard Manus,installed thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Our Saviour's and the as Campus Pastor on Feb.10,1985, Lutheran Foundation. You taught me well. My subsequent 26 continues to serve all Lutheran years in the ministry have been commentary,my time with you, students, maintaining close the text. cooperation with Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. With you I learned to minister on the frontier of the church and the university. There is where I have spent most of my Members of Our Saviour's serve on the Campus Council, life—Wittenberg University (1962-63), Capital University organize the Aggie Dinner,host Sunday evening suppers,and (1963-1975), Concordia Theological Seminary 0975-83) and provide support to maintain the student center facility and now, Saint Francis College, Fort Wayne, Ind. (1982-). In program. addition I have been a guest professor in Iran, Venezuela, Canada,Nigeria,Mexico and Egypt. The interns have been involved in particular phases of programming and participate in the activities of the Campus With you I learned to minister ecumenically. Nothing Ministry Association. Student Greek organizations,Phi Beta Christian is alien to me. Currently I am Protestant Chaplain in Chi Sorority and Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran Fraternity,assist in a Roman Catholic college,but prior to that I have taught the ! conducting Lenten services for the congregation.Our Saviour's Bible as Literature to Muslims(for the Presbyterians)in Iran, made it possible for the Campus Pastor to attend the Stephen and worked with most Lutheran groups,including time with the j Series Leadership Training Conference so that this special Missouri Synod. ministry might be offered and geared to the needs of college students. Finally,with you I learned that the ministry is rooted in our parish life together. Service in the local church has always been This level of cooperation,in keeping with ministry objectives important to me—and I've thought of you often as I served St. of Our Saviour's congregation,continues to be a unique feature Mark's Lutheran 0961-62),Martin Luther Lutheran(1963-66), of the Lutheran presence in the academic and residential and North Community Lutheran(1971-73),in Columbus,Ohio, community. or since then as a frequent interim minister at a number of churches,most recently for nine months(with approval of both Pastor Richard and Alice Manus live at 1205 Francis Drive East the Indiana-Kentucky Synod,ELCA and Wabash Presbytery) in College Station. at the First Presbyterian Church,Huntington,Ind.(where Vice President Dan Quayle is considered a member). InternsA teaching ministry More power to you,Texas Christians,as you look forward to a continuing ministry which I pray will be going strong when Interns have played an important role in the ministry of Our you turn 100! Savior's through the years.Those who could be contacted wrote the following messages. Dr.Fry earned a Ph.D.from Ohio State University in 1965 and a D.Min.from United Theological Seminary,Dayton,Ohio,in Paul B rossla 1958-1959 1978.The address of St.Francis College is 2701 Spring St.,Fort Wayne,Ind. Mr.Brossia could not be contacted. C. George Fry r96o-61 Frederick J. Gaiser 1961-1962 Fifty,like old age,sneaks up on us. As Moms Mabley put it,"You I knew it was a good internship just wake up one morning,and you in 1961-62; I know it even better got it." Since I'll turn 53 this now. Then I knew it because I was summer, let me begin by given access by Pastor Ruch and commending you on your youth! Our Saviour's congregation to a On this happy anniversary take to full range of ministerial activities.I heart the counsel of Soren was never regarded merely as cheap Kierkegaard, "Life can only be labor,and I had a good time. Now understood backwards,but it must I know it because I have had 15 years in which to compare my own internship with that of other of Bryan/College Station continues to be a source of joy for us, seminarians. as we meet people throughout the world who have experienced your embodiment of the Gospel to them and the community. I don't remember where the term"teaching congregation" Surely you have been"blessed to be a blessing!" was employed in the early 60s,but Our Saviour's was one;and I am appreciative. The Christ-like example you set for us has remained a wonderful source of inspiration for our parish ministry, After internship I completed my final year at the seminary in particularly when we were helping to establish a new Columbus (during which I married Leola Beatty, who had congregation(appropriately named Our Saviours!)in Midland, visited me in College Station). Lee and I then moved to Texas. After two years of service there we moved to England Heidelberg,Germany,where I eventually completed my doctoral where I am completing a doctoral degree in systematic theology degree in Old Testament. We returned to the United States in at the University of Birmingham, England. Alongside my 1969,when I accepted a call to serve St.Paul Lutheran Church degree work,I regularly preach in several congregations;when in Humboldt,S.D. I cite examples of your ministry in my sermons,I am delighted to see them uplifted and motivated by your example. Since 1974 we have been at Luther(now Luther Northwestern) Theololgical Seminary in St.Paul,Minn.I teach Old Testament, Pastor John and Sally Allan and daughters Jennifer and Kathryn but have also served along the way as registrar and dean of currently live at 42 Roman Way,Edgbaston,Birmingham B 15 students. Currently I chair the Old Testament department and 2SJ,England. edit the seminary theological journal,Word&World. Sometimes people ask me what,if anything,I miss about the Stephen H. Rieke 1983-1984 parish. I always mention two things: the opportunity regularly Our Saviour's is a congregation to preach and to lead in public worship and the incredible located in the heart of Texas. It is privilege of the parish pastor to be closely involved with people also a congregation which holds a in the most significant moments of their lives. Both of those for -' special place in the heart of the me began at College Station. I will not forget those connections. Rieke family. Dr.Fred and Leola Gaiser have three children: Jonathan,22,a Our Saviour's is where our graduate student at George Washington University;Rebekah, family began as my wife,Eileen, 18,a freshman at St. Olaf College; and Katherine, 17,a high and I arrived for our internship school senior.The address of Luther Northwestern Theological only three months into our married life. Upon arriving,we were Seminary is 2481 Como Ave.,St.Paul,Minn. 55108. given a "pounding" that we still have not forgotten. People received us with open arms and hearts and in so doing,witnessed to us that the love of Christ was indeed alive and active. John W. Allan 1982-1983 The food we received from you, though, was more than "For I have derived much joy simply the staples of produce. What you nurtured us was on the and comfort from your love...the food of gentle, loving care. You taught us how to touch and gq hearts of the saints have been share lives,how to give and receive support,how to enjoy the refreshed through you." gifts which God has given. From these fundamentals has grown our continued work now at Grace Lutheran in Wenatchee, These Gospel-filled words from Wash. Phillipians v.7,presented to us on a beautiful plaque at the end of our In August, 1986, I accepted the call to Grace as associate internship,equally express thejoy pastor. Since that time,my ministry has been in the areas of and love we have received over the years from your caring,life- evangelism and community outreach but has also included a giving ministry at Our Saviour's. During our year together,you broader scope of traditional duties such as teaching,counseling warmly welcomed this"bearded,guitar-playing Yankee"and and general committee work. his British wife into your homes and lives,enriching us with fellowship and laughter, forgiveness and service—signs of Perhaps the most exciting—in the area of community Christ's gracious spirit at work among you. outreach—has been my work invested in the development and launching of a newly incorporated,non-profit respite-day-care Since then,you have continued to bless us with your ministry program for handicapped and disabled children. While still in and friendship through your prayers, occasional letters and its infancy,the program seeks to provide single parents and low- phone calls (what a delight it was to hear from John and income families with a no-cost facility where they may leave Madeline Blasienz when they were in London this May!). their child or children in safety and nurturing care.The program Moreover,your ministry to the students and permanent residents not only provides stimulation for each child,but also affords a Richard N. Manus 1985-present be lived forwards." Accept my heartfelt best wishes for many (Campus Pastor) more years of service to College Station, Bryan, the Brazos Valley,and the great Texas A&M University. The tri-Lutheran agency, Lutheran Campus Ministry of Known as"Fish Fry"as soon as I set foot on campus(the"flat Texas,was dissolved Dec.31,1985. top" is gone, but I still have the Stetson you gave me), I The Rev.Richard Manus,installed thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Our Saviour's and the as Campus Pastor on Feb.10,1985, Lutheran Foundation. You taught me well. My subsequent 26 continues to serve all Lutheran years in the ministry have been commentary,my time with you, students, maintaining close the text. cooperation with Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. With you I learned to minister on the frontier of the church and the university. There is where I have spent most of my Members of Our Saviour's serve on the Campus Council, life—Wittenberg University (1962-63), Capital University organize the Aggie Dinner,host Sunday evening suppers,and (1963-1975), Concordia Theological Seminary 0975-83) and provide support to maintain the student center facility and now, Saint Francis College, Fort Wayne, Ind. (1982-). In program. addition I have been a guest professor in Iran, Venezuela, The interns have been involved in particular phases of Canada,Nigeria,Mexico and Egypt. programming and participate in the activities of the Campus With you I learned to minister ecumenically. Nothing Ministry Association. Student Greek organizations,Phi Beta Christian is alien to me. Currently I am Protestant Chaplain in Chi Sorority and Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran Fraternity,assist in a Roman Catholic college,but prior to that I have taught the conducting Lenten services for the congregation.Our Saviour's Bible as Literature to Muslims(for the Presbyterians)in Iran, made it possible for the Campus Pastor to attend the Stephen and worked with most Lutheran groups,including time with the Series Leadership Training Conference so that this special Missouri Synod. ministry might be offered and geared to the needs of college students. Finally,with you I learned that the ministry is rooted in our parish life together. Service in the local church has always been This level of cooperation,in keeping with ministry objectives important to me—and I've thought of you often as I served St. of Our Saviour's congregation,continues to be a unique feature Mark's Lutheran 0961-62),Martin Luther Lutheran(1963-66), of the Lutheran presence in the academic and residential and North Community Lutheran(1971-73),in Columbus,Ohio, community. or since then as a frequent interim minister at a number of churches,most recently for nine months(with approval of both Pastor Richard and Alice Manus live at 1205 Francis Drive East the Indiana-Kentucky Synod,ELCA and Wabash Presbytery) in College Station. at the First Presbyterian Church,Huntington,Ind.(where Vice President Dan Quayle is considered a member). InternsA teaching ministry More power to you,Texas Christians,as you look forward to a continuing ministry which I pray will be going strong when Interns have played an important role in the ministry of Our you turn 100! Savior's through the years.Those who could be contacted wrote the following messages. Dr.Fry earned a Ph.D.from Ohio State University in 1965 and • a D.Min.from United Theological Seminary,Dayton,Ohio,in Paul B rOSSIa 1958-1959 1978.The address of St.Francis College is 2701 Spring St.,Fort Mr.Brossia could not be contacted. Wayne,Ind. C. George Fry 1960-61 Frederick J. Gaiser 1961-1962 Fifty,like old age,sneaks up on us. As Moms Mabley put it,"You I knew it was a good intemship "j. just wake up one morning,and you in 1961-62; I know it even better got it." Since I'll turn 53 this now. Then I knew it because I was summer, let me begin by given access by Pastor Ruch and commending you on your youth! Our Saviour's congregation to a On this happy anniversary take to full range of ministerial activities.I heart the counsel of Soren was neverregarded merely as cheap Kierkegaard, "Life can only be labor,and I had a good time. Now understood backwards,but it must I know it because I have had 15 break—or respite—for the caregiver who otherwise is often ,John Caron 1985-1986 immobilized at home due to the demands of 24-hour caregiving. I am so excited by this development within the congregation, for It is hard to take in all the things that have happened in my it confirms to me the existence within the wider Church of that ministry since leaving Bryan/College Station in the fall of 1984. same unfettered,caring love which you first shared with us in After graduating from Trinity I went on to get a master's degree Texas: A love that seeks not to gain,but a freely given love which in drug and alcohol abuse from the Methodist Theological seeks to serve. School in Ohio. My aim was to use this degree in an urban The greatest of gifts which you gave to us continues to guide setting. our work,our thoughts and our prayers,and for it,we are most God now has redirected my ministry. While working full- grateful. time as a computer programmer, I volunteer my time and pastoral skills to the Columbus AIDS Task Force. I have also Pastor Stephen and Eileen Rieke live at 1408 Washington St., done ministry with some local Methodist churches in the Wenatchee,Wash.,with their children,Jonathan Robert William, Columbus area and am now looking forward to working with a 3,and Meghan Elizabeth Caroline,23 months. local Lutheran ministry in developing a drug/alcohol/ACOA recovery program. I miss all of you at Our Saviour's very much and I think about my experiences often. Your ministry and friendship helped to Joyce Arnold 1984-1985 make me into the person that I am. For that,I will always be in your debt. My year of internship with the community of believers who gather at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church is an experience I recall Mr.John Caron lives at 945 Sheridan Ave.,Columbus,Ohio. with thanksgiving. Near the end of that year,I was asked what I would think of when I remembered the experience, and my Dave Daubert 1986-87 answer was"People." And today it is the people who shared their lives with me,in many different ways,whom I do indeed recall. It is indeed a privilege to be a part of this 50th anniversary celebration, even if it is from many miles away. We still Those many and varied experiences are woven and interlaced remember many of the good times we shared together. in a kind of living,moving tapestry which helps me remember those shared moments of ministry that made up that time of my Marlene and I are now at the Columbus, Ohio, Hilltop faith journey. The weaving of the journey continues—for each Lutheran Church—a changed neighborhood,urban congregation child of God individually, and for the community of Our which in the early 1960's had about a thousand members. We Saviour's—but the"connections"of our God's grace and love have one of the largest Lutheran facilities in the Columbus remain. And I am glad and thankful for the time I journeyed with Metropolitan area and one of the smallest congregations. We OSLC. are now averaging about 65 people on Sunday morning (up Since graduation from Trinity Lutheran Seminary,I had hoped from only 46 a year ago!). and planned to enter the program of Religion and Personality in The ministry here is a challenging one which tries to orient the Graduate Department of Religion,Vanderbilt University. I our direction back into the streets and bringing the gospel to an was unable to accept the invitation to do so immediately after economically poor section of Columbus. It means being aware leaving seminary,but was presented with two years full of more of the world around us in the clear ways and responding to what of those"living opportunities"—I was a counselor with L.S.S.T.; we see. It means being involved with youth and elderly;black, ordained when I was called as a part-time associate pastor to white,and Asian peoples;and being involved in rebuilding of Christ Lutheran in Corpus Christi;and served as interim pastor a community of faith committed first and foremost to the with St.Mark's in Cuero. gospel. I have now completed my first year at Vanderbilt,expect to complete class work next year,and spend next summer preparing Perhaps the most enduring thing that we took with us from for qualifying exams and working on a dissertation proposal. College Station was the relationships. Our year of internship Among other things,I've continued doing some counseling,and showed us what it was to minister in and with the people of God. have been supply preaching at a mission congregation,Victory In rebuilding a congregation, it is that commitment to Lutheran in Smyrna,Tenn.,since January. relationships that has helped to heal many of the wounds that are still here from the years of decline. It is those relationships that .Our journeys continue;may we all be growing through God's enables us to be with people. We think fondly of Our Saviour's grace-full weaving of our lives. Lutheran Church and we are thankful for the time shared there. Pastor Joyce Arnold lives at 1008 19th Ave. South,Cuninggim Pastor Dave and Marlene Daubert and their daughter Erin live Apts 5B,Nashville,Tenn. at 125 South Wheatland,Columbus,Ohio. Jonathan Linman 1987-88 good time. Their hospitality has been warm and gracious. It feels like home. In April of 1989 I began my ministry in Pittsburgh, Pa., at As I reflect on my recent year at Our Saviour's,it brings a Bethlehem Lutheran Church,an smile to my face. I gained much through the supervision of Sam innercity congregation of some Koenning,the partnership with the congregation in the Aggie 175 baptised members. This community. Insights include: church differs greatly from Our —Effective leadership includes getting out of the way to allow Saviour's—in terms of age, others to lead and participate. The best leader may be the one economic and educational who has the wisdom to follow. background of members and —If an atmosphere of trust,open communication,and honesty community context. Many of our people are retired,few have prevails,a church can avoid conflict. college degrees. The neighborhood is low to middle-income —There is a real joy in serving Christ that should not be buried and working class. under the frenzy of church activities. —Home visitation is key—the pastor has a rich opportunity to Despite any differences in setting,however,there are certain bean extended member of church families. That includes times constants in ministry. One is that the effectiveness of all of joy as well as sorrow. ministry depends on the quality of relationships a pastor has —Be who God created you to be. Celebrate the uniqueness of with parishioners. I've found that good relationships make others.I suppose that kind of acceptance rings of grace...amazing preaching, teaching, programs and administration far more grace. meaningful. And to visit people in their homes is the best way to establish solid bonds and rapport. This was something I Jon L. Culp 1989-1990 learned at Our Saviour's. I did a lot of visiting there—I do a lot I am the present intern in a long here. lineoffineinterns atOurSaviour's. While I was at Our Saviour's, I saw your congregation Rather than looking backward, I become quite well organized as you developed a new am looking forward to my year. It constitution. That allowed me to see the importance of focus is my hope to join with the saints of and clarity in congregational life. One of the challenges before the past and present in doing us here in the next two years is the development of a mission effective ministry here. With the statement and new constitution. Clarity and specificity are help of the Holy Spirit that's what essential as we endeavor to reach people in a neighborhood P1 will happen. So many wonderful crying out for Gospel Ministry. programs already in place will ensure that the"Jubilee Year"is just the beginning. Programs like the"Jubilee Fund"will take I have no doubt that one of the things most of you remember our ministry far into the future. about me is my voice. I continue to sing. We have a small choir here at Bethlehem. And I'm also a charter member of a choir As I wonder about my year to come,I am filled with great devoted to singing late night "Compline" in the beautiful, hope. Hope,that in some small way I can help in bringing about gothic chapel on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. this exciting future. I have studied hard. Now it is time to go And too, I remain active in campus ministry—this time by to work. I bring with me a commitment to preach the Gospel. having a seat on the local Lutheran Campus Ministry Board. The Gospel that frees us from our sin,but binds us to the work of the Kingdom. I ask that you join with me in this work. Teach Pastor Jonathan Linman lives at 727 Excelsior St.,Pittsburgh, me, as I intend to teach you. Together we can grow in our Pa_ knowledge of God. As we look to the future,let us remember our past. We are Robin McCullough 1988-1989 a part of the people of God. You are a part of the 50 years of work here at our Saviour's. I am from another place far away. It was less than three months But we are connected by the precious blood of our Lord,Jesus ago I was serving my internship at Christ. ' Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Today I have completed my first Then let us join with the psalmist plea,"Teach me,O Lord, month as pastorof St.John Lutheran to follow your decrees;then I will keep them to the end. Give Church,Canal Fulton,Ohio. me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.' This new congregation seems to be a"Texan"transplant.They are independent folks who speak their minds and enjoy having a Confirmands as Recorded in the Church Rolls 1942 1967 1962 1965 Christopher John Hy.Schaefer,Jr. Lt.Jack Sanders Carl L.Allen Mrs.Shirley Bennetsen David Quigley Walter Thomas Weber Richard Bomnskie 1944 Herb Heimer William Karl Matthaei,III Ronald Greeley Louis J.Koch,Jr. Mrs.William Karl Matthaei,III Kenneth Kindsey Thomas William Evans 1958 Mr.Dennis Hejtmancik James Kouletsis Mr.Kenneth Gerstenberg Mrs. Tommie Harmel Mrs.Sandra Stolle 1945 Mr.Charles Davis Sara Giesenschlag Patricia Yeager Henry William Engelbrecht,Jr. Mr.William L.Morgan Donald Lee Brending Cecilia Linder Joyce Lorraine Engelbrecht Mrs.Naoma Morgan Harold Hill James Gilmore Herbert William Goessler Mr.William Harris Diana Lynn Lorenz Evelyn Ruth Gimore Lucille Augusta Louise Richter Mrs.Mary Harris Oliver Prieve Mrs. Judith C.Hooks Miss Betty Lou Jaster Paul Stuverud Mrs. Carolyn Jean Johnson 1948 Mr.Douglas Landua Shirley Jean Sluder Susan Russell Zerbe Raymond D.Siegmund Miss Shirley Lorenz William Gilmore Carmen Anderson Miss Barbara Remele John R.Haley Deborah Dockery 1949 Mr.Billy Rose Sam Taffmder Edith Gilmore Will Hartmann,Jr. Mr.Harold Sorensen James Matchin Frank Allen Hertzog Laverne Goessler Mr.Larry Wilman Jack Stout Anna Loke JoArm Martha Mgebroff Mrs.Ruby Schaper Jon Botter Ronald Spies Metche Franke Mr.Owen Merkle Marvin Faust Deborah Thorpe Martin Burner Olsen Mr.Robert Simons Mrs.Marvin Faust Mrs.Melvin Achterberg Mrs.Robert(Dorothy)Simons Frank Waterman Gilbert Horton Forehand 1950 Mrs. A.F. Herrmann Elaine A.Nelson Leonard E.Hearne 1959 Bill Knibbe Mrs.Helen Louise Niemeyer Mr.Truman Flynt 1963 Mrs.Willemina Knibbe Mrs.John(Jesse)Hofmann Mr.B.R.Kissman John H.Groth 1951 Mrs.Larry(JoAnn)Johnson Mrs.B.R.Kissman Mrs. John(Irene)Groth Mr.J.D.C.Frieda Mrs.Herbert(Francis)Mills Mrs.W.F.Schwening Mrs.Harry(Barbara)Hughes Mrs.J.D.C.Frieda Miss Shirley Ann Brending Robert Gossett Mrs.Clifton(Janet)Schrader Miss Carol Lynn Remele Edwin Heikkila Barbara Ann Hill 1952 Miss Sandra Schwartz Charrnille Bridges Grover Chester Deen Mr.Phillip LaSalle Cyphers Jerry Leon Kindt 1966 Travis LLoyd Engelbrecht Herbert Louis Halstead John Cameron Maresh William Barry Russell Linda Carole Pats Robert Lee Hiller Rickey Allen Mohr Mrs.W.B.(Sally)Russell James Edward Giese Mrs.Suzanne Hiller Gilbert Louis Reinenger,Jr. Richard Carter Walter M.Willmann III Nancy Dorsey Tommy Ray Schwartz Mrs.W.R.(Diane)Damon Mrs.Thomas Hugh McCall Mrs.Norman Voigt Gary Lynn Sorensen J.Lee Fleeger Mrs.Marla Tebben Rabom Reader Mrs.Robert(Barbara)Maser 1953 H.W. Ross Robert McCue Louis Wemert 1960 James Lyle Jerry Reeves Robert S.Auglin James L.Gallatin Mrs. William Albrecht Tom Sobey Theodore Thomas Tommy James Kendrick C.A. Hensarling Mrs.Tom(Gwen)Sobey Judson Herriott Merle Parks Mahaney III Mrs.C.A.Hensarling Mrs.Gary(Lynda)Swenson Donald R.Reaves David Rosberg Daphine Helen Dockery i 1954 Wanda Faye Reaves Mrs.David Rosberg Sandra Kay Huebner L.E.Winder,Jr. William Charles Brending Barbara Susan Loke Dorothy Carolyn Blinka Barbara Jean Lorenz 1964 Connie Ondrasek Tommie Lee Harmel Carter Harvey Oakes Nelson Bading Susan Anne Ormand Madeline Gerold Jandt Mrs.Dwight Landua Herbert E.Schleider,Jr. Darlene Gayle Linnstaedter 1961 Claude Hayes Gene Scott Joyce June Lorenz Mrs.Beverly Gibson Mrs. Margie Borgmann Kristine Smith James Sumners Potts Charles Grant Gibson Mrs.Gus Cating Brenda Sue Spies Ora Lee Ramsey Bobby Jack Stickley Mrs.Elmo Beyer,Jr. Annette Sue Thielemann Shirley Mae Schultz Frances Ann Bulgerin Frank G.Hertzog Mrs.James(Lemerle)Gilmore Edgar Lee Thielemann Suzanne Elise Flowers Kay Matchin Robert L.Hedges Jay Leroy Willman Linda Darlene Maresh Danny Ruch David Kingston Harold Glen Luedecke Cindy Eulenfeld Raleigh E.Lawrence 1955 Bruce William Smith Reginald James Linack Mrs.R.E.(Margaret)Lawrence Thomas Carroll Dye Karen Ruth Stuverud Steven Stuverud W.F.Meads III Cloyd Lentz Gloria Jean Stroech Edwin Robert James Smith Ame Mikkelborg Charles Allen Giese Gloria Jean Thielemann Sandra Kneschke Mrs.Herbert(Ellyce)Warns Alba Jo Karcher Mrs.Vivian Webb Latimer Wayne Powell Diana Kay Lentz Burruss McDaniel,Jr. Kenneth Stroech 1967 Madelyn Carrol Oaker Mrs.Sue Baird Minor Keneta Luedecke Mrs.Michael Kloppe(Dorothy James Herbert Willman Russell Wayne Minor Mrs.John Haley Dean) Nollie Morris Clary William Tom Sistrunk Eddie 11scher Dennis Sylbum Anderson Jenis Alvin Dippel Fred Hopson Richard Stickley Karen Ann Bailey Mrs.Joel Louis Staehs Joyce Elaine Brending Gary Wayne Bridges Lynn Alice Clary Alma Jean Sefcik John Deloach Michael Allen Griffin Gwendolyn Rose Flynt Wayne Sharp Charles Gilmore Mrs.Edward Schlutt Rodney Lynn Freudenberg Coni Denise Claycamp Glenn Mertz Larry Carr Dennis Ray Frieda Jeffrey Morris Clary Larry Parker Cliff Richmond Randall Lee Janne Marc Gerald Hamann Russell Pfeffer William Kyle Kirk Markie Deen Irby Gregory Sebesta 1977 Tandy Sue Kirk Leslie Lynn Langston Debbie Scharber Sara Blasienz Katharine Anne Lindquist Florene Marie Luedecke Kris Smathers Kelly Borchers Gilda Luedecke Karen Kay Mertz Wanda Spies Gregory Boyd Welton Earl Mertz Billy Dean Mohr Clifford Robert Trimble Cary Buth Brian Mikkelborg Eric Daniel Schlutt Janis Dunsmore Daryl Chester Peggy Lee Mitchon Billy Joe Skrabanek Marsha Claycamp Sandra Nell Noak Kevin Paul Thompson 1973 Andra Hartfiel Judy Ondrasek John Calahan,Jr. David John Blasienz Joy Johnson June Ondrasek Terry Keener Charles William Broach,Jr. Kyle Klussmann Mark Allen Powell Roger Richards Dennis Nathan Chester Stephanie Longbrake Carole Ruth Thomas Margaret Thompson Judy Diane Frieda David Neil Eugene Buth William Frank Dinger Ronald Brent Greinert Thomas Sistrunk Carl Fade Pamelia Sue McReynolds Cheryl Denise Haas Jimmy Zuehlke Mrs.Carl(Ruth)Fade James Robert Hedges Mr.&Mrs.Jody Shank Mrs.Larry(Gayle)Maresh 1970 Todd Lee Herrmann Mrs.JOAnn Laird Patty Reese Terry Lynn Birk Charlotte Nadine Hopson Ray Rowe Douglas Ray Blum Michael Wayne Muegge Mrs.James(Judy)Schlinke Ronald Ray Huebner Michael Dean Noak 1978 Eugene Holt Bishop,Jr. Mark Erwin Johnson Mark Allen Pantel Debra Beard Gerald Alvin Kraybill Kim Suzanne Klussmann Michael Keith Parkman LuAnn Buth Mrs. Gerald(Pamela)Kraybill Debra Lee Loke Joyce Ann Schaefer James Haskell Cheri Lindquist Pamela Ruth Noak Kris Marie Schlutt Jill Hejtmancik Fred Stephen Andes Diana Lee Parker Kathryn Ann Smathers Thomas Hilde Gerald Roy Bratton Dana Karin Rosberg Sylvia Lynn Stroech Loretta Mertz William Daryl Ray Mark Henry Ruch Sara Lynn Zenner Melissa Mertz Gerald Lee Spies Douglas O'Leary 1968 Terry Louise Thearl 1974 Staci Parkman Rogers Milton Hall Jane Ann Trimble Bob Blakley Lisa Sebesta Jim Hansard Suzan Marie Zenner Ricky Blum David Beckondorf John Herbold Darrell Wayne Zuehlke Judy Brending Mrs.Betsy Porter Mrs.Tooley Milstead Reta Beyer Paul Haugen Robert Schmedt Calvin Shenkir,Jr. Gordon Campbell David Hedges Mrs.Shirley A.Duble Jerry John Skrabanek Lowell Whitcomb Jones Glen Hendriz Mrs.Gladys Skrabanek Robert Arthur Lundeen Kevier Luedecke 1979 Harold Thearl Nora Mary Lundeen Robert Ondrasek Amy Basco Mrs.Susan Wieland Barbara(Fabian)Kronke Paul Schleider John Haskell LuAnne Deloach Gracie Coon Judy Skrabanek Kirk Herrmann Fred Simonson Glen Green Debra Sistrunk Kris Hilde Paula Gladys Anderson John Harrison Steve Spies Gretchen Hopson Brenda Patricia Babiarz Bennie Kothmann Donna Johnson Sharen Bailey Stewart Sisco 1975 James Joyce Jack Lyon Cornish,Jr. Dianne Jenschke Weldon McFarland Gregory O'Leary Alan Lee Coss Julie Ann Basco Alicia Ruch Diana Ellen Coss 1971 Lynda Diane Beard Gary Niemeyer Raynmond Boyce Dockery Marilyn Kay Frieda Lori Ann Blum Connie Niemeyer James Douglas Gilmore David Wayne Hendrix Craig Allen Broach Joe Roederer Linda Ruth Kindt Jeb Hensarling Christy Anne Claycamp Allan Icet Delwin Mikkelborg Barry Wayne Herrmann Alan Kevin Cornish Ruth Knapp Michael Ted Niemeyer Rex Edward Janne Karen Delane Hejtmancik Patti Coke Donna Gail Noak Eric William Lindquist Scott Everett Johnson Nancy Oleta Ruch Jimmie Dale Mertz Lisa Kay Klussmann 1980 Edward Frederick Schlutt Sherry Powell Darrell Dewaine Mertz Lori Bomnskie Julie Scott Ray Wayne Prieve David Lee Mertz Brad Beard Rebecca Ann Shenkir Mari Lyn Ruch James Scott Smathers Charla Broach Debra Elaine Spies Teri Lee Ruch Doug Hutchinson Lisa Franklin Russell Stauffer,Jr. Lori Ann Thompson Stanley Johnson Glen Earl Stroech Douglas Wolter Dawn Landua Vondale Schwarze Sharon Ann Zenner 1976 David Ludwig Nancy Van Pelt Carol Sue Zuehlke Cynthia Ellen Blakley Erik Meyer Alvin Luedecke Jr. Greg Allen Bridges Russell Noak 1972 Sharon Rhnee Pheffer Gayle Sistrunk 1969 Robbie Lee Elizabeth DeWees George Edwin Schultz Pat Bailey Mrs.Sally Jo Mauch Karen Ann Sistrunk 1981 Barbara Lee Christensen Emil Krochmal,Jr. Rene Marie Stauffer Lydia Blakley Patricia Coffer Bill Byrne Connie Michell Wurzbach Randy Allen Blasi Newton Dick Douglas Chester Harry Edward Zenner III Dawn Kimberly Chester William H.Sefcik Georgiann Cornish Rebecca Cassa Zimmermann Sheri Foster Leah Giese Melanie Ann Foster 1985 Holly Kolkhorst Peter Ernest Glidewell Michael Scott Franklin Katrina Pflu er Douglas Michael Light Lisa Renee Kolkhorst Frank Lee Glidewell Eric Eugene Bender Jill Scott Claudia Meyer Sharon Lynn Joyce Rebecca Sue Boyd Debra Landua Diane Curtis Cathy Jean Olson Lance Edward Giese Sam Logan Kevin Cogan Kaye Deanne Parkman William Karl Knox Rick Julian Mark Allan Sistrunk Dana Kathleen Graesser 1988 Teri Julian Kevin Wayne Stibora Gene Ernest Lovell Mrs.Ann Kerr Annette Moen Velma P.Johnston Belle Kristina Parkman Ryan Becka Michael Gentsch Bruce Goodwin Henry Tonye Lynette Stallings Ann Bender Rebecca Olsen Kelli Hannan 1982 Jayne L.Littleton 1986 Amy Koenning Lori Ann Blinka Henry Hal Murray III Helene Monique Duchesne Cleon Knapp Justin Scott Meads Steve Griffin James Scott Howard Jason Ruen Christopher Parnell Lela Griffin Wilford F.Pickard Shane Stibora Ania Pelto Priscilla Paton Linda Pickard Kaci Young Cynthia Renee Werchan John Bleyl 1984 Stephen Bratto y Alan Ray 1989 Jeffrey Glennn KurtzPhyllisJanice Bleyl Lisa Fritz Mrs.Ph llis Boyd u Sally Allan Charles Mickey Cheri Ann Hendrix Theresa Drake Guy Bailey Mary Mickey Carolyn Brock Hensarling Vivian Manning Angela Bailey Marilyn Ahrenholz Nathan Wayne Ladewig Gordon Pranger Ken Carlton Vicki Basco Ronnie Mrs.Rebecca Ruen Chance Snook Lovell Karen Carlton Kurt Kolkhorst Leah Smith Kenneth Hudson III Steven Kurtz Steve Hackett Ross Leisy Jeff Meads Ray Jones Kevin Pickard 1983 Felix Meyer Steven Richards John Kaminar Sarah Pamell 1987 Kim Sebes[a Jackie Kuhn Jeff Ruen John Beck Jeremy Spies Michael Noak Jenny Wolman John McSpadden Y Dorothy Fackler David Yancey Melissa Lynn Whitley t eG: 9 iM f Church Council, intern and pastor in anniversary year consist of, clockwisefrom left,John Blasienz,president, Everett Janne, Wayne Koenning, Margie Stibora, Ron Spies, intern John Culp, Pastor A.R. (Sarr>) Koenning, Margie Boyd and Lyndon Kurtz. Not shown are Fred Schlutt, Debbie Spies, David Chester, Robert Wurzbach and Judy Gloyna. CHURCH COUNCIL PRESIDENTS Church secretaries should be also be noted. Early secretaries probably served on a volunteer basis. Records then show: In the beginning the pastor served as president: Mary Miller Anabel Swaggert 1939-1945—The Rev. Kurt Hartman Pearl(Groth)Stockum 1945-1950—The Rev.Fred Mgebroff Nancy(Dorsey)Thielemann Dec. 18, 1950-Jan.7, 1951 —G.E.Jaehne Alberta Birk Jean Thorpe 1951 —Theodore Hohlt Betty Kolkhorst—July, 1971-Noveber,1972 1952—Elmer J.Fuchs Candy May—December, 1972-June, 1975 1953—Henry H.Hadley Julie(Scott)Atkins—July, 1975-March, 1976 1954—Harold B. Sorensen Kelley Sistrunk—Feb.23,1976-present 1955—Jesse Heine 1956—Elmer J.Fuchs Our Savior's is an active, vibrant congregation of believers; 1957—R.J.Hildreth many,many members have offered much in talent and service 1958—Harold B. Sorensen to the church. This continuing service is recognized with 1959—George C.Keith gratitude.As of Oct.1,1989,Our Savior's Lutheran Church has 1960—John Blasienz 731 baptised and 581 confirmed members. 1961 —Charles Bridges 1962—Henry Parkman 1963—W.A. Smith Acknowledgements: Thanks should be given to the many 1964—T.H.Thomas people who assisted in the compilation of this history. They 1965—A.L.Giesenschlag include Mrs.Kurt Hartmann whose notes were invaluable for 1966—Charles Hensarling the early days;all of the pastors(especially Pastors Koenning, 1967—John Blasienz Otterstad and Ruch for encouragement and helping with 1968—John Blasienz accuracy); all interns and Ramona Ruch who contributed 1969—Harry Zenner information on them; church secretary, Kelley Sistrunk; 1970—Henry Parkman photographer, Howard Eilers;John and Madeline Blasienz; 1971 —David K.Chester Mrs. Harold Sorensen; all who contributed pictures whether 1972—Ron Scharber used or not; my son Scott for much computer help, son 1973—Everett Janne Christopher,who proofread;and my wife Mary Helen who set 1974—Oscar Beard the type.My apologies to anyone whom inadvertently omitted. 1975—Oscar Beard I should add that material frequently was trimmed or edited in 1976—Kenneth Heideman order to save space or follow style. Type is in Times, style 1977—Kenneth Heideman follows AP Stylebook,printing by Fuller Corporation. 1978—Jan.-Aug.—Henry Parkman Aug.-Sept.—John Blasienz All of the pastors and interns wished the congregation well. 1979—John Blasienz To avoid duplication, their thoughts are thus summarized: 1980—David K.Chester "Thank you for the privilege of serving with you. Praise 1981—Oscar Beard God for your 50 years of witnessing to Christ. May God 1982—Oscar Beard richly bless the next 50 years." 1983—Richard L.Duble 1984—Wallace Klussmann —David R.Bowers 1985—Dale L.Kelly Editor 1986—Guy Bailey 1987—Ramona Ruch 1988—Charles Hensarling 1989—John Blasienz • p; w. X1 sib � I IIJ d . `v At �• t �f#t• N N �" +mow -•--. 'g.r�k t 4 i i 1919 1979 i A&M United Methodist Church 417 University Drive College Station, Texas 77840 anctuarWi ndows FOREWORD The drawings in this booklet were originally outlines of the Truths presented pictorially in the stained glass windows. My idea was to bring them alive for the children in my Sunday School class and the Children's Depart- ment so they would understand and love them and know they too were "sermons" for us who worship here. As I learned more of religious symbolism, I felt an urgency to share these exciting truths, and my manuscript was used in The First Fifty Years of the A&M Methodist Church by Fred Brison. After some revision, I offer it again to you with the hope that it may be a reminder that, through faith in Jesus Christ, God gives us a clearer under- standing of our daily personal problems and guides us into alternatives for their solutions. hope that this booklet will enrich your reverence and appreciation for the windows. Reading the scrip- tures cited will help in understanding what each window means. Q/ 90,1 Mrs. J. Gordon Gay November 4, 1979 r Copyright 1979 by EMMA GAY. 1 1 DEDICA TION I This booklet is lovingly dedicated to my husband J. Gordon Gay. The A&M United Methodist Church was very dear to his heart and he was privileged to be a part of its Christian fellowship for fifty years. He encouraged and supported me warmly in all my art projects. Of par- ticular pride to him were my drawings of our Church windows and my search for the meaning and truths of their beautiful symbolism. His enthusiasm was a strong incentive for my completing the work. E.G. SANCTUARY WINDOWS "Immanuel" or "God with us" is the thread of comfort running throughout the Bible. This same as- surance can be sensed within our own sanctuary. The sanctuary of the A&M United Methodist Church has white plaster walls, a vaulted and beamed ceiling, Gothic arches and glimmering windows, all of which lend an atmosphere of quiet reverence and beauty. The pointed arches signify man's aspir- ations and striving for spiritual growth. The top joint of the beams symbolizes praying hands and the open Bible at the base reminds us that "His word is a lamp unto our feet." There is a central aisle, with six windows on each side, leading to the chancel and elevated altar. We have a rich heritage in these sublimely beau- tiful stained glass windows and we are grateful in- deed to the artist who designed them and to the skilled craftsmen who made them a reality. We are also deeply indebted to the people across our con- ference and state who gave so generously of their time and money for the development of this place to worship. Light passes through these windows in muted shimmering grays. Except for the Rose window and Trinity window, the windows are set into rectangular forms. Each is divided into three arched panels as a triptych, echoing the simple, graceful arches over the doors and choir area. The larger central panel of each window depicts a statement in glowing symbols of an important event or teaching in the life of Jesus Christ. They were provided by special gifts as memorials. Marked designations and interpretations of their symbolism follow. Ytt /r •.tt .`fir `.` �A%� •.1�•�yV IS Ic n. t � 61''•.{�•1(1jC!•r ..r} 1�.� ivr�r� 'C.r,lJ .rl 7,0 � • � i�j lf, 4. �• � `• ,, 1 ,<�� t / � /. .� at�,a, jar}` . i A�' �-. Zvi- �. � '.J:. i '�, ,''S�.•.. ;� '�,� '� �0�1', t� ��. �� mil!`, � ,J'• j -a trr Iv A• FBI ROSE WINDOW The Rose Window above the altar overlooking the campus given by Miss Eva Easterwood of Longview in memory of her brother, Lt. Jesse Lawrence Easterwood, a graduate of Texas A&M and a pilot in World War 1. Easterwood Airport is named in his honor. The Rose Window's beauty and sublimity are ap- His Son, Jesus Christ. Appropriately, the ring is preciated particularly when it is accentuated by rays centered within the Creator's star. This six-pointed of the early morning sun. It glows in the recessed star suggests it was the Triune God who in six days arch above the altar, dominating the entire sanctuary. made the heavens and the earth. "All things were The rose has long been the symbol of the nativity, made through Him and without Him was not any- reminding us that faith in Jesus Christ brings joy and thing made that was made. He was in the world comfort and peace. The window's rich colors of and the world was made through Him."-John 1 :3,10. varying shades of blue, red and gold glimmer and The window's predominately blue color indicates sparkle as the light outside changes. The central that with faith "This joy is the beginning of the motif of the window is a figure of Christ offering heavenly." "These things I speak in the world that a communion chalice which speaks of the mutual they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." love between our Lord and his members. This -John 17:13. figure, encircled by a golden ring, symbolizes sal- The twelve arms, extending by two's from the vation that endures forever. The Greek letters of Creator's star, form the outer petals and symbolize Alpha and Omega with the figure of Jesus Christ the twelve apostles to whom our Lord gave the com- echo His words, "I am Alpha and Omega, the be- mission to go out by two's and preach and heal. ginning and the end," (Rev. 1 :8) and reemphasize "I am come that they might have life and that they God's continuing revelation of Himself through might have it more abundantly." V j►( w _I` r Cpp l� I t: � ��• ' i� T ,i 111 • •AA/ V • •1 r h k TRINITY WINDOWS Given in memory of Edward A. Flinn, Texas A&M `93, by his family of Cameron. This group of three tall windows above the main God's great love for mankind through the gift of north entrance to the sanctuary echoes the three His Son. lower arches which lead to the patio from the cov- The central window is the "Father" window. ered walkways. Within the sanctuary, they make a This is indicated by the royal crown and by the hand thrilling and colorful backdrop for the balcony. of God. Extended, shedding rays of glory, it is a They are also a focal point for persons leaving the symbol of the Father, with the idea of Creator. sanctuary. In the lower part of the window on the left, The Trinity Windows are more decorative than the the "Son" window, is a sheaf of wheat, suggesting others in the sanctuary. Each arch is broken up into that Christ is the Bread of Life. Directly in line graceful ovals and diagonal squares and is patterned with this, in the "Father" window, is a chalice throughout with beautiful scroll-like leaf motifs. recalling the love and forgiveness of our Lord on They feature the daisy and the cross: the daisy a the cross, while in the right window, or window of reminder of the simplicity and innocence of the the "Holy Spirit," is a cluster of grapes, representing Christ child and the cross a reminder of His love and the blood which Christ shed for man's sins--the suffering. three combining to symbolize the sacrament of the Holy Communion. Christians think of God in three ways: (1) as Dominant in the "Son" window is a Iamb re- the creator who made and sustains the world; clining on the Book of Seven Seals (Rev. 5:1-14). (2) as Jesus Christ coming to save us from our sins He reclines because He is the wounded Lamb, but and to show us what He is like; and (3) feeling flying above Him is a banner of victory beside a that he is present with us now in the Holy Spirit cross. to empower and guide us. "If any man love me he will keep my commandments and I and the Father The central motif of the "Holy Spirit" window is an ascending dove, which symbolizes the Presence will come unto him and make our abode with him." of God within the heart of a Christian. "If a man There is a unity to the three. Each has a flowered loves me he will keep my word and my Father will cross near the upper arch which denotes by its open love him and we will come to him and make our ends the young Christian. It is also a reminder of home with him." -)ohn 14:23. i i I t.?C •Fi i III riy�"tom,•{• � � .:,�'�'• 't�y. '}�.:. .��:•.,..',Ftf I. �,y.i 'rR/"" j •l+Y"M:Y".y'f:�' i`'••'•,.•�'}•' •�'••' ;"f•;rfjY , '-+d' .• :• �':is - • , •, :•��;�'. a' � i,,,,,,,,,rrr� ATM.•., ;.,1 ' ' � }+,; ;�..•i•7� �'' , .,.fir-^�._..�-��.'.�._....5> �'►•�', , N' spa,-:.- •-r• '= • 4',. dT �. li � ' J•�yL• r•::?.. '�• t,.t::!:.:•:,S.dlr-•:l •;��:t ��,l+J:,:�.�;,�''t.�'�.' x tea•_"- �{��_•--• '•_ :-•j•f►--::.'f �'.. �I�.•/sir h'..i:+''R.•.. .: .S =+t'.+'c..y+,:i:E7►„=+-,. .. 'Z •' a...�� y�••d c•.ia��;r7,+•:. :•�._3l•i7Y 1.:•:1 ii'i'�:"�sr-r...fit°-.��:�t:-. -.t':a2},4r�;�°;•^�;;`�..:i'_.;.Y�:7;':!'r;."�k ':: Se iT NW 40 Jae°hri-�c zrrindovr� CL+7n zurc�7rGct�.�� °u�.�v THE NATIVITY A memorial to Mr. O. B. Martin by Mrs. Grace M. Martin. Mr. O. B. Martin was Director of the Texas Agri- cultural Extension Service from 1927 to 7935. "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, the Highest" and was the message of the angelic good will to men, for to you is born this day in the choir on the night of our Savior's birth. The golden City of David, A Savior who is Christ the Lord." rays of light emanating from the banner symbolize -Luke 2:11, 14. the light that His coming brought to mankind. No other birth in the history of man has ever The manger reminds us of His lowly birth and the been heralded by an angelic choir. The Hebrew form poverty surrounding His entire life. The heads of of Mary is Miriam and means star. The five-pointed wheat denote the Living Bread which He offers all star is known as the Star of Mary or the Star of Beth- who believe in Him. "I am the Living Bread which lehem and here represents the fulfillment of the came down from Heaven; if any man eat of this prophecy of the birth of our divine Lord. The bread, he shall live forever." That the manger rests three rays from each side denote the Trinity--Father, on grass reminds us that in the birth of Jesus Christ, Son and Holy Spirit. "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" un- God took on human form and came into the world furled across the heavens means "Glory to God in to show His boundless love for mankind. .•+••i 'fit .y;��')\1.-. ~ �... �T t,��� tti.y„•.'.i�. .�� � •y_y a i�.h•i��`,�."r,>�''. v:R.} n1'l��t�f'..ifi '1:: ��irh ,• sty ... 1 _y'. C. •'r 'x�J• '4• �aJ.��. , -+t-'i. b -a•t �r3' :.tip'.•�Ii Jh vi�jec� n �v 7r,ZZ bct� THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT j Given by the family of Lt. Paul Haines. Paul was a member of this church, as are his parents, sister and her II family. He was a tireless worker in the Wesley Foundation cabinet from 7937 to 7947. While fighting to capture the town of Hambach, Germany, after crossing the Ruhr River, radio communications were knocked out in his tank company which was under heavy assault. Lt. Haines stood in the open hatch of his tank and led his company by arm signals until he was killed by an exploding shell February 24, 7945. He was awarded the Bronze Star posthumously for his gallantry in action. "Arise and take the young child and His mother The Sphynx represents Egypt while the flight of and flee into Egypt and be thou there until I bring the Holy Family is symbolized by wings. The doves thee word." -Matt. 2:13. signify innocence and purity and here they also suggest the Holy Spirit hovering over and guiding the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. 7• ,•j�,�rf1{✓��.• j!'F�^Y^^^...SSS t .f. �•�"•�.�a. t�.�.;�•. Ad e,�• its-., � 'r,�. 'c+�!�; ' „'•+ �'•:><s •`yam ,c "�l •J. THE SOWE R "Given by the Rev. and Mrs. James Carlin."James Carlin was pastor of this church, 7936-1942;he delivered the sermon at the first formal worship service in the sanctuary in 7 95 1. "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he the seed is taken away, leaving the heart hard and sowed, some fell along the path and was trodden barren as before. The rocky ground is the heart underfoot and the birds of the air devoured it. of the person who hears and weighs the advantages And some fell on the rock and as it grew it withered and disadvantages of following Christ and turns away because it had no moisture. And some fell back to the world. among thorns and the thorns grewwith it and choked When the seed of the Gospel falls on good ground it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a tremendous change takes place. A man hears a hundred-fold."-Luke 8:5-8. the word and the Holy Spirit enables him to under- The seed, of course, is the gospel of God's work stand it. He hears it as God's truth; he believes it in Christ and the different kinds of ground are the and obeys. The harvest is his transformed life, multi- hearts and minds of men to whom it is preached. plied in the lives of others who also hear and believe. The hard ground means the indifferent from whom The sheaf of wheat symbolizes this life of faith. ^�"• w.�s"11'�••.*''t :%.�:1w"e7cailV,,tr'K%�; •.E 7�y",YLY'%sJ'�`. �ca.;- .`�..� -.,,1_,y, V' �'a'~Y�D�.r•3•P` b'x' e` ��r.lir•��•f.•�. �� T w•':��.•: At '-�i:''•"� :1 ''� a-- �. rc a�f^.� • J(�.A.S-.•.i ti�.• a..'�'-:•1'r�r. .r.• :, �'..,��^ram '•S.• �.��• `1. T+�\►{b:���•; /. . it, -•mow:t�`"' , -/�j'� :�' �„1,�': 0. CuL NN •!'' � �y6 �'y Ii �w�.���. �' Yl .Y a ti, `,•yam•,. •i` r: ..+ +'7`:er,'is �. ins^•4 R J . '��..•„ '•;i •.� :fir' � .,- .��'"f_�:.. o ..^.:�:�'.:d•� — - .��.'!. .Y.y.:�.'...-.Y::�..: ,�Si:_-1;.......:;.A:�Ta3^.�'Y',:t��i•.i fx.Ci.}f yi THE TEMPLE A memorial to "Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mogford by Mr. and Mrs. f. S. Mogford." Given in honor of Joe's parents, but a reminder of the unwavering loyalty of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mogford who joined this church in 7927. i "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's the centuries, has guided man in his relationship house? And all who heard him were amazed at His to God and in his treatment of his fellowman. They understanding and His answers."-Luke 2:41-52. speak also of Christ's fulfillment of the law and pro- phecy of the Old Testament. The divided curtain Jewish boys at the age of 12 or 13 were expected calls to mind that at the crucifixion the veil of to enter the temple, recite parts of the Torah and the temple was rent in twain, meaning that with the be questioned. The Greek cross with arms of equal coming of Christ, salvation is for all mankind. length is symbolic of Jesus's great love for mankind, Above the window which represents the "Light of and set within a circle, it represents eternity. The the World," the triangle again speaks of the Holy two-fold tablets of stone remind us of the law of Trinity, while its pointed arch symbolizes man's Moses, the Ten Commandments, which, through striving for spiritual growth. • "rf•�x•1' 4-./�1`�. •,jet••i .y .;Fl T�,. ,-�,AAxy , ts#,��i,5�• ain' •l:j..., AA ' �1ri;�t,ir�aJ�rF 'IF:' 'h�t�, ,•, ��.�( _ ��J�' .�,�'}}.�t_ r-•S• • c�1 .1:+�',^lls•.��'. 7�� . t�',. fir,.lr;'J.+.'4 f, l�� `T •' •-F4S".J{�: 51f'tIt...•ii'•` f. xr pe ,'"• ' 36, y �i.u,,� ''•�-: •sue _-i%JJ,4._--..: •__�; 1',�.•����.'�_, A � �.s�5(itiS-r-t�r,•a?Xa:c-�' �y��:•�' .` ;� �• •:t�. ,K•- �j.` fe ;,1. .�7��',P' lFK- N'y, .�•.:; ••did. v.• �rd � `�.,�l�i_�� ;�•z`'r. •`Yak.,,�. '.•:.t. qi crm�Q T U t n ce6 l tl �Zr THE BAPTISM ° "Given by Mr. and Mrs. John S. Redditt. " Mr. Redditt of Lufkin, Texas, was a former state senator and chairman of the Texas Highway Commission. "Thou are my beloved son; with Thee I am well and signifies the presence of God hovering over pleased."-Luke 3:22. Jesus at his baptism. The font with Latin cross The descending dove and the baptismal font are reminds us of our Redeemer's great love for man. symbolic of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan Baptism is one of the two sacraments practiced by John the Baptist. The Dove of Spiritual Blessing in the Methodist Church and is symbolic of the is one of the most beautiful of all religious symbols. burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also Descending and shedding rays of glory, it represents symbolic of the new life or rebirth of one who the Holy Spirit. It expresses innocence and purity through faith accepts Jesus Christ as Lord. '".{,rl;�',iE to l.)� �,�il;�,;�.'.?,:"'••' �• , ". PP . •:•. '• w�y((,,�•. � t ate ��y!:�1'•,J. ,,.,.J'.,. Vi .J • �`: •- 't L.•. ems!' '_.•..'. .�',y'•!. ..•:' V: Vj .` tom' �.=i` \''� ,y.�'+7 �p :�+►.a`.'.- �: •. ••:• NL ••fit '. i'r4:;•f .=� .�`• `Sq�"T'\�r,+'.���;�'` � '.t..�..• :�•if• it' :j4-- -•'•�i`:V`�.{f•�- .. ���`�.�..X ty K:•l.• �`-•t�F"?.•R IA; HEALING •V'_��-.y..`�.��/�.:�i,.`i�;.�c�yry'•"/�r Y�� \�/ '4.• /Z.Q. U'•�/U./w vru-CVLV �d ./l,t��/.4u•[L(. '/1���•1���/ yiy�7 HEALING "Given by Mr, and Mrs. Gibb Gilchrist. " Mr. Gilchrist--Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas A&M University- both members along with their son Henry of A&M United Methodist Church. Mr. Gilchrist died May 73, 7972. "Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, The Hand of God is here used as a symbol of the the maimed, the blind, the dumb and many others Father, with the idea of Creator. Within the circle and they put them at his feet and he healed them; it denotes the eternal love of God for mankind. so that they wondered when they saw dumb speak- Health is a matter of faith and spiritual welfare, ing, maimed whole, lame walking, blind seeing. They as well as physical well being. Healing is one of the glorified the God of Israel." Matt. 15:30. great commissions of our Lord. He heals the body Jesus healed the ill son of a nobleman.-John 4: and mind of His Children. In the gift of His Son, 47-56. God performed a healing, reconciling and saving Jesus healed the girl possessed by demons, work for mankind. daughter of a Canaanite woman.-Matt. 15:22 -28. ty •=::. ";fir,:,!,:.. .: P. . i • rya•.+` '\j' , '. .Yt 1 V:�. ._ •'`..titxl,�+ '�•'w,.. y' ys k':,f.�Y►t�."Y• %t't• Q,.���1�L%. N.!•'4�..r►'s._d�NSY 4t 1•`+�}r!�I•'{1;. ,•'+• :••.� an a }.Ill ^pj,YF,y ..J!i�j r.; .r. •„ 4. THE LOST SHEEP "In Memory of Wm. Waldo Partlow. Class of 7943. . . . by his family." William W. Partlow was a radio op- erator on a plane in the Air Transport Command at Abadan, Iran, and flew the widely-publicized "Rocket Run" to Karachi, India. He was killed July 27, 7945, when his burning aircraft crashed in the desert of Iran. This window recalls the parable of the lost sheep. provided water." Both Matthew 18:12,14 and Luke 15:3,7 relate We need other things, too. "He maketh me to the story. To think of God as a shepherd is not new. lie down." We need to calm our fears. "He lead- Like a golden thread, this theme runs throughout eth me beside the still waters." We need spiritual the Bible. To think of God as a shepherd gives us a renewal. "He restoreth my soul." picture of His tender, loving care. The word "restore" has two meanings. One is The Reverend Charles Allen in speaking of to bring back to health and strength one who has "God the Shepherd" tells us that "God knew man been sick. Second, it means to bring back to the would be cold so he made provisions for warmth. fold one who is lost; the forgiveness of sin; the re- Knowing he would be hungry, He put life in the newal within one of a right spirit; the rescuing seed and fertility in the soil. For man's thirst, He of a wasted life and making it again count for some- •Quoted with permission from Houston Chronicle. thing. The shepherd of men does that. '�•t ;.ti;''�• 7;��.'���'••{�. _ 'i"t,'-'k Y•'�?1��y^Jt,•z'a;`t}'�rp�,',�i.'`.:-5�.�e`;'• .. ♦•may ���7i.��*�ff•{4,• ..� i.• �__ -?!v��+4. 4i-. r:: Y� .wl•"' •i.+•.�•. ••J.w+{i a'.•rT 1 .r ':. a. 7� y/,l ` F '•i•: i 1 i.f� Y`i•�j ty,. �.. k f•:�.,`k2. tilt: •y . -. `;• •t•ii•% •` to .� �,;"'�fi:.'. � ,. '•t'.- ��• ;.::.' ..:•:':7i .• �``s•+ �Q<�• ..fir : : • ' ..•'9•pis a y�(� S"•� �t• � !1 t!`•..J'.�'•.•: •fit . •l,:I• 'i •34••1•'�•��J '4 �:'C .. a�. • ar��y 1.�.:w 7 r`y:,. .t• •�••. i.\,i`• ^err .F iM.t�;4; y" .��� 1�• a wr,'•",-.;qi.._.•.�' :.•: •J.. :• :;•1.•r +•;•Cfft�;.ti•«,,��,R4 � ,,,�.��.t �u,�• ..yr4 •�..t.,t:�•�'4J.` •. "ti.r j .�<ip,.'t t'.• .:•t '.ira.• st),�yNr �-"1L�' .:if�3,` �`�Y• •S t� *4 .•a / "Vt fv a�`� 1.rw., ��'"• .Y?'�•\r. r�+�,��',�i•'�'Qr���,�.yy wt. x. ••• .. arb •Y•i � �;Yl fs '1e rah. ..'' -^.t;' ;�.": a. +C .iy..��.•'.... ••tJ�f t=i�� S,�, -'•x�',�taal�st'`}��. .�.�. .�•�'�'i't'0If•''.,sf'./u+,._<..i, �y�id3:�:. _ .... .• 4�'•'!'` f•f' ' !c;'.;•T iyr,yA:;i._':c_•�,-�- ���t?�fi� '-::�•:::•:�' .. ` 77uT/r� u-cam THE TRANSFIGURATION "Given by Mr. J. W. Callaway. "Mr, J. W. Callaway was graduated from A&M with the class of 7923. "He was transfigured before them and His symbolizes Elijah and the prophecy of the Old face shone like the sun, and His garments became Testament. The Tablet of the Ten Commandments a dments white as light." -Matt. 17:2. represents Moses and the Law. Seeing Elijah and Moses walkingin acloud with Jesus on the mountain The nimbus suggests the presence of the Holy was God's way of revealing to Peter, James and John Spirit at the transfiguration. The IHS monogram that Christ was truly divine and that He was ful- forms the first three letters (Iota, Eta, Sigma) of the fillment of the prophecy and law of the Old Tes- Greek spelling of Jesus. The burning chariot wheel tament. or 4, '.t{ I� � //. '1'Till�F.I• .•<. a' ''��`' .' '�; •,�, �...� � •ram. .. Ok ni jog ~•jam cd�YiZ/i/Y1;{�,,Z��a(Otlr' G�v7yj�mi -� - • . .. THE COMMUNION "In memory of Wm. Marion Rascoe, Class of 1942, by his mother. . . killed in service 7944." "I am the vine, you are the branches: He who The three extended fingers denote the Trinity, abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much and the two upraised speak of the twofold (divine fruit." -John 15:5. and human) nature of the Son. The outstretched hand symbolizes the souls of the righteous in the Communion means fellowship with our Lord hand of God. The chalice reminds us of the sacra- and with our fellow man. Again we have the IHS ment of the Holy Communion. The cluster of monogram forming the first three letters (Iota, grapes and vines suggests the union of our Lord and Eta, Sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus. The hand His church: the consolation and mutual love be- of God upraised is a symbol of the Father as blesser. tween Jesus Christ and His members. n IV .•:4 fS.: ���•L�r•'i` ,fit p... i IFeY •��. K'i:';; `�� � •;�#_ ;:gib::.-�a..7,` :��°.':�;,_•;::�• ..{• � ...- � c,r•� .:i•. J •T�v ........._•-- •fit`•:i,. ,:• ..� .�''''•sY ;' i'-- rt'; i .1... Fr ,:.Yri :�/.+:is •CL•.•. •' 7t.'c,�.' �ti:ixr-lX.+'. �>" :sy. ++•33•`'° ,_'.T'•....,....T µ` �s:'•;`:.;c :J: '1:',YJ;�?�•` ''� t,;.'! 3 1. v.:r^ •vvs`a~ a•Uzi,:E: ' t `: Y tf •ter '`••,,iY.��{=•..�.a?l3_:sT�js 1� ���.� 1• -�` ! -x.�. "'.f«cw t.,k.� -� •�� f•: t --'a S.M:,, y �.`f 5: , ...i"�,`.s4iL'a't'; -_ •�.::ice':•. �r•11 ':'. .. LQ.I��� U _v�.. .t• i�y:`�; •r1�7.�/%U42G1,�37 �.�:,'.,'•iY rg tf AS;­. .�Irt ° ZGU�YI�[G ;� �� � C°JR.U•YP,I L THE CRUCIFIXION "Given by Miss Annie Shilling, Cedar Bayou, Texas. " "Father forgive them for they know not what trial before Pilate. INRI was the superscription on they do." -Luke 23:34. the cross, meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the The Latin cross rising from a chalice is a symbol Jews." The conventional daisy refers to the inno- of our Lord's agony and suffering in Gethsemane cence and purity of the Holy Child while the and later on Calvary. It is called the cross of suf- crescent moon symbolizes the Holy Virgin Mother. fering or agony. The crown of thorns calls to mind Her glory was borrowed from the Sun of righteous- the humiliation and mockery imposed upon Him ness, Jesus Christ, just as the light of the moon by the Roman soldiers and it also speaks of His is reflected from the sun. ,.�AJ.ry.w j~� k `� �+,y�}�STi.jl�'}...1'�.r -'. .a� •.J •'^'�:1�"!' .i�i,,k �, Irk �'.�.��f .(��,.�����f'+� :,� A�. ,+f{fir •,�j�ft.1��, .x. ,•f/�,.py .,, ��.i rr�, .' �• '��• •^ of j'C'�" '�'� •K �� '•y S' ?•,• •• �-'ff''L, "•iYj :�:,•r• � '!• 'J Vq'�17 r!!".�•� :t1Niw SJJ;f 'Ni4"'4y�:.����;'�r+ �'.�Y* l.�'r',•i•�i r�r•'r,r •'r.if r •lam' , '�' /. •t'. �4"> tr_• i.-`.:r�. JAL THE ASCENSION "Given by Mrs. Dona C• Carnes, honoring her two brothers, Wm. T. Coulter, M.D., and Walter]. Coulter, A&M Class of 7895." "All power is given unto me in Heaven and on It bespeaks innocence, peace, forgiveness, and Earth. . .Go ye therefore and make disciples of anticipation of new life. all nations. Lo, I am with you always."-Matt. 28: The olive tree provides shelter and opportunity 18, 20. for rest. Its oil is used as a healing ointment and its fruit is used for food, so it is truly fitting that the Ascension means the rising of Christ in His olive branch symbolizes peace, harmony and heal- resurrected body from earth into Heaven. In the ing. Here it denotes the grace of our Lord who is ascension of Jesus, God performed a healing act able to give peace to sorrowing sinners. for mankind. The ascending dove symbolizes The flame represents the presence of God and Jesus Christ as having fulfilled God's purpose. His oneness with His Son, Jesus Christ. lip ��•r:,�`IEr`r•''o-•e.�_�.l•<�,•,5�, i/j " .+J�`�.,'!'>4.�i",', •J't'.Y' :�.-5S a li .Q rY`•'`T,•a.? 't •Z�?yjy�.'.. A. a}, �:}�. 1 �+� '','/)••jay d w s.��'4} .�' � ! R•� ►.y. 1��*�t K.�y •� >Y},.•'..'7!'•. ',y,) �yti�`C !{. M17 1'7'��i'.: .�.yf. -�� �', QC air.•i' {��� t `� •' �� n � r � �'4+` i, �y. �`'9rki4Y 5 .,�V 41 y vfi�r► (7 T' 3J yAr tv�W r r a.t lr:. R �:r,• ._ic•` .qY k,�Rl�r,,h•. 5 rri ' 'wy a'�}'i � t } ti.L Yj:<If� S'21i�.� .�a!'jp•��i�i� � ..'4 • � ,•tiy,�c' • ` r. 't"• :r:�� S�i.amity, •jw ,5 i• ���'ul2-ea-wt�C,ec�Cc''n.���~ QY7�Z1,c��r�� rn, .�u� e�''_'''`=.Y•i THE RESURRECTION "Given by Mr. and Mrs. A. Mitchell."Mr. Mitchell, a charter member of this church and professor of math ematics at Texas A&M. "I am the way, the truth and the light; no one -Malachi 4:2. The cross in the Circle of Eternity comes to the Father but by me."-John 14:6. with flames shooting out in every direction suggests Here the Greek cross is used as a glorious sym- the Sun of righteousness mentioned here. The bol of the living, victorious Christ. It represents tongues of fire in the rays emanating from the cross Christ's sacrifice for us and his victory over death. symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit to the The circle denotes eternity, since it is without disciples at Pentecost, according to the Scriptures. beginning and end, and is symbolic of Christ's The earth or rock on which the circle is resting is everlasting grace and the eternal life he offers all the Rock of our Salvation, denoting the stability people. "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of our Christian faith and the triumph of our Re- of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings." deemer throughout the earth. 7 ELLUE TURNER WINDOW Ellue Turner, a workman, was killed by electro- cution during the construction of the sanctuary. The northeast window below the balcony, consisting of a pair of glimmering casement windows, is a mem- orial provided by the church and dedicated by the building committee to the memory of Ellue Turner. An iron pipe which he raised came in contact with an electric line and he was killed in an instant. He was a young man, lost in building a place of worship for the A&M United Methodist Church congregation. This adds seriousness and sublimity to the bricks and mortar. . .and the arches. . .and the atmosphere of reverence. . .and, on the contrary, it lends harshness to empty pews. THE THOMSON WINDOWS On the northeast side of the balcony above the stairwell is a cluster of three glimmering windows in soft muted grays. They are the loving gift of the Reverend and Mrs. Jesse C. Thomson, the second minister family of the A&M Methodist Church. Cover design by James K. Raatz. J r/ a� 1� 7• � i�� � t 1 N. Ai 2. Ida ip INN IV 41/ ft- ledilow op Ae A AO- 14 low ♦� `� y/� �1! r° ♦ ���,�� ��*ram/ J low EL Alt- 64000 IW 0 y C 1 ... •. TIC.. a rc 4: ;, ? B/o rBaiCr-/9so6�jlI9V 04,47-/990 Mr. & Mrs. Mack Cooner 4500 Mack Cooner Lane v �J College Station, Texas e0)(�Nk✓^AP 7�s/r 77845 /�,/V/ Mr. & Mrs. Mack Cooner 4500 Mack Cooner Lane College Station, Texas 77845 z o i Pk E# x IL � a Mr. & Mrs. Mack Cooner ft 4500 Mack Cooner Lane • College Station, Texas }�> 77845 WE7W,eAl PieT�1,11FEs P4 FAs El i►' e ,�. F -.----.- . , _...er. • .3 .✓�"� ��:t .y, ��:. Va. '�.' -. t s L. The A. & M. Preshyterian Ghureh CHURCH OFFICE NORMAN ANDERSON, PASTOR PASTOR'S HOME 1N THE Y. M. C. A. Extends a sincere welcome to all the students and service men associated with our college. We would like to be of some real help to you while you are here. TELEPHONE-4-6189 TELEPHONE 4.9814 Help us in this by making your wishes known. Phone the pastor or visit him in his study if there is anything he can do for you. If you have a personal problem, you will find him sympathetic and interested. Come to our services and make them your own while you are here. We would like our church to be a home church for you while you are away from home. OUR SUNDAY PROGRAMS CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Morning Service 6:30 Student League 7:30 Evening Worship CAMPUS THEATRE CAMPUS THEATRE Y. M. C. A. CHAPEL and Fellowship Y. M. C. A. CHAPEL From May 15 to September 15—Summer Evening Services are held on the lawn east of Guion Hall YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED �.• 2T21�ra ra ra i+�I 1JZ]-2JZRr CI CI �I �I �I CI r M \ r]MJ 2J 2121P1ra 12.rdrdl"2.f�Rl rJ 2J cUcU—dj EJrJrl e.1 ri eI rJ rJ c'J CJYJeJ�Gr,ejc3el=r-iri`1 I/ t 91wy 7�z aLa, 7� wst N 629 +1I V n95. I I i NOAICCOAI N4 IAILLICAN BAPTIST C#URCN Ocfobea /8, 1992 WoRehLp and P&aLAe //:00 Covexed RAh Lunch /2:00 i sLnkL*nR and VLAUZAg. A7fex Lunch � l7 � o 41 � of i .H� :max �4; WOODEN CROSS BANNER OF CHRISTIAN CROSSES Cross used in the tabernacle of A&M Designed by Emma Gay (Mrs. Gordon). United Methodist Church 1923-1964 Individual crosses made by members of Presented by Rev. James Carlin. the original Circle 1 of A&M United Restored by Dr. David Gay and Dr. and Methodist Church. Completed 1976. Mrs. Leslie V. Hawkins 1978. BRASS ALTAR CROSS First brass cross in the tabernacle of A&M United Methodist Church. 1923-? f S •~, � �+ yls ���IIIIl�I7 y e '4 t AM; r :ram .A6.. Fti ti i - �� -rPr�/ t/�?�l �2��'1�U A HISTORY OF THE A&.M CHURCH OF CHRIST 1921 - 1988 by Joe Buser Al v, 5e ,� � , iiyy�Mll lryiyipb L� f r July 30, 1997 Mrs. Grace Calbert, Director College Station Community Center College Station, Texas Re: History of Churches and Synagogues Dear Mrs . Calbert: Enclosed are documents substantiating the History of A&M Methodist Church. You may keep these as we have copies of all . Thank you for inviting us to participate in this endeavor. Sincerely, o� ALe,� ' Helen S. Hawkins (Mrs . L.V. ) for A&M United Methodist Church enclosures : Pictures Other Items Rose Window Reflections by Mrs . R. L. Jackson Brass Altar Cross Sanctuary Windows 1919-1979 by Wooden Cross Mrs. Emma Gay (Gordon) Banner of Christian Crosses A&M United Methodist Church Methodist Group 1920 'A., "The First Fifty Years 1923-1973" by Fred Brison REFLECTIONS OF MRS. R . L. JACKSON��G OF THE YEARS ' 32- ' 36 . The responsibility of any pastor is to re-enforce the Tower of Christian faith in the hearts of his members so that they will be strong enough to stand against "The cyclones of indifference , the hurricanes of hate , the floods of jealousy , the sandstorms of covetousness , the blizzards of greed and the whirlwinds of egotism. " Pastors have no way of knowing exactly how many accepted the teachings of "The sweetest story ever told . " They have to be content with the ones , few or many, who come forward to acknowledge their faith in the story of all stories and be thankful for the seed that fell on fertile soil. A minister' s wife has a very different responsibility, especially in College Station. She must provide "a home away from home" for hundreds of boys who are home sick for mother and dad and their cute little baby sister and above all , the girl they left behind . It was impossible to fill those vacancies , but I could help them feel they had "a home away from home" . It was built for that very purpose of entertaining the khaki clad sons of Methodism attending A&M. There is never a dull moment in any home which has been blessed with a son. Don' t ever believe there was a dull moment in "the home away from home" of the Aggies. The doors were never locked . They came and went between military whistles. Card tables were never folded except when we would have a real party. Waffle irons were always ready to be plugged in and a pitcher was always filled with waffle batter.. The Aggies brought their own butter and syrup. Why didn't we put it in the budget? We didn't have one--we just managed . It wasn't too bad eating iceless muffins when you are having a good time and fudge without nuts help keep the pounds off. When you are playing "42" and going in a hole , you didn't miss the absent nuts , what you missed was your high trump. With Aggies , one doesn't need too many rules. One they didn't dare break was the upstairs was "no man' s land . " In addition to enjoying privacy, I often carried food to my room. I had to be sure I would have ham or chicken or whatever for my invited supper guests. When you are making a home for boys , you just don't lock the refrigerator. For example , we were having Bishop C . C . Selecman for dinner. He was to speak at the church that night and suggested we eat after church when we could visit as long as we wished . When services were over and dinner was eaten, I went to get the home made ice cream. Both trays were empty except for a note saying , "It sure was good , guess who ate it?" The Bishop enjoyed the joke and was kind enough to say , "After a dinner like this , all we need is coffee. " Home is not just a place to eat and sleep and bang on the piano . It ' s a place for fellowship and fun and we had plenty! The sweetest music wasn't from the piano . It was the melody of laughter , especially when it was a regular old belly laugh and harmony was forgotten. One of the best parties was on April Fool's Day. The hotels of Bryan gave me several dozen guest cakes of soap. When wrappers were removed , we iced them with chocolate icing. You know boys--they just had to have a bite of sweets before they tasted their sandwiches which were made with miracle whip and a piece of clean white material. They chewed ' the rag until they decided it was impossible to digest. The salted nuts proved to be real nuts from the hardware store coated with whipped egg -2- whites with just enough salt to tease them. Nothing can last forever, not even fun. I had hot chocolate and cookies in my secret closet . While I was helping pick up rags and warming the chocolate , �some of the Aggies decided it was time for me to get an April fool surprise. They slipped a cake of soap in the chocolate. When those who were not in on the joke began to sip it , one of them came to me and said in an under- tone, "Mrs. Preacher , did you know that milk was sour?" I told him that it couldn' t be; that I had bought it from a neighbor who had a cow. I followed his suggestion and tasted it. Needless to say, it went by the way of the rag sandwiches. Our refreshments then consisted of dry cookies , no sandwiches , no nuts and no chocolate, but enough fun to last the rest of the school term. "The Home away from Home" could have been called "The Fun House" like they have at fairs and circuses. One never knew what was coming next. Did you ever get up in the morning and were greeted by seventeen turtles? I have and believe you me , I stopped in my tracks on the stairway and screamed for preacher. He put them in a container until he could give them their freedom. If I had only known who , I would had had them slipped into the rooms of the pranksters . On second thought though, I knew if college security had caught the student pastor slipping seventeen turtles into the dorms , the Bishop would have removed us from our happy home and from the Aggies who we loved so much. I thought so much of the Aggies it was easy to forget and foregive them for eating the Bishop' s ice cream, for putting soap in the chocolate , and for the living room parade of turtles. Mr. Jackson, "Preacher" as they called him, was also forgiving when they threw him in the lake on his birthday, clothes , shoes , watch and all. We were -3- having a church picnic and the crowd really did enjoy, seeing Aggies baptize a Methodist preacher Baptist style. It is the ambition of every Christian worker to find new and unique methods of recruiting their forces. I accidently found a way I never heard of before. I had used all the familiar avenues to win a young man who came from a Christian home, a home where the children were taught to lisp the name of Jesus almost as soon as they were taught to wave "bye-bye" , but, with no result . But I wasn't ready to give up. As Mr. Jackson and I were driving through the campus , this young man was on the steps of his dorm. We stopped and he came to the car and became a captive audience. I asked him the frank question , "Where have I failed and tell me what it will take to get you to join our group at the church. Your relatives are such good workers and we need more just like them. Tell me where I've failed and what I can do to really interest you and I' ll do it. " Here was his answer: "I need some soxs darned." I told him to go get them. The deal was closed . He kept his promise and was a regular attendant. I am persuaded to believe the holes in his soxs were more comfortable than the bumps my darning caused. I didn't promise a pettipoint creation. I do hope his bunions are much better. Darning several pair of soxs is a small price to pay to have a little part in seeing a bright and happy face in his pew to worship the God who breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. "The Home away from Home" proved to be a normal , happy home. Because it was normal , heartaches did creep in. Death messages had to be delivered , "Dear John" .letters had to be read , broken hearts had to be comforted , . and financial problems had to be adjusted. How I wished and even prayed for the wisdom of Soloman. I was thankful I could direct them to the one and only who not only had -4- 0 the answers , but would walk with them and show them the way. We worked , shared and played with them all week. Come Sunday, they came to church and prayed with us. They treated the worship service with the same interest they showed in their games--they gave it their best. No difference what the topic of discussion, they handled it as if they were working for grade points. I was constantly surprised and amazed at the inward search , the outward look and the upward reach of those big, mischievous fun loving Aggies. �� I consider my contacts with them as one of the rare privileges of my life. One of God ' s beautiful gifts to the world was loving mothers who never forgets that little bundle of flesh and blood the family physician placed in her arms with the statement, "It' s a boy. " Because they knew the financial condition of the church and knew it took money to serve the simpliest of refreshments to their sons , they helped in so many ways. One of the surprises of my life was when the express delivered a huge box to my door. Who do you think it was from and what do you think was in it? It was from the A&M Mother ' s Club of Dallas. It had popcorn on the cob and I don't mean an ear or two , but half a bushel , several pounds of sugar, several quarts of shelled nuts, all kinds of chocolate, chips and so on, shreaded coconut , bottles of Karo , all kinds of flavoring it would take to make cady. They even sent a check to buy butter , milk and eggs. I was glad they didn't shell the corn. The boys had so much fun doing it . They didn't have to worry , about broken fingernails and they were so thrilled that "Mom" had not forgotten their sweet tooth. My thrill came when I read the beautiful letter explaining the Silver Tea and its results . A letter of appreciation -5- from loving hearts of mothers , just because I had shared not much more than a cold drink and a waffle. There is no thrill that can equal that of being a minister ' s wife . Through the week it is thoughtful , undreamed of and certainly not deserved , courtesies. On Sundays , it is when one you love and have prayed for steps out and says by his action, "Your God shall be my God . " The Aggies are in leadership all over the world . If time and space were available , the list of the exceptional leaders would be too long to mention. A few who had such important part in church work and have contributed unlimited talents to the outside world will have prominent places in history. When the name of Guy Hutcheson is mentioned , I don't think of a successful consulting engineer. My thoughts are of the best Student Council president we had during our ministry. His leadership was outstanding; his character beyond reproach. Mr. Jackson remarked so often what a prince of a gentleman he had to help lead and mold the students . The statement of Mr. Hutcheson in the Longhorn of ' 33 said , "No greater token can be said of any man then 'He was a regular fellow. '" Though he has many honors and citations from the field of engineering, the greatest of all awards was the honor of being selected Radio Engineer with the second Byrd Antarctic Expedition to Little America, 1933-35• Many Christmas greetings have found their way to my mail box. The most exciting and one of the most appre- ciated was the one from Little America. Because every one wanted the stamps , I watched it with an eagle eye. He closed the greetings with, "Though I 've written this wearing sheepskin lined gloves, every finger is frozen stiff. It was one of our prized possessions and I did -6- . o so want to keep it among my own souvenirs of yesteryears. But that was before Women' s Lib so my husband became the caretaker. In our different moves , much to my regret , it has been misplaced . This is a very brief appreciation of one who was so helpful in our church. The reflection of his brilliant mind shines from here to Little America. The achievements of General Armand Simpson will have a prominent place in the history of our nation. His decorations include two Distinguish Service awards and four Legion Merit awards. His activities under General McArthur and other outstanding leaders read like a story of romance. A&M is fortunate indeed to have him serve as vice president of Student Services. He will have a hand in guiding the military program, the Corps of Cadets , ROTC , and the Aggie Band . His retirement brought him back to his birth state of Texas and to Bryan where he found the girl of his choice , Miss Mayors . He wooed and won her and they have been happily married since 1938. They live in Bryan and are members of First Church. He was also a member there when he was in A&M but he was the type who would serve where Christian service was needed. All of us know the wonderful help they give to the Wesley Foundation at the present time. I crossed paths with General Simpson socially between the two churches. As Paul Harvey often says , "This is a little personal. " During Corky' s freshman year, I was injured and it wasn't a happy thought that because of me he couldn't finish his education. I would have to be in the hospital not months but years , and with hospital bills , college expenses during the depression years convinced me we would have to have help. I wrote to General Simpson who 'was head of the Student Labor Committee , asking if he could help find work for Corky. In just a few days he placed him in a position which -7- placed him in a position which enabled him to stay in school. Efficiency was his watch word in everything he did . His presence with any group of Aggies commanded gentle manly behavior. I was always glad to have him and Marjorie attend our parties . Just their presence served well as chaperons. When his record of achievements are recorded and read in the history of our nation, heads will bow in severance for such capable, devoted leader- ship. Our ministry in A&M Church was from ' 32- ' 36. The student body numbered nineteen hundred . Most of the faculty lived on the campus. The residental sections were few and far between. We had only eight or ten on , the Official Board , and no office force, not even a secretary. Mr. Jackson not only had his pulpit and pastorial duties to fulfill , but he also taught Religious Education in the college with thirty and forty students. When his busy day ' s work was done , he visited the boys in the dormitories. � rye were fortunate to have Major R . J. Dunn, who was director of the Aggie Ban , to bring several members to church and play for our evening service. Another piu5 was 3laviiig i�. H. Beach , who directed the College Glee Club , to direct our choir , and Mrs . Homer Norton , wife of former Coach Norton, as our pianist. The Aggies appreciated these faculty members helping us out and proved it by their presence with the exception of when the Corps trips demanded their presence. We understood the rules and regulations of a military school and the importance of their colorful parade before a game. We understood it but on those days , the church was all but empty. Most of the. faculty went through -8- loyalty to the team, arid to help scream them over the goal line. We knew when we were appointed to A&M ,that it was a student pastorate. Our students did come first and that is why it was placed first in this reflection. It is difficult to put value on the religious work the boys did . Their leadership was recognized throughout the Bryan District. So often when different pastors would not be able to fill their pulpits, they would call me to send them a speaker. The Aggies gladly responded and the reports of their efforts were always "The boys did just fine. " They were not only good speakers but good actors. The pageants they were in revealed unlimited talents . 'r!hen I was asked to share my reflections of our four years in A&M Church, the first thing I thought of was our rich, rare and real experiences we had with the Aggies. Idow that time and space have run out the last thing I'm thinking about is also the Aggies. I've gypsied from Texas to San Francisco and back with my preacher husband. Ifie have served all kinds of churches , but not one could ever top the cooperation and loyalty of the Aggies. then we needed them, they were there whether it was to promote some new project or to see that justice was done when misunderstanding prevailed . If every member of every board of every church would give that same loyalty to their pastors , we would not have so many forced retirements on account of broken health or so many heart attack deaths. What we would have would be churches with influence which would be felt around the world . Love , cooperation and understanding are those musts that should be added to complete dedication to insure a successful ministry. -9- Yesteryears at A&M were wonderful years. Today is also wonderful . I am persuaded to believe tomorrow 'and all tomorrows will be still better. -10- ',ti'HILE THE A&M METHODIST CHURCH WAS FETING IN THE OLD TABERN-:CLE,J. GORDON GAY, SUNRAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT, ASKED ME TO SEW UP 150 YARDS OF MONKS CLOTH TO MAO CURT._JNS TO SEPARATE PARTS OF THE CHURCH INTO CLASS ROOMS. AT THAT TIME I HAD AN OLD-FASHIONED TREADLE SE'ING MACHINE. SO I SEWED AND SEWED. THE CURTAINS WERE NOT UP LONG UNTIL 7E STARTED THE Nil CHURCH BUILDING. I WAS RATHER ANNOYED ABOUT ALL THE WORK, BUT GORDON PUT THE 9ATERIAL TO GOOD USE. IT IS NO?T IN THE VENTS OVER THE DOORS ON EACH SIDE OF THE NAVE& THE SOUND COMES OUT FROM THE ORGAN SPEAKERS. THE MATERIAL 1S VERY DIRTY AND V110, I AM SURE, BUT IS STILL IN USE. RUTH MOGFORD. '7HEN THE YOUNG BACHELOR MINISTER WALTON GA.RDNER CAME TO THE OLD TABERNACLE TO PREACH FOR US, THE AGGIES ?'DARNED HIM NOT TO PREACH TOO LONG, BECAUSE THEY HAD TO MARCH IN FORMATION TO THE ME4ALL- AT NOON. NONw OF THEM HAD CARS AND THEY NEEDED TIME TO WALK TO SBISA HALL. REV. GARDNER GOT A LITTLE TOO ENTHUSIASTIC-'THAT FIRST SUNDAY AND PREACHED CADETS UNTIL 1200. AT THAT TIME THE/ROSE IN A BODY, FORMED IN LINE DOWN THE AISLE AND MARCHED IN STEP (HEP HEP) OUT OF THE CHURCH. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE SERMONS IiERE OUT ON TIME AFTER THAT/ RUTH MOGFORD. � ,; THE 1932 COTS ON BALL -AND STYLE SHOW PAGEANT WAS 2�B FIRST PUT ON BY TEE STUDENT AGRONOMY SOCIETY OF TAYU TO CREATE MORE INTEREST IN COTTON-va HRE STATE1S LEADING CROPe ALL FUNDS REALIZED FROM THIS SOCIAL EVENT VAS TO BE USED TO SEND SELECTED STUDENTS TO STUDY COTTON PRODUCTION, Iy;ARKETING, AND RESEARCH IN THIS COUNTRY AND ABROAD. OVER THE YEARS THIS SOCIAL AFFAIR HAS PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AND HAS BEEN SUPPOR'TF:D BY STUDENTS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY, THE COMMERCIAL TRADE, AND COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE SOUTHITFST. FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS SUFFICIENT FUNDS ERE RAISED TO SEND THREE STUDENTS AND AN INSTRUCTOR ON A TOUR T�THE SOUTHERN STATES, TO kSHZNGTON D. C. , NEW YORK CITY, .AND ACROSS TO ENGLA_TD AND EUROPE. IN ORDER TO M_AXE 1 N77 CONTACTS ANDS OBSERVE DIFFERENT PRACTICES, GROUPS HAVE GONE TO JAPAN, EGYPT, PERU, MZCO>AND OTHER PRODUCING AND CONSUMING COUNTRIES. FOR SOPS FORTY FOUR YEARS THE COTTON BAIL AND STYLE SHOW PAGEANT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE IMPORTANT SOCIAL EVENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY YEAR. J. S. MIOGFORD. AT THE DED:ICI:TION SBRV'i:CE OF THE SIUDDAK SCHOOL R00,431(. MILLICAN BAPTIST CI1URCH» OUR H+;RITAGL--PARS. WINNIE CIU�.FDV,1114 Time, changes everything, so we are told. Our Church history 1..� surely show how it has changed our little town and our Bapti,;i- Church. This afternoon in trying to relive our past and to t-le our present, it is al.Llost necessary for me to go into the ri►,-11 historical backgpourid of which this area is so wonderfully b1es:,c -�., The History of Millican reaches back into the days of the Republic Robert Millican carte into this territory in 1821 with Sfbpphen F. Justin. Millican was colonized in. 1837. This was in_,the same year that the First lVissi_onary Baptist Church was orgnnioed­�at Washing- ton on the Brazos in a black smith shop. The organization consist- ed of five n.en and three women. At this time Millican was part of Glashington County, and it is very probable that many of our renown preachers and layrien vrere in our midst and gave spiritual assistance to the people in this area. For our Baptist Cliurch History givt2s us mention of meet ._ng-_ in Anderson and Washington, and our geography shows us that this area of which we are a part is a direct line for travel in those days for there iras a place to ford thm Navasota and Brazos Rivers. Most of the travel was carried out by horse and buggy end horse back, and sometimes by walking from community to community. In 1841 the people in this area asked for and they wete granted a partition fron Washington County, and vie vrere then in the new County of Navasota. Forty five families made up this entire pop-- ulatiion. kmong tLzerii vrere Baptists, Methodists, Enisconals Christians, and Catholic denominations.. The best count that can be found is that there vrere eleven Baptist fromilies in this group. This area was bouaidod by springs and rivers, we know then as Sulphur Springs, Sobe Steele Springs, Peach Creek, South Branch, Oak Grove and 11illican. People met in each others hordes in the winter and under trees and arbors in the summer to read and study Y} the words of comfort and Faith that only the Bible can give. In 1953 Millican made an effort to establish a Baptist Missionary Church, and some of the morbera front other coml.iunities came into the church, but the distances, weather, and lack of money to help support the cause soon caused the church to disband about the latter nart of 1857. eras In 1848 the Houston and Texas Central Railroad/aprrovcd, and the building of the road started at Galveston and roachoa Millican in the year of 1860, Then circumstances not forseen overtook•the growth of this area. Due to the givil War, extreme drouth, and lack of materials the Railroad stopped at Millican for several years and many businesses sprang up here, among them Sanger Brothers and Padget Brothers, People came to live here until P,+tillica.n had over six thousc.nd population(this io fro;..') Lear:l.rig EW gra.ndfather. and General Stoddard visit). Millican had a bank and a newspaper, there was a•P.alissionary Baptist Church, and a non-missionary one, a Methodist, Episcopal , Presbyterian, and Catholic church organi- zations. Good times seemed to be in store for this area., but at the end of the war, the railroad began to move on toward t_ o Northern Part of t1no state. This ni3ht not have been to much dis- advantage but between 1866 and 1868 Cholera and Yellow Fever took tiioir toll. Me.ny farli_li.es fled the area. But host o.-' the cold settlers who had T11oir All, in land and ricuories here .remaine.d. Amor_d sorie of• the odes staying %-rere II. E. Smith, Ben Ha.—rington, The McGregors, Sims, Feverlies, Morgans, Lee Mills, Dawsons and my Gi!aj-.,.'L Lai Heht -��drrr r 1,�!�rah �t � ► _x e�`r� ��t �.. eW� w� �.i• fro_ri � ^c �� .i�:i_�..,� l..c 1 c::..rE: e�r�i.�e x e� r *�Y i/as )�,Mt ter -M �C, form of produce18',as and l:�a.rg-jards • 2_ h-oTo one of our owrn nler^�ec:rs o_i nc)wa , Pllc> :yen r_�.ce t:�1a'; h. r� fat'_i:- }1nc , him of V. E. 1 0—nn tx'av(+1i_11g :from Lnd"arson to 111,1(•P'tl ef.^e ii S,4.,y -- ping and holding services, vie seem to have lost most cf ovhr. 1),13-+0iY of the church activities around the ear17 n7 r,; ccn. -Irpr_reds, Wk-- do know that services were held in the church and t+4t thor.0 -✓ .:� ra Sunday School-, for i rs. Vada Siripsc), r0meribers of goind to -01 Baptist Sunday School with the H. E. Smith children. Wu also geta record of t11e Church wed(ling of Claru, Harrington and Mr. Charlie He.gpling in the late 1890 t s, When we, J. We Burrows family moved from Ce_thorn to •r4illican in. 1907, there laws not an organized B4tist Sunday School, and I , Winni^ E. Burrows , attended V.,.e Methodist Siuldc.y School, We had church services at the Ba7)-tistchurch at least once a nonth if we could get soLie one to corie hold services and could get engugh mon.cy to pay their actual expenses. Then we always had a Protractecl Feeting each summer. The old church_ building was used when we did Havre services , and there were mar?y large Oak trees around the grounds the church stood on and people care in buggies and wa.gons and spent the day at church. I can remember coming in f'ron the country -to spend the dayat church. My first remembrance of our old church is very dear to me. It was a. long, tall wooden structure painted white. There were two doors cat trio f•rorO; and one in the back. Many tall windows on either side of- -the •build•- ing. There were three rods of peers, which were home made, an organ and the building had a steeple and a bell , which wa.s used to call people to iiorship. Some of the preachers I have been able to recall or obtain thenames of are; Brother Waits , who drove from Bryan to Millican to '.hold services traveling in a buggy. This was around 1904 &; 1905,E Bro: Fugua who came from near Anderson, My Grandfather henry Burrows, Bro. Pipkin from Bryan, Bro. Hale from Waco, Bro Brown and family from Collcga Station, Brothers Kd,ndrix and Kiser who were pe.ssing through. Then we has a kinsman from the Colonizer of Millican, Bro. L. R. Millicon, later known as the War Horse of the West?? • T3rp., Bob Hiller, a forr..ior chaplain in World War I. , Bro., Bracoviell w:iom everyone liked Very much came from his hone in Madisonville there different tides to be a shepherd to the flock at Mi.11i.can. In 1916 a group of Baptist mot and organized a Baptist S. S. We net in the afternoon at 2:00 P. M. Among those who worked so hard to make this Sur..day School grow were ; Yrs. Travis Hugh ,-,,or J:. C1 Burrows, Mrs# Betty Sawyer, Mrs, Viola Jackson, Call Sealy far.ii_ly, hIrs. l,lma Williams c.nd ot''nors I an sure viho worked just as faithfully. Rrom 1919 through 1�29 our church with help frorl. friends grow . The old buildirl" was torn down and. the present Luditoriui� and two wrings were built. A piano rOPlaced the organ.The present seats here bunght in 1929. The peo -Je of the community gave barbecues to help moot the payments on the additions to the church structure. t;e began to hold regular once rionth services with Bros. Pipkin, Rochelle, 'dindsor, Bracewell .filling the pulpit. In 1933 Bro Carrington fil-loC the pulpit. Bro. Hooter came to us in 1936 and Hillica# Sunday School was standardizedo We grey in members and finances and started to have church every other wook and Sunday School Ivory Sunday, The pastors recalled at this time were : Bro. Stringer, Strickland, Bro. Leo. Carrett, Bro. Hoke Smith( At present a missionary in ColuJabio) . Then 'we became riore conscious of the need of full time church service and Carl Shrader and Glen Brown brought the mossagc each Sunday. When Bro. Brown resit;r.ed. the church had sevoral people come to preach as they felt 1;!ie ncod of fas,king God to lead them in their selection of a leader. No one who ctgps to '�F7ti(" 04A (dnY tLa-i-- the 10ra Ln hi� �s�� sent to us our prestA+ *tstcar 8e J a P. L-AW• Cyr t41) .*M stagnant and so, _f satiuiied. The uoual ones were at: usual arilo�rit of money was collected. Bro. Law not aa-l"isfic'd to stay Stiptus RV�I,, He hao given of his time .far and beyond that which is normV.11 expected f_r' a pastor, he has aetnally porforned manual labor as well as mo:c^e than tithed to help us reach our goal, that we are hrxc to iedi.wate today; A. Baptistry', Sunday School Rooms Rost roo-ms, Fdstor4e study, and a genoral overhaal Of thefuildIng, up ,are glad to say we now hold two services eddh Sundays Midweek 6yer service , and a B.T. U. training union. We nor have. a membership of 96 porsona g about .60 of this number actii,v - To the present mEr1berehip gods iehe' much deseVved oredit br our present pnysical structure. To our forefathers and fathers we are most grateful for their staunchness tit Idi h, `for it Iras. chair lot to pioneer and they had many adversities that we their bhildren do not ovon know how to cope with. ,. TO .OUR FUTM May god in his Own Jime and `Jar help us of tofty koep the balder high and to send to us just the people that we necd to havo in our midst that will hold the banner high and barry ,on tho Mork that we are tryinG to do, when ihlt the , present come to thO brad of the..Ilay, and we shall leave to othord our unfl ai.ah'od *dj*4, n the I! ilijean Baptist Church. The Milliotn Baptist Church at the present timti, at RoModoming Servioes now has an able and Ailing .pastor, Bro. Barnett He and hid fine family will d6f !� 1sh only as much ad YQ'U%,_the membership, and people of M I akti, are Willing`that -tie accomplish. This is not a tiro for "dilly-dallying" An religion or as christians here in Millidan or anywhero else in thb world., LET OH�I9T�l�NS 32�Sk by Sybil Leonard Arnee, Fort Worth eopiod . from Braptilt StAndlard 'ihoso are not days for superficial living; The hour is dark too dark far little deeds. Lot ua. bo dono with little acts of giving And- little labors boUhd' bar little' oroe Oations gropo cries of despair' 'axe 1jftixsg; I ultitudes, are reaohinG up Jr light While- d�°°b -b! grape through caVoless hands are; gifting, A world. in ehaov� b �k gl ll 4ts the 714 t Stir its, 0 Eordf as bar h x2ight y OhOtr4 ale; who Are prozat to &try and to plod, M ,atoms of doom across earth are ,broaUrigij ; Ohri sti.ans rise to do thy will y • ti a �.`-/+� vc,�� sue,"'� sa" _ __ ".� � C�-..-e��.�►--� ��'''"---�., ----------- A<G./` - ___.__- -_-_.-�� R�-/�-r_�J�-� �/ �-_-J/ � � �•may GA /'^� eL t a ,,-,tt N �'L/Z/!�' �'c'+"t�`.7 ��'C C:�-c✓�-y .mac-c�c_.e-`6- �'';-'C �� i �J r C' ' The f, . cn ice.,;,•,-�a- +'s w United Methodist Church }` sic liar -4 �t } n 5�. 4, THE FIRST YEARS 1923-1M 4 'f a r e �/� Cif/�i�""`.' �' — ��)l�'"_f — �� cx / L ��li�r—,�-�-r✓ i�f v/vim/? ��¢�G.[.�'"• - �J �,•��L �4 3d A&a eel ] M vea Tu fo. Piz �Q/►� c -B ��-�-� ��a 7-Z��� � j u � � r f;; , 5AL�,� _ ff , r ti e. L THE A&M UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The First Fifty Years-: 1923-1973 FRED R. BRISON Q �i.z ti qLt f All t PAZ -a&e-4- 1 Published by the A&M United Methodist Church 1973 s College Station, Texas—September 1973 . . z►tc.'d.bY. . • Capital Printing Co. a Austin, Texas i r X APPRECIATION This effort is a result of perennial membership on the Commission of History and Records. Appreciation of this trust is here recorded. When the Commission report was made to the Administrative Board, it appointed a committee to plan, prepare and publish a history of The A&M United Methodist Church. The n eWbership was composed of Mrs. Curtis R. Holland, chairman, Charles Rodenberger, Mrs. Edwin S. Holdredge, Robert Chenoweth and Lane Stephenson. It was within the province of this committee to delete . . . change . . . veto! These pre- rogatives were exercised sparingly, and the committee is due my thanks for an understanding attitude. Especially am I indebted to Dorothy Holland. for sharing her time and special talents in editing the manuscript for publication. Without her help, cheerfully given, the book could not have assumed its present form. Credit is also due to Mrs. Lela Edwards for her editorial assistance. Mrs. J. Gordon Gay interpreted the symbolisms of the Sanctuary and its memorial windows. Thank you, Emma, in behalf of the church and those who provided the memorials. Mrs. Stewart E. Brown wrote the section on women's work. She is historian for the Woinen's Society of Christian Service, and the church is indebted to her for this contribution. The Reverend James Brannen has been generous with encourage- ment and'-help -. and in subscribing to.a belief that a degree.of rele— vancy vancy exists between "The First Fifty Years" in print and the first' fifty years in reality. Dr. Raymond Perkins was the pilot for the aerial photo- graph which Brother Brannen.made of the church plant. To both, I here express my thanks. The Reverend and Mrs. Jesse Thomson graciously provided photo- graphs of the congregation—a treasured one of which was destroyed in the mail—and also items of information about the early years not avail- able from any other known source. They write: `B. P. Brown of our student cabinet helped refresh recollection." 3 Doyle Gougler, John Haislet, Benton Storey, Dorothy Holland and Helen Jackson provided other photographs. Sketches of the building and other art were made by John Greer and Bert Green. We are grateful to them. Sue Colson interpreted the hieroglyphics of the original draft and transcribed them into legible form. My thanks to her. Mrs. Paul Andrews and Mrs. Jack Price spent uncounted hours above call of duty in supplying information and typing the manuscript. j We are indebted to Modene and Jean for help cheerfully given. To others whose help has escaped recollection, I here express my apology and sincere thanks. j And, finally, I remember and acknowledge with gratitude the many circumstances and episodes recalled by Mrs. `B" . . . Vera . . . that con- tribute to the completeness of this story. FRED R. BRISON w 4 f s FOREWORD The Historical Committee of the A&M United Methodist Church made a routine report to the Administrative Board on the Golden Anni- versary of the Church. The Board charged this committee to prepare a full report of the activities of "the people called Methodists" in College Station during the past fifty years and to have it published for general distribution. "The First Fifty Years" is the result of that request. The Historical Committee asked one of its own members, Fred R. Brison, to be responsible for relating the adventurous and inspirational story. "Mr. Fred" was the logical choice. He could tell the story of "The First Fifty Years" as a student and faculty member of Texas A&M Uni- versity, as a member of the first small group of Methodists who gathered on the campus, and as a perennial member of the church that now over- looks the city and campus to which it was called to minister. For the benefit of that vast majority who will read this history today, and in the "tomorrows" who will not know Fred Brison, my brother in Christ, let me present him to you formally: Native of Lafayette, Texas. Recipient of a bachelor of science degree in horticulture from Texas A&M in 1921. Employed as a staff member the same year. Recipient of a master of science degree in horticulture from Michigan State University in 1931, with additional graduate work at the University of California. Professional honors: Medals for contribution to the Texas pecan industry by the Texas Pecan Growers Association of which he served as president; Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award, 1956, from the Former Students Association of the Texas A&M University;President, Federated Pecan Growers Association of the U. S., 1957; Gold Pecan Award, National Pecan Shellers and Processors Association, 1958; Outstanding 5 Professor, School of Agriculture, TAMU, 1961; L. M. Ware Teaching Award as Nation's Distinguished Teacher in horti- culture, American Society for Horticultural Science, 1965; Professor Emeritus, horticulture. Texas A&M University. That is the professional Fred R. Brison. But there is another you should know. He is the Fred R. Brison who married Vera Dean of San Saba, Texas, and saw a wonderful marriage blessed with a son, Fred R. Brison, Jr. The husband, father, Christian . . . not necessarily in this order because he first was a Christian . . . is the one you should meet. He has served God faithfully in this church from its inception, as a student and as an adult. Through the years, he has been paired with the key administrative responsibilities as chairman of the Board of Stewards, and the Official Board. He served as chairman of the Building Committee of the Sanctuary and the Educational Building and as a member for the Fellowship Hall. During this time, he taught a church school class in the Wesley Foundation for 25 years. He was not alone. His lovely lady joined with him and in addition also served as president of the Woman's Society of Christian Service, and taught in the Children's Division of the Church School for many years. To know him is to love him. His overpowering humility endears him to all, as his voice sounds a clear note to those who have ears to hear. Possessed with a great love for his church and a greater love for God, never thinking more highly of himself than he should, his voice will never be distorted as a clanging gong or a tinkling cymbal. His city wisely chose him to serve as a member of its City Council where he sits with honor at the point of this writing. Those who have known him will wonder why I have said so little about him. He will wonder and even be embarrassed that I have said so much. One of my signal honors as a Methodist minister is to have served as his minister. Read the story the Administrative Board charged him to write and you will walk down some wonderful lanes of memory with.some of God's giand-in the church . . . from the pew and from'the pulpit this has been and is a most unusual church—a great church! May its next fifty years be as fruitful for Him as "The First Fifty Years." JAMES BRANNEN Minister, The A&M United Methodist Church April 5, 1973 College Station, Texas 6 i 777. INTRODUCTION A stranger hurriedly inquired of the sage old innkeeper about the time. The innkeeper pointed to the clock, said, "See, it is straight up 12." The stranger, surprised, replied that he thought it was later than that. Again, the old hotel clerk said, "It never gets more than 12. That is where it starts over again." For fifty years, the days have been starting "over again" for the A&M United Methodist Church. Tomorrow, as we approach it, fades easily and silently into today, and today is the most important time in all history. Today the A&M United Methodist Church is a great church with an impressive membership, physical plant, budget—and church debt! It has not always been this way. Fifty years ago, it was merely a blueprint in the hope of a small group of Methodist people in College Station. This hope was shared by the five Methodist conferences in Texas and the church by slow degrees became a reality. The decisions of these fifty years cannot be reversed, nor changed. They are immutable. Yet the lessons of history and the voices of the past can be light to guide in the ever-retreating days of the future. If the tasks of the day seem insurmountable and overwhelming, there is reassurance that other days likewise had problems, and the response to them contributed to a greater A&M United Methodist Church. There always will be those with a concern for the origin of that of which they are a part, those who believe that. "Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge the wings wherewith we fly to Heaven"';those who just for a day—will let the present fade and feel the past stir behind the illusion which we call time. It is with these thoughts that events and circumstances of the A&M United Methodist Church are here recalled. Just as length and mass and time are meaningful in their relation to the universe, this is an effort to relate dimension of attitude . . . of action . . . of continuity and succes- 'Inscription on Guion Hall, now demolished. Words are those of Shakespeare. 9 p sion to 50 years of time in the life of A&M United Methodist Church. Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.) wrote or spoke: "The first law for the historian is that he shall never utter an untruth. The second is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality . . . or of malice." This effort is not exactly history. It is no defense of the A&M Church, as Manson' defended his—in the closing paragraph of this booklet. Readers are requested to regard it as reflections of one who has been a part of the church circle for nearly all of its fifty years and the rules enum- erated by Cicero have been the yardstick by which the writer has sought to abide. i I 'The Servant in the House, by Charles Rann Kennedy. 10 I b, i Chapter 1 THE YEARS OF HOPE— AND THE BEGINNING In 1917 and 1918, Methodist residents of College Station and Methodist students of the University (then A&M College) repeatedly expressed hope that "soon" a Methodist church would be organized in the community. The nearest Methodist churches at that time were Union Hill, halfway between Bryan and College Station; at Wellborn, 5 miles south of College Station; and at Bryan where First Methodist had been estab- lished since 1868. The church in the Shiloh community, 2 miles south of College Station, at the site of the present College Station cemetery, was no longer active. The writer was a student at A&M then and participated in some of the gatherings at which "a church" was discussed. He remembers no other purpose for these meetings than to contemplate a need for a Methodist church, and to explore avenues for beginning one. Written records of those early meetings would provide threads with which to weave the story of the A&M Methodist Church. But efforts to find any of that early period have failed. Youth is not aware of the brevity of time, the uncertainty of recollection, or. the historical.importance of the tasks at hand; and so, perhaps, no records were made or kept. Much of that which follows in these chapters is from recollection, some of it vague and uncertain. It is hoped that the years will unfold more information which will contribute to the completeness and accu- racy of the story. Of clear recollection was one such meeting of like-minded people in the Assembly Hall which in 1919 was in the area between where Law Hall and All Faiths Chapel are now located. This, surely, was a culmi- nation of other unrecorded meetings that preceded it, but different from 11 n H ti I� i _ .n This was the A&M Methodist Student Cabinet in 1929. (1) Jesse Thom- son, pastor; (2) Fred R. Brison,faculty advisor; (3) G. G. Gibson, presi- dent of the Cabinet. On the front row, seniors in boots or slacks.. .and underclassmen in leather-lined leggings, a sure sign that the wearers were in the cavalry. others in that action was taken. A chain of events was initiated which has continued unabated for fifty years. Dr. Edwin J. Kyle, dean of agri- culture, presided. Professor A. Mitchell, father of Howard Mitchell, present member of the church, gave the opening prayer. Frank Brunne- man, a senior in horticulture from Flatonia, Texas, was elected president of what was to be the first A&M Methodist Student Group. The date is not known but those elected were officers for the 1919-1920 session. Other officers probably were elected and other laymen present but their names have escaped record. `Little is known about the immediate-objectives'-or pzop'osed'activities of the first elected group of officers. We know little about the diligence and devoutness of the members or of the determination with which they pursued objectives, and we know nothing about the blends of frustration and encouragement—and rewards—which attended their work. But some element of goodness in the first Methodist Student Group is indicated by its becoming the working nucleus around which other forces gathered. It was the beginning. If judged by its fruits, it was a memorable milestone. This group and its immediate successors were to 12 i iy become within a few years the A&M Methodist Episcopal Church, South. C. C. B. Warden, later to become a general in the U.S. Army, was president for the 1920-21 session, and Louis H. Alsmeyer was vice presi- dent. Thus began a long succession of Methodist Student Groups which, during the early years, were an integral part of the church organization. COMPULSORY CHAPEL SERVICES From 1876, when A&M first opened its doors, until 1930, chapel services on Sunday mornings were provided by the College for the stu- dent body—and attendance was compulsory! Families of the community also joined in these chapel services. The ministers were invited guests from leading pulpits of the many denominations of Texas and elsewhere. Bishop Hiram Abiff Boaz, and the two Knickerbockers—H. D. and H. W.—were popular Methodist ministers who were invited regularly to be chapel speakers during the 1917-1923 period. All students assembled by ebmpanies on Military Walk at the sound of the bugle call and marched jauntily to the old chapel which stood where Hart Hall now stands, and, after 1917, to Guion Hall which was torn down in January 1971 to make room for the Continuing Education Tower. ij I Shown here is the Wesley Foundation Cabinet about 1933. (1) J. Gordon Gay; (2) M. C. Hughes; (3) Fred R.Brison; (4) Hugh Walker; (5) C. G. "Spike" White; (6) R. L. Jackson, minister-director; (7) Guy C. Hutcheson. Names are fleeting, some remembered, some not; but each face conjures delightful recollections and reminds that a great Methodist Aggie stood there and helped to build A&M Methodist. '� 13 The military company formations proceeded with dwindling ranks as avenues of escape were passed along the way. The "Ram Book"' for the 1910-1911 academic year contains this interesting notation: "January 9, 1911—E. Langford—deserting company on way to chapel, 6." The "6" refers to demerits, known tenderly as "rams." According to the rules of the day, it was E. Langford's responsibility to write an ex- planation for the offense with which he was charged and send it to the commandant. Now, 62 years later, E. Langford, 80, with an outlook tempered by the reflected glow of yesterday, remembers well his honest admission that " . . . he was assailed by temptation that Sunday . . . in an unguarded instant his conscience lapsed into vacillation and failed to sustain him . . . he wrestled with Satan and lost! . . . and that his bur- dened soul was now tortured by unrelieved guilt . . . " He further ex- pressed hope that " . . . his reputation for devoutness—now badly bat- tered—would not hamper irrevocably his opportunities to henceforth lead a pious and upright life." Those hundreds of students in architecture, of which department Professor Ernest Langford was head (1925-1957) and the people who elected him mayor of College Station for 24 consecutive years (1942 to 1966) will agree that his hope expressed in the long ago has been ful- filled during these 62 years since his defection toward the devil in 1911! A MAN OF VISION In 1919 the First Methodist Church in Bryan had $500 surplus at the end of the conference year which was in late October or early Novem- ber. The Reverend Preston Taylor Ramsey was its pastor. He proposed that this surplus be offered to the Texas Conference to begin a missionary- like church for students at A&M, and the Board of Stewards agreed. This action initiated events that led to the appointment a few weeks later of the first minister, whose responsibilty was to work with students at A&M. ^; Brother. Ramsey's salary*at that tirrie was:not:06d:_An"'iher6dSe'of $500 would not have upset his budget! A grasping man could have easily accepted this as an increase in salary. Instead, however, he chose to help start the church at A&M. He helped with the struggling outpost church during the early difficult years and gave wise counsel. After retirement he moved to Bryan and spent his remaining years. He was i the father of Mrs. John S. . . . Celeste . . . Caldwell and Mrs. Katherine 'Officially, the College Ledges. 14 k 1, W e a{ t bl #a✓ 'G a>1 4. d... 1' I a � r Fred R. Brison and Mondrick Corzycki visit with the Reverend P. T. Ramsey, "father" of A&M Methodist on his 100th birthday at Crestview Home for the Aging. Blackwell, wife of the Reverend Durwood Blackwell, member of the Texas Conference. He was a frequent visitor in A&M Methodist Church during the early years of his retirement with just cause for rejoicing over the fruit of his efforts. He died October 3, 1970, at the age of 100. The following is from the Daily Eagle, Bryan, Texas, October 4, 1970: " . . . Reverend Preston Taylor Ramsey . . . died Saturday at the age of 100.. The retired minister joined the Texas Conference in 1913 . . . he also served pastorates in California, Colorado and New Mexico and attended Conferences of the Methodist Church . . . for 75 consecu- tive years." The A&M Methodist. Church will ever be grateful that this man of vision came its way. It rejoices in recollection of his continuing good health past the three score years and ten, and his wonderful Christian influence throughout the full 100 years of his life. Truly, "He paved the way for others to make the journey." 15 'F_r'piahn S LE'SS'��.,(Q1Htb"brH9W ,. It seems fitting to acknowledge here the debt the A&M Methodist Church owes to First Methodist of Bryan. It provided the first $500. Its members in a special financial campaign about 1937 subscribed gen- erously to a fund for a building program for A&M Methodist Church— at a time when they also were in a building campaign. Then later, First Methodist of Bryan accepted without loud murmuring the annual as- sessment by the Conference for funds to support Methodist student work, including buildings. A part of these funds was allocated to the A&M Methodist Church and the Wesley Foundation. 1 `I I 16 l I I 1111011M,.,A 4 Chapter 2 MINISTERS The decision to appoint a minister to the future church at College Station was made by the Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in annual session, November 1919 at Tyler, with Bishop W. N. Ainsworth presiding. A two-point c icuit was established, com- posed of the Alexander Methodist Church of the Tabor Community in Brazos County and the A&M church. This was a practical adjustment in financing and administration. This relationship continued until the period between 1926 and 1929. Meanwhile, all Quarterly Conferences included reports from each of the two churches. This made interpretation difficult for many items that were not recorded separately—such as total member- ship, amounts raised for support of the ministry,budget and similar items. KING VIVION, 1920-1924 The first minister appointed to the two-point circuit was the Rev- ei endKing Vivion. He arrived in April 1920 and began at A&M without a church building, without experience, without a parsonage and without a congregation other than the Methodist Student Group of the College. Except for the $500 from the First Methodist Church, Bryan, Texas, he had no assured salary—only license to collect from the non-existent church and its phantom congregation enough more to total $2,000, in- cluding approximately$750 from the Alexander Church.He-soon learned that he had been assigned to a "situation" at A&M instead of a regular "charge." He probably had been reminded in preparation for the ministry that no:minister of the gospel has-an-easy path; that he may enjoy.mea- sures or degrees of deep fulfillment; and that he may admit truthfully with Saint Paul of " . . . having fought a good fight _. . " but he seldom has the comfortable feeling of having finished a course, seldom the joy of having fully completed the task, or of having "laid by the crop." 17 The administrative "staff" of A&M Methodist, 1923! King Vi- vion, the first A&M Methodist minister, as he was pictured in the 1921 Longhorn, A&M Col- .lege Yearbook (now called the Aggieland). Even with a recognition of, and resignation to, these truths, a min- ister with faint courage, surveying the outlook in April 1920, would have surrendered in despair. King Vivion's was not an easy path to follow and the future must have seemed unduly bleak. But with recognition of opportunity, unyielding conviction, a new wife to encourage, and the buoyancy and enthusiasm of youth, King Vivion began. There is some- thing noble about a start—that critical second when inertia is overcome. With each bit of progress, ever so small, he must have entertained the r same anxiety . . . and surprise . . . and joy that people on earth had when the space vehicle slowly lifted off the moon August 1969, with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin on board. Another astronaut, a Michael Collins, was circling in the mother spaceship. Some of the little congregation-to-be were skeptical and predicted failure. But they did not reckon with King Vivion. If we paraphrase O. Henry', it.would be that "far more than ordinary man was King Vivion endowed with intrepid determination.." He made free.and,eagy...contgt` ith.,people with::,students. and other adults of the community alike. He was eager, cheerful, alert, im- bued with a fine sense of humor, and always given to the "small sweet courtesies of life." He was faintly pious, though this was not immediately obvious, and a delicate sense of detection was required to recognize this quality. In 1921, his second year here, he was a candidate for the Shrine degree of the Masonic order in a ceremony at Waco. During the fore- noon public ceremonies, his role was to ride a donkey up and down '"Far more than ordinary women was she endowed with intrepid rashness."—O. Henry 18 6 King Vivion, top row, fifth from left, was an athlete in his own right. He's shown here with the A&M "scrub" team. Austin Avenue, into"business establishments and out again, inquiring at each stop of startled strangers—many unsympathetic—about the road to Jericho! No one could have relished the assignment with greater zest. King Vivion never wore a hat—never had one. This—when hats were routine—was a topic for conversation. King Vivion had a "handful' of followers with a yearning to do good. He had hope borne of faith, but the fulfillment he sometimes admitted was fleeting like an ever retreating mirage. He reported before one year had passed "the setting up and putting to work of entirely new church machinery has proved to be more or less of a slow process." This was the closest approach to a lamentation in his entire official record. King Vivion had never had a charge before and the church-to-be had never had a minister. Both began without precedent to guide or hobble. There is something here reminiscent of the rookie cowhand who never having been on a horse was given one that never had a rider—the two to start out together! There is no good record of how this arrange- ment was regarded at the time by King Vivion or by the congregation. But fifty years later, the A&M United Methodist Church is testimony of the fortunate circumstance that these necessary components of any church started out together. King Vivion was 'a creditable football player on 'the varsity`team at Southern Methodist University. With the opening of the football season at A&M in the fall of 1920, he joined the reserve squad. He was not enrolled as a student and, having completed his eligibility before 19 coming here, was not privileged to play. But he was ready to block and tackle just for the joy of contact.His picture is among those of the"scrub" team in the 1921 Longhorn, the College annual at that time, and the caption reads: THE GUY WHO PLAYS ON THE SCRUBS Now sing, if you will, of the Varsity Star, Who plunges through oceans of gore; Sing in the praise of his startling plays, The fifty-yard runs for a score, ' Your song is the song of the stars who shine, My song is the song of the dub; So when you are done, let us sing, everyone, Of the guy who plays on the Scrubs. j King Vivion was of that temper. It was his responsibility to organize the A&M Methodist Church and he was faithful to the charge. Within i J three years, King Vivion made the historic report: "Tonight we are set- ting up the organization of the A&M Methodist Church . . . " This was the proclamation by which, when approved by the Quarterly Conference, the A&M Methodist Church came into existence. The date was February 23, 1923. The occasion ,vas the first Quarterly Conference' of the 1922- 1923 Conference year. It was held at College Station, Texas. There is no ready record of the room or building where the historic decision was made. A common meeting place at that time was the lecture room of the Electrical Engineering Building, now Bolton Hall. Likewise, the minutes of the Conference do not provide a record or indication of the enthusiasm k with which the proposal was received, nor the number who voted "aye" z and "nay." Nineteen were present, including three visitors. This indi- cates that the proposal for a new church was an occasion for concern and anxiety. Quarterly conferences in those days traditionally attracted smaller numbers. That the church has existed for fifty years is testimony that the motion to organize it was favored by at least a majority. It is easily pos- sible that some of the 19 had mixed emotions about the wisdom of the venture. They surely anticipated'tl e`stru1gles ahead, days.of.uncertainty, 1 questioning, frustrating days when the frail and the uncertain would falter by the wayside. There would be comparisons between struggling in a new church and the complacency of coasting easily . . . without too much involvement . . . in the mainstream of a large established church. There was dignity and directness and understanding hope in the words, "Tonight we are setting up the organization of the A&M Metho- dist Church." It %vas a milestone between others that had already been 'Now called Charge Conference. 20 fo;�a�.r511f. i l established and more which were to follow during the next fifty years . . . and longer. Yet, the words were unimportant. King Vivion and others present knew that a great church could not be built by simple resolution, that words alone represent only the skin of living thought. Like Lincoln at Gettysburg, " . . . the world would not remember . . . " what they said, but it would remember the verdicts which they and those who followed would write each passing day by their works, dedication, faith, hopes, pride, prayers, solid commitments . . . expressions of Christian love. "Tonight we are setting up the organization of the A&M Methodist Church" was a challenge. It approaches the same faith and confidence that prompted Columbus to write with monotonous regularity in the log of his ship: "This day we sailed on" — despite vicious stormtossed seas . . . one ship lost . . . scarcities of food, bickering of the crew . . . all the misfortunes that assailed his little caravel. It bespoke a swaggering confidence that for uncounted years to come those to follow would con- firm the wisdom of the decision to organize a local Methodist church. This confidence has been confirmed by people with names like McCall Burkhalter Iv Phipps, Grout Dicke Go cki Y� PP > Y� reY Yates, Belcher, Pinkerton, Van Tassel, Watkins, Mackey, McDonald, Freeman . . . and a thousand others. They made their contributions and, in turn, yielded to others the high privileges and responsibilities of serving in a great church. This church has been their church and its people their people. Following King Vivion's arrival in April 1920, the Reverend R. L. Brown came to start the Baptist church in the summer of 1920 and the Reverend W. H. Matthews a few weeks later for the Presbyterian group. They were three stalwarts, Vivion and Brown, both young men, and Matthews, a little older, with a steady hand and experience borne of years. They were jointly reassured by their community of zeal, the meagerness of working organizations, and the problems that were in- herent in the tasks which each had assumed. The early work of these three pioneer Men of the Cloth, were noble counterparts to those of John the Baptist's days in the wilderness—equally dedicated, equally challenging, equally rewarding. Former School Head, King.Vivion Dies. "Mr.. King Vivion, presi i dini-of the Southwestern-•University from 1928-1935, died:January•.27-in. Springfield, Missouri. He was 72. Mr. Vivion was born in Southwest j City, Missouri, and received his A.B. from Drury College in 1916 and his A.M. and B.D. from S.M.U. in 1919. He did graduate study at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and Union Seminary. 21 Mr. Vivion received his D.D. from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1930."—Conference Messenger, February 1969. JESSE C. THOMSON, 1924-1932 This minister was appointed to the College Station-Alexander cir- cuit by the Texas Conference which convened at Mount Pleasant in November 1924. Now, 49 years later, he remembers: • The joy of walking the aisles of the train, returning from conference, telling preacher friends of his wonderful good fortune. • Arriving in College Station in his Star make automobile the car and the preacher about the same size. • The limited conveniences of the cramped little parsonage (described in the chapter on buildings). • The rejoicing that the Tabernacle, finally occupied, provided a church home and a regular meeting place. (It is refreshing to con- trast his words of joyful appreciation with the harsh things that were said about the Tabernacle before it was finally torn down 40 years later.—Author). • A local membership of about 65. • A local church budget of about $2,000. W. E. Lewis, perennial church treasurer, reported $2,038 receipts and $1,966 disbursements for the conference year of 1929-1930, with a balance of $71. • Formation of a Texas Methodist Student Federation, with Judge Robert A. Cofer of Austin as treasurer. • The joy of participating in the opening service of the newly-con- structed Saint Mary's Catholic Church at the invitation of Father John B. Gleissner. This was the beginning of a cherished friendship and cordial relationship that is reflected in the following note from the A&M Methodist Messenger,June 9, 1971: Saint Mary's Catholic Church held a vacation church school in the A&M Methodist Church the past week with an enrollment of nearly 90 children. • That we enjoyed those eight years to the fullest. The "we" included Mr:. Thomson's wife' Clara,:-•the- •wonderful. wady whom every Methodist student of that period remembers. Most of their "dates" remember her also as the lady in whose home they stayed when on campus for some important church or social occasion. Some remem- ber her also as the one who provided the occasion and the atmos- j,' phere for the many marital ventures that followed. • The sterling silver bowl, a gift from the McEvoys, that served effec- tively for mayonnaise during the week, and a baptismal font on Sunday. 22 j low ac,I 4 { t� • Gordon Gay arranging for the use of the YMCA swimming pool for those Nwho preferred baptism by immersion—quite a few . . . and appropriate depths for the shortest and the tallest. • A. P. McDonald's mother writing the "Methodist Preacher" to see that A. P. came to church. The preacher did . . . A. P. did . . . and met the future Mrs. A. P. at a church-arranged function at Hunts- ville A. P. later was on the faculty here and also served as church treasurer. • The delicacy involved in fulfilling another mother's request that Clara "see" that her son . . . away from home the first time . . . wear his heavy underwear during cold weather! • Going to district conference at Crockett, crossing the Trinity on a ferry—a small one for such a big preacher. j King Vivion and Jesse Thompson established the A&M Methodist ' Church as an operating unit. They each explored uncertainty, laid the foundation, proceeded when sustained only by hope and faith. In getting the physical plant, and in other matters as Fell, both had a keen sense of discernment—not uncommon to successors—that dictated how far unauthorized, without causing open rebellion. This they could proceed did not always create the most harmony, but it resulted in a faster pace than otherwise would have prevailed. Eleven ministers who have followed these two are: R. L. Jackson 1932-1936 James Carlin 1936-1942 Walton Gardner 1942-1944 Raymond Terry 1944-1947 James Jackson 1947-1952 Nolan Vance 1952-1957 James Argue 1957-1961 Byron Lovelady 1961-1964 Walter McPherson 1964-1969 Jack Sparling 1969-1971 James Brannen 1971- The following have served as assistant ministers: Asbury Lennox 1947-1949 C. E. Isom 1960-1961 Sharon McIntyre' 1966-1968 Gladys Steck served as educational director from August 1968 to September 1971. People of all ages have chosen between the ordinary walks of life and,high plateaus. Early. in the history of the church, the minister was . called to conduct the funeral of a layman of the church to whom death 'Sharon McIntyre had the distinction of being the first woman ordained into the ministry in the Texas Conference. She was ordained a Deacon in 1964 and a Traveling Elder in 1968. She is now Mrs. Joe Watt. 23 3 f The rectangle marks the location of the A&M Methodist tabernacle and parsonage, a "temporary" building built for worship in 1923, but which served this purpose until 1964! The tabernacle was completed during the ministry of Jesse Thomson. The parsonage, to right of the tabernacle, was built in 1928. This photograph was taken with Bolton Hall on campus in the foreground. Note that nothing was beyond the tabernacle northward to Bryan. came in an instant. The layman had attended the executive session of the Pastoral Relations Committee the day before and had voted "aye" with the majority in subscribing to a belief that the "rotation system of assign- ing Methodist ministers was good and that the current minister should participate in the rotation." It was late October and Conference time, and the Bishop and Pre- siding Elder were urged to give particular attention to the special needs of A&M Methodist. The minister was promptly aware of this delicately poised reflection, by word from the P. E., and he grieved in silence. g "Presiding Elder"'- and "late'`October•and• Conference'time"-Tplace the date of this in the long ago. None of'the personalities involved or their families are current members of the church. Friends who gathered for the memorial service were aware of the strained atmosphere which prevailed between the minister and the de- ceased. They listened intently as the minister turned to the Holy Bible for words of assurance. Slowly he turned the pages . . . torn between 'Now called district superintendent. 24 ;I retribution and greatness . . . hesitating at Isaiah 59, where it is written: Your tongue has muttered perverseness . . . your hands are defiled and h your fingers with iniquity . . . and uttering words of falsehood; truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. He also glanced- only fleet- ingly at Psalms with the "The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind bloweth away," and " . . . the ungodly shall perish." It is to the everlasting credit of the minister that instead he turned to those reassuring passages of all ages: "Let not your heart be troubled . . . Yea, though I walk in the shadow of death I will fear no evil . . . surely goodness and mercy shall follow me . . . Then cometh the end . . . The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death . . . So also is the resur- rection of the dead . . . Then death is swallowed up in victory . . . " The exact truth here is being reviewed very loosely! But the essential premise is as indicated. Since this unhappy circumstance, the laity has been circumspect toward membership on the Pastoral Relations Commit- tee; the frail do not accept; the robust do sq„but with them deliberations are always in an atmosphere of caution. Robert L. Jackson, after retirement, lived at College Station and he, with his wife, Grace, was a regular attendant at the church he once served, until his death December 21, 1970. James Carlin and his wife, Ione, served the church in difficult times. - The last years of his ministry at A&M Methodist were war years, the membership was heavily depleted, and the destiny of the church hung in the balance. The outlook of his official board was that of despair and seeming futility. They hesitated at length—and embarrassingly so—to raise the local church's salary commitment from $50 to$75 per month— $600 to $900 per year. James easily could have been dismayed . . . and he was . . . but not given to retreat. His was the task of "holding the line" until a more favorable season. To create an awareness in Texas Methodism of the plight of the A&M Methodist Church, he spoke harshly of its place of worship, the Tabernacle, built in 1923, the same one that was praised by Jesse Thomson. But his words and works helped N create the present Sanctuary. Its beauty and sublime atmosphere long since have dispelled recollection of his aspersions about the Tabernacle. His hopes, faith, steps were unrelenting, and the continued existence of the A&M Methodist Church is a consequence. He was the.guest preacher in, the first service.in the..new.Sanctuary 15 years later, in recognition of his part in making it a reality: _ Raymond C. Terry was a graduate of A&M, a member of the Metho- dist Student Cabinet while here, the fifth minister licensed to preach by q the church which he later served for 3 years. 25 ,z From the outset in 1920, the church had been supported in part by funds of the Wesley Foundation organization. Bishop A. Frank Smith charged Nolan Vance to disentangle the church from such easy supple- mental support, justified in the beginning but no longer, in the opinion of the Bishop, the local congregation having become substantial and the need for preferential treatment having expired. Brother Vance accom- plished the change with easy acquiesence by the Church. Since his min- istry, the church has operated on its own exclusive—and ever expanding —budget. All of these ministers have remained for a period and others have taken their place to preach the gospel . . . visit the frail . . . to be near on occasions of anxiety and grief . . . to listen in symp4thy and give counsel to those confused and with unusual burdens . . . to pronounce the wedding vows, baptize the new and the old, welcome the newborn, stand by the open grave with fortitude and assurance, to adjust to the vagaries of a congregation, to comfort the afflicted and,spur the com- fortable, to yield for harmony without crushing and regretful compro- mise, to variously condemn and accept complacency, . . . to challenge militancy of Christian thought and action. To recite these many facets of Christian discipleship is to be re- minded of the challenges that are inherent in the pastorate of a Metho- dist Church. Any church! The ministers themselves would be the first to recall that each performed those rites with varying degrees of grace and fulfillment. And the members of the congregation, likewise, have pro- nounced conflicting verdicts about the zeal that different ministers have displayed in these several ways of rendering Christian service. These verdicts bespeak blends of genuine concern; faith—justified and mis- placed—little and much; prejudiced conviction; confirmed belief; self- contentedness; biased judgment; humility and haughtiness; love for struggling humanity; dedication to Christ-like behavior; and other atti- tudes that characterize people . . . and church people! In retrospect, the congregation has remembered that whatever dif- ferencesl of,.opinion prevailed, they. become trivial with,;the passing...of time and:it remembers, then, not the individual steps of those ministers so much, as the direction of the path which They followed. It remembers also that progress is made by undertaking a little more than is possible. The direction must be forward, and the alternative is to coast along to a slow death. A pecan tree any tree!—that fails to grow for a season dies. And repeatedly, through these fifty years there have been occasions to recall those reassuring lines of Longfellow to the effect: "The success of any venture only creites a need for greater effort." 26 i 1 Chapter 3 THE LAITY ".. .the church. . .and the steeple; open the doors and there are the people." There is the story of the father harnessed with a young ox which was being introduced to the toil of the yoke'It was customary to use a trained ox for breaking young oxen, but none being available, the father substituted and a son, whip in hand drove them! A wild melee followed when the ox. . .sensing the hard life that was before him _ . . . ran away with the old man. The son finally overcame them and was unhitching the father when interrupted with, "Unhook the ox, I'll stand." This is recited here to remind that every congregation has a solid nucleus of laymen who stand . . . and without which a church does not prevail. Sixteen laymen and laywomen were present at the historic Quarterly Conference on February 21, 1923, when the A&M Methodist Church was organized. They were Walter Armstrong, Will Conrad, Mrs. Jennie Yates, Miss Jessie R. Goolsby, W. W. Kraft, Dan Scoates, Jr., J. R. McKee, J. T. Long, H. F. Goodenough, Henry Ross, Leo L. Weaver, Tom Gilley and O. H. Hamilton. The first two were from the Alexander Church and the last six were members of the A&M Methodist Student Cabinet. In addition, three ministers were present: D. H. Hotchkiss, presiding elder, the Reverend P. T. Ramsey, and the Reverend R. C. Hicks. George W. Walling was a visitor. Nothing in the record indicates that there were recalcitrants in this group. It must be assumed that they were representative Methodist lay- meh, dedicated to fulfilling the charges to.•laymen:-set forfh in. the•Dis- f cipline of that time. These and a dozen missionary-minded wonderful families joined hands to start a church. They left established congregations and joined the struggling new church. Early records mention prominently names of 27 ..A i 1 This group was A&M Methodist Sunday School participants in 1925. Note the flues for wood stoves atop the tabernacle in the background. Front row, extreme right, (1) Jesse Thomson, minister; (2) A. D. Jack- son; (3) George P. Grout; (4) A. T. Chisholm, long-time church treas- urer; (5) Mrs. Charles Gorzycki. 1 these additional families: L. J. McCall, I. C. Burkhalter, R. W. Ivy, W. E. Lewis, C. C. Yates, the Taubers, George Dickey, A. D. Jackson, Mrs. Charles Gorzycki, S. D. Snyder, Dave Phipps, O. B. Wooten, J. H. Kraft, C. O. Watkins—and surely others, omitted here because of lack of records. There is no formal record of charter members of the church. The numbers were few and so, in the informal proceedings, it seems none j were designated. Those who were active in the programs from the outset and during the difficult years, by custom have been recognized as charter members, in reality if not of record. j History is replete with records of great journeys—Hannibal's, the Mormon trail, Lewis and Clark, Bataan, Guadalcanal. That of Ed West- fall is included here as a fitting Oarallel of the intentness of the people who started A&M Methodist. He was a Texas Ranger of 1853 vintage, stationed in a stockade of a remost outpost of civilization where he lived scornfully in hostile Co- manche land. In enforcing the law which he was pledged to defend, he was shot... and lay where he fell. . .unconscious, alone and blind. After a day—maybe 3, no one knows—he regained awareness and partial, but dim, eyesight. The nearest help was 30 miles away over rough terrain— and his horse had been stolen by those who shot him—but Ed Westfall's i 28 ;j was a special sort of toughness. With courage he started. A brother Ranger came by within 2 or 3 days and found the tragic I' trail that led from the stockade. Foot-by-foot . . . tedious for fear of by- passing . . . he followed the trail through the wilderness, marked every !' step of the way by tell-tale signs of a heroic man. Here was life-blood from a bleeding wound. A little further he had stumbled and fallen— fallen forward; his direction was forward—that was the character of the man. Here was the imprint of his pistol and outstretched arms in the dim pathway, where he fell frail and exhausted. Further on he had im- provised a crutch from a cedar limb and used it in an uncertain manner for a half-mile where it was discarded. There were places—aside from the main trail, and safer—where he made coffee and rested for an hour, or a day. Who knew? No longer able to walk, he crawled for a hundred yards, or quarter-mile. It was thus for 30 miles and 7 weary days until he reached Fort Inge and help—and where the pursuing brother Ranger overtook him. He created a heroic path. He*fought a good fight and finished the journey—and incidentally, he extended it for fifty more years. More important than all, he left signs of faith and courage every step of the way. _ This is included here to recall that the A&M church has also made a journey—not in miles,but in years,fifty years.The membership of those first people of A&M Methodist was routine and without unusual glam- our. They were not aware that verdicts of future years would portray them as people on "Candid Camera."' The impelling motive was wor- ship and, in their book, joining with others was inherent. There is no record that anyone invoked the special favor of Saint Peter, in judgment, for having walked a difficult stretch of the church's pathway of time. Those who started were largely oblivious to the ever-unfolding drama in which they were the principal actors; oblivious, also, to the stepping stones which they were building, every one to be included in the heritage of a great church. Theirs were unselfish decisions in "doing what . . . manhood bids thee.do . . . (and from none but thee expect applause)." But their journey, like Ed Westfall's was marked by hope and devotion and milestones of progress each passing year. And now, in retropect, their journey can be remembered with full appreciation of how their efforts fell loosely into place.to provide ever- expanding hope for.the new~congregation.. The A&M church has always had a 'heavily rotating membership. This is inherent in a college or university community with its constantly changing student population, and also the slowly revolving shifts related t s 'Popular television program of the late Sixties. 29 to employment by the university. These, for the A&M church, are in addition to the changes that normally occur in every community. Mem- bers upon whom the church leans heavily often are here for only brief periods—families with names of McMillan, Mackey, Starr . . . long gone, now back . . . Pinkerton, Griffin, Stewart, Trogdon, Terrell, Schrum, Brigham, Kamm, Dr. Hill, Schleider, Jacobs—hundreds more. But who is there to count them? They go and others come. It has been like that for fifty years. And the church has been richer in variety and heritage that they came this way, that they shared talents and left relics of faith and dedication for others who came to take their places. A portrait for a great layman is needed for this section, and the name of A. D. Jackson is a good example . . . a layman chosen at random P from the many of every period of the church, but, by decision, one of the long ago! He was a charter member . . . chairman of the Board . . . Sunday w• School teacher of adult class, with 19 members then and 19 now, fifty years later! . . . Board of Trustees . . . lay leader . . . on finance com- mission . . . delegate to Annual Conference . . . chairman of building committee for second parsonage—(and survived) . . . Church school superintendent . . . self-appointed greeter . . . subscription secretary for "Christian Advocate," present at every church service except when "providentially prevented" . . . an oft-quoted expression of his. A. D. Jackson was eager, alert, anxious about every concern of his church. He was often about the church at times other than stated occa- sions, was prompt with words of welcome for new members and ministers I alike, and was given to silent contemplation about ways that A&M Methodist could best serve. In his vocabulary, people were "lost" or f "saved," period! And "more or less" Christians had no status. The saved and lost classification has been assailed by changing attitudes during these fifty years. It is reassuring, however, that the Church School of 1973 has the "Lost and Found Class," with its theme song "Once . . . lost, now . . . found . . . , " a close approach to the A. D. Jackson termi- nology. His way of life rebounded good for the A&M United Methodist Church and it sustained his trust for each passing day. The judgments of those about him were that he was a Christian with an understanding attitude toward fellowmen than which there is no greater goal in life; no greater reward. It is not intended to glamourize unduly. These words may have mellowed with the passing of time, but the church has had laymen of like temper and devotion for every span of years of the past fifty. 30 I r j A. D. Jackson dedicated a lot from his property on Highway 60 I West for a retirement home for the Reverend Jesse and Mrs. Clara Thomson. This was remembered gratefully through the years by the I' minister family for the assurance which ownership of a lot provided and j as a kindly impulse of a great Christian layman." This equity was re- leased by them when the University purchased the Jackson property some 40 years later. The laity of the church currently consists of three groups: (a) In one there are those whose membership embraces less than fifty years. Dr. and Mrs. Phillip S. Noe, who became members January 16, 1972, are of this group. They hence are in their first year and have only 49 more to go before celebrating their Golden Anniversary! (b) Another group includes those who have been members a full fifty years. Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Ivy' and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Lewis are the only ones of the present membership in this class. Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Ivy were active in the Woman's Missionary Society, Leagues, Sun- day School, and cooked endlessly for entertainment of the young people. Mr. Lewis was long-time treasurer—difficult because there never was = enough money! Mr. Ivy was for uncounted years owner and operator of the North Gate Barber Shop, scarcely one block from the church and parsonage at that time. He sought the regular patronage of every minister of A&M Methodist Church, without ever a charge—which at first was 25 cents for haircuts, and successively with the years upward to $1 in 1956 when he retired. And he did not subscribe to closed communion. His terms were the same for ministers of other denominations, only theirs were cut a little shorter! Back pay would mean a million dollars for this good barber who gave so freely as expressions of his good will. (c) A third group includes those of the unfolding years who are members still as this is written: _ 1924-1929: Mr. and Mrs. J. Gordon Gay, Mrs. C. B. Godbey, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Killough, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mogford, Mrs. James Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brison. 1930-1939: Mr. Sidney L. Loveless, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Haines, Mr. Edwin Holdredge and Mrs. Holdredge in.1949, Mrs. E. W. Hooker, Mr. Wendell Horsley, Mrs. R. L. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Magee, Mrs.:.E. B. Re Id MFs..Gibli Gilchrist.`. 1940-1950: Mr. and.Mrs. Paul Andrews, Mr. John R. Bachus, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Bailey, Mrs. J. W. Barger, Mr. Robert B. Barham, i 'Beatrice, their daughter, is the wife of Rev. S. Burton Smith, member of the Texas Conference. 31 j1 ;;u7 Mrs. Dell Bauer, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Benson, Mr. Carl Birdwell, Mrs. A. P. Boyett, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Breazeale, Mrs. A. F. Buchanan, Dr. and Mrs. O. D. Butler, Mrs. A. F. Chalk, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cleland, Dr. Sylvia Cover, Mrs. F. I. Dahlberg, Mr. and Mrs. Don Dale, Mrs. P. L. Downs, Jr., Mrs. R. A. Downward, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Durst, Mrs. A. L. Edwards, Mrs. R. L. Elkins, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas:M. Fergu- son, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fugate, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gallaway, John Gordon Gay, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Hallmark, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Hervey, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Holland, Mrs. W. H. Hooper, Mr. Truman Jones, Dr. and Mrs. R. E. Leighton, Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Letbetter, Dr. i, and Mrs. J. D. Lindsay, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Lyons, Mr. and Mrs. 1 Edward Madeley, Dr. Jarvis Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Mitchell, r; Judge and Mrs. Otis Miller, Mrs. W. W. Mills, Dr. and Mrs. John 1, McNeeley, Mr. and Mrs. J. Ray Oden, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Ozment, Mrs. E. D. Parnell, Mrs. C. F. Richardson, Dr. and Mrs. T. R. Rich- •it! mond, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sullivan, Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Sousares, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Starr, Dr. and Mrs. John J. Sperry, Mrs. Jane Welch, Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Varvel, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Wells, Dr. and Mrs. S. R. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Don Young, Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Zinn. This brings us to a time within memory of many current members. They can each chronicle in their recollection the hundreds more who is have become a part of the church circle since 1950. I The balance sheet which laymen of the A&M United Methodist ' Church have left looks about like this: 1 • The church has had a stable, loyal and normal membership, as ' measured by standards that prevail for church congregations. • Dissent emphasized . . . and glamorized . . . in the years of the late 111 sixties, existed in the A&M church from the outset—never violently serious but sufficiently evident to indicate healthy interest. At board { meetings someone always votes "no"—frequently the same layman! In the building of the sanctuary, the lines were tightly drawn be tween .(a) the clique that'favored the divided chancel, and (b) their t ` noble counterparts who wanted the established conventional altar with center pulpit. Those of (b) finally yielded for harmony—but mainly because (a) had the most votes! The friction of that episode has long !: been dispelled . . . sparks no longer smolder. The altar area strangely a' seems entirely appropriate. It has been disappointing, however, that not i one of the winning faction has ever indicated remorse for having trampled the minority unmercifully. Not one has yet admitted honestly of having been wrong about the arrangement of the altar despite having gone 32 often to the communion rail . . . earnestly repenting of sins and pledging to live in harmony and peace with fellow man! • Between the extremes of conflict and reconciliation on one hand, and tranquility and complacency on the other, the laity of this { church has preferred the former. And just as conflict in growth of i a tree results in the knurled and beautiful pattern of wood when i finally planed and polished, so has conflict been revealed in the A&M Methodist Church—in understanding, in respect for fellow members, in the binding influence of Christian love. • Laymen from the beginning have conducted work sessions on the physical plant. These involved changes, repairs, refurbishing, re- painting, reroofing. Often necessary because of limited funds, in the early years, they have become a part of the legacy of the church. The most recent work session was conducted . . . with generous participation . . . during the reek when these lines were written in late 1971. Laymen of every decade cite these work sessions as mortality's best prelude to immortality. They hope that St. Peter remembers them in the day of judgment. They have been occasions of the joy that comes from contributing . . . participating . . . ful- filling . . . creating . . . work . . . all related to a good way of life. They sustain humility, contribute to the democratic attitude, and encourage the contentment experienced by those of old who placed offerings on the altar. • Laymen of the A&M Methodist Church have vacillated from "pro" to "con" groups and back again. They have looked askance from the sidelines while others carried the loads. The writer speaks from his heart in confession this last is not a noble nor rewarding recol- lection. Two divergent factions constitute most large organizations—with -_ intervening shades. They have existed in this church. They are the "we, us, me, I" and the "they, them, him or her" factions. Both are relative with different width chasms between. When St. Paul wrote " . . . the workers are few.. ." he doubtlessly was referring to the thin ranks caused by the "they, them, him or her" faction being on the sideline. It is not intended here to dwell.on.these.further .than to observe._that.the,A&M _ church is now a great church,fifty years after it was organized,'and that this is testimony that.always.p,. `•we,-us, me; I" faction.has.prevailed. . .... < _ The work sessions, devoted primarily to maintaining the physical plant, also provided for good fellowship, a major insistence of the Chris- tian religion and a vital force in every church. On one occasion, Gordon Gay and Ike Dahlberg drew heavily on the dwindling resources of the 33 church budget to purchase a curtain pole for the old Tabernacle to pro- vide more Sunday School rooms. Their measurements were erratic. They bungled the job miserably, viewed it with less than just pride and then pled for more resources with which to correct errors of poor craftsman- ship. Their fellow-working laymen said, "no,"—that such careless per- formance was a burden on their consciences alone and they alone should pay. The matter was settled amicably, but only after bantering . . . and counter-bantering . . . at the time that represented fellowship at its best. Recollection of this has become the basis for light-veined harrassment for those two noble laymen for all the years that have intervened. Ike died after a very brief illness, May 28, 1972, before this booklet goes to press. These lines and those on page 82 are now dedicated to the thought that his always good cheer and his re- freshing good humor were a vital force in his Christian character as was his easy—and appreciated—working relationship with his church—the A&M Methodist Church—for 36 years. His historic reprimand of the brethren is of vivid recollection by every layman of the 1944 period. It could not have been more effective had he fashioned it into an edict and nailed it on the church door. "Every person here has subscribed to a solemn pledge Ii My to support the ordinances of this church," he said, "and in so short a time defaulting . . . failing miserably, disappointingly . . . to fulfill." These pointed words were spoken to Iaymen immediately before him by F. I. Dahlberg, layman, but the atmosphere was not harsh. Fellow laymen listened without defense . . . speechless . . . lower jaws hanging loose—than which there is no more pathetic sight among men. The point in question was electing a Chairman of the Board for 1944-45. Several were nominated, but could not would not . . . accept. Reasons were offered . . . and also ex- cuses. Ike, when nominated—the third or fourth—mentioned the "honor and high privilege" . . . of serving, and "impatience with i f those who gave lip service.only . . . said that he would serve. if �. elected, would dedicate his best efforts and words to the institution that was very dear to him . . . hoped that never again would the church be rebuffed. It hasn't. The occasion was Ike's finest hour. j: z, The thinking of laymen has not always been clearly defined—whether laymen are to serve . . to honor the church or the church to serve . . . to honor laymen. Characteristically we, as laymen, have ac- cepted responsibility in three ways: r' 34 �l i • One is by refusing. This is a wholly negative way of accepting, but it is not to suggest that it is always ignoble to refuse. "No, not fast, not slow, not loud, not low, just no" can be spoken with dignity and without apology or explanation—sometimes but not always. And it can be received with more understandingY if interspersed with ac- ceptances. • Another way is accepting, but failing to fulfill. This blocks the way for action, and is worse than refusing. • And still a third way is to accept and fulfill. That the A&M Metho- dist Church has survived and prospered,-by commonly accepted criteria, is evidence that many have accepted and fulfilled. I Laymen of the A&M Methodist Church, as a group, have mainly remembered the things outlined below, and this has contributed to the relative stability of the membership: • The essentially democratic heritage of Methodist churches wherever they are found has sustained harmony,,. • That unanimity is idealistic, but even in a church congregation is seldom attained. • That laymen, with the ministers, are the local church, and that loyalty, frankness, and fairness to that of which one is a part are noble attributes. "Good actions ennoble us, and we are the sons of our own deeds.'—Cervantes. • That the church provides a place for work, and this is necessary for j satisfactory living and a rewarding experience in any life. • That fellowship and the.tewards that come from communion with other like-minded people are to be found and practiced here—for those with a reciprocating disposition. • That the church provides for worship in listening and questioning; in watching and worshiping; in meditation and contemplation; in music and song, sung and sung unto. • That the minister's responsibility, in part, is to interpret . . . to challenge . . . to comfort . . . but not to soothe falsely. • That, when falsely embraced for complacency, the,beguiling ease of any church atmosphere,escapes reality like an ever-retreating mirage. •.The awareness of ministers and laymen.that in any cooperative effort, practical adjustments—short of repudiation of convictions_ are..necessary; for-"smooth do_they.m4ke•_the„ way. " A scorekeeper..applying these standards to members of this church }• for the last fifty years would record that they have been: devout and un- certain . . . steadfast and wavering . . . determined and vacillating . . . rebellious and conforming . . . yielding and adamant . . . active and pas- 35 � I� sive. The church was nothing in 1920 and it is something now, fifty years later. This again is testimony that a good blend of acceptable attitudes of its laymen has prevailed. It is with restraint that little specific mention is being made of those laymen and laywomen who at the end of the first 50 years are fulfilling, in tradition, the work of the church. This would have been the most delightful and reassuring part of this effort. To let this privilege pass, however, is by decision. The reason is patent; like the good lady from Boston who had never been on a Pullman, "I live here!" The laymen and laywomen of yesterday have their counterparts in Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Adams, whose names are first on the membership roll as this is being written, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Zinn, whose names are last, and the other present 1,015 members whose names are in be- tween. There is no disposition to judge or classify these. But, recalling them W name b name and seeing them with regularity • Y � g gu y . . . and irregularity . in their places of devotion and service, sustains the confidence that un- counted good years are ahead, and that the verdicts of history after 50 more years can be recited with.pride. This is the church bulletin for the formal opening service of the sanc- tuary,November 11, 1951. !fi�f�`'erad70 atx p ' an.y thepnrJJ�camim ,: , be hr„,ixer fhi e¢ F�+um6ry w'S T6r k+in. +6rP eft 6t hea mrp*r iePxSx uz,g elrke.pie�r n r{k.,.>r,t,d We A&eft. Methodist church ¢'mpGr.ro m y >,e.�h fie x. Srrn,4r,NncrnGerekoenth M`.i. .EwiDle.+.-Fr P,c - 7 t eY xhieh Th„duu try u{+rq vue ta. urarters brmdJ�rrJ(r(+Xoue 'Proplr 1n-9liot ur,to,4,A—,tS 1.d rtrrnyt3-WA,r,,, 1.: A7Mi1Ko.NevW row ANF or/a Thy i<tFs:f lam,Je jN d-6iz, Lmd,.o that nth givt h--mxr-6v P.,N ei huh 4 m..d pa i t.. T.she el o£(,,r,snd ro the ter. e'f If.ChmcA,va rM1n Prorir p rh"',0 3, In the name 4 the Faeh i f ehc 11.1 p r.A—,.' Ead6y f :::ier:�\1.t:raeiar Pr.g"cl'Ihaakyiri"FT J.NP,,.r 1 7hd 4r6re R<Iwim,._.: Neip.L.nwe TM;ria.slna Pror 'x 4Hpmn. IC+y H.r!.LI 1 :vo, ( PfO L°°'ir Crayxr 0—f ka,rxce The CsO N afu�i Thr t1 'CAe AN en«of ray a�u t n.rro k aw r< the Nyi^n a{'{V hrp (h Ch ch'R o+i ui >,wYKC &Jn.. k iC 55 ox{: (!N pr1�4Y k 'he R Rwiio, --km.r 12 uvng C ngr Vo.t$! `fk 6" The A rent i � . uperoure h ... - Parri Tteln Iirma.. I l'hi k Mdem.Lmd",x ffae87r Clmia a Tlr<Reaau x.tews C a dC InlC Iswa+f om th<HolrS.ripiurc t ,,, -�.'d The[krlurarion ai Chureh TheBc�Nicu,.r ..,, The Ree,. i. J r.r (It—kt the Tn 1 Aliniarn Al'h nd t g f I, - F th � H Th k e,l i,fe 41 the aga,v,d mmcmFerzng the t mt.,ge b hax n eE@r They m,r yn u and ehuRxt—og. Tb ka+oreod f v F l fiMiY Tt Acva_,J knt.a C.v 1.a Psople.b/er.g Son.,rpn+. TFpR nd land>a< �,.Cr 36 1 , i R Chapter 4 k ORGANIZATIONS 0 CHOIR In the early years the choir consisted of those who would come forward at the beginning of each service when called. At times volun- teers appeared ready, willing and waiting . . . and at times not. Directors also volunteered . . . and this also provided uncertainty and rotation. II�'j Understandably these variables were reflected in quality of song . . . but 4` not in gusto and devotion to singing. Mr. Kay Beach, teacher in the College in the early thirties, was 1 the first choir director. With his appointment . . . acquiesence in reality . . . without pay, choir practice became an integral part of the activities of the church. "Yell practice" is a familiar term on the A&M campus. Through the years the choir has endured always in good grace comparison between its regular Wednesday night choir practice and yell practice, accepting the light-veined humor involved. Those successively who have been directors after Beach were Rich- and Jenkins, W. M. Turner, Robert Boone, Ruth Bailey Bucy, and Mrs. James Summers. Tommy Terrell, Sharon Goetz, Diana Weirus and John Haislet have served nobly as directors. . .without pay:;..during interim periods when negotiations were in progress. They will agree that on ;these•octasioIns.deliberations- in, employing. Fegular-directors were::.often .: •. ::•..; deliberate indeed. Pianists and organists have been Mrs. Gladys Steen, Mrs. Ruth Free- man, Jimmy Rosborough, Jr., Anne Rosborough, Mrs. Sara June Goode, _ Jimmy Rollins, Mrs. Julius Dieckert, Mrs. Kay Reed, Mrs. John Haislet, Mrs. Frances Rice, and Robert L. Hostetler. `` 37 METHODIST MEN A charter for "Methodist Men of A&M Methodist Church" was granted in 1954. John S. Sperry was the first president and Aden Magee was president the next year. The following served in subsequent years— with some semblance of sequence, but not exactly so: E. B. Reynolds, Ike Dahlberg, Fred Brison, C. B. Godbey, Edwin Holdredge, J. Gordon Gay, J. E. Loupot, Don Young, Leslie Hawkins, Otis Miller, Charles Rodenberger, John McNeely, and John Seibert. At the outset, fellowship—unadorned and ungarnished—was the central theme, with dinner, without program. The organization moved j with initial enthusiasm, but after the first early years, momentum waned and the organization faded as a vibrant force. Since fellowship was not the "answer," agendas of dinner, fellowship and program—church oriented or not—were initiated. Spurts of revitalization followed this change, but they too subsided. Likewise changing from unclassified en- tertainment to programs devoted more directly to the things for which the church stands failed to stamp the organization as an up-and-going concern. The first Methodist Men demised about 1969. It was recon- stituted again in 1971, but soon again became quiescent. These are cited here as fact, without attempt at diagnosis. The A&M Methodist Church Methodist Men, except in the beginning years, was never characterized by ever-expanding momentum . . . without which institutions mostly fail. The shortness of this section is a symbol of the routine history and uncertain existence of Methodist Men. The verdict is recited here with- out bias, with disappointment that efforts to fortify the program of the church withered. WOMEN'S WORK Written by Mrs. Stewart E. Brown, Historian Women's Society of Christian Service A circle of the Women's Mis sionary Society was started at College Station in 1921 through the efforts of a group from the Bryan Auxiliary. The new group of ten members was known as Circle V of the Bryan Auxiliary, with Mrs. King Vivion as chairman. The membership increased to 22 and on November 22, 1922, the group formed its own Women's Missionary Auxiliary, with Mrs. Jennie S. Yates, the first president. The Auxiliary was financed entirely by volun- tary pledges and was on the Financial Honor Roll. They worked closely 38 t f with the college students in Epworth League Programs, and contributed to the support of the church. In September 1940, the organizational meeting of Texas Conference Women's Society of Christian Service was held in Bryan District at Cameron. The Women's Missionary Auxiliary then became A&M Metho- dist Woman's Society of Christian Service, with 27 charter members, with Mrs. F. I. Dahlberg as president. Mrs. J. S. Mogford was elected the Texas Conference Recording Secretary. Mrs. Mogford was the Bryan District delegate to the Fourth Assembly held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in May 1954. The 25th anniversary of the Woman's Society of Christian Service was observed with a Silver Anniversary Tea in the YMCA October 11, 1964. Through a series of successful "Make and Take" sales, enough { funds were accumulated to.furnish the new kitchen, adjacent to the Fellowship Hall, in 1967, and to purchase a piano for the Fellowship Hall. The Woman's Society of Christian Service and the Evangelical United Brethren Women's Society of World Service combined in 1968 with the new name of Women's Society of Christian Service of the United Methodist Church. Ninety-nine names are on the charter of the A&M United Metho- dist Women's Society of Christian Service. By action at the General Conference in April 1972, a new organi- zation was approved, to be known as United Methodist Women, replac- ing the Women's Societies and Wesleyan Service Guilds, effective January 1, 1974. Five of the past presidents of the Missionary Auxiliary (1921-1940) are active members of United Methodist Women in 1972. They are Mrs. J. Gordon Gay, Mrs. Fred Brison, Mrs. E. B. Reynolds, Mrs. J. S. Mog- ford, and Mrs. F. I. Dahlberg. - PRESIDENTS OF THE MISSIONARY AUXILIARY 1921-1940. Mrs. Jennie S. Yates Mrs. W. E. Lewis: _ Mrs: George P...Grou#. .Mrs. S Mrs."B. F; Harrison Mrs. Fred Brison Mrs. A. K. Mackey Mrs. E. B. Reynolds J' Mrs. W. E. Lewis Mrs. J. S. Mogford Mrs. J. R. McKee Mrs. M. E. Warner Mrs. J. Gordon Gay Mrs. T. A. Munson Mrs. F. I. Dahlberg d 39 WOMAN'S SOCIETY PRESIDENTS 1940-1968 Mrs. F. I. Dahlberg 1940-41 Mrs. J. S. Mogford 1953-54 Mrs. W. R. Horsley 1942 Mrs. Stewart E. Brown 1954-55 Miss Sylvia Cover 1942 Mrs. J. R_ Hillman 1955-56 Mrs . R. M. Pinkerton 1944 Mrs. W. A. Varvel 1956-57 Mrs. R. V. Lamb 1945 Mrs. W. W. Mills 1957-58 Mrs. J. R. Oden 1946-47 Mrs. L. V. Hawkins 1958-59 } Mrs. O. F. Allen 1948-49 Mrs. Ran Boswell 1959-60 Mrs. W. R. Horsley 1949-50 Mrs. James Brazzel 1960-61 Mrs. Charles Pou ) 1950-51 Mrs. E. S. Holdredge 1961-62 Mrs. Curtis Holland ) Mrs. W. S. Hall 1962-63 Mrs. Clinton Walker 1951-52 Mrs. John R. Pedigo 1963-64 Mrs. Bruno Schroeder 1952-53 Mrs. Stewart E. Brown 1964-65 Mrs. R. E. Leighton ) Mrs. J. Gordon Gay 1965-67 Mrs. R. G. Cochran 1967-68 WOMEN'S SOCIETY PRESIDENTS 1968-73 Mrs. W. W. Mills 1968-71 Mrs. M. C. Schroeder 1972 Mrs. L. S. Pope 1973 DAY SCHOOL The Day School was a vision and hope of Miss Gladys Steck, edu- cational director in 1970. The study committee to explore the need and to project its role included these families: Lane Stephenson, Joe Dixon, Gary Donart, E. E. Keahey, Ed Martin, Charles Pinnell—with Miss Steck and the Reverend Jack Sparling. This committee's report, empha- sizing enrichment of children's lives with religious experiences . . . 3- and 4-year-old children living, working and playing in a happy atmos- phere . . . greater usefulness of church facilities . . . was received by the Administrative Board. The Day School Board of Mesdames Charles Pinnell, Lane Stephenson, Adrian Hutton, Roger Feldman, Bob Schlei- der, Joe Dixon, Bob Ragsdale,Miss Steck and the Reverend Jack Sparling .i was appointed to establish reality—prepare the building . . assemble equipment . . . provide leadership . . . secure license from Texas De- partment of Welfare. I To embark into this avenue of Christian Service required great courage. Don Dale directed preparation of the building. Financing was a concern. When decision was in the balance;.the gift of Mt. and Mrs. J. M. Hendricks opened the way. The school opened in September 1970 with Miss John Julia Me- Mahan as director. Mrs. Roger Feldman has served as coordinator since August 1971. That a need existed is shown by a near capacity enrollment frem the outset, with children mostly of parent-students in the University, and many from this church. For those who worked dili- gently in establishing the school, little people around the church and the year-round operation of the school are rewarding reflections. 40 I *. , x Chapter 5 THE WESLEY FOUNDATION The A&M United Methodist Church began as a student church. In the 1918-1919 period, Dr. _W. B. Bizzell, president of A&M College, a..-ked ministers of churches in Bryan to'provide religious services for students of their respective denominations. It was in response to this that the Reverend P. T. Ramsey provided the $500 and encouraged the organization of the first Methodist Student Group in 1919. The early years of the church were devoted largely to concerns for students of the College. The emphasis was on Sunday evening services with Epworth Leagues' and discussion groups. It was not until the College chapel services were discontinued in 1932 that Sunday morning worship ser- vices were conducted by the A&M church. In the meantime, regular I� Sunday School classes at the church were provided for children. When the Sunday morning worship services started, the assortment of Methodist students, adults of the community, young people and chil- dren began to resemble a normal Methodist church. The church then consisted of two principal segments—the local church and the Wesley Foundation. These two for many years were a unit. The pastor of the church was also director of the Wesley Founda- tion. He received a major part of his salary from it. In the early years a much-used slogan—particularly when soliciting funds from Methodist parents over the State—was "a church home for Aggies away from ` home." There were no "Maggies" at that time-or, at most, a.'negligible2 " few. A&M students participated .in church_ activities as:."associate".or "full" members; or simply ag�"Methodists away froiri• home." Student' Sunday School classes were taught and evening discussion groups were sponsored by laymen and laywomen of this church. 'Now MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship). 2An unguarded choice of word. No one is negligible. p 41 ,; i lot A familiar landmark, beginning in 1923, the tabernacle served as a sanctuary and church school building until 1951. At that time it became the Wesley Foundation Building. This was a happy relationship with mutual rewards for both seg- ments of the congregation. It was an arrangement whereby unity and oneness prevailed. It was the voice of Methodism on the A&M Campus and in the College Station community. The listing of the church in the Conference Journal at that time was "Wesley Foundation—A&M." The appointment of associate directors, separate and apart from the pastor years later, marked the beginning of spheres of responsibilities—the pastor for the local congregation and the associate director for the Wes- ley Foundation. The trend, once initiated, resulted in deviations from the original concepts, envisioned by Dr. Bizzell, Brother P. T. .Ramsey, King Vivion, Jesse Thomson, Dr. Glenn Flinn, and others of the early years of the congregation. They pictured the A&M Methodist Church as having a special responsibility for, and sphere of influence with, A&M students. �I{.. Dr..Flinn, when state director of the.Wesley Foundation work in Texas, was insistent upon the present location of the church because of its proximity to student dormitories. He wanted the church where it `over- looked the campus." ONENESS, THEN SEPARATION For the first 21 years, the pastor and director were one and the same. From the beginning until the 1942-1944 period, the Wesley Foun- dation at the state-wide level provided the major support for salaries of both pastors and associate directors. In addition, the Wesley Foundation 42 f t k contributed the most for the physical plant. Friction . . . spoken, smolder- ing, and even inspired in abuse of Methodist tradition . . . was inherent in such an arrangement. This was particularly.so after associate direc- tors, separate from the pastors, and responsible most directly to the Wesley Foundation, became a part of the interrelated complex. The intensity of friction varied with personalities. Some relationships were harmonious; others were not. The local church found it increasingly difficult to maintain communication across the chasms of aloofness that ultimately prevailed between the local church and Methodist students who by sheer loyalty to tradition or other compulsion continued to attend Sunday morning worship services and other church functions. Perhaps it is more accurate to say simply that under the strained circumstances, communication and mutual understanding were difficult. There were difficulties in maintaining a normal church atmosphere in the A&M church. This was inherent because of the great majority of students and the relative minority of local people identified with church functions for the first 35 to 40 years. For students it encouraged a feeling of oblivion and anonymity, coolness and artificiality, instead of warmth -- and fellowship. Those with a self-inspired sense of reciprocation could adjust to it, but others could not. Awareness of this was always of over- riding concern to the local church. And this circumstance may have prompted decisions by the Wesley Foundation to exist separately. This ultimately occurred by decision of the state Wesley Foundation Commission, when the Reverend Bob Briehan was director, to divorce Wesley Foundations, wherever they existed, from local churches. This led finally to the complete separation and isolation of the two units of Methodism in this community. This occurred when the agreed bounds of physical properties were in some cases lines along a wall within a building used jointly by each unit. Absurdity at its worst! This total separation at A&M was effected during the early years of the ministry of the Reverend Bob Sneed as associate director and when the Reverend James F. Jackson was pastor. It continued throughout the periods of assignments to the Wesley Foundation of the Reverend Bob Monk (whose cordial relationship with the local church never was in question), the Reverend Bob Cooper and the Reverend.John-Combs. This was a period of aloofness,.when entangling communication at #- the.most:casual level was avoided;:when. the histotic communion of the :..� two lapsed.from.recollection and when the Wesley Foundaiion by ad- ministrative decree and in practice chose to exist as a separate entity j instead of maintaining connectional relationship with any one local church. 43 iV There is no intention here to assess blame for this lack of coopera- tion, nor for the policy decisions that resulted in it. That it and the l strained attitude that accompanied it existed, however, is a reflection on the Methodist church organization at this level. SYMPATHETIC UNDERSTANDING With the appointment of the Reverend Phil Kirby as Wesley Foun- dation director, an atmosphere of sympathetic awareness and under- standing of the two worship-sponsoring groups again prevailed. The campus minister, responsible specifically for the Wesley Foundation program, also assisted with Sunday morning worship services. He occu- pied the pulpit as occasions arose. The image to a casual observer was that of two elements of the Methodist church, striving to attain a com- mon goal. Attendance of students at the Sunday morning worship ser- vice is substantial. The Wesley Foundation director has opportunities to emphasize public announcements of activities sponsored by the Wesley l Foundation that are of particular interest or appeal to students. The �a local church holds a reception for freshmen Methodist students the first week of school in the fall and has for all the years of the life of the church. This is evidence of awareness and interest of the local church in Methodist students of the community. Several hundred become mem- bers, mainly "associate." � I UNION AGAIN-A NEW STRUCTURE The Reverend James A. Brannen was appointed to A&M United Methodist Church effective January 27, 1971, with the directive from i Bishop Kenneth Copeland' and the Cabinet of the Texas Conference to pursue ways to bring union and vitality to the program at A&M; to explore new ways to reach the student. There was the suggestion that if a successful method was found it might well become the national guideline. What a challenge! A committee was formed to study the.issue. The Reverend Keith Kellow, district superintendent, was chairman, by directive of the Com- mittee on Higher Education which now operates the Conference Wesley Foundations. Representing the Wesley Foundation were Terry Tyler, Charlie Young, Mrs. Helen Snyder, Dr. R. E. Leighton, and the Rev- erend Phil Kirby. Representing the church were Dr. Jarvis Miller, Dr. Roger Feldman, Mr. Doyle Letbetter, the Reverend James Brannen and iBihhop Kenneth W. Copeland died August 7, 1973, while this book was at press. This church lost an outstanding leader and close friend. 44 �; , { this 'writer. The Reverend Guy Pry served as representative of the Com- mittee on Higher Education. A feeling of encouragement evolved when the document was com- pleted by the committee that would bring not r my union but a new structure. Like a blacksmith finishing with the forge, the coals were banked as the document was hurried to the Bishop, his Cabinet, and the Committee on Higher Education. Their reply was returned, "Let the coals die, lay down the hammer, the task of forging and shaping is complete." Thus in June 1971, Bishop Kenneth Copeland used a terminology never before heard in the Texas Conference. For the first time he read the appointment, not to the A&M United Methodist Church, but to the A&M United Methodist Parish: James A. Brannen, minister-director; Larry Grubbs, campus minister-program director. In the new structure, the minister of the church also is director of the Wesley Foundation. Thirprovides for one voice from the pulpit and Foundation . . . for unity in word and action. The wisdom of this new structure was seen at once. The program moved readily into action. Attendance, enthusiasm and program vitality increased, and continues to confirm wisdom of the changed approach. The Maroon and White Corps was organized—the first of its kind in Methodism. Sixty ladies under the leadership of Mrs. Earl Knebel staff the Wesley Foundation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each week day, adding a touch of warmth and home-likeness. Thus with this program the cycle was complete—from oneness and unity (1919-1949) to separation (1949-1964) to sympathet;(, under- standing (1964-1971) to union and oneness in a new structure again in 1971. From 1941 to 1949 the ministers who served as associate directors of the Wesley Foundation with pastors of the church as directors were: , the Reverend Gene Brackney, the Reverend S. Burton Smith, the Rev- erend Carlos Davis, and the Reverend Ferris Baker. The directors of the Wesley Foundation from 1949 to 1971 were: Reverend Robert C..Sneed 1949-1954 Reverend Robert'C. Monk 1954-1958 Revere!jd.Robert'.C. Cooper.. „1958=1960•.. ., Reverend John Combs 1960-1964 Reverend J. Phil kirby 1964-1971 � Reverend James A. Brannen 1971- I Reverend Larry J. Grubbs 1971- �+ I� 45 ii The Methodist Student Center, across street from the J. Gordon Gay Educational Building, is a haven for University students who seek reli- gious environment, wholesome entertainment and friendship. The associates in the Wesley Foundation from 1956 to 1967 were: Reverend Charles Hall 1956-1957 I Reverend Howard Pitts 1958-1959 Reverend Stephea Love 1959-1960 Reverend Thomas Gray 1965-1967 It is clear that in the beginning the A&M church was student- oriented. It began as a missionary church, not in reality, but to the extent that strangers in great numbers with only the Christian faith in common were brought together. The church has felt a responsibility for the young people of whom there is a disproportionate number in this community. More precisely, the close contact with the uncounted Aggies 4 --and now also Maggies—is a high privilege which few churches have. A They,bring the bouyancy of youth, hesitate for the allotted 4 years— ` ? some more, a few less—and are gone and others take their places. They have names like Eldon . . Felix . . . whose last minute of awareness was in a flaming aeroplane over hostile land . . . Anthony . . . Hugh . . . Nelson, son of Frank, the first president of the Methodist Stu- dent Group . Ellis . . . Charlie . . . Owen . . . James . . . Jeff . . . George . . . "Spike" alias CGW . . . Charles B. . . . Carter C., who died in 1971 . . . "Hoot" . . . Guy H. who went to the South Pole with Byrd and broadcast radio greetings from there to the A&M Methodist 46 Rv .x:r�k •�1 F I Student Group . . . and the brother groups of Percy, Jr. and Larry; Fred, Ross and John H.; George and Bill; Louis and Henry; Bill and John; Richard and Jarvis—faithful then and now; . . . and Joe to be followed by Bob and he by Ike—all of the same Methodist Aggie family. . .and D. D. who was here licensed to preach . . . and the assortment of Dons—one to become a rice grower with continuing loyalty to Wesley; another a Methodist minister and in 1952 a member of the staff of this church as a missionary in Chile; another to become an outstanding architect with his name written in the mortar and stone and on the cornerstone of a great building on the campus; and one more to be a county agent, cited nationwide in 1972 for outstanding contributions. Raymond was here licensed to preach and 21 years later did return here to preach for 3 years . . . and Noble, faithful and loyal then, and now a Methodist minister in New Mexico . . . and Frank here licensed to preach and whose ministry on earth ended.in death after 14 months . . . and Keath- ley, one of many who gave his life in battle and whose death portrays in memory anew the bitter tragedy of war. But who is there to name them? A hundred more would only be symbols of the countless thou- _ sands who have become leaders in the Methodist Church and substantial citizens of whom the State and University—and this church can be justly proud. There is no'finer privilege than that which members of this church have, of staying in one place while the never-ending stream of the country's best file by. Somewhere here there was the intention of quoting the Psalmist: How good it is to dwell in the House of the Lord. It is appropriate here to record the indebtedness of this church and the Wesley Foundation to the late Dr. Glenn Flinn and to Martin C. Hughes. THE A&M SITUATION Dr. Flinn became state director of Wesley Foundation work in the late forties. The work of the University of Texas had become established �= in preceding years. Dr. Flinn considered that emphasis should next be on the "A&M situation"—in words that he used a thousand times! He accordingly dedicated his efforts to provide especially for Methodist .: students at•t4&M..In addition to°the usual responsibiliEies'for providing personnel and counsel for Wesley Foundation work.here, he soon began soliciting funds for °the.' 1uilding progiain.. As a 'result, directly,' the Wesley Foundation Commission provided about $119,000 of the approxi mately $138,000 cost of the educational unit, later named the J. Gordon Gay Building. It also provided about $126,000 of the $176,000 initial cost of the sanctuary. 47 For these facilities, the A&M United Methodist Church and the students it serves give thanks to Dr. Flinn. He was entitled to salary and to travel expenses while working largely for the A&M situation, yet he did not solicit nor accept pay from the Wesley Foundation or any other church-associated agency during that period. Dr. Flinn "ever sought the best, ever found it." Dr. and Mrs. Flinn spent their retirement years at the Methodist Retirement Home at Georgetown, Texas. Dr. Flinn died in 1967. Martin C. Hughes was a student at the University of Illinois and active in its Wesley Foundation Program then being established. That t was the first Wesley Foundation to be organized on a university campus. With that background, Martin was qualified to help start the program here and to give helpful counsel in its early struggling years. He came to A&M in 1924, has filled all the usual positions of responsibility re- served for laymen, and has been a bulwark of strength to both the Wesley Foundation and the local church for now almost half a century. Truly, he and Mrs. Hughes—Betty—have supported the "ordinances of the church." i A, i ail v; H i Dr. Glenn Flinn, state director of the Wesley Foundation in the forties and early fifties, was a true friend of the A&M Methodist Church. 48 I�I Chapter 6 BUILDINGS PARSONAGE A parsonage is a place provided by Methodists as a home for minis- ters while serving a local church. There was no organized church here when the first minister arrived . . . there was no congregation . . . and there was no parsonage! King Vivion, the first minister, corrected that and in doing so re- versed the usual arrangement He provided the church with a parsonage. He collected the scrap planks with which it was built. He was the archi- tect and he was the builder. The appearance of the occupied building—it I was never completed—did not indicate that King Vivion had ever been I decorated for bravery in either of these capacities! The usefulness of the parsonage, however, was never in question. The location of this first parsonage was in the present open area— landscaped—at the north entrance to the sanctuary. It was a two-room, two-story building, unique in architectural design and the only such building in the community. The ceiling in the upper room was barely high enough for King Vivion . . . 5 feet, 11 inches . . but a problem — - _,V F i .. i=3 1t The author's:recollection of the Architect Greer's :interpretation ''r: first .parsonage, built by. King 'of Brison's recollection of ,fifty Vivion during the first couple of years ago. (John O. Greer, assis- years of his ministry. tant dean, College of Architec- ture, Texas A&M University.) 49 i for the second minister, Jesse Thomson . . . 6 feet, 3 or 4 inches. The 1 bathroom added later was a walk-in type, but barely! This parsonage was in use from the time of its construction in 1920 and 1921 until 1927. With extensions added from time to tine, it also was used for Sunday School classes of the primary division which, at that time, was the entire Sunday School. The second parsonage was built on the lot south and east of the intersection of Church and Tauber Streets. It was substantial, sufficiently spacious, and served as the pastor's home from 1927 until 1957. When t vacated in 1957, it was used as a youth center until it was moved in ' 1962 to provide a site for the current Wesley Foundation and Chapel building. There was the age-long difficulty in paying for this parsonage. Financing it extended into the depression years, beginning in 1929. The outlook was bleak when a commitment of $500 came from the Lampasas district. The congregation gathered for thanks . . . and celebration. No "yell practice" on the campus was ever attended or conducted with greater enthusiasm. The third parsonage in the history of the church, now in current use, is located at 1209 Walton'Drive. It was purchased in 1957. LAND �II The land on which the church plant is located was purchased in two parts. The north half was deeded to the A&M Methodist Church. �I by W. C. Boyett in 1921. The consideration was $1,000. The south half was purchased at the same time by the A&M Masonic Club likewise f for $1,000, and later purchased by the church for $10,000, a price con- I: sidered reasonable, land values having increased in the meantime. The church was particularly appreciative of the interest and efforts I y of W. A. Duncan, Presbyterian Scotsman and dedicated Mason. He hesitated at the A&M Church on one occasion, waiting for a fellow mason to join him after Sunday.School, to attend a .Knights Templar Conclave. While waiting he'remarked that "This church needs this . . . the Masonic lot . . . that would be its highest and best use." With this conviction he guided the negotiations which were tedious because the Masonic Club . . . not Lodge . . . was no longer active. The church plant could not expand without this property and without it a new location would have been chosen. Ultimately, the location of the church plant E was determined by his decision. Later it became the church home for his two grandsons who were students at the University. Mr. Duncan was 50 ' i in charge of the Subsistence Department of the University. Duncan Hall was named for him. MEETING PLACES The meeting place for worship during the early years of King I Vivion's ministry was the lecture room of the Electrical Engineering Building—later to be named Bolton Hall. Only Sunday evening services were conducted since students attended, perforce, the Sunday morning chapel services provided by the College. The building was used by Methodists, Baptists, and perhaps Presbyterians, and they alternated with services on successive Sunday evenings. Members of each denomi- nation participated in all services . . . on a share and share alike basis. There was something good about that arrangement. In the late thirties, when it was clearly evident that the A&M Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation were to be permanent, hope was entertained that a place would be provided on the campus for churches. Formal request was made to the Board of Directors of the College in the early spring of 1938 by the Presbyterian Church for a - building site. The request was denied May 1, 1938, the Board explaining that it was reaffirming its long-established policy not to permit any or- ganization to erect buildings on the campus. This action was accepted as final and was not pursued further by the Methodist group. TABERNACLE The record of the Quarterly Conference of May 30, 1923, states that a tabernacle was under construction. Its location was in the area between the sanctuary and the J. Gordon Gay Educational Building. It was built as a temporary makeshift to serve until suitable facilities could take its place. This occurred 40 years later and gave new interpretation to "temporary!" In the meantime, laymen of the church altered it, changed it, repaired it. It was that kind of building. Wood stoves at first and later gas space heaters (1928) provided heat but seldom enough. Its ventilation was always good. It had no underpinning. The floor was creaky and cold in winter. There was seldom a service but that the bat- 1 tery•of doors, hinged- one•to another, on-the sides of the.main worship area; were to be opened to provide more seating space . . . or closed to conserve'heat. with.the clanking and cornplaining that such doors . can create.-'The tabernacle was often re-roofed, but never soon enough; always the cheapest roll composition roofing was used (Tor'-"s--oo-n-" the building would be torn down!) No old roof was ever removed. The tabernacle was measurably taller in its latter years than when new, as 51 I� a result of the accumulated roofs. Longer and longer nails were required, eight penny nails being used for the last one! The interior was of uncertain design with its swaying arches and sidewalls . . . never a beautiful building. The only thing of beauty was a large picture, a landscape, given by Mrs. Charles Gorzycki, which hung back of the pulpit area. This is listed in the section on memorials. } I. C. BURKHALTER'S RENDEZVOUS In making routine repairs to the upper ceiling area of the old Taber- nacle at a work session I. C. Burkhalter, a layman, lost his balance and fell. Scathed by bracing timbers, he caught on the last beam high above 'a the deep oPen space. Clinging precariousl with only a single grasp, he dangled loosely . . . rotating gently . . . the open Bible on altar below: " . . . the valley of death, I will fear no evil" and with a flip of the breeze, " . . . a very present help in time of trouble." reassuring always before but strangely academic now. Fellow workers below, mid- gets! . . . aghast, frozen, anxious to help, uncertain how, uncertain where S4 to stand! No aid from below, would seek help from ABOVE. . .Accus- tomed to this and with last remaining vestige of exertion, he regained safety. qReaders are left to their own deliberations of how much of this to ' believe. If I. C. Burkhalter could speak he would confirm that an ele- ment of reality existed at the outset and enough of the recited episode occurred to justify including it here. The story reminds that when we stand where Modene's and Jean's' desks are now, or walk in the land- scaped area outside the east windows of their office, we tread where those of yesterday struggled to make the A&M church a reality. The Tabernacle served the church 41 years . . . longer than any other build- ing during the first fifty years. After 1951 the Tabernacle served as a fellowship hall and until demolished in 1964 was the home of the Wesley Foundation. Early:in•the useful life :of the Tabernacle there was_a..$1 500 loan.: C' outstanding. It was refunded repeatedly . . . usually upwards. The build- ing possibly may have been free of debt at times . . . but not for long. It is noteworthy that before it could be torn down, legally, it was neces- sary to get a release for this part of the church property from an existing indebtedness and lien. This is indicated by this letter, in 1964, which instrument then became its death knell: II'j 'Mrs. Paul (Modene) Andrews and Mrs. Jack (Jean) Price, faithful, efficient secretaries of the church; Modene since 1955, Jean since 1966. 52 i BRYAN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION 114 South Bryan Avenue Bryan, Texas January 7, 1964 Mr. Fred R. Brison 602 Dexter S. College Station, Texas Re: Loan #13318 A&M College (sic) Methodist Church College Station, Tex. Dear Mr. Brison: It will be perfectly satisfactory with the Bryan Building and Loan Asso- ciation for the Tabernacle placed on the above property in 1923 to be removed from said property. This letter is your authority to proceed. Cordially yours, /s/ Aline Brogdon, Vice President 4 The church did not mourn when the Tabernacle was torn down. Yet, it bridged a gap between nothing in the beginning and substantial buildings of quality which are this day the A&M United Methodist Church physical plant. It was the symbol of something dear to any congregation—warmth. It was a place for worship, for fellowship; babies _ were christened there, young people subscribed to the wedding vows, and the last rites were spoken for the old. Its threshhold had been worn by the tread of those who entered variously to serve . . . to seek . . . to find . . . to accept . . . to reject . . . to weep . . . to rejoice . . . to depart . . . to return . . . again or never. These tender and meaningful recollec- tions were not erased when the tired old building, far past its allotted time, was removed. "This Old House," of song, is a gentle reminder of the old landmark that served its niche of time and yielded its place to buildings of greater pomp, but not.more..sublime. .J: GORDON GAY EDUCATIONAL BUILDING An educational building was constructed during the World War II years and was occupied in 1946. Special dispensation was required be- 1 cause of wartime building restrictions. This was granted because of the 53 Si, ia. f 5 i e� Ii The unveiling of a plaque which formally named the J. Gordon Gay i! Educational Building took place in the sanctuary January 20, 1957. Mr. Gay is shown expressing his appreciation. large student population in the University community. The cost of the building was about $138,000. Of this amount?; , the local church paid about !, $19,000 and the Wesley Foundation the remainder, about $119,000. In 1957 the building was dedicated as the "J. Gordon Gay Educa- tional Building" in honor of J. Gordon Gay who served "uncounted years" as Sunday School superintendent. In reality he served 30 consecu- tive years. In the recognition service, it was mentioned that Gordon and Emma Gay came to A&M in 1928. Gordon was associate secretary of the YMCA at the time, and in 1952 became general secretary. The Gays immediately became a part of the working organization of the church. During the years that have intervened, they have written a story of faithfulness and dedication that is easy to recite.. r SANCTUARY The Gothic sanctuary was completed in 1951. Texas Methodists over the state gave generously to the fund for its construction—about $126,000 of the $176,000 initial cost. Again it was Dr. Glenn Flinn who worked long and faithfully that this sanctuary become a reality. When the foundation was being prepared, the area beneath the altar was partially excavated for an "organ pit," but the work was suspended 54 i E f before completion. Concrete tunnels on each side extend the length of the building. A 5-foot 7%2-inch man can walk in these with a slight stoop, but not upright. An area beneath the foyer provides space for the heating and cool- ing equipment. Edwin Holdredge, a noble layman, has spent most of his adult life on Sundays restarting, readjusting the reneging heaters, pumps, compressors, fans! This church will ever remember how regularly Ed has worshipped "downstairs," and it hopes that the one who presides at the introduction of strangers "upstairs" will remember his special devotion and the true dignity of it. FELLOWSHIP HALL The Fellowship Hall and connecting link between the sanctuary and J. Gordon Gay Educational Building were constructed in 1967. Charles Pinnell was chairman of the building committee. He and Cody Wells, also a member of the com-mittee', both engineers, shared talents gen- erously, and with the minister, the Reverend Walter McPherson, con- cerned themselves with the thousands of intricate details that are re- flected in the usefulness of the building. Many of these had to be recon- ciled with the builder. Whatever Winston Churchill said about the soldiers who marched with the 8th Army can be echoed by the A&M United Methodist Church in recalling its indebtedness to these three. When in future years it is asked what they did it will be sufficient to reply that they were the working nucleus when the connecting link and Fellowship Hall were built. a ,1 'Other members were O. D. Butler, Howard Furr, Fred Brison, Ed Holdredge, T. R. Holleman,L. V. Hawkins, Mrs. L. V. Hawkins, Mrs. Sidney Loveless, Mrs. John Pedigo, Charles Rodenberger, Alice Stubbs, Charles Samson, the Reverend " Byron Lovelady, Mrs. John McNeely and Earl Knebel. 55 I �t �x wab I 4 f These are preschoolers who attended the. frst Vacation Bible School at A&M Methodist in 1942. Mrs. Jewel Dahlberg, center background, was the teacher. {�I MII y s: a . These live oak trees on the lawn of the A&M United Methodist Church are there because of the love of a layman for his church and the beauty of trees. They were 3 feet tall when planted by A. Mitchell about 7936. 56 t Chapter 7 MEMORIALS Remembering the impulses that prompt the giving of memorials, it is fitting that a record be kept of them! GORZYCKI PICTURE The first gift of which the church has 4,record and which still is in use is a landscape given by Mrs. Charles Gorzycki, a charter member of the church and a perennial Sunday School teacher. It hung first in the old tabernacle over the altar and now it is in the Webb Lounge. Infor- mation on when this was given and the impulses that prompted it is lacking. Those who remember Mrs. Gorzycki can easily regard the pic- ture as a memorial to the constancy, cheer and Christian dedication of this good lady. She was the mother of the Reverend Mondrick Gorzycki. FIVE LIVE OAKS The three live oak trees on University Drive and the two on Lodge Street near the church sanctuary were donated and planted by Profes- sor A. Mitchell. The approximate date of planting was 1936. One tree is smaller than the others because the top died to the ground of a malady = never diagnosed. Those of us in horticulture who knew about trees mentioned to Professor Mitchell that this one tree was having a ren- dezvous with death . . . suggested utterly no hope that it would regain consciousness and grow again . . . advised confidently that it be re- placed-forgetting for the time the source and intricacies and unpre- dictability of life. Professor Mitchell alone in his wisdom preferred to wait. a.year. It ' did.renew,growth—with a:touch of arrogance.! -Professor Mitchell the modest man"that he was . : said nothing. We who had passed.judo ment falsely,' prematurely, sought consolation in the quaint old saying 'This should have inspired charity instead of the critical reference to "a thousand years," page 76. t 57 s. that " . . . truth when crushed to earth will rise again!" and the Chinese proverb, "Love and beauty walk hand in hand, but wisdom walks alone;" or something from Isaiah, out of context, that "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump . . . and a branch shall grow out of . . . roots." 1 Now, 25 years later, it waves in the breeze—with a touch of defiance still! A bronze marker for those trees was provided in 1970 by his three sons, Wendell, Clifford and Howard. Mr. Mitchell served the A&M Methodist Church in all capacities that a layman can serve. He knew when he planted the trees that mainly those of other ages and genera- tions would enjoy them. The form, shape and symmetry are a tribute to the care given by another great Methodist layman, Chauncey Godbey. After Mr. Mitchell could no longer care for them because of advancing years, Chauncey watered them during dry seasons, pruned the low- hanging limbs and shaped the tops. He often lingered in the shade about them, in hushed silence, and with the inner satisfaction which Professor Mitchell had hoped they would inspire. They have grown larger and taller for 35 years. "They are harps of the wind and they whisper the music of infinite spaces."' It will be thus for 100 years or 1000! Each year they herald the spring with bursting buds and the building of t ` carefully designed blends of parenchyma, and schlerenchyma cells; and G sapwood;heartwood and wood• and zYem and phloem. All of these are inter- P � A, related with exact recurring precision which only the Great Computer could provide. They are a reminder that when mortal man has explored !!j the last vestige of the known,he arrives again at the brink of the unknown. Truly these memorial trees are beautiful, reassuring, steadfast and serene. "Like the heavens, they declare the Glory of God," and "there is no Jl language or speech where their voice is not heard." .i.. WEBB LOUNGE Mrs. A. L. Webb and her daughter, Mrs. S. A. Lipscomb, provided a fund about 1945 of about $3500 or $4000 to be used to provide a "physical facility for A&M Methodist students." It was given'as a memorial for the late Reverend L. A. Webb, a retired Methodist minister. One room of the J. Gordon Gay Educational Building, originally desig- nated "Mother's Room", was named the Webb Lounge and about half of the,fund was used to buy furniture. The balance was held in escrow by the local church until it was assigned to the Wesley Foundation. That ' no record can be found of how this balance finally was used, nor of any known facility which it provided suggests that the remainder of the 'Trees, by Clarence Ousley. 58 fund for the memorial was not used as stipulated in the bequest, and that the church or the Wesley Foundation was careless in the handling of a fund that was tendered in good faith. In the final section, page 87, "defaulted" is written. The ad- ministration of the Webb Memorial Fund is a point of note. The final verdict about this gift is that trust was betrayed. Here is a reminder also that loose and easy money inspire temporizing that becomes the plague of many a house—just as these circumstances have become an enduring burden on the legacy of the A&M Methodist Church and the Wesley Foundation. ALTAR BIBLE The altar Bible, bound in red, 4 inches thick, was donated by Henry Gilchrist. It was used for the first time for the eleven o'clock service in January 1952. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM- In 1959 the church faced a crisis in financing the air conditioning system of the sanctuary. William and Vera Sherrill gave $1,000 of the $10,000 needed. This was not given as a memorial, but as a bequest to the church they loved. There was unspoken acceptance by the church of this gift as a memorial to'the devotion and the quiet, abiding faith of two great Christian people. ALTAR ORNAMENTS A brass cross and vases were provided for the church at the time of the completion of the Sanctuary, by Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Rollins, in memory of Nancy Rebecca Rollins, the mother and grandmother of 19 Aggies-7 sons' and 12 grandsons'. THE SANCTUARY The Sanctuary was constructed in 1951. The formal opening worship service was conducted in it November 11, 1951. It is not designated as a memorial. Bishop Frank Smith, at the ground-breaking ceremonies men- tioned something about.builders, and that each is given rules.and tools and a shapeless.mass from which to build stumbling bldcks or stepping' 4C:•W: Rollins,''.1893; I3.. M:-Rollins; 1897; A. P. Rollins,•1906i,-J. G. Rollins, 1913; M. E..,Rollins, 1914; J. W. Rollins, 1917; J. T. Rollins,•1921—of a family of 13 children. 2J. M. Rollins, 1926; J: M. Parks, 192.7; J. F. Rollins, 1934;G. H. Rollins, 1935; J. R. Gillham, 1936; J. G. Rollins, Jr., 1938; A. P. Rollins, Jr., 1939; H. M. it Rollins, 1942; J. J. Rollins, 1946; Wendell Gillham, 1947; J. H. Rollins, 1952; A. W. Rollins, 1953. 59 i k stones. The Bishop reflected at that time that in the joy of the occasion, there should be remembered those who had built stepping stones to the it spot where the congregation and friends had gathered for celebration. The Sanctuary was a crowning event—a plateau in the life of the church—and the steps that led to it began 32 plus years before. In this v vein the Sanctuary is a memorial to all who participated in the church life until that time. The Sanctuary was built during the ministry of the Reverend James F. Jackson. His responsibilities, then, were two-fold—the usual and the special—in helping with the new building. He was generous always in his recognition that others began the task. He wanted all former pastors to share the joy of coming back to preach—and in line with this James Carlin preached the first service. Jimmy's zeal in behalf of the Sanctuary is of vivid recollection. He often reported gifts from sources which he was not at liberty to reveal. It was with such a phantom gift that the electric organ was pur- chased. There were others. There was often unspoken suspicion that Jimmy was the anonymous giver, shielded from the public gaze by a EJ Formal ceremony for laying the cornerstone of the sanctuary in 1950. Left to right, Robert Sneed, Jesse Thomson, James F. Jackson, Bishop A. Frank Smith and the beloved Preston Taylor Ramsey. 60 The Reverend James F. Jackson, minister of the A&M Methodist Church, 1947-1952. truly humble spirit. That these suspicions had foundation is supported 4 by a letter—received as we go to press—from Mrs. James F. Jackson— a Helen—in which she shared treasured memories of his devotion and love for the A&M Church: " . . . he told Bishop Smith that the Conference should help build the Sanctuary because there were more Methodist boys at A&M than at all Methodist colleges in the Conference. The Bishop said the Conference had never helped build a sanctuary for a state college congregation. Jimmy, speaking to the Bishop, if you please! said "it was time to start!" "On another occasion he asked Bell and Howell to give a projector to the church. They did, and also offered to supply films for a year on a reduced rental basis. Jimmy told them that he was going to ask them to give that, too, `for the boys,' and they did. It was always easy for him to ask for . . . the church. The theatre owner gave Jimmy money for a suit, and he helped pay for the window in the prayer chapel with his suit money." Every "Stuckey's" along the highway is a reminder that the original owner. joined.the Mgthodist Church on. profession, Of,faith at Eastman . Methodist Church in Georgia, when Jirrirhy was pastor there. That was when•.the:country .was in-the throe of._depression, 1929=to about 1933, , plus a little longer—and Stuckey was struggling manfully to make.a , living at "a roadside market" with produce from his farm, and pecans from his orchard—and before he sold the subsequent chain to Pet Milk �? for multiplied millions! 61 f� 3 P ! !41 i j Thank you, Helen, for sharing these treasured recollections with A&M Methodists. Those who remember his zeal in behalf of the Sanc- tuary can easily identify.-it as memorializing the love. and consuming hope of Jimmy Jackson. He in his greatness dedicated every waking 'minute to service in its varied forms. The last verdict of the congregation was that he was a great preacher and a dedicated man. He was stricken while serving Cedar Bayou Church in the Houston district and did not recover. Mrs. Jackson, Helen, was educational director of the Cedar Bayou church for a time and later returned to her native Georgia. She is now (1972) educational director for First United Methodist, Valdosta, Georgia. SANCTUARY WINDOWS The windows of the sanctuary were provided by special gifts and as memorials. Marked designations of these follow. Included for each are rt ���lll interpretations of symbolism by Mrs. J. Gordon Gay. Y The Gothic sanctuary of the A&M United Methodist Church ex- presses the reaching out after the glory of God, in a simple and subdued way. The Sanctuary's plain white plaster walls, vaulted and beamed ceiling, Gothic arches and glimmering windows lend an atmosphere of quiet reverence and beauty. The pointed arches signify man's aspirations '1 and striving for spiritual growth. The top joint of the beams symbolizes praying hands, and the open Bible at the base reminds us that "His Word is a lamp unto our feet." There is a central aisle leading to the chancel and elevated altar, with six stained glass windows on each side. These windows are in muted shimmering grays, set into rectangular forms. Each is divided into three #; arched panels as a trip-tych, echoing the simple, graceful arches over the doors and choir area. The larger central panel of each window depicts an expressive statement in richly glowing symbols of an important event or teaching in the life of Jesus Christ. ' ,._.:::,f : .=:...r. •.;;.:- :ROSE WINDOW. ; The Rose Window above the altar, overlooking 'the campus, was given by Miss Eva Easterwood, in memory of her brother for whom Easterwood Airport is named. Its beauty and sublimity are appreciated particularly when accentuated by the rays of the early morning sun.•It glows in the recessed arch above the altar, dominating the entire sanc- tuary. i "The rose has long been the symbol of the nativity, reminding us that faith in Jesus Christ brings joy and comfort and peace. (This form 62 J'�I is appropriately used for a rose window). Its rich colors of blue, red and gold glimmer and sparkle as the light outside changes. The central motif of the window is a figure of Christ offering a communion chalice which speaks of the mutual love between our Lord and his members. This figure, encircled by a golden ring, symbolizes salvation that endures forever. The Greek letters of Alpha and Omega with the figure of Jesus i Christ echo His words, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and re-emphasize God's continuing revelation of Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. Appropriately, the ring is centered within the Creator's star. This six-pointed star suggests it was the Tri-une God who in six days made the heavens and the earth.All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. He was in the world and the world was made by Him.—John 1:3, 10. Its predominately blue color indicates that with faith "This joy is the beginning of the heavenly." These_things I speak in the world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themsefts.—John 17:13. The twelve arms extending by twos from the Creator's star, form the outer petals and symbolize the twelve apostles to whom our Lord gave the commission to go out by twos and preach and heal. I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. They might also suggest the twelve tribes of Israel from whose lineage came our Lord Jesus Christ. "Immanuel" or "God with us" is the thread of comfort running throughout the Bible. This same assurance can be sensed within the sanctuary. .TRINITY WINDOWS 1813 Given in memory of Edward A. Flinn, A&M '93, by his family of Cameron. On the outside, this group of three tall windows is over the main north entrance to the sanctuary, echoing the three lower arches which lead to the patio from the covered walk ways. Within the sanctuary, they make a thrilling and colorful backdrop.for the balcony. They are also a focal point for persons.leaving the sanctuary: The.Trinity Windmft are-thore • . '' tY dec6r•3.tive Phan"the••otkes:ih t�C• `:+, .,, sanctuary .`Each•arch is.broken up intq graceful ovals and•is patfernedt ' 4 thioughouY=with be�utifhl scroll-like'feaf•:motifs. are `also 'occa- _ sionall}t divided into squares and diagonals, featuring the;daisy.and the cross; the daisy a reminder of the simplicity and innocence of the'Christ i child and the cross a reminder of His love and suffering. The central window, which is the tallest of the three, is the "Father- 63 i God" window. This is indicated by the royal crown and by the hand of God. Extended, it is a symbol of the Father, with the idea of Creator. There is a unity to the three. Each has a gold Botonee or flowered cross near the upper arch. It.is a decorative style cross and denotes by its open ends the adult Christian. It is also a reminder of God's great love and concern for mankind through the gift of His Son. k In the lower part of the window on the left, the "Son" window, is a sheath of wheat suggesting that Christ is the Bread of Life. Directly { in line with this in the "Father" window is a chalice recalling the love 1 and forgiveness of our Lord on the cross, while in the'right window, or rwindow of the "Holy Spirit", is a bunch of grapes representing the blood which Christ shed for man's sins—the three combining to symbolize the sacrament of the Holy Communion. ' Dominant in the "Son" window is a lamb reclining on the Book of Seven Seals (Rev. 5:1); reclining because he is the wounded Lamb, but there is also flying above Him a banner of victory beside a flowered cross. l The central motif of the "Holy Spirit" window is an ascending C dove which symbolizes the Presence of God as hovering over the water of creation and above Jesus at his baptism. "If a man loves me he will keep my word and my father will love him and we will come to him ;';3 and make our home with him."—John 14:23. 1`. ' THE NATIVITY ! "O. B. Martin by Mrs. O. B. Martin." O. B. Martin was Director of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service from 1927 to 1935. Peace on earth, good will to men, for to you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.—Luke 2:11. i The Hebrew form of Mary is Miriam and means star. The five �IP ;. pointed star is known as the Star of Mary or the Star of Bethlehem and here represents the fulfillment of the prophecy of the birth of our divine 1J,J Lord. The three rays from each side denote the Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" unfurled across the heavens, means "Glory to God in the Highest," and was the message of the angelic choir on the night of our Savior's birth. The golden rays of light emanating from the banner symbolize the light that His coming brought to man- �' j kind. The manger reminds us of the lowly birth and the powerty sur- rounding his entire life. The heads of wheat denote the Living Bread which He offers all who believe in Him. I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for- ever. That the manger rests on grass reminds that in the birth of Jesus 64 Christ, God took on human form and came into the world to show His boundless love for mankind. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT This was given by the family of Lt. Paul Haines. Paul was a member of this church, as are his parents, sister and her family. He was a tireless worker in the Wesley Foundation cabinet from 1937 to 1941. While fighting to capture the town of Hambach, Germany, after crossing the Ruhr River, radio communications were knocked out in his tank com- pany which was under heavy assault. Lt. Haines stood in the open hatch of his tank and lead his company by arm signals until he was killed Feb- ruary 24, 1945, by an exploding shell. He was awarded the Bronze Star posthumously for this gallantry in action. Arise and take the young child and His mother and flee into Egypt and be thou there until I bring thee word.—Matt. 2:13. The Sphynx represents Egypt while the flight of the Holy family is symbolized by wings. The doves signify innocence and purity and here R. they also suggest the Holy Spirit hovering over and guiding the Holy !� family on their flight to Egypt. THE TEMPLE ; "Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mogford by Mr. and.Mrs. J. S. Mogford." Given in honor of Joe's parents but a reminder of the unwavering loyalty of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mogford who joined this church in 1927. Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?And all who heard him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.—Luke 2:41-52. The Greek cross with all arms of equal length is symbolic of Jesus's great love for mankind; and set within a circle, it represents eternity. The two-fold tables of stone remind us of the law of Moses, or the Ten Commandments, which, through the centuries, has guided man in his relationship to God and in his treatment of his fellowman. They speak also of Christ's fulfillment of the law and prophecy of the Old Testa- ment. The divided curtain calls to mind that.at the crucifixion the veil of the temple was rent in twain, meaning.that with the coming of Christ salvifioh is for all mankind.' Above"'fhe`window.which represents the "Light,of the World,".the holy triangle again speaks.of;fhe Holy Trinity;._ . while its pointed'arch symbolizes Marrs.striving for, spiritual growth.. 3 THE BAPTISM "Given by Mr. and Mrs. John S. Redditt." Mr. Redditt of Lufkin., 65 t Texas, was a former state senator and chairman of the Texas Highway Commission. Thou art my beloved son; with Thee I am well pleased.—Luke 3:22. The descending dove and the baptismal font are symbolic of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The Dove of Spiritual Blessing is one of the most beautiful of all religious symbols. Descending and shedding rays of glory, it represents the Holy Spirit. It expresses innocence and purity and signifies the presence of God hover- ing over Jesus at his baptism. The font with Latin cross reminds us of our Redeemer's great love for man. Baptism is one of the two sacraments practiced in the Methodist Church and is symbolic of the burial and e resurrection of Jesus Christ. ;f { THE SOWER w� t "Given by Mr. and Mrs. James Carlin." James Carlin was pastor of this church, 1936-1942; he delivered the sermon at the first formal Iqworship service in the sanctuary in 1951. r� A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trodden underfoot and the birds of the air devoured it. 1 And some fell on the rock and as it grew it withered away because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns and the thorns grew with it 7i? and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hun- dred-fold.—Luke 8:5-8. The seed, of course, is the gospel of God's work in Christ and the different kinds of ground are the hearts and minds of men to whom it is preached. The hard ground means the indifferent from whom the seed is taken away, leaving the heart hard and barren as before. The rocky ground is the heart of the person who hears and weighs the advantages .,f and disadvantages.of following Christ and turns back to the world. God never promised freedom from trouble, only the grace to bear it. Rocky ground—when the affairs of this world loom above those of God's king- dom, man stands on the brink of disaster. Th'e' good soil: As for those in the good•"soil,"they are' those who hearing the word hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.—Luke 8:15. When the seed of the Gospel falls on good ground a tremendous change takes place. A man hears the word and the Holy Spirit enables him to understand it. He.hears it as God's truth; he believes it and obeys. The harvest is his transformed life, multiplied in the lives of others who also hear and believe. The sheath of wheat symbolizes this life of faith. 66 HEALING "Given by Mr. and Mrs. Gibb Gilchrist." Mr. Gilchrist—Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas A&M University—both members of A&M United Methodist Church. Mr. Gilchrist died May 13, 1972. And He called the twelve together and gave them power and au- thority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal.—Luke 9:1,2. 44 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all I your soul and all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.— Matt. 22:37, 39. "Greater love bath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. The Hand of God is here used as a symbol of the Father, with the idea of Creator. Within the circle it denotes the eternal love of God for mankind. Health is a matter of faith and spiritual welfare, as well as physical well being. Healing is one of the great commissions of our Lord. He heals the body and mina of His Children. In the gift of His Son, God performed a healing, reconciling and saving work for mankind. ill THE LOST SHEEP "In Memory of Wm.Waldo Partlow.Class of 1943 ...by his family." it William W. Partlow was a radio operator on a plane in the Air Trans- port Command at Abadan, Iran, and flew the widely-publicized "Rocket Run" to Karachi, India. He was killed July 27, 1945 when his burning aircraft crashed in the desert of Iran. This window recalls the parable of the lost sheep. Both Matthew 8:11,13 and Luke 15:47 relate the story. To think of God as a shepherd is not new. Like a golden thread, this theme runs throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament Jacob, on his death bed and surrounded by his sons, in recalling the goodness of God, speaks of God as a shepherd (Gen. 49:24). Then generations later David, in remembering God's loving care toward him, is moved to exclaim, The.Lord is my shepherd. j —Psalms 23:1. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with his arms and carry them in His bosom and shall gently, lead those that are'with young:—Isaiah 40:11. And Jesus, referring to the sheepfold-said, I am the door, if anyone enters by me he will.be'saved.—John .10:9. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.—John 9:11. And, finally, in Rev. 7:17, The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd and shall guide them into the fountains of Waters i 67 of Life; and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. So it is deeply meaningful when our Lord says, I am the good shepherd.—John 10:14. �? What does a shepherd do? He protects his flock and defends them against dangers. He causes the flock to rest and he numbers them. He rj knows his flock by name and he keeps the sheep and the goats apart. He !e,a waters the flock and leads them to green pastures. He keeps them in 1' folds. In other words, he anticipates their needs and lovingly provides for them. a To think of God as a shepherd gives us a picture of His tender, loving care. Look around you thoughtfully and you will see that God has provided man with life and will and has abundantly placed at his disposal the many things that answer his needs. The Reverend Charles Allen in speaking of "God the Shepherd"' tells us that "God knew man would be cold so he made provisions for warmth. Knowing he would be hungry, He put life in the seed and fer- tility in the soil. For man's thirst, He provided water." We need other things, too. He maketh me to lie down. We need to calm our fears. He leadeth me beside the still waters. We need spiritual renewal. He restoreth my soul. The word "restore" has two meanings. One is to bring back to health and strength one who has been sick. Second, it means to bring back to the fold one who is lost. The forgiveness of sin, the renewal within one of a right spirit, the rescuing of a wasted life and making it again count for something. The shepherd of men does that. THE TRANSFIGURATION K- j'� "Given by Mr. J. W. Callaway." Mr. J. W. Callaway was grad- uated from A&M with the class of 1923. The bronze marker has "Callo- way" by error. He writes " . . . the correct spelling is `Callaway' . . . I have seen the window several times and had not noticed the incorrect spelling . . . thanks for the inquiry . . . and best wishes to our church." Gone 50 years . . . since 1923 . . . and still "our church." What loyalty! He was transfigured before them and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light.—Matt. 17:2. The nimbus suggests the presence of the Holy Spirit at the trans- figuration. 'The IHS monogram forms the first three letters (Iota,`Eta, F, I Sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus. The burning chariot wheel sym- lAdapted from "The Good Shepherd," by the Reverend Charles Allen, The Hous- ton Chronicle. h 68 bolizes Elijah and the prophecy of the Old Testament. The Tablet of the Ten Commandments represents Moses and the Law. Seeing Elijah and Moses walking in'a cloud with Jesus on the mountain was God's way of revealing to Peter, James and John that Christ was truly divine and that He was a fulfillment of the prophecy and law of the Old Testament. THE COMMUNION "In memory of Wm. Marion Rascoe, Class of 1942, by his mother . . . killed in service 1944." I am the vine, you are the branch. Because I live, you will live also. —John 15:5. Communion means fellowship with our Lord and with our fellow man. Again we have the IHS monogram forming the first three letters (Iota, Eta, Sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus. The hand of God upraised is a symbol of the Father as blesser. The three extended fingers j denote the twofold (divine and human)-nature of the Son. The out- stretched hand symbolizes the souls of the righteous in the hand of God. The chalice reminds us of the sacrament of the Holy Communion. The cluster of grapes and .vines suggests the union of our Lord and His church; the consolation and mutual love between Jesus Christ and His members. � f Aso !N worship in song by five of the uncounted Aggies who came this way. Communion window in the background. 69 l 'J THE CRUCIFIXION "Given by Miss Annie Shilling, Cedar Bayou, Texas." Father forgive them for they know not what they do.—Luke 23:34. The Latin cross rising from a chalice is a symbol of our Lord's agony and suffering in Gethsemane. It is called the cross of suffering or agony. The crown of thorns calls to mind the humiliation and mockery imposed upon Him by the Roman soldiers and it also speaks of His trial before Pilate. INRI was the superscription on the cross, meaning Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. The conventional daisy refers to the in- nocence and purity of the Holy Child while the crescent moon symbo- lizes the Holy Virgin Mother. Her glory was borrowed from the Sun of ,s Righteousness, Jesus Christ, just as the light of the moon is reflected from the sun. THE ASCENSION "Given by Dona C. Carnes, honoring Wm. T. Coulter, M.D., and Walter J. Coulter, A&M Class, 1895."—Mrs. Dona Coulter Carnes of a prominent Methodist family, honoring her two brothers. All power is given unto me in Heaven and on earth . . . Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations. Lo, I am with you always.— Matt. 28:18, 20. Ascension means the rising of Christ in His resurrected body from earth into Heaven. The ascending dove symbolizes Jesus Christ as having fulfilled God's purpose. It bespeaks innocence, peace, forgiveness, and anticipation of new life. The olive tree provides shelter and opportunity for rest. Its oil is used as a healing ointment and its fruit is used for food, so it is truly fitting that the olive branch symbolizes peace, harmony and healing. Here it denotes the grace of our Lord who is able to give peace to sor- rowing sinners. The flame represents the presence of the Holy Spirit I and His oneness with His Son, Jesus Christ. THE RESURRECTION "Given by Mr. and Mrs. A. Mitchell." Mr. Mitchell, a charter member of the church. I am the way, the truth and the light; no one comes to the Father but by me.—John 14:6. Here the Greek cross is used as a glorious symbol of the living, vic- torious Christ. It represents Christ's sacrifice for us and his victory over death. The circle denotes eternity, since it is without beginning and end, ;i and is symbolic of Christ's everlasting grace and the eternal life he offers 70 for all people. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.—Malachi 4:2. The cross in the Circle of Eternity with flames shooting out in every direction suggests the Sun of Righteousness mentioned here. The tongues of fire in the rays ema- nating from the cross symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples at Pentecost, according to the scriptures. The earth or rock on which the circle is resting is the Rock of our Salvation, denoting the stability of our Christian faith and the triumph of our Redeemer throughout the earth. ELLUE TURNER WINDOW Ellue Turner, a workman, was killed by electrocution during the construction of the sanctuary. The northeast window below the balcony, consisting of a pair of glimmering casement windows is a memorial pro- vided by the church and dedicated by the building committee to the memory of Ellue Turner. An iron pipe which he raised came in contact with an electric line and he was killed in an instant. He was a young man, lost in building a place of worship for the A&M United Methodist Church congregation. This adds seriousness and sublimity to the bricks and mortar . . . and the arches . . . and the atmosphere of reverence . . . and, on the contrary, it lends harshness to empty pews. THE THOMSON WINDOWS On the northeast side of the balcony above the stairwell is a cluster of three glimmering windows in soft muted grays. They are the loving gift of the Reverend and Mrs. Jesse C. Thomson, the second minister family of the A&M Methodist Church. SANCTUARY LANTERNS The six lanterns in the main sanctuary were given by Vera and Fred Brison in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Dean and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brison. OTHER GIFTS Wedded Wesleyan piano.. Given by Wedded Wesleyan Class in appreciation•of a-great.teacher,=Dr.-•Charles-Samson.. Spinet piano. Provided by Mr., and Mrs. F. I..Dahlberg:as a me morial:in honor.`of.,Mr:and Mrs: W. L-. Thomas.' ..,. . Dimmers"for lights in sanctuary. Given -in,-memory of I. Walker Rupel and Ruth Peterson Rupel by their family. t Balcony Lantern. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Owen. 71 t Memorials to W. W. Mills: • Altar Cross, designed by his son Joel, made by Stewart E. Brown, provided by friends. • Bronze Bulletin Board by Mrs. W. W. Mills and children. 0 Balcony Lantern, given by Doers Class of which he was a member. Gifts from the W.S.C.S. Two candelabra as a memorial to James F. { Jackson in 1954; portable communion set in memory of Ruth Peterson Rupel. A record of many other special gifts to the church is found on the bronze plaque in the foyer of the sanctuary. Ilk s s ...._ �r I ' ,I The congregation and choir join in a hymn during morning worship service, early in 1973. The Reverend James Brannen stands in the pulpit; the Reverend Larry Grubbs at the lectern. WI 72 A HISTORY OF THE A&M CHURCH OF CHRIST 1921 - 1988 by Joe Buser Al zz: - r �rhsrrry r s } t q ++F CREDITS This project could not have been completed without the help of many people. A listing does not seem sufficient to express my thanks for sharing the treasures of their memories. On behalf of those yet to come who will marvel at the faith of their forefathers, I say, "Thanks and God bless you..." Special thanks to Norman Archibald of Abilene; HISTORY TAMU Archives; C.H. Bernard of Rush Springs, OK; Virgil and Grace Bernard of Austin; Berme Bernard; Miss Maurine Blakeley; Research Section of the Bryan of the Public Library; Larry Claborn• E.C. Coffman of Houston; Mrs. Flop Colson; Bob Davidson; George A&M CHURCH Davis of Lubbock; Research Sections of the Sterling Evans Library at TAMU: Mrs. Bessie Hunt; Edwin OF CHRIST Martin of Houston; J.D. McCrady; Col. Bob Melcher; Mary Lou Moore; R.L. Nolan; Mrs. Eris Potts; Don Russell; Charles Sheppard of Houston; Ralph Sweet of By Joe Buser Round Rock; Silvia (Sweet) Alfred of Riverside, CA; Bob Walker; Dan Warden; and Mrs. Grace Woodward of Kerrville. As always, Karen proved to be my best advisor, my fairest editor and my most enthusiastic supporter. In this effort, and every day, she lights up my life... JOE BUSER Bryan, Texas 1988 1 A&M AND TEXAS IN 1921 In 1921 a mathematics professor named A.D. (Dow) Martin began to hold Lord's Day services with 3 or 4 Texas A&M students. Those campus meetings were the beginnings of the A&M Church of Christ. The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas was 45 years old in 1921. Enrollment was about 2,000 students. There was no tuition but room and board cost $130 per semester. W.D. Bizzell was the Prexy; D.X. Bible was the head football coach. The World War in France had just ended and the doughboys were coming home to go to college. The Volstead Act prohibited the sale of alcohol -- and milk was 20 cents a quart at the Bryan Milk Depot. An 2 3 infestation of pink boll weevil and the new A&M ice plant were big news items for the day. A list of favorite books at the campus library was headed by the Holy Bible. The College planted 52 live oak trees around the drill field to honor A&M heroes killed in World War I. Warren G. Harding was the President and Pat Neff was the Governor. The feature movie at the Queen Theatre in Bryan was Cecil B. deMille's "Why Change Your Wife?", a lavishly staged production starring Gloria Swanson. Sunday movies (and Sunday baseball)were illegal. Girls with rouge and powder were barred from serving on a jury. The cadet uniform was changed from the high collar tunic to the English style blouse with wide lapels which permitted the wearing of a white roll collar for dress occasions. Sam Browne belts (like officers wore during the War)were authorized for upperclassmen and the cords on cadets' campaign hats were color coded to indicate branches of the Army. The population of Bryan was 6,295 and a new factory to manufacture automatic shoe polishers was created with chartered capital of$73,000. CHURCH IN BRYAN Chapel was Compulsory Chapel services at the A&M College were compulsory In 1921 there was no Church of Christ building in in those days: Some cadets wanted that rule changed. Brazos County but Christians had been meeting on the An editorial in the January 7, 1921 issue of The Lord's Day since 1870. David Lipscomb, on his Battalion asked this question: missionary journey to Texas in 1872, reported in his Notes on Texas Travels that "25-40 Christians were 'Why cannot each denomination have a small building worshipping regularly in Bryan..." somewhere on or near the campus in which to hold meetings? The Baptist students are now meeting in Guion Christians met on the second floor of the Carnegie Hall, the Methodists in the•Electrical Engineering Building Library for communion services. A traveling preacher and others elsewhere..." who passed through Bryan in May of 1921 prompted Christians to begin regular meetings on the Lord's Day. The Daily Eagle of May 7 reported the event like this: "The Church of Christ begins a series of gospel meetings tonight at the city library. Wm. Guy Ashley, evangelist 4 5 from Ballinger, Texas, will do the preaching. Come and Interurban Not Dependable hear him. The Christianity of the New Testament will be For A&M College students, six miles of travel to Bryan preached in all of its fullness. No collections. All for church services was simply out of the question. welcome." There were virtually no student automobiles on the campus and the Interurban trolley wasn't totally Bro. Ashley's meeting lasted for two weeks. His topics dependable. The students dreamed of the day they for those 7:45 p.m. services included "The Resurrection would have a building of their own in College Station. of Christ" (It will be his purpose to prove Christ arose from the dead); "Sermon on the Mount" (if you are a The YMCA skeptic or a believer, don't fail to hear this); "How to Another Bro. Martin participated in the campus Know Which is the True Church"; "Prayer"; and services. He was Edwin D. Martin (no relation to A.D. "Christian Unity" (urging all Christians to be united on Martin), an instructor in the A&M Consolidated Rural the Word of God and it alone). That series of lessons School which met on the A&M College campus. Bro. launched the Bryan congregation: they have regularly Edwin came to A&M in 1925 to teach faculty children. meet since. A small advertisement in the Eagle of June He recalls worship services in Dow Martin's math 4, 1921 announced their new resolve: classroom in the Academic Building until the YMCA general secretary's wife (Mrs. Marion Cashion) offered 'There will be talks by two or more of the brethren and the use of a room in the YMCA. communion (in the library). Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some, said Paul..." Winnie Cashion (whose brother, J.B. Blakeley, later became an elder of the A&M Church) wanted her The ad was signed J.T. McGee,who was a retired rural children to attend a Sunday School so she worshipped at mail carrier. the Presbyterian Church with her husband. One other professor (Percy Key of the English faculty) occasionally In 1929 they began to congregate in the Brazos County joined the Martins in the cadet services Courthouse. as did Winnie's sister, Miss Maurine Blakeley,who moved here in 1933 to accept employment with the The Central Congregation USDA. The "town" congregation erected a frame building at the corner of Washington and 29th Streets (currently called The Sunday morning services at the cadet church were 29th Place, located across Washington Street from the held in a second floor room of the "Y". Students would Chamber of Commerce building) in about 1932. This be assigned to pray, to read Scripture and to distribute was the beginning of the fellowship now known as the the emblems. Dow Martin would preach. Worship Central Church of Christ (which later moved to its would end in time for the faculty members to attend the present location at 29th and Luza Streets). 11 a.m. services in Bryan. In 1931 the cadet church was announcing services in the campus Daily Bulletin like this: 6 7 "Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward. (Hebrews 10.35) Church of Christ group meets Sunday morning at 9.30 in the YMCA Chapel..." k w j ! w a � ►) ""'ttttr r THE BUILDING ON CHURCH STREET Bro. Edwin Martin moved to Houston in 1928 to work with Houston Schools, a system which he later served as deputy superintendent. He gave glowing reports of A&M's fledgling college congregation to his friends at fyit "k i, .'.1 the Heights Church of Christ. That church, which still f'" meets at 16th Street and Heights Avenue,was formed in 1915 and is the oldest still meeting at the same location in Houston. It was instrumental in planting several other congregations in Harris County including MEETINGHOUSE ON CHURCH STREET-- The first Central, Norhill, West End, 26th and North Shepherd, building on Church Street was designed after the New Humble Road, West University, Stonewall and Waco, England meeting houses of Pilgrim times. It was a Bammel Road, Frazier Street (Conroe) and Pasadena worship center-- no classrooms were included. (Watters Road), among others. 8 9 The Heights Church In 1931 Bro. Edwin arranged for Bro. Dow to address the Heights Church. A.D. said the students had collected $500 (quite a sum in those days) as down payment for a parcel of land at College Main and Church Streets at the North Gate of the campus. He appealed to the Houston brethren for their prayers and encouragement for the cadet church which now involved as many as 124 students. As he was leaving a lady handed him a slip of paper with her name and address written on it. The note asked Dow to write her on January 1. He did so and by return mail he received a check for $2,000 and a letter that read, 'T am interested in the Church of Christ group at the Texas A&M College. As I am able I will send more money. Write me again on July 1..." And so began the relationship with the A&M Church and Mrs. E.F. Woodward of Houston. g n . 9 Mrs. Bessie Woodward 10 11 Bessie Woodward 1935. The site was a grassy field bounded by an artery Bessie Woodward was a generous member of the to Bryan (College Main Street) and a gravel road (later Heights congregation. Her gift of$135,000 financed to be called Church Street when Baptist, Methodist and that church's building in 1925. She and her husband, Catholic churches were lined up along the Emerson, (reputed to be the richest oilman in Houston thoroughfare). at that time) had paid the cost for two buildings at the The North Gate of the Campus Boles Home and other works "from here to California", North Gate was the "business district" of the cam us some remember. Their only son, Harley,was killed p March 5, 1936 in an airplane crash in Mena, Arkansas (the City of College Station wouldn't be created for another 2 years). It included a photo studio owned b while on a trip to check out a building that Mrs. y Woodward thought might be suitable for a children's George Sosolik, Holik and Son's Boot Shop, Lipscomb's home. Drug Store, Aggieland Pharmacy, Luke and Charlie's Campus Grocery, Lauderstein's Clothiers, Park Hill Emerson was an investor in the Spindletop field near Cafe, Rapp & English Cleaners, the Western Union Beaumont. That strike dwarfed all other oil fields Office, the College Station Post Office, the Campus before and since. It made Texas the largest oil producer Theatre and a hamburger stand owned by Smith & in the United States and the United States the largest Mercer. A&M's football players lived in a wooden oil producer in the world. The first Spindletop well boarding house west of College Main (more or less the alone produced more black gold than all the known location of the Dixie Chicken in the 1980's). There were reserves of the time. For 12 years Mrs. Woodward several apartment houses along the principal streets shared her wealth and her prayers with the college where faculty and some graduate students lodged. assembly. In 1933 she inquired about the plans for a church building. Do not build before consulting me, she wrote. By then the college body had paid for the North Gate lot and had accumulated $10,000 toward construction of a frame building. Professor Ernest Langford, then head of the Department of Architecture, (later to become College Station's mayor) had prepared plans for the structure. The plans were shown to Mrs. Woodward. She thought they were too modest: she provided $35,000 to create a brick building with a 210-seat auditorium, a library and a preacher's residence. The structure was toped with a 65-foot steeple (later removed when the building was enlarged.) Construction began on the first building in January 12 13 "Cadet Lieutenant RK Anderson of Lometa talked on a student's reaction to the building and Bro. RR Sweet preached to the capacity crowd of families, visitors and cadets." The Advocate also noted that the new building would be good for the college's enrollment. "It is hoped that young men who may have failed to come to A. and M. because it was thought church opportunities were lacking may come in the future. Parents of students may now feel free to visit with their sons over the weekend or on Sundays for a beautiful place is now available for worshiping right at the campus..." The unwritten traditions of the brotherhood were respected -- even at the opening. The article noted that anyone passing this way is invited to visit "at the usual hours of worship..." OPENING SERVICES A Gospel Advocate article of February 6, 1936 describes the opening of the building on Church Street like this: 'At the opening services (Sunday, October 27, 1935) twenty three churches were represented. One hundred eighty two visitors registered and many were present who did not register... 'A.D. Martin of Bryan, who has worked faithfully for several years to see the accomplishment of this task, delivered the principal address at the morning service. E.C. Coffman of Houston Heights Church, delivered an inspiring g f short address. At the evening service Professor Ernest Langford gave an informative talk on The Architecture of the Building.Expression of an Ideal. 14 15 Church to show by our zeal for its welfare our gratitude to the one who has made this particular work possible and our gratitude to Him who doeth all things well..." The directory notes 123 cadets (mostly small town products from such places as Salado, Decatur, White Deer, Junction and Yorktown. There were only two from San Antonio, three from Dallas, three from Houston and four from Abilene. Not one of the cadets hailed from out of state. Twelve were listed as "non military" and there was one graduate student. Two years later Sweet was still promoting the church as a drawing card for enrollment in A&M. In a Firm Foundation article published September 6, 1938 he said, 'Parents who are sending their sons to A.and M. this fall will be doing their boys a service and helping us in ministering to their spiritual needs if they will write us concerning their boys so we may be on the lookout for them... THEFIRST CLASS 'Arrange to visit your son over Sunday, come to see us, worship with us and help us keep your boy interested in his Ralph Sweet told the first class of cadets to worship at Christianity. We believe you will enjoy such a visit to the the "building" that they were a history making group. largest agricultural college in the world and the opportunity to worship with the college church..." 'A new era opens in the work of the church with the students at the A. and M. College. Our new plant is the best and the most beautiful that could be designed. The largest enrollment in the history of the school (3,500) and largest group who are Christians make it a challenge to carry on the loyal work of our predecessors and to build larger and more substantially (if possible) a body of intelligent and capable young men who will soon become leaders in many churches throughout our State and Southland... 'May our Father help us every one to be loyal to the 16 17 in the conduct of our public services...We are content to be Christians only and are seeking the help and encouragement of all others who want the utmost freedom in spiritual affairs...Won't you come and worship and study with us regularly enough to understand what we are trying to do? Come thou with us and we will do thee good..." Faculty Postcard Sweet mailed the faculty a printed one cent (penny) postcard with 'An Important Message"promoting Sunday evening services dealing with the existence of God. 'Discussions concerning the evidence for an intelligent Creator back of the universe is (sic) as old as philosophy," it began. The probability that the cosmos has taken shape by chance is becoming more remote...Truly scientific men are willing to examine and re-examine the bases (sic) for their believing or failing to believe. Great scientists may be religious; many of them are. EARLYCHURCH "Whatever you may have thought or whatever opinion you EVENTS now hold, let us look again at this fundamental question of our existence and purpose in the universe. Our Sunday Bro. Sweet was an avid writer and he regularly sent evening discussions during October will be devoted to this line of thought. Won't you have a part with us in them? invitations to the residents of College Station to attend Come at 7 o'clock each Sunday evening..." his services. One such mailing was his letter of January 8, 1936 addressed to "Dear Folks" and read like this: The Daily Bulletin of September 23, 1936 carried an 'You were invited to the opening services in our new advertisement for the church, a plug for Luke and Charlie's Grocery and an advertisement for Samuel church building and we were very grateful for the splendid Goldwyn's vivid feature film "Splendor" starring Joel response... McCrea and Miriam Hopkins which would be shown on 'Please do understand that we want you to be with us at Saturday for 25 cents in the Assembly Hall. any or all of our services when you find it possible to be "The Church of Christ welcomes all students: those here present and you have the inclination to come... for the first time and those returning. May you have a profitable year. Make this your church home while at "We are thoroughly nondenominational,practicing the A&M. - R.B. Sweet, Minister" utmost simplicity both in the organization of our work and i WL 18 19 The First Home Bulletin The first home bulletin was called The Reminder. It was a suitable vehicle for Bro. Sweet's considerable writing talents. Here is a sample from the Feb. 12, 1936 issue in which he cajoles the cadets to attend services on a regular basis. "Our splendid building was erected and equipped for the benefit of you men. Shall we fail to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to better ourselves? Shall we disappoint those who have expended so much for us? Shall we show by our behaviour that we care nothing for the Lord and His church which cost so much? Your actions will speak louder than words! Let's make next Sunday's attendance the best thus far. Come and bring someone with you. Be seem yuh. An Early Gospel Meeting One of the first gospel meetings for the church was held about 1947. Trine Starnes (son of Warren Starnes, a famous preacher of the day) came to College Station SUNDRY SCHOOL from Mineral Wells. The church staged a dinner in his honor at the Bryan Country Club (now the site of the AT A&M Municipal Golf Course). Early Song Leaders The Cadet assembly that met at the YMCA didn't have Every man in the congregation (whether he was Sunday School or Bible Class: it was a worship service. The building at North Gate didn't include any particularly talented or not) took a turn at leading singing during the 30's. Then came Harry Springfield of classrooms--it is obvious from its floorplan that classes were not part of the initial plans for the church. Corpus Christi, a graduate student with a swell voice. He is remembered as the first "regular" song leader. Architect Ernest Langford patterned the building after the New England meeting house of the Pilgrim period. Prof. Langford told the audience at the first evening service in the building of his plans for the structure. 'The keynote of the building is simplicity with beauty, in keeping with the religious ideal of the Church of Christ," Langford said. 'An attempt was made to embody in its 20 21 architecture and decoration simple beauty and to create an atmosphere of worship. It was desired that the building would say by its appearance that it is a place of meeting for those who are simply Christians. It should say I am a meeting house, not a bank or a library..." A&M wasn't by itself: many early churches did not meet for Sunday School. In fact, the Add-Ran Academy and church at Thorp Springs were divided over several issues (including Sunday Schools and instrumental faculty music). Some dissident acu ty members moved to Wa co, then to Fort Worth to form Texas Christian University. Others went to Abilene to join the fledgling Abilene Christian College. And a few, including A.D. Martin, came to Texas A&M College. Some of the early members of the A&M congregation including A.D.'s wife (Lena), Percy Key and a few others thought Sunday School was inappropriate. In deference to their VBS ON CHURCH STREET views, Bible classes were not scheduled in the North Gate building in 1935. Fir ° In 1936 the debate over Sunday School reached Mrs. : °` Woodward's ears. She wrote a"6-cent letter" telling �„'�►,�r,,���i Ralph Sweet her views. (A regular letter cost2 cents in those days -- her message took quite a few pages and - _ weighed about 3 ounces). She advised Bro. Sweet that the facilities were to be fully used and, if necessary, she - would provide additional space for Sunday School. That settled the issue: the A&M Church of Christ p started a Sunday School program. ' First Bible School Teachers The first Bible School teachers were as follows: Bessie Hunt (preschool); Eris Potts (older children); and R.B. # Sweet (pcadets and adults). Mrs. Potts' husband built I wooden benches for her card class (so named because of the printed cards with pictures and Bible verses given to the children each Sunday). YOUTH RALLYDURING THE 40's 22 23 Matthew,Mark, Luke and Charlie The kids of that time (like today) learned by association. When the Sweets' daughter, Silvia,was learning to recite the books of the New Testament she was mightily influenced by the local environment. The only grocery store in College Station was named "Luke & Charlie's" after its owners: Luke Patranella and Charlie Opersteny. So it was understandable that little Silvia had problems learning the names of the Gospels. As often as not, she recited, "Matthew, Mark, Luke and Charlie". SUPPORT FOR THE CONGREGATION Mrs. Woodward continued her support of the A&M Church until September 1942 when she asked the local group to assume more expenses (the extra taxes to fund World War II were becoming a burden, she said.) On May 23, 1943, Mrs. Woodward and her husband were returning from San Antonio to their Valdina ranch in Uvalde and Medina counties. Near D'Hanis a car-train accident took their lives but Bessie's dreams for a campus congregation are surely yet alive. Limited Resources in the 30's Members of the church had limited resources during the 30's. The Great Depression was just ending. Jobs were still scarce. Wages at the College were modest (as low 24 25 i as $185 per month, in some cases). Without Mrs. Giving must have reached $100,000 per year during the Woodward's support, the A&M Church could not have 1970's. In 1976 annual income for the church was existed during the early years. $170,142. Giving surpassed $300,000 in 1980 and The abrupt termination of support caused drastic action $500,000 in 1984. for the A&M Church. Bro. Sweet took a job as Annual contributions have increased every year except telegrapher at the College Station for the Southern and 3: 1982, 1984 and 1986. Missouri Pacific Railroads at the monthly salary of $150, thus relieving the congregation of his support. Annual contributions for 1977-1987, compiled by Bernie Even without building or utility payments, the Bernard, are displayed on page 57. contributions in the 30's did not even equal Ralph Sweet's salary. In 1936 the members gave less than $100 total in four months. The next year the annual giving was only $360.82. It was 1940 before they reached $1,000 in their annual donations. The first Sunday's offering to exceed $1,000 was November 1947. It was almost 10 years later (May 1955)when the Sunday offering yielded more than $2,000. The 401S and 50's In 1948 the annual giving exceeded $10,000 A decade later the giving for the year passed $30,000. In the spirit of the First Century, the church in College Station shared what it had with others: they provided financial support to help create congregations in Navasota, North Zulch, Edge and Franklin. First 25 Years of Giving Annual contributions for the first quarter of a century S acres on the West ByPass. (compiled in 1959 by Jane Ledbetter, a church secretary) are displayed on page 57. Contribution records for the 60's and 70's cannot be located. 26 27 III N[ III k I III FAMILIES GROWTH AND THE CHURCH AND EXPANSION The A&M Church was mostly students through the 30's. The building at 301 College Main was enlarged in 1947 In 1941 there were only 6 families among the members; there were 38 families in 1947 and by 1960 families still when a cost of$3 classroom A ix room residence nearby wawere s at a only numbered about 90. One family has provided three servants for the church: C.H. Bernard was an purchased for $8,500. In 1954, the facade of the building original elder; his brother,Virgil Bernard,was a deacon was altered to remove the steeple and the auditorium or or the ales;elder; his son, Bernie Bernard,was selected a was enlarged to hold 400 permanent seats. A new education building was also added. The preacher's deacon in the 80's. residence was converted into classrooms and a new No list of non-student members from the first days has home was constructed for the Fowlers. Total cost for survived. Some of the families (recalled by members of these changes was $48,000. Charlie the time) included A.D. and Lena Martin, Wayne and New Year Welcomed at 1002 Munson Allen, Sam Harper,Bessie Hunt, Percy Key, Without a Fellowship Hall the church met wherever Edna Long,Bill and Eris Potts,Robert Smith,William and Clara Street and Grover Vaughn, among others. they could for social events. On New Year's Eve, 28 29 i families gathered at Virgil and Grace Bernard's home r on Munson Drive to greet 1948. The dwelling was still w under construction so they strung temporary lighting, E swept up the wood scraps from the bare concrete floors and sat on folding chairs for the event. w ; r � m 0 Y Qf t.. .tk w Tr- O r _ v O � A � 4 � a W � A � o0 4 O .� EDUCATIONAL BUILDING--In 1954 an Educational Building was constructed. 30 31 7- II t �a �' BIBLE CHAIR BUILDING --In 1956 the church purchased the building which housed Sorenson's hardware store and converted it into the Bible Chair. THE BIBLE CHAIR . I In 1956 a hardware building across from the auditorium ' was purchased for about $36,500 and converted into the Bible Chair Building. The building was remodeled in January 1957 through the efforts of W.M. Dowell (an elder of the time and chairman of the Bible Chair Committee). Bro. Dowell and his son, Dickie, and a few students spent their Christmas vacation building partitions to create four large classrooms and made r other improvements in the facility. Funds to renovate the Bible Chair came from students, their hometown churches and other congregations across Texas. The budget for the Bible Chair in 1956 was $950 per FIRST FELLOWSHIP HALL -- The Bible Chair was the month. The A&M church provided $150. The rest church Is first hall for fellowship dinners and socials. 32 33 IL came from other churches including Grove Avenue of On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays students San Antonio, Proctor Street in Port Arthur, Edgefield athered at 7:05 p.m. for a 20-minute worship service and Skillman of Dallas, Orange, Granbury, Port Lavaca, known in the 80 s as DEE-vos). Freshmen and BigSpring, Colorado City, Coleman, East and Central sophomores tY were able to return to their room f of Amarillo, amongothers. Call to s or CO ( Quarters b the 7:30 curfew,urfew thanks to a Bible Chair carpool. A brochure printed in 1965 was lavish in Billie Sol Estes Helps its praise for the student programs. In 1958 the church staged a dinner to pay off the indebtedness on the Bible Chair building. On April 11 "The devotionals are student-led and thus provide a first some 56 people from around Texas "opened their hearts rate leadership incentive. Singspiration, student talks, and their pocketbooks" to the effort. A grand total of guest speakers and discussion sessions enliven these $11,347.50 in cash and pledges was received including services. If you're new at A&M come to the devotionals. later m Billie of Estes. Estes who was at $1,000 from e S The tensions o the day will slide o and wh en h en yo u rela x, ax y fertilizer n ' f mail fraud for usingnonexistent co victed o thin s will appear to their g PP fight perspective. Y P You will P tanks as collateral for bank loans, flew to dinner in his return to your studies more certain than ever of the value private airplane. His pilot couldn't locate College and the purpose of life..." Station's Easterwood Airport and mistakenly landed in Navasota. When Estes discovered the error he fired the pilot on the spot and arranged for ground transportation back to Pecos after the dinner. Move to Separate The Bible Chair Fails i f he minority o t m a o n l there was an attempt b I 959 t e e P ty to separate the Bible Chair from the A&M congregation P Church. That movement was quickly snuffed out and the minister and the Bible Chair director were pulpit �. replaced. A Weekday Hangout for College Students The Bible Chair Building was a weekday "hangout" for college students who regularly met there between classes. It served as a classroom center for Sundays and Wednesdays and was the first "Fellowship Hall" for church suppers and socials. Classes for college cr edit were held in the buildinguntil 1964 when A&M •• abandoned the practice of giving ivin elective credit for off-campus religion courses. LDEVO during 1968. 34 j� r V •� o o� wo- w ULn AGGIE S FOR - ,= 41 a CHRIST y Z C organization was born in Q The. ies for Christ (AF ) g gg bell had Is 1972 in Room 114 of Hughes Hall. Tommy invited three of his friends over to discuss their plans for the summer. The group Stuart Platt, Cody Birdwell, Orman Archibald and Isbell) decided to take a trip. 't o N o home ildren s w in overnight at a ch w -fl The idea of stopping ested a visit to a local then someone sugg came up, trip church to meet with teenagers. Perch bald sug o d d grown into a missionary journey. II they call the venture "The A&M Church of Christ Evangelistic Missionary Journey". Too many words, his # mates said. "Let's just be Aggies. Aggies for Christ."And so they were. °g �� �,•�� In May 1972 twelve students and th eir it advisor, Bob 36 37 II Davidson, left College Station on the first AFC trip in a bus borrowed from the Crestview Church in Waco. They planned a swing through the South: North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. They made it as far as the Mississippi River before the bus developed engine trouble near L Morrilton, Arkansas. The group slept for five nights on the gym floor at the Southern Children's Home while the vehicle was repaired. Their spirits weren't dampened by the transportation problems and their reports of visits to the II Boles Home in Quinla n and the Youth meeting at Del City Church of Christ in Oklahoma City prompted the gang at the Bible Chair to plan another AFC trip in January to San Benito. Later the A&M church acquired its own buses (which broke down with the same regularity as the borrowed bus, the AFCers remember). The students' zeal for their Aggies for Christ, however, has never flagged. Members of AFC 1 THE NEW BUILDING Members of"AFC 1" included Chester Amidon of Georgetown, Norman Archibald of San Benito, Brice Biggerstaff of Harlingen, Cody Birdwell of Spring, In 1968, a group of far-sighted men of the church Tommy Dayton of College Station, Tommy Isbell of (including Paul Crawford, Ethan Holt, Wayne Keese, Hillsboro, Mike Keese of College Station, Bob James D. McCrady, Page Morgan, J.W. Sorenson, McElvain of Abilene, Stuart Platt of San Antonio, Doug Gene Stallings and Dan Warden)were appointed to Stelljes of Spring, James Wilbeck of Hungerford and serve as a building committee. Dr. McCrady served as John Wilson of Houston. They were accompanied by chairman of the group. Don Russell, the church's part the Bible Chair director and campus minister, Bob time youth minister,was the student representative to Davidson. the group. The committee surveyed the projected growth of the university and the community and determined that a facility to accommodate 1,000 worshipers would be �I needed in 10 years (1978). The existing site was not large enough for a building of that size and parking for a congregation of 1000 was simply not available at North 38 39 I Gate. The committee finally concluded that a new site must be found for the church meeting place. o w o The decision to move was made slowly: not every � � pu �- �{ I��i I i?4 itAli lid; o r" member favored leaving the North Gate. There were a .� �� � „�,I i� �� �! �>, o series of congregational meetings to discuss the pros .� and cons. Bob Walker and J.D. McCrady, two of the w deacons at that time, met with each family individually k). to discuss their plans for contributing to the building o� fund. Eventually, the objectors conceded there wasn't 0,�7 `' : any alternative to moving if the church was to continue to grow. a, o•2 Z o 4, 8.25 Acres South of Town t ti In 1972 the church paid $50,000 for 8.25 acres of land in the southern outskirts of College Station. There was onlya ravel road to the property but one day it would " t � ' `` g P P tY Y �, �� � ���- 0 be serviced by a principal thoroughfare to be known as the West Loop (FM 2818). Q A community wide ground breaking ceremony was held t It's Y (April 22) A on Easter Sunda 1973. Coll i College Station �± 00 Mayor J.B. (Dick) Hervey spoke at the occasion and joined three of the elders of the time (Bob Mullinix, o Wa ne Keese W.W. Bay), Councilman Cou Gilman J.D. Lindsay o�Y) and Councilman Fred Brison in turning a ceremonial � i spade of earth to mark the event. a. 1001 West Loop South Opened in 1974 Construction on the new home for the A&M Church of Christ at 1001 West Loop South was completed in 1974. The 26,000 square foot building included an auditorium ' for 800 and multipurpose areas for classes and p fellowship activities. The budget for the facility and its ►� ' 77,000 square foot parking lot was $600,000. _ o.ZI The second evangelist to serve the congregation, J.F. o � q 40 41 II Fowler, then minister of the Central Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama) spoke at the dedication service on September 15, 1974. Don Flynt led the congregation in singing Number 480 "Soldiers of Christ Arise" and Number 589 "To Christ Be True". Ji Wings Added in 19 77 In 1977 the "A" (Adult) Wing and the Aggie Wing were added to the building. These improvements of 17,000 square feet cost an additional $437,000. "e A � a MINISTERS The first full time minister of the A&M Church was R.B. Sweet of Austin. Brother Sweet is well known as the founder of Sweet Publishing Company which provided the brotherhood with 'Journeys Through the Bible", a curriculum for Sunday School programs that II was begun while he was the preacher at the A&M congregation. His daughter, Silvia, recalls him pounding away on his office typewriter preparing notes for Mrs. ARCHITECT's view of the building at 1001 West Loop. Sweet's class of high school students. 'Journeys"may be I the most popular Sunday School curriculum every produced: in Austin he adapted it for eve grade. The material involved 12 years of Bible Study four complete journeys from Genesis to Revelation). The publishing company he founded printed tens of 42 43 thousands of copies for 35 years until the rights were PULPIT MINISTERS sold to Houston printers. Brother Sweet was a self-taught Bible scholar. He dropped out of Sherman A list of ministers who have served the church follows. n College,tended Austi n C High School at age 14 briefly at S , Hig S g y received a bachelor's degree in biology from SMU and a - 1946: R.B. Sweet 19 35 - 1946: R.L. Nolan master's degree in economics from the University of 1935 Texas at Austin. His journey through the Bible made the 1946 - 1946: James oF.f Fowler stories come alive, his daughter recalls. 1956 - 1959: Mont Whitson "He told Old Testament stories like they happened to real 1959 - 1963: Levi Gentry people. He believed they were true -- and so did his 1963 - 1967: Thomas J. Seay Jr. 1967 - 1979: Dan E. Warden listeners, she says. 1980 - 1984: James E. Woodroof Brother Sweet began his preaching career at the 1985 - Kenneth Reed Western Heights congregation in Fort Worth while a student at SMU. He moved to Belton, then to the University Avenue church in Austin before Mrs. r ed him to come to College Woodward u a Station. He g g returned to Austin in 1946 and preached at the University Avenue congregation until his death in 1963. opened their home on wife, Thelma o , . Ralph and his vv� e p Church Street to the cadets who lived in barracks there � was no Memorial Student Center or similar living F room facilities on the campus at that time). Grace Woodward, Bessie Woodward's daughter-in-law, remembers that"Thelma's cookie jar was always open for the students. They loved her..." 5 Brother Sweet left A&M on July 14, 1946. a � R.L. Nolan a mathematics instructor who came faculty, Texas A&M from the Abilene Christian College filled the pulpit for 13 weeks (until December 8) when James Fowler from Dallas assumed the ministry. 31 R.B. SWEET-- Ralph B. Sweet was the first full time minister of the A&M Church and served in that capacity longer than any of his successors. 45 44 COLLEGE SOWS MINISTERS DIRECTORS/MINISTERS The School of World Evangelism was formed in 1977 to train apprentice missionaries. During its first 10 years the School produced 146 graduates in 20 classes. Half of the graduates of the SOWE (rhymes with SOW--like seeds)went to cross-cultural work. One fourth of the A list of the men who have served as the graduates have become full time workers for the Lord. campus/college minister of the A&M Church of Christ And yet there is room... follows: The faculty for the School is drawn from career 1954 - 1958: Bob Davidson missionaries, church leaders who are also members of 1958 - 1959: Pence Dacus Texas A&M's faculty and missionaries in residence. 1959 - 1960: Bob Stewart The curriculum is a 6-month program of intense 1960 - 1964: Billy Earl Williams training. 1973 - 1976: R.L. Nolan (Extension Course Instructor) 1970- Bob Davidson The A&M congregation assumes responsibility for the 46 47 i faculty and staff salaries, study materials, facilities, etc. There is no tuition for students. Each candidate must arrange for personal financial support for two years (6 months of training and 18 months on the field). Apprentice graduates select the field where they will wish to serve and are supervised by the elders of their sponsoring church as directed by a career missionary at their location. SOWE classes are held in the fall and spring terms to coincide with the semester calendar of TAMU. SOWS Memorial Fund In 1983 Don Russell, chairman of the SOWE Committee, proposed the development of a memorial fund to P a provide permanent endowment or the h Sc hool. Byl aws were drafted b Joe Buser and Steve Smith; Y ,Y LarryWilson presented h i ted the idea to the elder The n p s. e fund wasr approved in 1 4 pp ed 98 and has become a significant source of encouragement to the program. The bylaws provide that the principal gifts be invested and only the dividends be expended on SOWE students and YOUTH MINISTERS rt II graduates. In 1987 the principal of the SOWE III Memorial Fund was almost $30,000. SOWE DIRECTORS/MINISTERS The Youth Minister's duties were managed by part-time, university students for many years. Billy Don Russell 1976 - 1978: Dave Depew , an electrical engineering student from 1978 - Kenneth J. Wilkey Dennison, was selected by the elders to serve as the first youth minister. Don served the church for 4 years while earning bachelor's and master's degrees. When he moved to the University of Oklahoma to pursue doctoral studies he was replaced by Gary Vannoy. Larry Phillips was employed following his graduation in 1976 as the first full time youth worker. A list of those who have served as Youth Ministers follows. 48 49 YOUTH MINISTERS 1967 - 1970: B. Don Russell 1971 - 1975: Gary Vannoy 1975 - 1976: Larry Phillips 1977 - 1988: Mark Phillips 1988 - Gary Cochran III I�'I �I!Ily� III III ELDERS 'II'I{II' �i llilll The direction of the congregation was coordinated by Bro. Sweet during his 11 years as the church's minister. met on a f the congregation In 1948 men and women o II?Il 1 1 Sunday afte rnoon to nominate the c hurch s first el ders. The members wrote their choices on cards which were tallied by a committee of men. The three bishops so M Dowell and W.E. Il�,jilll selected were C.H. Bernard, W. 11 j Street. The alphabetical list overleaf includes all the men who were designed as elder in the existent church directories. Men who also served as a deacon are lil�,la marked with an asterisk. Illllll�i 50 51 I ELDERS: A&M CHURCH OF CHRIST thru 1987 Allen, Sidney* Bay, Wallace W. Bernard, C.H. Blakeley, J.B.* Buffington, Jesse L.* Dowell, W.M. Keese, Wayne* McGuire, J.G.* Morgan, Page W.* Mullinix, Bob M.* Path, Bill* Potts, Bill M.* Sorenson, Romey W.* Street, W.E. Thomas, Bill* Wade, James* Walker, Robert L.* Wythe, L. Douglas* *also served as a deacon DEACONS The first to serve tables at the A&M Church were appointed about 1948. No official record of deacon appointments can be found. The alphabetical list overleaf includes every man who has served as a deacon, according to the memories of long time members. Every listing is authenticated by a church directory indicating deacons of the time. Men who also served as an elder are marked with an asterisk. NOTE: This list includes the names of some men chosen to be a deacon during the summer of 1988. While the scope of this history generally ends with 1987, it seemed obvious to include these names in this record of the church while the facts were readily available... 52 53 DEACONS: 1948 - 1988 McNeil NA. Morggan,gage W.* Adams,Garry M'=' Bob M.* Alexander Jerry Newhouse Ron Allen,Sidney* Odle,Louis Anderson Charles Path Bill* Baker,Y)eWitt Pott Bill Barron John Pruitt,Cled Beasley,Wallace D. Russell,B.Don Bennett,Roy Schneider,Steve Bernard,Bernie B. Simmons,Joe Bernard,Virgil Skow,Loren Bevans,Jim Smith,Ryan Bingham,Melvin Smith Sherrel Blakeley,J.B.* Smith,Steve Brewer,Jerry Sorenson,Romey W.* Brooks,Jim Sprott,Bill Brown,Tim Stallings Gene Buffington,Jesse L.* Steyn,Ptiillip Burson,Byron Sutphen,Gene Carson,Dee Sweeneyy,,Don Claborn Larry Tefertiller,-R R. Davis 'I ommy Thomas Bill* Dowell,Gordon Wade James* Evans,Nelson Walker Robert L.* Flynt,Don Wallace,John Forsthoff Fred Ward Don Fulton,lion Webb,Karl Green Reed Wilkinson Dan Greenawalt,Charles Wilson,Larry Gunter,Bob Womack Tim Heffm on,Warren Wythe L.Douglas* Henderson Buckoung,Terry m Hogan,Henry Hogan,Jerry *also served as elder Holt,Ethan C. Holt Mike III Hott,'Wilfred Hottel Bruce Jensen,hrnest R. Keese,Wayne* Landiss, Carl W. LauMano Curtis n, h Martin,Ken McCaleb,Gary McCrady,James D. McDonald,Don McGuire,J.G.* McLarey,Don *also served as elder 54 55 CONTRIBUTIONS: 1935 - 1987 1935 $ 82.58 1936 360.82 1937 458.40 1938 509.43 1939 766.56 1940 1039.81 j 1941 2024.68 j . 1942 1950.79 1943 3520.38 1944 4126.70 1945 4019.66 1946 6600.55 1947 9078.60 1948 10038.36 1949 9976.19 1950 10751.44 1951 9659.77 1952 10163.36 1953 11647.92 CHURCH 1954 14132.70 1955 18325325.16 I'I ARCHITECTS 195 2 195 7 294410..47 i 1958 31178.69 1959-1975 not available 1976 170142.11 1977 223750.96 Ernest Langford/College Station: 1978 237607.83 Auditorium and residence at 301 1979 264233.30 College Main (1934). 1980 306972.71 1981 386688.22 Jack Nusbaum/Oklahoma City: 1982 369819.41 Auditorium and multipurpose building at 1001 West Loop 1983 554138.89 S 1984 525959.56 South (1972). 1985 581160.02 M.O. Lawrence Jr./Bryan: 1986 564145.80 'A" (Adult) and Aggie Bing at 1001 West Loop South 1987 569410.01 (1977). 56 57 ATTENDANCE: 1977 - 1987 BAPTISMS: 1977 - 1987 1977 738 1977 54 1978 726 1978 94 1979 697 1979 84 1980 731 1980 37 1981 774 1981 30 1982 878 1982 54 1983 855 1983 38 1984 899 1984 43 1985 887 1985 39 1986 841 1986 24 ;110 1987 827 1987 25 ------------------- ----------------- Average: 805 Average: 47 ------------------- ----------------- 5K 59 i INDEX Brown, Tim 54 Buffington, Jesse L. 52,54 SUBJECT PAGE NUMBER(s) Burson, Byron 54 Buser, Joe 48 Abilene Christian College 23,44 CAMPUS MINISTERS 46 4 Adams, Garry CARNEGIE LIBRARY 5 ADD-RAN ACADEMY 22 Carson, Dee 54 AFC (Aggies for Christ) 366,37,38 Cashion, Marion (Mrs.) 7 Alexander, Jerry 54 CENTRAL CHURCH 6 Allen, Charlie 28 CHAPEL 4 Allen, Sidney 52,54 Claborn, Larry 54 Amidon, Chester 38 Cochran, Gary 50 Anderson, Charles 54 Coffman, E.C. 14 Anderson, R.K. 15 COLLEGE MINISTERS 46 Archibald, Norman 36,38 COLLEGE STATION 7,12,24 6 ARCHITECTS CONTRIBUTIONS 25,26,27,57 Ashley, Wm. Guy 5 Crawford, Paul 39 ATTENDANCE 58 CREDITS 1 Baker, DeWitt 54 Dacus, Pence 46 BAPTISMS (1977 - 1987) 59 Davidson, Bob 38,46 Barron, John 54 Davis, Tommy 54 Bay, W.W. 40,52 Dayton, Tommy 38 Beasley, Wallace D. 54 DEACONS 53,54,55 Bennett, Roy 54 Depew, Dave 48 Bernard, Bernie B. 27,28,54 DEVOS 35 Bernard, C.H. 28,51,52 Dowell, Gordon 54 Bernard, Virgil/Grace 58,30,31,54 Dowell, W.M. 32,51,52 Bevans, Jim ELDERS 51,52 BIBLE CHAIR 32,33,34 Estes, Billie Sol 34 BIBLE SCHOOL 21,23 Evans, Nelson 54 Biggerstaff, Brice 38 FAMILIES 28 Bingham, Melvin 54 Flynt, Don 42,54 Birdwell, Cody 36,38 Forsthoff, Fred 54 7,52,54 Fowler, James 29,42,44,45 Blakeley, J.B. Blakeley, Maurine 7 Fulton, Ron 54 Brewer, Jerry 54 Gentry, Levi 45 Brewe Fred 40 GOSPEL ADVOCATE 14 Brooks, Jim 54 Green, Reed 54 Greenawalt, Charles 54 60 61 Gunter, Bob 54 MINISTERS 43 rrpper, Sam 28 Morgan, Page W. 39,52,55 Ha Heffington Sa Warren 54 Mullinix, Bob M. 40,52,55 HEIGHTS CHURCH 9,10 Newhouse, Ron 55 Henderson, Buck 54 Nolan,R.L. 44,45,46 Hervey, J.B. (Dick) 40 NORTH GATE 133,21,39,40, 54 Nusbaum,Jack 56 Hogan, Henry 54 Odle, Louis 55 Hogan,Jerry 39,54 Path, Bill 52,55 Holt, Ethan 54 Phillips, Larry 50 Holt, Mike 54 Phillips, Mark 50 Hott, Wilfred 54 Platt, Stuart 36,38 Hottel,Bruce Potts, Bill Eris 23,28,52,55 Hunt, Robert/Bessie 23,28 Pruitt, Cled 55 INTERURBAN TROLLEY 7 Reed, Kenneth 45 Isbell, Tommy 36,38 54 REMINDER, Jensen, Ernest R. The 20 JOURNEYS 43 Russell, B. Don 39,48,49, 50,55 JOUR DOUR Mike 38 Schneider, Steve 55 39,40,52,54 Seay, Thomas J. Jr. 45 Keese, Wayne 7,23,28 Simmons, Joe 55 Key, Percy 54 Skow, Loren 55 Landiss, Carl W. 12,21,56 Smith, Robert 28 Langford:Ernest 55 Smith, Ryan 55 Laudermilk, Curtin 56 Smith, Sherrel 55 Lawrence, M.O. Jr. 26 Smith, Steve 48,55 Ledbetter, Jane 40 SONGLEADERS 20 Lindsay,J.D. 28 Sorenson, J.W. 39,52,55 Long, Wayne/Edna 55 SOWE 47,48 Mann, Bob 3,7,10,14, 23,27,28 SPINDLETOP 11 Martin, A.D. (Dow) Springfield, Har 20 Martin, EdwinHarry 7,9,10 Martin, Ken 55 Sprott, Bill 55 Martin, , n 55 Stallings, Gene 39,55 McCrady, Jaynes D. 39,40,55 Starnes, Warren/Trine 20 McDonald, Don 55 Stelljes, Doug- 38 McElvain, Bob 38 Steward, Bob 46 McGee, J.T. 6 Steyn, Phillip 55 McGuire,J.G. 52,55 Street, William/Clara 28,51,52 55 SUNDAY SCHOOL 21,23 McGarry, Don McNeil, N.A. 55 Sutphen, Gene 55 62 63 Sweeney, Don 55 Sweet, Ralph 16,17,18,19, 23, 26,43,44 Sweet, Silvia 24,43 Sweet, Thelma 44 TCU 23 Tefertiller, K.R. 55 Thomas, Bill 52,55 THORP SPRINGS 23 UNIVERISTY MINISTERS 46 VALDINA RANCH 25 Vannoy, Gary 49,50 Vaughn, Grover 28 VBS 22 Wade, James 52,55 Walker, Bob 40,52,55 Wallace,John 55 Ward, Don 55 Warden, Dan 39,45 Watson, John 55 Webb, Earl 55 Whitson, Mont 45 Wilbeck, James 38 Wilkey, Kenneth J. 48 Wilkinson, Dan 55 Williams, Billy Earl 46 Wilson, John 38 Wilson, Larry 48,55 Womack, Jim 55 Woodroof, James E. 45 Woodward, Bessie 10,11,12, 23,25,44 Woodward, Emerson 12 Woodward, Grace 44 Woodward, Harley 12 Wythe, L. Douglas 52,55 YMCA 7,8,21 Young, Terry 55 YOUTH MINISTERS 49,50 64 i Chapter 8 MEMORIES THAT LINGER! The Memory of the. Just is Blessed.—Proverbs 10:7. This section consists of parts "A" and "B" in which episodes and circumstances—a part of the' history of this church—are recalled. The only thread of continuity is that all are related to the A&M United Methodist Church. In previous pages, the guiding principle has been the truth as Cicero prescribed. In part "A" this same principle prevails, and that which is reported is wholly true as the writer interprets it. No such claim is made for part "B." There, strict accuracy is ignored and any element of truth is justification for inclusion or recitation. Specu- lation replaces truth and reality in spots. Some information is from impeachable sources! Some parts have been embellished,without restraint, to more readily justify including them. This is necessary for understand- ing and communication between church people! Readers are left to their own resources to accept it, in whole or in fl part. They alone are the judges of its credibility. The writer claims only that an element of fact or circumstance existed originally for each of the episodes in `B." PART A A&M METHODIST'S LONE MINISTER It is-within the province.of a local l4etliodist Church to.recommend candidates for the ministry through the Charge Tay Conference. This church has,often..fulfilled that.function,,,Most cardidates have.been•.frpm , the heritage of.other'church.congregations. They .were sojourners..here, j temporarily. They sought the recommendation of the Lay Conference likely for convenience. They had names like Frank Moon, Raymond Terry, Joe Lovelady . . . others. 73 �;. a.:,;', •.�.•,•,+,_,,...<_ . . i .. ..JIIIII n +a f� The A&M United Methodist Church has been the church home EI', for one lone Methodist minister for its fifty years of existence. The name: the Reverend Mondrick Gorzycki; the date recommended, July 1930; the pastor of the local church at the time, the Reverend Jesse Thomson; and Fred E. Few, the presiding elder. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gorzycki; Mrs. Gorzycki a charter and long-time faithful mem- ber of this church. i" Mondrick joined the Texas Conference on trial in 1934, was re- ceived into full connection and ordained deacon in November 1936, and ordained elder in 1938. Pastoral appointments have included Lyons Cir cuit, LaPorte, Lakeview (Port Arthur), and Central Park (Houston). Since 1966 he has been the administrator of Crestview, Methodist- related home for aged, in Bryan,Texas. He and Mrs. Gorzycki—daughter of a Methodist parsonage family—are the parents of a daughter and son. That the church has had a score plus ministers, but has contributed jthis lone one is a sobering thought when militant requests are made to j ' our District Superintendent and Bishop for the assignment of ministers. CHURCH TRIAL "The name of Will J- has been dropped from the church roll, after having been duly tried for immorality." This was an item from the Quarterly Conference Record, Alexander-College Station Circuit, July y. 22, 1923. Was his attitude arrogant and that of a man utterly without hope? Or was it one of a penitent man pleading plaintively for another chance? What was to be his source of spiritual solace of which he stood in such desperate need? In anxiety and despair, to whom would he turn? Was the ill behavior of the poor . . . and wicked . . . man a result pos- sibly of an "unhappy childhood?" Would the Church's attitude be that of concern or simply awareness during his banishment? The record is strangely silent and unyielding on all of these thoughts. Yet, the 19 words cited above are a part of the heritage of the A&M United Methodist Church, 1973 vintage. We can then well speculate on the motives that prompted such a verdict: • If retribution, when did the church think its full measure would be realized? • If punishment, when would it be fulfilled? And when would the faltering man be eligible for readmission? • If the judgment was to be an example, it would seem to E have been fully effective, since no other members have been ! so charged in the fifty years that have followed! 74 1 '�� ------------- " . . . dropped . . . immorality." Harsh words! but those were days of harsh attitudes. Verdicts etched forever in the dust of yesterday's sun- set in the record of time . . . no mention of a hope with tomorrow's sunrise. Today's are less harsh . . . but with them concern lingers about history's ultimate verdict on a morality that has changed with dizzying speed in the lifetime of one generation. TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH During the ministry of the Reverend James Jackson, the parsonage home of the Jackson family was at the site of the present Wesley Foundation building. The back porch was the initial scene of episodes which began in tragedy and ended in triumph. The tragedy was the old story of the 22 rifle . . . not loaded? . . . two little boys . . . the command "stick 'em up," the pointed gun . . . the sound of a shot. Then the anguished cry and crumpled body of little Jim Jackson . . . about 7 . . . on the screen of reality. This was the signal for the surprise and flight of the suddenly terrified holder of the rifle. There was triumph when the mother, Helen Jackson, at home alone with Jim, exemplified calmness instead of hysteria . . . in the prompt gathering of neighbors . . . the quick arrival of the ambulance. The fam- ily doctor was called—no answer. A second one . . . a stranger . . . only a remembered name said "yes, he would wait at the hospital emergency entrance"—and did. "What a relief to see him," said the mother upon arrival. The doctor was soon aware that a life was in jeopardy and pre- pared hurriedly for surgery. Brother Jackson was in Atlanta, Texas, in the opening minutes of the last service . . . a Sunday night service . . . of a revival. Within minutes a friend was bringing him home by private automobile. Soon a highway patrolman was leading the way . . . and he soon to be relieved by another. He and those taking their place in the relay for every mile of the way, according to plan and without delay, knew only that a little boy and someone's son lay gravely ill. It was thus for Brother Jackson unspoken and unspeakable appreciation for the couriers of.the night i -bverwhelming anxiety and•silence for 250 miles.and.4•slowly.revoiv ing hours until"arrival at.St. Joseph.Hospital in'Bryan. Little.Jung recovered.. The drama'set in motion by' the tragedy reminds that goodness abides in the hearts of people:'Twenfy.years later; 'Now the Reverend James F. Jackson, Jr., Associate Pastor, Vineville United Methodist Church, Macon, Georgia (1971). 75 I i M1� Helen, the mother, writes: "The love, prayers, myriad deeds of thought- fulness . . . and Aggies voluntarily lined up for a block to give blood . . . are etched in my heart . . . " ERRORS IN JUDGMENT (a) The sanctuary is supported by concrete piers, 10 feet apart underneath the outer walls. They are 30 inches in diameter and extend j' into the earth 32 feet, each being flared at the bottom for better "foot- age." Each pier is reinforced by 12 steel rods, each 1 inch in diameter, anchored to cross members of the side walls and extending vertically the entire depth of the submerged piers. The building committee remembered the regularity with which buildings in the College Station area wavered with the vagaries of the seasons. This group expressed anxiety in the early planning stages of the building about the adequacy of this proposed foundation. The congre- gation would ring forth at times with "How firm a Foundation" and its building committee wanted it to do so truthfully! t The reply from the duly credited designer: "With a foundation like 3 that, the building will not budge a fraction of an inch in a thousand years . . . " Time proved that to be a reckless statement. Within a year, the first of the phantom thousand, the southeast corner did budge enough to cause a gaping crack in the east wall, evident from ground to plate line and upward at a rakish angle into the masonry of the altar area. Questioned about this later, the same authority who said it would not budge, replied without interest or guilt of faulty judg- ment that "the ground probably shifted!" The crack has been caulked repeatedly to make the wall weatherproof, but this only shields evidence of the weakness and misplaced judgment. (b) Plans for construction of the J. Gordon Gay Educational Build- ing provided for ducts large enough for heating, but not so for cooling. Thought of installing larger ducts which would serve for heating and future cooling was dismissed when the consultant on that phase of the construction gave convincing testimony that " . . . air conditioning of a building of that size and use would be exorbitantly costly, utterly imprac- ticable, and would overwhelm the church budget." That was in 1947. Twenty years later . . .only 20 . . .a central cooRog system was installed for part of the building, with larger ducts, much more expensive than a if they had been put in originally. They serve to cool . . .and the cost of operation is bearable. There is a place here for: "The difficult can be done now; it takes a little longer for the impossible." ;6 COMPROMISE When the 12 windows for the side walls of the sanctuary were de- livered from the shop that constructed them in San Antonio, they were each 3/4 inch short. The cost of the windows was substantial—about$500 each. It seemed cruel to require the contractor to rebuild the frames. He proposed to glue a 3/4 inch strip on the bottom of each window—using waterproof glue—to make them the right length and " . . . as good as if they were solid." That seemed a reasonable solution. Within 5 years some of the strips decayed and others showed evi- dence. Ultimately, the church will pay dearly for being lenient . . . or charitable . . . or compromising . . . instead of firm. INTERPRETATION The church has long had liability insurance for people who suffer injury on its premises. On one occasion, a church member was injured in moving from the church Sidewalk into the street. The cost of medical treatment was substantal. The church filed claim for payment in behalf of the injured, expecting confidently that it would be paid promptly. Instead, it learned that payment would be made: • IF the church was negligent and if this negligence contributed to the accident. Was the sidewalk the same height as the curb? If so, the church was not negligent . . . and not liable and could not collect insurance for the injured. Here one wonders what "same height" means. Does it mean relatively so, or exactly? If strict exactness in a case of this kind is re- quired, liability could never . . . or rarely . . . be established. • IF the accident was initiated on the sidewalk, which is church property, and not on the curb, which is city property —paid for by the church. And finally, • IF the injury occurred when the fall was initiated, instead of when impact was made in the street—beyond church prop- erty! The local insurance agency adopted an understanding attitude and paid the claim. In doing so, it was reassuring. that instead of seeking technical -loophole's.it was abiding.by,.the moral:law,•to respect the clear intent of the church_ in having provided the protection for repeated :decades viithout,ever.a.prior-claim',-...... - ' NEAR-TRAGEDY I� During the construction of the sanctuary, the Reverend James F. Jackson, pastor; Ernest Langford, the supervising architect; F. R. Brison, 77 L { of the building committee; and Clarence Andrews, the builder, stood in a small circle below where craftsmen were working high in the dome on the uppermost part of the middle arch. Suddenly there were words of A warning, "Look out below!" Almost in the same instant, one of the solid oak timbers crashed into the area surrounded by the four men. It hesitated vertically for an instant, then tilted slowly . . . harmlessly . . . to one side. Edsel Murphy's law of selective gravitation is that "A falling object will hit where it will do the most damage," but that did not happen in this instance. ,Judge and Mrs. Otis Miller and Fred C. Benson occupy i pews . . . 52 Sundays each year . . . in the identical area where the beam fell . . . oblivious to the circumstance that danger once lurked there, and that it could occur again. Or, perhaps aware, but steeled in the belief that there is no better place for exploring eternity! During services when Otis looks heavenward the congregation never knows whether he is as- cending a high plateau of sublimity, or checking the errant beam. VANDALISM At times our insurance policies have carried vandalism and malicious mischief clauses. Each time the policies were renewed the carrying of that kind of protection was questioned. Instances of these types of Vcrimes have been rare . . . actually, not so rare as we go to press . . . during the life of the church despite the prevailing practice of leaving .4 the buildings "wide open" most of the years in the life of the church. This painful postscript: The church office has been rifled twice since the above lines were written. During the early dawn hours before the first service in the Sanctuary on November 11, 1951,one of the memorial windows on the east side was bashed by a brick, thrown possibly from a passing car. The damage was not readily noticeable . . . was fully covered by insurance . . . yet there s were pangs of anxiety about the wicked impulses that cause such be- ha tior. A GREAT SERMON-ONE OF MANY Not remembered: • The exact year, but in the early thirties. • The special occasion for having a guest minister. But remembered: • A sermon by Dr. Marshall Steele in the Tabernacle. c 78 � i • Something about centrifugal force that tears things apart . . . and spiritual and moral values no exception. • The dizzying speed of the wheels of time . . . each day if we could retreat from the perimeter toward the center where all is calm . . . for evaluation of what is good and what is not good . . . dedicate efforts to bring the area in between to a thin line. • And these criteria: . . . What does the Bible say? . . . What does history tell? . . . Would my parents approve? . . . What is my meditated verdict? CEMETERY FOR SALE-$ 1.00 On March 13, 1947, the A&M Methodist Church conveyed the Shiloh Cemetery to the City of College Station, same to become a part of the College Station Cemetery. The cemetery was located at the site of the pioneer Shiloh Methodist Church about two miles south of Col- lege Station. After the Shiloh Church closed, it became the property of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The A&M Methodist Church was responsible for administration, by church law, because it was the closest church to the cemetery. This was the circumstance in 1947. Technically, the cemetery became the responsibility of the A&M church the moment it was organized in 1923. Not one person then in the church was aware of this trusteeship. An inventory of its property at that time t, would have read: One cemetery. A copy of the conveyance follows: The A&M Methodist Church . . . for one dollar . . . has sold to College Station . . . all that certain tract or parcel of land situated in the C. Burnett League, in Brazos County, Texas, said property being the same four (4) acres, more or less, which was conveyed to the M. E. Church, South, by W. G. Rector i and Josephine E. Rector, .by deed dated 28th day of November 1870 . which deed was duly recorded in Volume. M,-page 196, of the...Brazos County Deed.Records. This conveyance was made.subject to.the following conditions and. stipulations: a 1. An appropriate area . . . to be agreed upon . . . shall be land- {I scaped as a memorial to the original donors. 74 Lam' - 2. The property shall be landscaped to preserve the identity of the area' 3. Persons who have relatives now buried in the cemetery shall be given opportunity to purchase lots adjacent to the graves of their rela- tives, provided such purchase option is exercised before January 31, 1948. d 4. The property shall revert to the A&M Methodist Church if and when it is no longer maintained and used exclusively for cemetery pur- poses. 5. All mineral rights of the property herein described shall be re- served by the A&M Methodist Church. The conveyance was signed by the following members of the Board of Trustees of the A&M Methodist Church: F. I. Dahlberg, R. M. Pink- erton, M. C. Hughes, J. Gordon Gay and Gibb Gilchrist. In addition to the above, it also was verbally agreed that any request for burial space on a previously identified family burial plot of that part of the cemetery would be granted without mention of a fee or purchase " '. price. The cemetery was incorporated into a much larger area and be- came a part of the College Station City Cemetery. JUST A METHODIST PREACHER Dr. Paul Quillian of the First Methodist in Houston was at one time the visiting minister for Religion Emphasis Week services, sponsored jj for the College (now University) by the YMCA. Gordon Gay always i 4 arranged for the chapel speaker to be guest speaker for the Methodist Church mid-week dinner and Wednesday night service. C. G. (Spike) White was presiding. Remembering the prominence of Dr. Quillian in the Methodist Church, Spike sought suggestions from him about the r introduction. Quickly, the response: "Just a Methodist preacher." He was a man to whom honors upon honors had been bestowed . . . minister of the largest Methodist congregation in the world . . . He had represented the Methodist Church nobly in its intricate mechanism of i' varied commissions and its interrelationship with other denominations. Here he was in the old, leaky, squeaky Tabernacle with a handful of rag-a-tag Methodists . . . a far cry from the elite and petite atmosphere ,! of staid old First Methodist in Houston, yet choosing to.be identified only as, a Methodist preacher . an elder, if you please, the highest h, 'This,was never.done, it being agreed that the grave stones of the old area were sufficient identification. Instead a- bronze tablet at the entrance reads_ "The original 4-acre tract which comprised the first cemetery at this site was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, by William G. and Josephine Rector and in turn was deeded to the City of College Station on March 13, 1947 by the A&M Methodist Church." 80 -rwuw,�wq�errurwwsi�l.�uer�n»r!47.I�1i}�1� M S�LinJ �p _yiw7_a Ib �ti� � I i w i �i �! clerical order of the Methodist Church. And shortly, Spike was heard to say: "Our speaker is `just a Methodist preacher'—Dr. Paul Quillian." P. L. DOWNS, JR. This section cannot be closed without this paragraph about one who had a very special dedication to the A&M Methodist. P. L. Downs, Jr. was a layman for 25 or 30 years before his death March 24, 1967. Church attendance and participation were a part of the ritual of his life. This church became his church the first day he arrived here from First Methodist in Temple. Blending into the church circle was inherent. He usually walked to church from his home a mile away. The route carried him directly through a dormitory area . . . to the post office . . . and onward by the "north gate"—with visiting all along the way. He f never assumed a prosecuting stance, but it was clearly known that a churchman was observing . . . "the day which the Lord made for him— and he was thankful." Friends visiting in his lfome over Sunday knew of his church-going tendencies; and they either adjusted outside his sphere of responsibility or attended services with him—second row from front. It was his custom to arrive at his regular place in the Sanctuary—second row back, west side—well before services started. He had been on his way for one hour—and still got there 15 minutes early for " . . . silent contemplation and its contribution."' His verdict each Sunday was "To- day's was a wonderful service" . . . or "That was the finest sermon I ever heard" . . . or "The Loi d was near today." He was "Mr. A&M" to thousands of Aggies, and was affectionately known as "Pinkie" from his given name Pinkney. Every drop of blood was Aggie blood—most of it his own and some from uncounted Aggies who rushed to his bedside when strength was waning. In church those near declared that instead of the usual "Amen," his was always "Gig'em Aggies!" That is good language in Aggie country—understood even by those of low intellect whose highest state of ecstacy is attained when babbling Aggie jokes! When incoming freshmen gathered on church night of the first week at.A&M, to be escorted.to their respective churches, P. L. Downs, Jr. was`the perennial. Pied Piper who•always carried•the A&-M Metho- dist banner,1611owed by hundreds for welcome—arid.the*traditional pie supper. On nne occasion rain"came in torrents;but.-P. L. _•. :'and the '' ' v' - " and'the freshih n moved according to''plari'with'oiif faltering —a scene to add meaning and force to "Onward Christian Soldiers." 'Inscription, Memorial Tower, Hide Park, Sydney, Australia. I; In his final days, he was to go to a distant hospital by ambulance, a convenience but not a current necessity. Richard Weirus vetoed the th mbulance and instead he and Mrs. Weirus . . . Clare . . . took him by rivate car, prompted by the impulse that Pinkney Lovick Downs, Jr., t 2, had been faithful to his church and to Aggieland, and in his frailty hould know that fellow Methodists and fellow Aggies were near. And his last journey away was in an atmosphere that assured him—as he ad so often assured others—that love and beauty abide in the hearts of e people, to use an expression repeated often in this book. i PART B "Hail not the new while proof is meager; be willing to believe, but not too eager." IKE AND THE W.S.C.S. Ike Dahlberg was chairman of the Board of Stewards in 1944. It was his responsibility to introduce the newly assigned minister, the Rev- erend Raymond C. Terry, to the congregation at the first Sunday morn- ing service. He was also to make routine announcements. This was the period when the Women's Missionary Society—W.M.S.—had faded L away and one with greater dignity and glamor had taken its place—the Woman's Society for Christian Service.' The ladies were proud of their new name. It added emphasis to the role of "Women," the name "Chris- tian," and the theme of "Service." They quickly memorized the alpha- betical listing—W.S.C.S.—and spoke nonchalantly of it. Ruth Mogford handed Ike a note about an important event of the newly christened W.S.C.S. as he passed along the aisle to begin the service. He approached the pulpit with the heiroglyphics—WSCS— fully conscious only then of having been derelict in refreshing his recol- lection of their meaning, and soon heard himself announcing that the "Women's 'Sociation of Christian Science" would meet. Conscious of something gone wrong, he sought to escape after the service by the north door but was apprehended , . , told what W.S.C.S. meant . . . lectured on evils of carelessness . . . cautioned to improve his recollection. He promised! A SIGN IN THE .MUD Parking-.has long been a problem with..the Methodist; Baptist;. Church. of Christ, Lutheian and-Catholic churches in- a tight cluster,' 'Changed to Women's Society for Christian Service, 1968. 'Changed to United Methodist Women, 1973. 82 • Y . :de'JL e..,zL.�Qn.PSb�Eiti •.ke�vftY,sir..'s..a.uituw+.•w.aw::.H.t, ...;_. w, - ^ .• '7_..y�7d irk 1 �I 1 i and the Presbyterian not far away. The Baptists have a spacious parking 4 lot a block from their church . . . across the street from Methodist property and hence more accessible to the Methodist area than the Baptist. It is used generously by all who come, early and late, regardless 1 of affiliation. The entire area where the Methodist Sanctuary is now ! located was at one time designated by Methodist for parking. It was equally convenient for Baptists and Methodists and was so used. 1 At the time there was informal and friendly inter-discussions to encourage "segregated" parking. Someone was to be assigned to each parking area to dire " » p g direct traffic to "denominational areas. That was 25 years ago and the writer still is chagrined at the thought! On the first . . . and last! . . . trial Sunday he was to direct traffic at the Methodist area. This was a poor excuse for worship; he should have been inside in deep meditation about his troubled soul. The first arrivals were Jack and Bettie and little Bettye, 2 years, give or take a couple of months. They were going to the Baptist Church where Brother Brown's' congregation was already singing "Comel All Ye Fai4gul." Jack had been a student at the College formerly and was an old acquaintance . . . the best of young manhood of Texas . . . his career interrupted by World War II . . . fought gloriously on the field of battle . . . one ankle badly shattered E now back home . . . the family group, including his little stranger, Bettye, on its way to church, seeking solace and warmth that worship can bring a young family whose lives had been. torn by anxiety which had revolved day by day for so long. It is to the everlasting credit of the writer that he sought deeply into his uncertain recollection of the Bible for guidance and he found it in Isaiah 53-7, . . . and like a sheep before his shearers, he opened not his mouth. After the brief exchange of salu- tations and greetings and the departure of Jack, et al, this"parking cop," rejoicing in the relief that dereliction can bring, hastily made a sign, "Baptist Parking" and jammed it in the mud with which the area was paved—at almost the identical spot above which the pulpit now stands— and deserted his post. It was never re-manned. He recalls no episode in the history of the church fraught with such sordid circumtances. IMPOSED GENEROSITY .' OR. RET IBUTI . R ON. .. . Part 1: TiiAs.ab W-.,1948: two.actors•were;P4ul:Haines;.long time m&]Dt .6f ih6 Texts. Agricultural Extension service,;and "l�otigh Rol3irt fhen be: of"Men, r f'thi 1 c' n' e 53 . _ t. ariil one o ited d .pag both semi-devout peren- 'The Reverend R. L. Brown, Pastor, First Baptist Church, 1920-1950. nial members of A&M Methodist. They were unable to reach full agree- ment on whether Baylor or Texas would win the upcoming football game. That they were not betting men . . , certainly not John Wesley Rollins! . . . neither of a temper to seek something for nothing . . . created a difficulty. This was resolved when - . , to fortify convictions each left a $1 bill with S. A. "Doc" Lipscomb, at the corner drug h;. store' scarcely a block from the church. � i Texas won and Paul lost. The two met at "Dot's" the following morning . . . Sunday morning before "church" and "Dough" pos- sessed Paul's dollar bill, along with his own. Part II: Paul was collector at the eleven o'clock A&M Methodist service a few minutes later. He recalled the budget deficit . . . a perennial recol- lection for any year of the last 30 . . . and was especially solicitous this morning . . . hesitating when it seemed advantageous . . . eyeing intently ,,. all contributions . . . with obvious expressions of joy for some and dis- appointment for others. Halfway back on the north side aisle of the old Tabernacle was his old friend . . . and adversary . . . dignified, pious-appearing Dean John Wesley Rollins; and with him daughter Jackie, and wife, Mrs. Bess Rollins—unaware of recent financial transactions and unapproving in principle. The dean when approached dropped in a silver half-dollar, which at that time was generous . . . clearly obvious to those nearby . . . entirely adequate for one of his official position . . . sufficient to set him apart from the 150 and 250 givers. Paul, immediately at his side, medi- tated. Such unexpected opportunity! Those near heard his low under- tones of "No, not enough; folding money! Only folding money today." There was delay, and again the insistent monotone, "Folding money, please." It was a tense moment in the worship service. • Paul, a perfect symbol of Longfellow's "Patiently stands he waiting . . . " in Retribution—the collection at a standstill! • For the congregation there was unrelieved curiosity. 0 The ever-alert pianist, noting the impasse, let the offertory fade easily into "Give of your best . . , " "Almost Persuaded," and the finale of "I surrender all," against which the dean could no longer, prevail. • And his slow capitulation . . . recently acquired capital, 1.$1 bill in its entirety, yielded to the church he loved, and 'Now Loupot's. t 84 with resignation, "Easy come, easy go." But disappointed not to retrieve the first half dollar tendered without com- pulsion. Escalation in giving too sudden! • Jackie beaming with pride that Papa was such a cheerful giver. • Mrs. Rollins. . .Bess. . .non-plussed at a habit not before witnessed, of giving with such reckless abandon . . . and the fleeting glance, meaningful to the dean as a warning signal of later discussions. • Church treasurer pleased . . . unexpected resources . . . con- gregation becoming more generous budget deficit dis- appearing. • Minister, impatient of delay, aware of tainted money but adopting the attitude that "We have to have the stuff." CROSS QUESTION AND CROOKED ANSWER ". . .to comfort the afflicted . . ."was listed as within the province of a Methodist minister, on'page 26. FofO'the episode here related the writer was the afflicted, having a rendezvous with something very real that put him in Saint Joseph's in Bryan, where he languished between life and death! Someone had thought that Bryant's Thanatopsis with its ". . . yet a few more remaining days and thee the all-beholding sun shall see no more...," would be good reading. . .and indeed it did inspire meditation on a misspent life. The young assistant minister of A&M Methodist on his first assign- ment called . . .and it was a delightful reminder that someone cared. The usual salutations over, he voiced concern and also words of good cheer that encouraged hope for ultimate recovery. It was clearly evident that still another issue remained for reconciliation, and it was not easy. His next words were in subdued tones and in my frailty, I understood "What , about the service here at the hospital?" The prompt reply: "Well-nigh perfect, no room for improvement, couldn't be better." The minister departed, and Mrs. `B" was prompt with: "What did you think the minister asked you?," and my reply: "About the service.. . " "Nothing of the kind," she replied positively, "he asked about the condi- tioti of your soul, and your.answer did.not.reflect an humble spirit." I --had-to agree; and-also-then remembered that'the_m- inter.seemed amazed.'., at such confident appraisal=especially in the absence of supporting : W. testimony! COMMUNION-HEAD START! And the episode of the delightful family from Montana.. .The) were wonderful people with an understanding attitude toward struggling humanity. They blended quickly into the church circle—and their pres- ence improved the blend! Earl Knebel says all people from Montana are like that. Here only one year...and with them the little daughter of 4, a -', little more or a little less. On communion Sunday she was busy coloring the picture book—unaware that Mama and Papa had gone to the com- munion altar. When they returned, she asked, "Was it good?" and upon being assured with a nod that it was, she was promptly up and away importuning the minister for that which he was dispensing. He obligingly complied with the elements intoning . . . "the body of our Savior, Jesus Christ.. .," and concluding with "As this one goes, let others come." The little communicant took, ate, drank . . . and waited for more! .r x it t The A&M United Methodist Church complex (in circle), as seen from i the air, in the "north gate" area of College Station—a striking contrast with the photograph on page 24. i 86 i .: Chapter 9 A&M UNITED METHODIST— A GREAT CHURCH The Reverend James Brannen, in his sermon April 9, 1972, listed j five essential requisites of a great church. As the sermon progressed, the writer examined the impulses that prompted his descriptive phrase . . . " . . . a great church" on page 9, line 10, written more than 2 years earlier. Was it only a convenient combination of words for a beginning? Or bias and prejudice for a church that has offered—to be accepted orI rejected—a source of strength to him for uncounted years? Or was it his calculated belief that it is truly a great church? He listened intently as Brother Brannen emphasized these criteria by which a church is measured: SPIRIT . . .LOVE. . . COMPASSION . . . CONSECRATION . . . LOYALTY. Using this score card with the minister's interpretation as a basis for re-examination,and aware that the A&M United Methodist has defaulted at times and in part, he still subscribes to a belief that it has elements of greatness. This is supported by verdicts of 19 individual members of the senior adult Sunday School class April 1, 1970, in their discussion of the International Lesson topic, "How the Church Witnesses." That they have been members of this church for a total of 638 years adds validity to � their words: I • It is a place of worship, as it was intended to be; and worship helps keep my spiritual life in repair. It needs that as surely as "One.should keep friendships in repair."—Johnson. "It is a friendly churcfZ. It provides for good fellasyship—for ihose ) 1 who would be friendly... 0 It confirms belief that there is serenity:and-Beauty and that which is uplifting to, the soul to sing, "Be still-my soul," . . . "Rock of` Ages," . . . "Just as I am," . . . "Abide with me," and a hun- dred more. ... j ... OF'• . . ., .- .. ",� �, �.?fir .. .�. .. i o 1 i 1, i The Reverend James Brannen greets Vera and Fred Brison as they de- Part after morning worship. • There is unspoken joy and pride when in a gathering I see people of this church embracing opportunity to do good in places of civic leadership. • 1 helped build the physical plant of this church, with effort and money; and I have influenced the tone of the worship life of this, my church. These speak words of good cheer to me just as a suc- cessful graft speaks cheer to a plant craftsman, or a beautiful ' painting speaks to the artist. { • This is a counterpart of my mother's and father's little Reeves l . Chapel Methodist Church. The setting there is remote, and mean- �C ingful, and calm and serene. It is reassuring and charged with s` delightful recollections and these bring uplifting impulses. This r A&M Church is the same castle of recollections; likewise, for those young lives it is now influencing. • This church provides me with opportunities for participation, for work, for accomplishment, for fulfillment—all necessary for satis- factory living. i 88 • This church is a mechanism for working with others, where its members can take their place as a cog, where they can walk step- by-step, side-by-side with others, and be buoyed by a community of thinking and action. "Some have a share in beauty . . . All have a part in the plan . . . Someone has molded the plaster . . . Someone has carried the stone . . . But neither has ever builded alone . . .Making a roof f rom the weather. . . or building a house for a king . . . Only by building together . . .Has man accomplished one thing:'—College Station Chapter, Eastern Star Booklet, 1971. • It is a middle-of-the-road church, leaning neither greatly to the right or left. It agreed when the church said "No" to Wil Schaef- fer—expelled from the Methodist ministry for living in the same household with two women, one of whom was not his wife. • Here we can evaluate the bumps . . . the crises . . . riffles of dis- cord and compare them with the hills'&f time. To do this is to note how trivial are the bits of discord, and to tighten the grip on the "eternal verities of life." • The Rose window in the sanctuary provides a setting for contem- plation and reassurance; its message is one of good cheer. • If a particular sermon does not touch a responsive chord, this church allows me to derive good from the service by meditating on my misspent life. This is good news! • It has been a major insistence of the Christain faith that every person counts. Our A&M Church is a channel through which Christ brings new life . . . faith . . . hope . . . and love to all man- kind. • There is a message of good cheer in "This ole house" from those who have been loyal to it for fifty years. The collapse of the Texas Tower in 1962 by unrelenting pounding of the tides of the Atlantic Ocean prompted someone to recall: "Men quit, ships quit, rains and wind quit, but the old sea . . . never quits." This old house never quits; it is a mighty fortress with a message of life's ten- derest values—if we listen.. •`"To all`who mourn •and need.comfoxt...'.-.. to all who., ne weary and need rest . . . to all who are friendless and want friendship. to all who are homeless and want shelteiing love.. to a11. who'pray And to all:who do not, but should . . . to all who sin and need a Savior . . . this church opens wide the doors and makes free a place, and in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord, 89:, f I - �r�lili n i i u n m i i n�irYYir u i i i i i f i F is -- d 17 M! ,gS William H. Caskey, graduate student in bacteriology from Hodge, Louisi- ana, who joined the A&M United Methodist Church on the Sunday this photograph was made in early 1973, visits with the minister and Robert and Elizabeth Chenoweth. Dr. Chenoweth is chairman of the Adminis- trative Board. says `Welcome'." At times. ..and to a degree. . .A&M Methodist 5 has for fifty years been that kind of church. These words of good cheer provide a fitting prelude to Manson's classic defense of his church when questioned by the Bishop. This is singularly applicable to the A&M United Methodist Church and is reproduced here as the closing paragraph: i "I am afraid that you may not consider it a substantial concern. It k has to be seen in a certain way, under certain conditions. Some people never see it at all. You must understand, this is no dead pile of stone and unmeaning timber. It is a living thing. When you enter it you hear the sound of some mighty poem chanted. Listen long enough and you will learn that it is made up of the beating of human hearts, of the nameless music of men's souls—that is if you have ears. If you have eyes, you will presently see the church itself —a looming mystery of many shapes and shadows, leaping sheer from floor to dome. The work of no ordinary builder! The pillars 90 k ;#a { � �l The church staff in 1973: Seated is the Reverend James Brannen, minis- ter; standing, left to right: Mrs. Marie Feldman, day school director; Mrs. Jean Price, office secretary; the Reverend Roy Schilling, minister of evangelism; the Reverend Larry Grubbs, campus minister-program direc- tor; Mrs. Nancy Summers, educational assistant and director of music; Mrs. Modene Andrews, church secretary. of it go up like the brawny trunks of heroes; the flesh of men and women is molded about its bulwarks, strong and impregnable; the faces of little children laugh out from every corner—stone; the ter- rible spans and arches of it are the joined hands of comrades; and up in the heights of it there are inscribed the numberless musings of all the dreamers of the world. It is yet building—building and built upon. Sometimes the work goes forward in deep darkness. Sometimes, in blinding light; now, beneath the burden of unutter- able anguish; now, to the tune of great-laughter and heroic shoutings •-of.thunde'r.:-Sometii�iei,: in the,silence'of the nighttime, one may hear the tiny ham merings,of the comrades at work in-.the dome the comrades'who have climbed ahead.'! - FINIS I� , I a This sidewalk, leading to a side entrance of the sanctuary, has been a familiar pathway for those seeking spiritual renewal as they gather for worship services. p7 --, N M, i a.Ji The annual fife supper and reception for Aggies, 1973 version,the lone enduzi �, it?tchrtitging.trariztm?'•o/:t 'M:�Netlao t unchanging ndsn ` - .s�.. •�.. y,:. the plain vanilla-and pecan-Pirfellowship. a� A&M United Methodist Church College Station, Texas STAFF 1973: Minister--------------------------------------------------------------Reverend James A. Brannen Minister of Evangelism----------------------------------------Reverend Roy B. Shilling Campus Minister--------------------------------------------------Reverend Larry J. Grubbs Educational Assistant and Minister of Music------------Mrs. James Summers Church Secretary--------------------------------------------------------------Mrs. Paul Andrews Office Secretary ---------------------------------------------------Mrs. Jack Price Director of Day School------------------------------------------------Mrs. Roger Feldman Church Lay Leader---------------------------------------_----------------Horace Van Cleave Chairman, Council on Ministries--------------------------------------------Benton Storey Commission Chairman: Evangelism------------------------------------------------------------Mr. & Mrs. E. L. Marquis Missions------------------ -----------------------•---------------------------- -----------------Cecil Ryan Church & Society-------------------------------------------------------_---------_ amen Summers Stewardship------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------Mrs. W. S. Hall Worship---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cleve Walkup Education----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chan Benedict Coordinator of Adult Ministries________________________________...._____W. B. Smith Coordinator of Children's Ministries----------------Mrs. H. Van Cleave, Horace Van Cleave Coordinator of Youth Ministries----------------------Mrs.-Bill Lay,.Bill Lay Chmn. of Parent's of Youth Organization-----------------------------_------Mrs. L. E. Clark, L. E. Clark 94 I Administrative Board: Chairman------------------------------------------------------------------------_Robert Chenoweth Vice-Chairman-----------••-------------------------------------------------------------------Joe Dixon Secretary-Treasurer------------_--------------------------------------_----------------Jack T. Kent Assistant Treasurer_____________________ ______________________________________William B. Smith Mrs. K. R. Bailey Jack Lamkin Robert Barham Mrs. R. O. Murray W. E. Benton Carl Patton Don Dingman e Ray Perkins W. K. Henry Bill Kuykendall E. S. Holdredge A. L. Prudom William L. Hoover Mrs. W. B. Smith Mrs. Louis Horn Fred Sperry Frank Hubert Jack Williams Harry Jones R. E. Weirus Raymond Jones Murl Bailey • R. E. Leighton Earl Bennett Mrs. John McNeely Mrs. R. W. Bovey Charles Pinnell Tom Comstock Bob Rodgers Mrs. Donna Davis •Robert Runnels J. C. Grady C. H. Samson Philip Noe Jing Chao Charles Page Robert Branson Shannon Perkins W. G. Breazeale Charles Rodenberger Jerry Foresyth Mrs. Dwayne Suter s Curtis Godfrey c Bennie Zinn Mrs. T. J. Hirsch Trustees: t 1. M. Atkins a Richard Owen. Fred Benson L. S. Pope :.. .Ed Claxk . Charles Samson . Jarvis Miller Ben .Wormeli s Otis Miller 95 •s 1 , -�• :9! .µ 13 _ ��-�G,rc{.ice � �-c-`�-�--•�-�-:ro `zl—/�— �'..`, �G,QI/� x �k 1 713!votl-1-7M �- 2 /z 7//6 �g X i0, C,4S Mpn_sifA.�.,� �/ra� ,,.10 9-2-� .� /�i - �.�-�Za,;�.�,��t.�.Q-c�-►v.�• 8-a.4 :�,G-�:��.�: �?.,.c.G,-ram , 4 Wl'` 4 "t.. •+i-w J'�' 'a .'S`i�.Jt. �4: '<R'.a-,r � ie. � � � yy•..,,.. � .r. :ice, .•�_• 'Y. ,y.t:,'..>t+� ° •.�. s ��..lr'�F.�' � ..Y.�� ..f�. • �.i�jiS�-� •yr yw -::':� �. :a�.. :.� �,,,. - +JF _.> � vy.: �j lyw -•iw 3i,� � cr�r -- 1 • i J � L• i � / 1 ` f r � � I � I � � y, � � / � 1 � � / � � � / � 1 � � � � / / � • � � ,� i / - .. �� � � � ' � � 1 i � � � • � � . � � � � � � � � r i � ' � , / � , / I / � � � / / I �� ,�� i � .i ., %, ' I �• I � � � � + � � / • i � �, � / I I i � � � � r, • i � I � � % � � i i i � / � � / / / r � / i `, : . i / �, � i �/ � - i � . .� i , ., � � , �` i � , i I� I � .. • ) � � 1 �; ,, / ��. l / � I ' �, � i I � / i / � ' � � � � � � ' � I � ' . i � � i . _ . >. r ' i r I • ' AD i EL ► . I , !, • f 1 r I r / do • ' I I I / ANN ,.1 I • � , , 1 , l � ; � l ,,, ,, � , 1 i i I � r^ ,I y i I� f I .. ;t r, r �I t4 y+ r Z� r ,/�.o Chi • �r^�� � - __ f -s - -- hf l �j r I i r l � r y � �r 7t7 - MAL- aL Browns brought first Baptist program to A&M By Dan Bates community. house. specter totheEapN ��OUR' AST- Cofer arranged for the First The Baptist parsonage was the �, _ Baptist Church to pay $1.000 first permanent building north of The Rev. and Mrs.R.L. Browny down and assume three notes of what Is now University Drive.The came to College Station m July .�QS Co" s' $1,000 each, to be paid over a $4.650 contract for its construe- 1920 to begin the first Baptist �Q + ti� period of three years. The new tlon was let Nov.5,1924,to New- student program on a college /04 --� j. church had a lot upon which to some Contracting Co.Since there campus at Texas A&M College.Of ,� build,as well as a big debt. were as yet no streets in the area, the 1'500 atudente enrolled at �� �► The next hurdle was building a Brown borrowed a horse and Texas A&M at the time,about 300 �� \� parsonage for the Browns, who turning plow from Charley Atkins preferred the Baptist church. ,1 * 4J had been living In Bryan since ar- and made a raised walk from Uni- Sunday morning services were 11 ;� (t riving in Brazos County, varsity Drive to the house, sponsored by the YMCA and tP Brown told church leaders he The Browns moved into the Texas A&M.Attendance at the 11 )(9 9 Q and his wife would personally give parsonage In January 1925. a.m. service nts.ce was compulsory for oD 1-1g ��\ $1,000 to build a parsonage if the During 1924.25,the First Bap- Only three denominational U�CENS� church could raise the balance of tint Church in College Station 83,500. But the bank that had gained 122 new members, 21 leaders were on the Texas A&M promised to furnish the money in- through baptism.With a total of campus in the fall of 1920—Bap- But W.S.Barron,a lay leader in formed the church that It couldn't 250 members,it had an organized tist,Methodst and Catholic.The the First Baptist Church in make the transaction unless the Sunday school with an enroll. Presbyterl ns had a rep- Bryan,made a motion at the be- Baptist General Convention of mentof 150,But it had no church resentative at the beginning of the ginning of the morning worship Texas underwrote the papers. building until 1928. spring semester in 1921. These that the Bryan church call off Its Knowing Texas Baptists were in The Browns retired on Sept. 1, leaders weren't allowed to meet evening service and help the no position to underwrite papers, 1950. after 30 years in College with or teach their own students Browns with their chartering Brown visited an official of the Station.They were followed by the and depended largely on contacts meeting.Barron's motion carried, City National Bank,a Methodist, Revs. O. Byron Richardson made in their homes and dor- and the Bryan church's pastor and arranged for$1,500.Then he (1950.1951).Robert D.Longshore ni tories. and some leaders helped organize called on an official of the First (1952.1959). Cecil E. Sherman At the beginning of the 1921-22 the First Baptist Church in Col- State Bank and Trust,a Presby. (1960-1962), Guy F. Greenfield college year, denominational lege Station with 91 charter terian,and secured$1,000.and (1962.1964), Lloyd Elder leaders were asked to teach their members. finally, an official of the First (1965-1969)and the present paa- freshmen as a part of the general The Browns and some of the National Bank a Baptist,who ar- tor,the Rev.Malcolm Bane,who Sunday school program In the charter members believed they ranged for the last$1,000. came to the church in 1969. Guion Hall auditorium. This ex- should immediately try to buy a The Browne' increased work- The First Baptist Church of Col- pertment attracted many "Fish" lot to build a parsonage and a load required them to move from lege Station is now located at and proved to be a great success. place where the group could have Bryan before the parsonage was 2300 Welsh Ave. In Southwood When the 1922.23 year began, sOclels and business meetings. completed. Dr. Puryear, dean at Valley. the Baptists. Methodists and Yet some charter members op- Texas A&M,offered the couple a The Rev,Dan Bate,of the Mlulcan Baptist Presbyterians were asked organ- posed a building program that vacant house Just across from the Church became a Christian In 1954 at the ize a Protestant denominational would call for raising money. main entrance to Kyle Field, First Baptist Church In College Station, Sunday school for freshmen,with T.O.Walton,director of the Co- where they could be near their when he was licensed to be a minister In the leaders of the three groups operative Extension Service at work at the beginning of the 1924 last and ordained In 1968. Bates's serving in turn as superinten- Texas A&M and a charter member fall term. This was only time father,C.H.Bates,was a deacon at the dent.This Sunday school met in of the First Baptlst Church in Col- anyone not directly connected First Baptist Church of College Station for college classrooms. lege Station,said in a letter dated with Texas A&M College was ever many years until his death In 1974,and The Browns divided the Baptist Nov.8,1923: allhis mother,Corinne Bates.is still a mem- freshmen into two groups,enroll- .. I do not believe that any Owed to live 1n a college-owned ber of the church. mg more than 100, and both male member of the Baptist group served as teachers. has great enthusiasm for a build- The denominational experiment Ing program...They seem to think was so successful that at the be. to do so would be to Incur bur. ginning of the 1923-24 college dens and obligations upon the year, each of the groups was local group that they do not feel asked to organize its own"Fish," they are able to carry,and in addi- sophomores and Juniors, W.B. tion that such a program would Blzzell, Texas A&M president, not result In the greatest con. continued to teach the sectors. structive effort In developing a At We time, a few more local spiritual program for campus-re. Baptiste Joined the group at Texas sidents and members of the stu- A&M.Sunday school enrollment dentbody," among the Baptists Included 13 Brown had started planning to A&M Juniors,30 sophomores and acquire church property soon 100 freshmen. The high atten- after he began the student pro- dance for the year was 196. gram at Texas A&M.He told W.C. The Baptista met in the Electri. Boyett, who owned all the land cal Engineering Building during Just north of the campus,that the the college year, and during the Baptista would want to buy a lot summer in the old Assembly when he began to plan for streets Building,where All Faiths Chapel and to sell lots in the newly subdi- now stands. vided area at Northgate. Boyett Before long,the College Station had said that the Baptists would Baptists wanted to organize as a have first chance at a lot. church. The pastor of the First As It turned out,the Methodists Baptist Church in Bryan wanted were offered the lot the Baptists the organization to be an arm of wanted,but didn't take it because that church and bitterly opposed of a lack of funds.Boyett then told the formation of a separate the Baptista they could buy the church, In April 1923, on the lot for$4,0O0. Sunday on which the new church The small group of First Baptist was to be organized, the Bryan Church members didn't have the pastor told the Browns he money,but they did have charter wouldn't take part in organizing member D.B. Cofer, a bust• the church. nesaman with many friends In the IHERISHED CHURCH, 44 s ; t � 9 ` j W f .. � Y 9�34-14`3b AP photo Church member Ted Shepardson leaves Wheatland United gregation has dwindled to 58, has been a favorite of brides Methodist Church in South Dallas.The church,whose con- for generations. Countless brides fall in love with little white chapel in Dallas By JACQUIELYNN FLQYD church hidden in a cedar grove off South Hampton Road for The Dallas Morning News generations. Now, its congregation shrunken to a handful of devoted senior citizens, the church depends on the mar- DALLAS--Bride-to-be Louise Grissom is skipping the rying business to stay afloat. veil and flowers and sugary white cake--too frilly, "If you were a businessman, you'd say it was nonviable," she said,for a 70-year-old woman and her 68-year-old said Ted Shepardson, a member of the church for 30 years groom. and chairman of its finance committee. "The weddings deti- But Grissom knows where she wants the wedding to be nitely help us out." held.She knew last week,the minute she laid eyes on the Marie Libby,who volunteers her time to write the Wheatland United Methodist Church, church bulletin,also serves as one of two"wedding ladies" °`I just fell in love when I saw it,"said Grissom,a wid- who handle the inevitable queries from couples who want owed computer-supply saleswoman, "I'm Baptist, but as to get married at Wheatland. long as I have an ordained minister., that's where I want it The church has had designated coordinators for 20 years to be." Brides have been falling in love with the little white Please see CHURCH,Page A16 Page A16 The Bryan-College Station Eagle Wednesday,June 11,1997 Region youth programs, classes and cov- C h u r c h ered-dish suppers that filled the fellowship hall to overflowing. There are no classes any more, From A9 and no choir.The official mem- bership count is 58, but active but has grown increasingly membership stands at 22. dependent on the modest$250-per- «ff we just keep going along as wedding fee to meet its expenses. we are,we're going to die off a lit- Screened from the street by a tle bit at a time 'til there's nothing concrete school building, the left,"he said. Wheatland church is an anachro- Church members are uncom- nistic gem in its Red Bird neigh- fortable with the idea of weddings borhood. as a money-making concern. Barely a block from the new They'd much rather attract young pawnshops and gas stations along families to reverse the member- interstate 20, it hasn't changed ship decline. much since it was built in 1912— "If somebody comes to us and except for the power lines and the can't afford the$250,I'll work faded weatherproof carpet at the with them," Libby said apologeti- entrance. sty. "I won't turn them away." Architecturally, it's an exercise There have been five weddings in early-century prairie church at the church this year.Five more simplicity:white clapboard with are scheduled,none of them gabled porch overhangs and cupo- involving church members. Few las. of the wedding couples, in fact, Long since overrun by Dallas, are Methodists. all that remains of Wheatland is Technically, should the church the church, a neighboring ceme- lose its pastor and income,the ingter out front that now houses a and the chunky school build congregation would be left with ng private academy for students no choice but to disband and join with learning disabilities. other churches. That's an option Church lay leader Gene most members don't want to con- Hudson, a member since 1967, can sider. remember when membership "I don't believe I'd have an topped 250 and it took two ser- interest in going anywhere else," vices to accommodate everyone. Shepardson said. "We've hung The choir filled the loft overlook- together this long.I believe we'll ing the curved rows of oak pews, stay here and try to keep the and after church there were church alive." Mother's Daya time for family Florists offer last-minute gift tips By JOHN KIRSCH Mother's Day Eagle Staff Writer Some facts about mothers Mother's Day is a big deal in Sallye Henderson's (All figures from 1993) household. Number of women... In millions The Henderson family goes to church,then out to 14Nih tYe`UnIM10 st&tes 103.4 eat with children and grandparents. who are 15 years and over who are`mothers in 73-9 p the United States "It's a day that brings the family together," said .Mothers who had given birth in their lifetime... percentage Henderson."I see it as a day that's set aside to make 23 us moms feel very special." ro two children ss thr chrrdrs : �� 21 Her focus on family isn't surprising, since io tour children 11 Henderson is president of Brazos County Aggie ,t va 61WWeh or,mar ",, Moms, a group of mothers of current and former Mothers... In minions 5 bC31rt outside the UnTt�d Texas A&M University students. Median age of women In years Altogether there are 130 clubs in the federation of who gave birth h„ 2a.4 Aggie Moms, which works to support A&M and who gave birth for the first time 4.8 students. The value of shipments of t Mother's Day cards by People may be somewhat jaded by the commer- greeting card publishers has cialism of some holidays. But they seem to have a gone up "In millions of dollars Please see MOTHERS, Page A2 Source:United States Department of Commerce AP/Amy Kranz Page A2 The Bryan-College Station Eagle Saturday May 10 1997 N Moth p� gave birth in 1993 was 26.4 years; those giving birth for the first time "It's a time in our bus V were 23.8 years old. y Mother's Day is also a time lives when we stop yQll when business picks up for soft spot for Mother's Day, which florists, greeting card stores and and say this is what is Sunday. other gift-oriented businesses. �� y Louie Walston, owner of The fam i ly s al I about. "It's a time in our busy lives Floral Center in Bryan, said busi when we stop and say this is what ness was about average this week fa SA L LYE H E N D E R S O N mily's all about. Its a refreshing for Mother's Day orders. pause," Henderson said. "Flowers are at the to of the list President Brazos Aggie moms That isn't surprising when you p � 99 consider the numbers involved. in expressing that feeling for moth- In 1993, 73.9 million of the er," said Walston. nation's 103.4 million women over Mixed-flower bouquets are a Station, said Mother's Day is her the age of 15 were Popular arrangement, he said. second-busiest g mothers,accord- P occasion after ring to the U.S. Census Bureau. But Judy Hare, owner of Valentine's Day. The median age of women who Aggieland Flowers in College Like just about everyone else, Walston said Mother's Day has a personal meaning. When he was 9 years old, Walston bought flowers for his mother and has been doing so ever since. "It's a general expression of love,"he said. The value of shipments of Mother's Day cards by greeting card publishers totaled $147.9 mil- lion in 1992, up from $80.2 million in 1987, the census bureau report- ed. If you haven't gotten Mom a gift Yet, Hare, the owner of Aggieland Flowers in College Station, has a few ideas. Flowers, naturally, are popular, accompanied by a thoughtful card, she said. So are snack or fruit bas- kets. A& M journalismprofessor elected as vicepresident of association J Marilyn Kern-Foxworth, an associ- The entomology department will use GMAT will be offered solely on computers, ate professor of journalism at Texas A&M College Town its grant for materials for educational in the computer adaptive test format. University, has been elected vice presi- outreach presentations by faculty, staff ■ dent of the Association for Education in Race, Gender and the Mass Media. and students. The college of engineering and archi- Journalism and Mass Communication. 0 ■ tecture at Prairie View A&M University Next year, she will become president- Mini-grants of $500 each have been Traditional paper-and-pencil standard- has received a $1.5 million contribution elect and, in 1999, she will become presi- awarded by the Brazos Valley Youth ized tests are being replaced by a com- of Unigraphics design software. dent of the group. Grants Program to three community puterized version, called Computer Students and staff will be able to do Kern-Foxworth's research focuses on groups for summer projects. Adaptive Test. The first test to go com- computer-aided design, manufacturing marketing strategies toward women and Chosen to receive the awards are the pletely electronic is the GMAT, the busi- and engineering problem solving. multiracial groups. In 1993, she was pro- North Bryan . Community Center's ness school admissions exam. Plans call for making the technology filed in Career Worsen magazine. In 1995, Summer Enrichment Program, the Wolf Prospective business school students available on the nine campuses of she was named one of the "best and Pen Creek Ampitheatre's Youth Theater have until May 31 to register for the last Advancing Minorities Interest in brightest professional women in project and the Texas A&M University GMAT offered in the paper-and-pencil Engineering, a coalition of historically America by Dollars and Sense magazine. Department of Entomology's educational format. black colleges and universities and Her latest book is Facing Differences: outreach program. Beginning the third week in October,the Fortune 500 corporations. ==� k reprinted 111 17'y Ye lrSl.l: '7t7 yr„t}i :.,rn:4, !+ By AWWAN Town Talk Eagle Staff,Writer .The second printing of among the speakers at the con- , Bigmama Didn't Shop at ention. I. Woolworth's, written by Sunny ■ Nash,has been released by Texas Karon Haas of New Braunfels, A&M University Press. formerly of College Station, The book was published last became president of the fall and sold out its first printing' Federation of in less than six months, accord- Texas A&M ing to a report. University -'Nash grew up in Bryan and is a Mothers' Clubs graduate of Texas A&M on April 19. University. She lives in Long Haas has Beach, Calif., where she is a served on the writer and photographer. federation's A collection of Nash's pho- board for seven tographs of small urban church- HAAS years. Two of es', called "Shopping for Hope in her three Inner-City America," was pur- daughters, Susan and Liesel, are chased by the Schomburg Center A&M graduates. (and,,, f the New York Public Library The federation was formed in has been displayed at numer- 1928 to serve as a support group for u libraries, universities and students and the university. Last seums, including the year, the group raised approxi- xnithsonian Institution. mately $300,000 for scholarships and to support campus organiza- Myron Koehler of Bryan has tions that benefit students. been elected second vice presi- ■ dent of the Texas Retired Elisa Montgomery of Bryan Teachers Association House of was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, Delegates for 1997-98. a national freshman honor soci- Koehler was elected during a ety, at Stephen F. Austin State convention April 10-12 in Corpus University this spring. Christi. Inductees must have a 3.5 Charles Dunlap, executive cumulative grade point average director of the Teachers for their first year. Retirement System of Texas, and Montgomery is the daughter of coach Grant Teaff, executive Dewey Montgomery of Webster, director of the American Football Texas, and Ann Montgomery of Coaches Association, were Bryan. The Bryan-College Station Eagle Friday May 2 1997 St . Joseph 's makes mark in history Church gets historical marker By MICHELLE LYONS { Eagle Staff Writer Before Bryan even was incorporated as a city, members of the community were attend- ing St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bryan. On Thursday morning, more than 800 people — including students of St. Joseph's School— gathered to see the 125-year-old church receive a historical marker from the Texas Historical Commission. The marker is located on a post outside the church at 600 E. 26th St. - . j Two members of the school's student council were on hand to unveil the marker, and 10 other students representing the various immi- grant groups who helped found the church gave short speeches. Father John McCaffrey, pastor of St. I Joseph's for the past 12 years, said the children were involved in the service because they will be the next generation of church members. "We did it with the school kids because they are the future of the church," he said. "They are the ones who will be the members for the next 125 years." The original church — in stark contrast to Please see CHURCH, Page A18 i 1 4 - Region A M + ;h . k 1 A': f t I a � .I � • Y 1� � Eagle photo/Dave McDermand Father John McCaffery of St. Joseph's Catholic Texas Historical Commission to be placed on the Church in Bryan shows students the new historical block the church stands on,describes the history of marker that was unveiled Thursday in front of the the church as it grew from a small frontier mission church. This, the third historical marker from the more than 125 years ago. h church acquired a Masonic nized with a marker, it first must C u re h schoolhouse for$500 and convert- submit a footnoted historical par- ed it into a church for about rative that is at least three s $1,200. This building was long. Joanne. replaced in 1904. p ' I -_-- As the congregation continued T u;e IaigL structure that exists on to grow, another structure was Josephs. the same site today—was a small built at East 26th and Preston The application then is consid- frontier mission built in 1871 for a streets and dedicated in 1960. ered by the commission, Schultz small active parish. Its first pas- The earliest members of the said, and only sent on to Austin if for was Father John Moore. church also were the earliest set- the members of the commission A fire destroyed that building tiers of Brazos County. are "virtually positive" it will be in 1876, leaving the congregation Charles Schultz, chairman of approved. to hold worship services in a the Brazos County Historical Once it is approved, it takes local store front until a new sanc- Commission, said that in order about a year to write the text and tuary was built. In 1883, the for an organization t©' be recog- cast the marker. I III 1 11 1 IN CS resident to get book published; GOP halls Sandstedt as top Brazos volunteer. Cbook talians of Steele's Store, Texas," , department of educational administra- Daughters of the American Colonists y Rosemary DePasquale Boykin of tion. held April 11-14 in Washington, D.C. Station will be published in - Henry, who is chairman of the national paperack later this month by Ericson ■ Koelbl Is Opera Understudy:Julle Koelbl of microfilm committee, was elected presi- Books of Nacogdoches.A clothbound edi- College Station, a junior voice perfor- dent of the State Regents Club. tion of the book will be released this ' mance mbar at Bob Jones University in Shirley McGuire and Henry took part in summer. For information, call Boykin, Greenville, S.C., was chosen as the the national conference of the National 693-=. understudy for the part of Delilah in the Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, opera "Samson and Delilah," performed held April 15.19 in Washington. Both ■ GOP Honors Sandstedt: Clara Sandstedt of It's Like This recently at the university by New York's women are members of the national tel- College Station was named the Republi- 81g8f 2t Ann Zlpp Metropolitan Opera. A 1990 graduate of lers committee, and McGuire serves on M can Party's 1992 Brazos County Vol- A&M Consolidated High School, Koelbl, the National Society's protocol commit- unteer of the Year at a 5th Senatorial Dis- 21, is the daughter of Glynn and Bob Koelbl. tee, trict Leadership Conference held on of Carrot and Jerry Smith of Caldwell and the She of a former student of Consol choir ■ Henry Takes Part in Exercises: Marine April 3 at the College Station Hilton and great-granddaughter of Ruby Lee Knutsen director Travis Angel. Lance Cpl. J.O. Henry recently deployed to Conference Center. and Myrtle and John Smith,all of Bryan. the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Sandstedt is secretary of the executive The Marshalls are home missionaries ■ Psi Chi Taps Mogle: Gregory Mcgle of Center in Twentynine Palms,Calif.,with, committee of the Republican Party of for the Southern Baptist Convention. Bryan, a student at Austin College in the 1st Battalion of the 8th Marines from. Brazos County and an active member of James Marshall is a graduate of Bryan Sherman, has been tapped for member- Camp Lejeune, N.C. The battalion took Brazos Valley Republican Women.She is High School. ship in Psi Chi,a national honor society part in two live-fire combined arms exer. precinct chairman of Precinct 31 and has for psychology students. Mogle and Psi cises A 1988 graduate of Bryan High served as an election judge, alternate ■ Wenzel Is Elected to TCEA Board:Diana K. Chi s other spring inductees were recog- School.Henry is the son of Dora and Ouen- judge and clerk. Wenzel of College Station was elected to nized at the college's annual Honors Us Henry of Bryan. He joined the Marine the board of directors of the Texas Com- Convocation,held on April 22. Corps in April 1991. ■ Daughter Is Born to Marshalis: Connle and munity Education Association at the as- James Marshall of Le Mars, Iowa, are the sociation's annual conference, held ■ Women Attend Society Meetings: Frances ■ R you have an item for thk, ,.lumn, send It to parents of a daughter, Jennifer Rose, born March 24-26 in Bandera.Wenzel is a doc- Henry and Mary Cooper attended the general Margaret Ann Zipp, The Eagle, P.O. Box 3000, on Feb.8.The baby is the granddaughter toral student in Texas A&M University's assembly of the National xiety of Bryan,77805. ro Texas libraries earn Book Festival grants Associated Press ■Bulverde �'� AUSTIN — Forty Texas 0 Canyon !` ' libraries, including one in New 0 Cedar Park Waverly, are recipients of Texal ■Coleman Book Festival grant awards to pur- ■Val Verde County(Del Rio) chase books and other library ■Denton materials. ■Dilley The total of $125,000 will be ■Donna awarded to the libraries in ■Eden amounts ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. ■Fort Worth Funds for the award were N Frisco raised during the first annual 0 Fiench Simpson Memorial Texas Book Festival held in (Hallettsville) Austin last November. The three- 0 Deaf Smith County day festival,focused on published (Hereford) works by and about Texans, drew ■Houston more than 10,000 people. ■Real County(Leakey) First lady of Texas Laura Bush, ■Ethel Whipple Memorial(Los the honorary festival chair and a Fresnos) key organizer of the event, stipu- ■Marion ISD Community lated that funds raised by the fes- ■New Waverly tival be used to improve the ■North Richland Hills state's,public library collections. More than 225 public libraries Olton Branch applied for the funds. ■Carson County (Panhandle) Bush will announce the win- 0 Perry Memorial (Perryton) ners at a ceremony at the Texas ■Pharr Memorial Library Association annual con- ■Effie and Wilton Hebert(Port ference in Fort Worth April 9. Neches) The following public libraries ■ George Memorial won grants awarded from the (Richmond) Texas Book Festival: ■Rockwall County ■Allen ■ John Ed Keeter Public ■ Village of Tanglewood Library of Saginaw (Amarillo) ■Angelo West(San Angelo) ■Archer ■San Antonio ■Arlington (east branch) ■The Depot (Throckmorton) ■Austin ■ Cameron-J. Jarvis Troup ■Westbank Library (Austin) Municipal (Troup) ■Boerne 0 Utopia Thursday,June 19, 1997 GIE H ' M .............. t C Eagle photo/Butch Ireland Huel Tucker Class of '53, of Pensacola, Fla., dances Tuckers celebrate their anniversary every year at the across the floor with his wife, Clarine, on Wednesday event. "Our first date was a dance," Clarine said, "and night during the AggieHostel's Senior Ring Dance. The we've been dancing ever since." of A9 gather ather for yearly reminder of good times at A&M We were born before television, the school. el together on A&M buses. They before penicillin, before polio shots, The couple joined 78 former`I exas may choose from 20 classes, and the frozen foods, Xerox,plastic contact A&M University students who are association even put on a Senior lenses,frisbees, and the pill. — spending this week at the Ring Dance. 4 ontributed by "Mid" Cudgel Association of Former Students' Activities end Saturday. loth annual AggieHostel. The annu- Bubbles Nowlin, who lives in ,_lay LILY AGUILAR al summer program is for past Bynum, Texas, said she hoped the gle Staff Writer undergraduates who are at least 6.5 hostel would be interesting and years of age. entertaining with a trip to the Blue s a present for their 50th wed- The former students are invited to Bell Creamery, an Aggie Hoe Down ding anniversary, Wyde and bring their spouses to the weeklong at Shadow Canyon and a graduation Bubbles Nowlin's children event that invites them back to banquet at the Clayton Williams cided to give them something only dorm halls and classrooms. Alumni Center. Aggie could appreciate--a sum- The former students sleep in the vacation that sent them back to residence halls on campus and tray- Please see HOSTEL, Page A14 Barbara Kasper, AggieHostel Hoste I chairwoman. Dorothy Duncan said she has grown very close with the Qm�� younger students. She said she even sends them We want to enjoy it and learn Easter cards. what we can," she said. "We meet so many wonderful Standing in the alumni build kids. Here, you realize there are ing, Wyde Nowlin reminisced such great kids," she said. about sleeping in barracks that "There have been some lovely were built where the alumni cen- friendships." ter now stands. Marty and Dick Magers of "Now that's a big change," he Boerne, Texas, said they also said. return to the AggieHostel .: Mack Duncan, Class of 1940, because of the students who said he has attended six work with the program. AggieHostels. "you want to adopt every one The biggest changes he has of them," Marty Magers said. seen on the campus are the addi- "They're like family,like grand- tion of females and the constant children." growth in the size of the univer- Kasper said the biggest sur- sity. "It is so great being here ... prise for hostel organizers was with the students, and the lec- the family bond that formed tures are interesting," said between the former and current Duncan,who is from Houston. students. His wife, Dorothy Duncan, She said the event was orga said she enjoys meeting the nized to bring former students to younger students who help orga- A&M to see the university as it nize and coordinate the event is today. with the association. "We want to show them that Typically, 21 students are the students and the university selected through an application are proud of what they did while and interview process, said they were here," Kasper said. Thursday, August 14, 1997 �- Itei hoerne church ,, counciffEe--ach truc !ion Associated Press Agreement ends 4-year zoning dispute BOERNE, Texas — A Catholic church and the city of Boerne have The fieldstone structure, built in claiming in part that the city's reached a truce in a four-year zon- 1923, sits atop a hill in the city's denial of a building permit violated ing dispute that ended up before historic district, and city leaders its right to freely exercise its reli the U.S. Supreme Court as a test of had said they didn't want to see gion. a religious freedom law. any of the building torn down. St. Peter's claimed the Religious An agreement between St. Peter Mayor Patrick Heath said the Freedom Restoration Act protected the Apostle Catholic Church and compromise likely wouldn't please it from the historic preservation the city will permit the church to everyone,but it's time for the issue ordinance in this quiet Hill expand its 74-year-old sanctuary to to be resolved. Country town of about 4,700 people, accommodate its growing parish. "We've had enough time for long settled by German immigrants in "We're pleased that after all of faces and vindictiveness," he said. 1849 some 30 miles northwest of this time we've spent in negotia- "We've had enough of harsh words San Antonio. tions we've finally found a solution and incivility. We ought now to In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme that both sides can embrace," the look forward to ...a new day in our Court in June invalidated the law, + ; . Rev. Tony Cummins, the church's community where we work togeth- saying it usurped the powers of fed- pastor, said Wednesday. er." eral courts and the states. ry; The Boerne City Council unani- The case led to the Supreme Cummins, city officials, archi- mously approved the agreement Court's invalidation in June of the tects and lawyers from both sides Tuesday night that would keep 80 Religious Freedom Restoration Act hammered out the "memorandum AP file photo percent of the old church intact. of 1993. of understanding," which was The plan would allow the 230-seat The San Antonio Archdiocese what the City Council approved St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Boerne, Texas, was built in church to be expanded by 850 seats. sued the city of Boerne in 1994 Tuesday night. 1923 in what is now Boerne's historic district. 1 C h r 1 I n-�o � r�► a fl, Co jieCA--ecP - p rm Ors . 13� j h r o o f % m-etiooriabilia N / � v �'IGC %J/�v �✓��_ a ��ti J r J/� Histo y of Thc Black Church Three hundred and sixty six years, twenty blacks landed and stepped off a Dutch man's ship of war in Jamestown, Virginia, 1612. One hundred and twenty two years ago, the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation for slaves and ex-slaves. Around 1869 , Spearheaded by several circuit white preachers preached to the black baptist to sought letters of dismissal sot that they might or gain a church of their own while they could serve God, pray and unite togaher. To meet their own spiritual satisfaction. J r� rr Under a Brush Arbor was elected as their first shelter where the Baptist and Methodist worshiped an alternate Sundays. Slaves and ex-slaves were permitted. Remo%t not the old landmark. Proverb 23:10 The Black Presence in the Bible Scripture from Genesis 10 related to the Hamitic' geneological line Genesis 10:1 These are the generation of the sons of Noah Sherri Ham and Japheh. Sons were born to them after thegobd. F j 60d This Shall Be Written for the Generation to Come Psalm 102:18 The history of Shiloh Baptist Church in Bryan, Tx: The earliest known sactuary was a Brush Arbor where the Baptist and Methodist worshipped on alternate Sundays. The first church building a me a hall was built facing 19t` street and was called the Bryan Baptist^Ch�rc/ In 1885 a new building was built and the name was changed to Shiloh Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Reverand Shivers a new building was built. There is no other thing in life as prayer as stated by a Baptist Evanglist y- preacher. Christ gave the commandment to preach. The word states, "Go into all the World to preach the Gospel." The Bible was the first book printed about 1450. The first Bible printed in this country was in Indian Language, 1663. The first Bible, in this country, in English was in 1753. It contained 1189 chapters and 66 books. The Bible reads, "It is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in Man, a well read bible is a well fed soul." 1864 1993 The 129th Anniversary of Shiloh Baptist Church and Mortgage Burning Ceremony -- �.:e -a I 'j r 502 E Martin L. King Jr. Bryan, TX. 77803 October 24, 1993 3:00 prn Rev. Larry T. Hall, Pastor IT LIES IN 0UR POWER TO LOVE OR HATE. Building Chairman Bro. Pruitt and Chairman of the Trustee Board Bro. Idlebird look at cornerstones of the Church. t � . AU N �,.�� V-i ° ,. � J I. �!`• ��}.�.'� �u•� i• +4� y �,:1`:�'�y.aYY�'�.Fy4a c R'�r".'i P _ E ll"fib', .:a •yt F ..! �' L!4� l L�_i.�� Tarp f� 1`�� d 1. ?+y f4^„i'a..`..P� '""'� � .- �` .� {'` �/t. j'��.�► . p 1 *� « W _ A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church I i MOUNT PLEASANT was organized in 1868, in South, Grimes Countv, Texas. September 29, 1874. Mr. Dugal McAlpine deeded three (3) acres of land to Mt. i Pleasant, to be used for a CHURCH and SCHOOL, for 99 years. An agreement confirmed, stated that land not used in this manner, would return to the original 1 McAlpine heirs. He, being a generous man, donated land to several other schools in the comm unity. The latter 1800's brought about the formation of Templeman Hill School for Colored People, and during those days, the highest level of graduation was eighth grade. In 1917, a new school was built. 1 1 The late nineteeth century, produced a dramatic series of events; MOUNT PLEASANT, the mother church, separated, and a new Church was formed and named, Pleasant Hill, which to this day, is still in existence. Mrs. Samantha Spriggs, and Mrs. Willie Mae Whiteside Pratt, Principal and Teacher respectively, in 1951, closed the Templemann Hill School doors and students were transferred do Courtney community school, and many of them ! received their high school education from George Washington Carver, uptown Navasota. The southern county school board had an asking price of $250.00, I for the old school, and consequently, the building was moved to the G. W. Carver 1 School site, and used as the Cafeteria. Even though Templeman Hill was only a two room school building, many generations of our ancestor's received and graduated, with a an education from those walls. MOUNT PLEASANT prospered until it's building burned July 3, 1970. The members, abiding in deep faith, continued to have service under the natural skies, until they had time to plan for a new church. Members made a decision to move and "bald a new church on September 16, 1971. This committee was composed of Rev. C. L. Woods, Deacons Earl Wheatfall, Oceola Wheatfall, Dick ! Smith, Naomi Mathis. October 5, 1971, Roy S. Weaver, Sr. deeded approxiametly, one and one-half acres, to the Church, and, services were held in the Cafeteria, which was moved to this new site. November 28, 1971, the Mount Pleasant Family voted to build a new church, and cn MAY 18, 1975, they proudly marched in a New Brick Edifice. In May, 1979, a deep well was drilled, New Church Furniture was installed April 17, 1990 and subsequently paid, in f uil, September 3, 1991. The Reverend C. L. Woods passed on February 3, 1991, preforming what he loved most; tending the pulpit of MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH. The Deacons and Members voted to elect the Reverend Norris David Burkley, Sr., June 15, 1991, to lead the present MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY. 1 } ' t !i t [ 4 t i� mar z Kc of tY` x • 5,:t + - - Dugald McAlpine H e d o n a t e d „Rr the original = Ploasan three ar�d ,� r.:4 Baptis x � r. .r �•s. one-half ' Churcl acres for f + and Schoo I the old Septembe i j 29 7 874 ! Ougald McAlpine 1795-1876 i Roy S. Weaver Roy S_ Weaver` Donated one and one-half acres _ to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for the present site_ s October Scenes from past times e .. 't s: OLD DEACONS i Can You Guess Who ? i 1 Oral History Project-Memory Lane-Churches/Synagogues Questions to be asked by interviewer Millican United Methodist Church The Juggery 2870 Wingfall Street Millican, TX 77866 Ph. (409) 825-2145 1. What was your first church or synagogue facility like? The church began as a small log building with wood shingles on the roof . The sills were hand-hewn and pegged together as were other buildings in the area. The flooring was of split logs . The church was built of readily available materials . 2. What temnorary facilities were services held in? (Ex. a home, schoolhouses, blacksmith shop, under the trees, halls, funeral home chapels, barracks, courthouses, other buildings.) Until the church was built, people met in homes . 3. Explain how your church or synagogue began in this area. When Robert Millican came to Texas with Steven F. Austin, he settled in this area, his son E. M. Millican also settled here. They donated and deeded a part of this land to build a Methodist church. Where was it located. It was located about a mile southwest of its present location. 4. How many times did it move locations? and where It only moved once, to its present location. 5. Name churches or synagogues who were organized but started as part of another church. 6. How many people attended? What age groups? All ages attended. This was one of the few times they could get together to socialize. 7. How did they travel to get there? The only way to get to church was to walk, ride a horse, or use a wagon or buggy. 8. What were the roads like? (Ex. dirt roads, gravel roads) At first the roads didn' t even exist, so trees had to be cut down to make a pathway. Horses, people, and wagons made the road by using the same path and packing it down. 9. How many people came together? There were probably five to ten families at first. This would include husband, wife, and four or more children. 10. How did they get from one town to the next? (horse, horse and buggy, auto) In the beginning, there were no other towns close. After other towns started, of course horses, wagons, buggies, (and after they were common) automobiles . 11. Explain experiences of your church or synagogue altering holding services with other churches or synagogues. At different times through the years, services were held: whenever a preacher came through; sometimes once a month; sometimes twice a month. When services were not held in the Methodist church, then people attended another denomination. 12. How many times a month did your church meet? Most of the time through the early 1900' s services were held twice each Sunday. During the 1940' s services were held once a month in the morning only. 13. Explain experiences of meeting in a "brush arbor"? Some meetings were held in a brush arbor if they were having a "protracted" meeting. These were held up into the late 1940' s, but, of course, electricity was here by the mid 1930' s and convenience made the brush arbor obsolete - especially when the brush had to be hauled in. 14. Tell what you know about circuit riders/priests who traveled through the area preaching. The first preachers in the area, of course, were circuit riders . One wrote that he could often look out and see buffalo grazing not far from the church. 15. Name the denominational pioneers in this area in communities such as, Harvey, Wellborn, Shiloh, Peach Creek, Old Independence, Macey, Rock Prairie Community, Millican. Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, and Presbyterian. After the Civil War, when the railroad was extended to Bryan, and after the two Yellow Fever epidemics in Millican, many of the churches and their remaining members moved to Bryan. 16. What name changes did the congregation make over the years for your church or synagogue? When the town of Millican itself formed, and more people were concentrated into one area, the Dunlap and Barker families traded some of their land in exchange for the Methodist church land, so the site of the second church was built where the present one now stands . There was no name change until the "United" was added at a much later date. 17. What days and times were services held? Morning worship was at 10 A.M. and 6 P .M. each Sunday. At times there were few members and church meetings were only once a month, and only in the mornings . During the early 19001s, church let out early enough to let church members meet the noon-time train - otherwise, they would get up and walk out. Meeting the train was of importance to their social activities and interest. 18. Explain who built the early churches and where the supplies came from. The first church built of logs was supplied from the area in which it was built. The second church was supplied from a saw mill in the Anderson area. The third church building had supplies from Anderson area and the Bryan areas, and Navasota area. How did the supplies get there? When the second church was built, the supplies came in wagons . The Navasota River was crossed by the wagons being ferried across at Fugua Ferry. The third church materials came by wagon, truck, and rail . The bell for the church came by rail from Galveston. 19. Was there a woodshed and outside privy? There was never a woodshed, the wood for the heater was simply stacked outside. There was never a privy. 20. Explain indebtedness of the church and how it was handled. People gave of their time and money to build the churches and keep them going. 21. Explain where Sunday school education was held. Sunday school was held in the worship areas, the different classes being in different parts of the room. The present church has four classrooms and each side. Did your church sponsor a mission Sunday school or Bible classes? Not that I know of . Where did the children meet for Sunday school? Children met in separate areas of the worship area, or in classrooms when they became available. What were nursery facilities like? What nursery facilities? There were none! Tell us about quilt pallets for sleepy children. When children tired, they were placed on quilt pallets if there was not room available on the pew. 22. Tell us about your church choir, how many members were there? There were about 10 women who sang in the choir when I was growing up in the 1940' s . Explain any singing conventions they attended. What was the piano like? Was a pump organ used? What was it like? As far as I know, the present piano is the only one they ever used - an upright grand. The first church used a pump organ, but when the second was built, they got a piano. 23. Tell us about the steeple of the church. The steeple on the second church was just a pointed roof, but the present church had a Tell us about the bell. Was it pulled by a rope? The bell in the present-day church is the same one that was in the second one. It is rung by pulling a rope that goes through the ceiling into the Sanctuary. When was the church bell tolled? ex. a death, to ring the old year out and the new year in, other matters of importance, to proclaim peace during the end of the wars. The bell was tolled (rung very slowly) once for each year of age when a person died. Therefore, if several people were very sick, people could tell who died by counting the tolls, therefore knowing if it was the youth or the elder who had died. As bells all over town were rung to announce church time, people could tell which church bell was being rung by its sound. As were the others in town, the bell was rung to announce peace at the end of wars, and also to gather people together if perhaps there was a fire or such disaster. 24. Tell us about the pews, were they hand sawed out of pine? The first pews were split logs, then replaced by pine benches with backs . The present pews had a shellac finish on them that made people' s clothes stick to the backs when they got hot. What was the lighting, was it kerosene lamps? Kerosene lamps with reflectors behind them were hung on the walls for lighting before electricity was available. How about the heat, was it by wood heaters or butane? Wood heaters were used up until the late 150' s or very early 1960' s when the Baptist church sold their smaller heaters to the Methodist when they got larger ones . How was it cooled, was it by ceiling fans? The second church had windows on both sides so wind could go through. The third church had windows on 4 sides with upper windows that lowered along with lower ones that raised, and transoms that opened. Electric fans were added in the 1980s, and air conditioning in the 1990' s . Tell us about the funeral parlor advertisement fans that you fanned yourself with to keep cool. There were 3 kinds that I remember: 1 . a cardboard fastened to a wooden stick, 2 . a 3 -fold fan of cardboard, and 3 . a solid piece of cardboard with a hole in it to help hold it. This hole was fascinating to me because Mr. Charlie McGregor could put his finger or thumb in the hole and make the fan go round and round. 25. Tell us about any stained glass windows. There were no stained glass windows until the 1990' s . What was the outside of the building made or Was it white-washed? The first was of hewn logs chinked with class and MOSS . The second and third were of wooden siding. They were not white-washed, but painted white. How was the maintenance of the building taken care or The maintenance of the building was usually taken care of by members of the congregation unless it involved something that was beyond their skills, then someone else was hired. 26. Explain if the congregation was pastored by student pastors. At times the church was pastored by student pastors, but not always . Because the church was small, salary had a lot to do with who was assigned. If so, were they from Texas A&M, Baylor University, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary or others. At one time two came from TAMU, but the others were going to the Methodist college Lon Morris . 27. Tell us about elaborate ceremonies that were observed. (ex. anniversary of the church, completion of a new building, church dedications.) There were, of course, celebrations when the new churches were built and dedicated. 28. What were some early traditions of your congregation? (ex. seating men on one side and women on the other.) In all older churches, both Methodist and Baptist, there were 2 front doors . Men entered and sat on the left, women entered the right-hand door and sat on the right. 29. Explain circumstances when your church was destroyed by fire, storm, other. The only time it was destroyed was when men tore the second one down to build the third one. The second one was getting old and needed too much repair. 30. Tell us about how much the pastor was paid? The first pastors were paid by food and lodging and very little money. If a new pastor came and had a family, they received a "Pounding, " where each member brought a pound of salt pork, a lb. of potatoes, and a lb . of flour, etc . Where did he live? (ex. parsonage) Millican Methodist never had a parsonage, the pastors just had their own homes, usually in another town. About how old was he and did he usually have a large family? Some were young (-20) , some were old (+70) , and some had a family, but usually not large. 31. About what was the annual budget of the church? I don' t know. 32. Explain how the church met the social needs, as well as the religious needs of the community. If someone was ill, they took food or helped the person out with housework or chores . If their extras were needed by others, the members were willing to help. Tell us about the fellowship hall. The fellowship of the congregation took place in the building itself or out on the grounds . A kitchen area and bathroom weren' t provided until the 1980-1990' s . 33. Explain any revivals you attended and where they were held. Ex. brush arbors, tents, baseball fields. How many weeks did they last? The only "brush arbor" meeting I attended as a child I didn' t like at all . There were bugs, it was dark, and the chairs would fold up with you in it! Tell us about prayer meetings. I do not remember any prayer meetings at the Methodist church, but I am sure they had them before my time. During the meetings at the Baptist church, different members of the congregation would say a prayer and when they finished another would say his until all had said one or more . 34 . Tell us about the churchyard. I assume by "churchyard" you mean cemetery. It was located about 1/4 mile from the church. Explain the cemetery, and where it was located? The first community cemetery was located just off 2154 on the now Wellborn Rd. After a Negro up- rising where the tombstones of the whites were destroyed, a man by the name of Wheat donated the site of the present one, 1/4 mile from the Methodist church, on a hill . Who could be buried there? I assume that since only Negro' s could be buried in the old cemetery, only whites could be buried in Wheat Cemetery. There is now a Wheat Cemetery Association which takes care of maintaining the cemetery. When I was growing up, family members would take hoes, rakes, and a jug of water, and clean all grass from the graves and burn it. 35. Tell us about the Corp and A&M faculty attending your church. Occasionally A&M faculty members attended church, but very seldom. More do now. One of the best pastors we had here for a while was a lay-man from the A&M faculty. 36. Explain what you know about the religious services who met at the YMCA Building on campus. I don' t know. Explain about the chaplains working through the "Y". I don' t know. 37. Explain what you know about A&M sponsored Sunday morning worship services on campus with attendance being compulsory by the A&M students. I don' t know. 38. Explain the affect of W.W.II and its aftermath on the college ministry. (ex. not just college aged students but military personal and their families.) I don' t know. 39. Explain baptismal. (ex. YMCA swimming pool, rivers, baptismal font, other.) Baptisms at the Methodist church took place in the Brazos river of someone' s stock land on their property, or in the church itself . 40. Explain "groundbreaking" ceremonies for a new sanctuary. This was an occasion for celebration, which included an all-day affair of church, noon lunch, prayers and singing favorite hymns after lunch, more preaching before returning home. Oral History Project-Memory Lane-Churches/Synagogues Questions to be asked by interviewer , 1. What was your first church or synagogue facility like? 4,4, � � on 2. What temporary facilities were services held in? (Ex. a home, schoolhouses, blacksmith shop, under the trees, halls, funeral home chapels, barracks, courthouses, other buildings. 3. Explain how your churrcchh or s agogue began in this are . Where:pwnitl�oQc/ated. 4. How many times did it move locations? and where 5. Name churches or synagogues who were organized but started as part of another church. 6. How many people attended? What age groups? 1 7. How did they travel to get there? — 8. What were the roads like? (Ex. dirt roads, Wavel roads) _ ✓� ow any people a e ty et r? 10. Ho did they get from one town to the next? (horse, horse and bugg, auto) &4� %lam r 11. Explain experiences of your church or syn gogue alternating holding services with other churches or synagogues? �2� ��e����i��/due � � �u� ..� ✓� , 12. ow many times a month did your chur met? -40 13. Explain experiences of meeting "? p p g in a brush arbor"? 14. Tell what you know about ci cult riders/ riests who traveled through the area preaching. ° �w 15. Name the denominational pioneers in this area in communities such as, Harvey, Wellborn, Shiloh, Peach Creek, Old Independence, Macey, Rock Prairie Community, Millican. 1/7 16. What name changes did the con regation make over the years for your church or synagogue? .�Qi�;%�u.GriJ �tiG�; ��//L� �2��%/ ��t� •t ��a. `%���2 �(ati 17. What days and times were services he 4 18. Explain who b ilt the early churches an whe e the suppl' rs camp from. "Fe" � Howsdid the pp lies get there. C � ti 19. Was the a woodshed and outside privy? ® 20. Explain indebtedness of the church and ho it was handled. 1-4 , r 1• Ex 1 ' �htcp n where Sunda sucation was hel . Did your church spons r a missio unda �! y sc oo�ible class ?� Where did the child n meet for Sunday school? GD��:c���may .-ram What were nursery facilities like? Tell us about uilt pallet for sleepy children. �' �e�4 22. pTell us about your church choir, how many members w re there? Explain any smgmg conventions they attended. t was the pi o like a um or an used? Wpat was it like? 23. ""' Tell s aab u t ee b ell s about±he ell? Was it pulled by rope? �e When was he church bell tolled? ex. a dea h, to ring the of year out and the new year in, other matters of importance, to proclaim peac during t/he end of the wars. � -'rz� 2 24. Tell us a out the pews, were they hand s wed out o pine? hat wa the li kiting, was it k�er�sene 1" in Hov(about e },ea was it by wood heater or butane? e How w,gs it copled, was it ceiling fa s? � ✓���s��r,�� �'e�� �:9�T � ; pell us about funeral rlvanned ouA17-wo hp � 25. e s a oust an tame glas in ows. ,yVh t w s the outside f the b ilding ade of as it white-washed ow was t e aintenance of the building taken care o£1,10 . �, 26. Explain if t congregation was pastored by student pastors. ewww 4�� If so, were the�Om exas A&M, BaylorrUUnf4ersity,the Southwestern Baptist Theo_lQgical Seminary or others. - - 27. Tell us about elaborate ceremonies that were observed. (ex. anniversary of the churc , completion of a new building, church dedic tions�.)/ ri�L �G'dtr/ae-e-� = 28. What were some early traditions of your congregation? (ex. seatmi men on one side and the women on the other). pL,t e� J✓� �_ tee°s��� e �• �` �� 29. ` x1plain circumstances when your church was destroyed by fire, storm, other. 30. Tell us about how much the pastor was paid ? Where did he live? (ex. at ona e) oAbout ho Id was he and did he usually have a�large famil e�� �- /f / (�D>� one 6tioL�7D�j y�.a� ✓�'/QoC a-G/��Q.ati�j� 31. About hat was the ual budget of the church? 32. Explain how the church met-the social needs, as well as the religious needs of the community. �zy � �,,c� r Telljy us, about the fel owshi hallo OZ oy/ 2�ti 5 --O-Vv 33. Explain any revivals y attended and where ey were eld ex. brus ar ors, b l fields. ents, sebalel s. How many weeks.did the last? ,�G `� " � �4� ��� "l Tell us about prayer meetings. ell u about the cl�rc�d. G Explain th cemetary, and where it was located.? e 7j,27!V; - 01 �ufPili / co2ffbe uri re. 3�s Tell us/abouttheC;Forp d A&M faculty attending your church. Ae ��' u ✓�N� .10. 2 36. Explain what you know about the religious services who met at the YMCA Building on campus. Explain about the chaplains working through the "Y". 37. Explain what you know about A&M sponsored Sunday school morning worship services on campus with attendance being compulsory by the A&M students. 38. Explain the affect of WWII and its aftermath on the college ministry. (ex. not just college aged students but miil�itary personal and their families. ) /' 4 — 39. Explain baptismal. (ex. YMCswimming pool, rivers, baptisimal font, ther) ert 40. n E�plain " oundbreakin " ceremonies for a newAnctuary. p g �✓' Gam[" .'I��j���t4i}.�� :Y(�yf '9�n%L'.YL�//L� I � 1 yr yCC _August 13. 1928. _ y We the members of the First Presbyterian Church of College Station, Teaas 'being assembled a legally called meeting of the 'congregation-and -.trust ing in God to guide us aright, do hereby extend a sell to the Rev. Norman Anderson, Taft,-.Texas, -to be our pastor, at a salary of3t000. We hereby authorize Dr. F. Z..:. Thomas and D. .$.. Reid, elders of .the church, top. sign this cell. 7 '42 icyy� + Thomas. r ,. + n a v 1 f F.C.LE7LIE.PRESIDENT JACK F.CfiSMELL.VIC[-PRESIDENT NA[.IN.l[CInARr rb E •` 'J� A J 1M CABINET JACK F.CRISINCLL •Y�AJ A4ifM .1YLExi S ��. SBtIC .lL[iiW4� kLi+�•, .rtj ` t C1NWNff.E} W. F.VOYEL , d ytG' 'ii 3- s.TNWlS W. D.N[Pr OF J.J.BROWN .na W.TINNERMAMIf THE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF.TEXAS M. L.CASHION,GENERAL SECRETARY ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES I 1 S.H.HICKMAM COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 8 July 11,192 . r > Rev Norman Anderson, f§ `raft, texas. � ti Dear Ldr. Anderson: � ' 1 Our pulpit here at A.&:`MIR College is vacant,and we are anxious to secure a pastor. iYt �� r. order that he may move before school opens in September.f We have a new manse,no ` churah; Be rgioa`s being held in the Y.i . C.A. building. There are -about z thirty five members consisting of a dozen or more of N t y outstanding faculty members and their families. There are practically three hundred Presbyterians hererout_ o a student body twenty five hundred. The Baptist and Methodist have="ahureh pastors on the grounds,and the Episcopalians" and •the � Christians hold regular services on Sundays.' The 'CoYle'ge has convocation each Sunday morning, inviting the outstanding ministers of all denominations to preach. This v!ork is largely with the students, and the opportunities of influ6ncing their lives are immeasureable. On the other hand it is practically impossible to measure and enumerate results as in a regular pastorate. We have been paying three thousand dollars per year and a manse. Post of the members are liberal and regular givers. Dr. Currie gave us your name. ':lould you be interested in this work? Sincerely yours, )v( _rJt A &M PRESBYTERL&N CHURCH EARLY MEMBERS Frank G. Anderson, Jr. Class of 1950 743 S. Rosemary Drive Bryan, TX 77802 846-8020 Born into the church about 1930. Son of Col. Anderson, long time A&M Track coach and commandant at A&M. James Cashion Class of 1948 2706 Broadmoor Bryan, TX 77802 Mason L. Cashion Class of 1953 8360 Turkey Creek Rd. College Station, TX 77845 Their father was the YMCA Director for many years where the Presbyterian Church met from its beginning in 1923 until it was moved off campus about 1940. Both boys were born on campus in the house that is now at 205 Timer. It was moved off campus in 1941. Now occupied by Homer Adams. Both Cashion boys grew up in the A&M Church and "Red"taught Sunday school class toan Aggie Class with Will Worley in the 1950's. Mary Anderson 2911 Broadmoor Bryan, TX 77802-2124 Norman Anderson was minister of the A&M Church from about 1923 to his retirement in 1962. He passed away about 1970. His widow is Mary Anderson and she lives with her daughter, Teenie Wicker. Her son, is Fred G. Anderson, M. D. at 2504 River Forest Dr., Bryan, TX 77802 (776-1887). He was a baseball,track and basketball star. The Anderson's lived at 204 Timber in a campus house, moved off campus in 1940 until he died about 1970. Next door was a small park the became known as Anderson Park (corner of Anderson and Hollemon). There is a plaque located in a shelter there naming the park. The Anderson's campus home,was orginally located at the corner of Church St. and Boyette St. and was on Old College Main(where the Baptist Student Union is now located on the corner of Church Street). A WWII chapel was moved from Victoria(in the early 50's) and is now the church santuary. Norman Anderson built the fellowship hall and was the Department Head of Religion, in which the students could get college credit under Chaplins for attending. Caroline Mitchell 216 Suffolk, CS, TX 77840 696-4533 Born on campus about 1915. Now confined to her home. Her father was head of the Math Department. She worked in the registrars office and handled transfer admissions, scheduled calles and monitored athletes' academic progress, etc. William"Bill"Lancaster Class of 1949 303 Dexter St. College Station, TX 77840 Grew up in A&M Presbyterian Church. Son of Mrs. P. R. Lancaster, first woman elder in 1960. Mrs. J. G. Brown 405 Jane St. College Station, TX 846-4341 Now confined to the home. Her brother-in-law was Frank Brown and his children grew up in church. They are now scattered(Dallas, etc) and will be invited to the next church celebration(75 year celebration will be February 1, 1998). William A. Baine and Margaret 1704 Autumn Woods, San Antonio, TX 78232 512-490-0390 Interium paster 1989-90? Has been invited to speak at the 75th Celebration. He was pleased to be invited and plans to stay with the Worley's. Mary Bolton Eckles (Mrs. W.E.) 693-6110 1212 Orr St. College Station, TX Her father was president of A&M. Mrs. Eckles was born in 1910. Mary Leland Jack and Polly Kent 823 South Rosemary Dr. Bryan, TX 77892 846-5644 Moved here and in the Presbyterian church in 1936. 75 �� p 's e �E/Z/79.r1 CAI R C 44 Cd G 40 S 7971 Ow 'C -75- 4,412 A,alA SA0 Cr 4-SDQ4 726,U F=fB /1 �-AP-L v MfA 9 CAS c F cNZ.%eC tl w rTl! PteSsf vT A 49,06X�. 717,�-2vza F12A14< c7 lgAlal�Sov, TQ 741 .'? S Romil 77YA) SOXI OF W C, A NYLcnrf N (-Uld 714E AV Z4 7Q,otk COACH 0 <-Q-s/M41jP5h A 7 )l 41 c CASs dP )--e RT AVM , 00 psi1 /A/;Z 11qf <R44(4 AbVy /yid . -c.AsS JS44M C 4fH)d A' 2766 &64PA1ri0Q 9.0"AV 7A 77&.x 77V'7,1/9 cL45s 5-.3 /V456v L. 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Hf.R f,4i� WK5 AM 0 F 7KE MAC N 126P7, .5M5 44A&CO IA/ ,Q d'15,TqjJV OP01E k0oujO 7P4(/.Sr£R /4QN1.uK1Ai� „SjY�c0ULs0 CG,gsS� �u6Nr�6aFo '47-#LF-.s WA. 0. 8/1-L 44&4576A X0 Ax reg ST. 6Q-e'S'lk6- lS, 7 X 77WO CLASS `q9- (r)Or u/ aP /A/ A I,A4 PACE O Y i6P/V CjNk7G , JOV OP RAS. 04, 1-,JuCAJ7ER� f<,P,�T W4r1A,�/ C�0O• 19(°o MR3. T. 6. PAa w-A) 445- TAAlf si- £.S. 7X rl/i— '9-W CONPIkW 70 416AIf .. fiA4 Bao��vf,4��-�A�J JVU PR)PIz ftW 4A0 X/s CjY/LD,afA/ 646(/ UP 1A.1 CKOCs1, /LION/ SC,jj-jWEo sN6uad 46 IN(1,17oO 7e 777- YlM e (7E4£9247/4,401 WiLi-14A A. AAJAIE -� AUQGAACT 1744 07jlwl WMj 54AI ,VX00, /X 'Y1.31 (5)J Y90 -6 NO ,TNrEPM PWIS.P /98f-f'd � &AS WW INV11�p ib S RFAK A i 75 U CEc.E9 PAM v , ALMWO 70 BE /,vU1 TES 4#1) P44N 76 THIS IS A COPY OF THE HISTORY OF MILLICAN GIVEN BY MRS. CHAPMAN AT THE DEDICATION SERVICE OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOMS MILLICAN BAPTIST CHURCH--OUR HERITAGE--MRS. WINNIE CHAPMAN Time changes everything, so we are told. Our Church history will surely show how it has changed out little town and our Baptist Church. This afternoon in trying to relive our past and to tie in our present, it is almost necessary for me to go into the rich historical background of which this area is so wonderfully blessed. The History of Millican reaches back into the days of the Republic. Robert Millican came into this territory in 1821 with Stephen F. Austin. Millican was colonized in 1837. This was the same year that the First Missionary Baptist Church was organized at Washington on the Brazos in a blacksmith shop. The organization consisted of five men and three women. At this time Millican was part of Washington County, and it is very probable that many of our renown preachers and laymen were in our midst and gave spiritual assistance to the people in this area. For our Baptist Church History gives us mention of meetings in Anderson and Washington, and our geography shows us that this area of which we are a part was a direct line for travel in those days for there was a place to ford the Navasota and Brazos Rivers. Most of the travel was carried out by horse and buggy and horseback, and sometimes by walking from community to community. In 1841 the people in this area asked for and they were granted a partition from Washington County, and we were then in the new County of Navasota. Forty-five families made up this entire population. Among them were Baptists, Methodists, Episcopals, Christians, and Catholic denominations. The best count that can be found is that there wer eleven Baptist families in this group. This area was bounded by springs and rivers, we know them as Sulphur Springs, Sobe Steele Springs, Peach Creek, South Branch, Oak Grove and Millican. People met in each others homes in the winter and. under trees and arbos in the summer to read and study the words of comfort and Faith that only the Bible can give. In 1853 Millican made an effort to establish a Baptist Missionary Church, and some of the members from other communities came into the church, but the distances, weather, and lack of money to help support the cause soon caused the church to disband about the latter part of 1857. In 1848 the Houston and Texas Central Railroad was approved, and the building of the road started at Galveston and reached Millican in the year of 1860. Then circumstances not forseen overtook the growth of this area. Due to the Civil War, extreme drough, and lack of materials the Railroad stopped at Millican for several years and many businesses sprang up here, among them Sanger Brothers and Padget Brothers. People came to live here until Millican had over six thousand population (this is from hearing my grandfather and General Stoddard visit) . Millican had a bank and a newspaper, Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Catholic church organizations. Good times seemed to be in store for this area, but at the end of the war, the railroad began to move on toward the Northern part of the state. This might not have been to much disadvantage, but between 1866 and 1868 Cholera and Yellow Fever took their toll. Many families fled the area, but most of the old settlers who had Their All, in land- and memories here remained. Among some of the ones staying were H. E. Smith, Ben Harrington, The McGregors, Sims, Peverlies, Morgans, Lee Mills, Dawsons and my Grand Dad Henry Burrows. During these years pastors went from Place to place holding services. Their pay was mostly in the form of produce from the fields and barnyards. I have been told by one of our own members of now, Mr. Ben Price, that his father had told him of W. E. Penn traveling from Anderson to Independence and stopping and holding services. We seem to have lost most of our history of the church activities around the early nineteen hundreds. But we do know that services were held in the church and that there was a Sunday School, for Mrs. Vada Simpson remembers of going to the Baptist Sunday School with the H. E. Smith children. We also get a record of the Church wedding of Miss Clara Harrington and Mr. Charlie Hampling in the late 1890's. When we, J. W. Burrows family moved from Cathorn to Millican in 1907, there was not an organized Baptist Sunday School, and I, Winnie E. Burrows, attended the Methodist Sunday School. We had church services at the Baptist Church at least once a month if we could get some one to come hold services and could get enough money to pay their actual expenses. Then we always had a Protracted Meeting each summer. The old church building was used when we did have services, and there were many large Oak trees around the grounds the church stood on an people came in buggies and wagons and spent the day at church. I can remember coming in from the country to spend the day at church. My first remembrance of our old church is very dear to me. It was a long, tall wooden structure painted white. There were two doors at the front and one in the back and many tall windows on either side of the building. There were three rows of pews which were homemade, an organ and the building had a steeple and a bell which was used to call people to worship. Some of the preachers I have been able to recall or obtain the names of are: Brother Waits, who drove from Bryan to Millican to hold services traveling in a buggy. This was around 1904 and 1905. Bro. Fugua who came from near Anderson, my Grandfather Henry Burrows, Bro. Pipkin from Bryan, Bro. Hale from Waco, Bro. Brown and family from College Station, Brothers Kendrix and Kiser who were passing through. Then we had a kinsman from the Colonizer of Millican, Bro. L. R. Millican, later known as the War Horse of the West, Bro. Bob Miller, a former chaplain in World War I, Bro. Bracewell, whom everyone liked very much came from his home in Madisonville three different times to be a shepherd to the flock at Millican. In 1916 a group of Baptists met and organized a Baptist S.S. We met in the afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Among those who worked so hard to make this Sunday School grow were: Mrs. Travis Hughes, J. W. Burrows, Mrs. Betty Sawyer, Mrs. Viola Jackson, Carl Sealy family, Mrs. Alma Williams and others, I am sure who worked just as faithfully. From 1919 through 1929 our church with help from friends grew. The old building was torn down and the present Auditorium and two wings were built. A piano replaced the organ. The present seats were bought in 1929. The people of the community gave barbecues to help meet the payments on the additions to the church structure. We began to hold regular once a month services with Bros. Pipkin, Rochelle, Windsor, Bracewell filling the pulpit. In 1933, Bro. Carrington filled the pulpit. Bro. Hooter came to us in 1936 and Millican Sunday School was standardized. We grew in members and finances and started to have church every other week and Sunday School every Sunday. The pastors recalled at this time were: Bro. Stringer, Bro. Stirickland, Bro. Leo. Garrett, Bro. Hoke Smith (at present a missionary in Columbia). Then we became more conscious of the need of full time church services and Carl Shrader and Glen Brown brought the message each Sunday. When Bro. Brown resigned the church had several people come to preach as they felt the need of asking God to lead them in their selection of a leader. No one who stops to think can deny that the Lord in His Wisdom sent to us our present pastor Rev. J. P. Law. Our church was stagnant and self satisfied. The usual ones were at church, the usual amount of money was collected. Bro. Law was not satisfied to stay Status Quo. He has given of his time far and beyond that which is normally expected of a pastor. He has actually performed manual labor as well as more than tithed to help us reach our goal that we are here to dedicate today: A Baptistry, Sunday School Rooms, Restrooms, Pastor's study, and a general overhaul of the building. We are glad to say we now hold two services each Sunday, Midweek prayer service, and a B. T. U. training union. We now have a membership of 96 persons, about 60 of this number active. To the present membership goes the much deserved credit for our present physical structure. To our forefathers and fathers we are most grateful for their staunchness of Faith, for it was their lot to pioneer and they had many adversities that we their children do not even know how to cope with. TO OUR FUTURE May God in his Own Time and Way help us of today keep the banner high and to send to us just the people that we need to have in our midst that will hold the banner high and carry on the work that we are trying to do, when we the present come to the end of the Way, and we shall leave to others our unfinished work, in the Millican Baptist Church. The Millican Baptist Church at the present time, at Homecoming Services now has an able and willing pastor, Bro. Barnett. He and his fine family will accomplish only as much as you, the membership, and people of Millican, are willing that he accomplish. This is not a time for "dilly-dallying" in religion or as Christians here in Millican or anywhere else in the world. LET CHRISTIANS RISE By Sybil Leonard Armes, Fort Worth Copied from Baptist Standard These are not days for superficial living: The hour is dark - too dark for little deeds. Let us be done with little acts of giving and little labors bound by little creeds. Nations grope; cries of despair are lifting; Multitudes are reaching up for light. While days of grace through careless hands are sifting, A world in chaos staggers in the night! Stir up, 0 Lord, as by a mighty shaking, We who are prone to parry and to plod. When storms of doom across earth are breaking, Let Christians rise to do they will, 0 God! (This was prepared while Bro. Barnett was pastor -- November 1963-1964) St. Matthew Baptist Church History October 27, 1996 The•-Saint Matthew Baptist Church rose to its humble beginning in the year of our Lord 1921, over seventy-five years ago, and now towers as a high oak tree in 1996. The organizer, Reverend S. Henderson had a vision that translated into action which resulted in the organization of the SMBC in August 1921 at the home of Sister Lizzie Wallace a total of eight members graced the first church roll. Realizing that no organization is complete without workers, Rev. Henderson Who was only there organizer and supply Pastor, who served until the first pastor was called. The First Deacons were: 1. Wash Williams 2. Matthew Davis 3. Lee Burnham The First Officers were: 1. Church Clerk Azalee Thomas 2. Mission President Fannie Davis 3. Sunday School Supt Matthew Davis 4. Sunday School Secy Lizzie Wallace 5. Church Treasurer Bell Williams 6. Sunday School Treasurer. Alberta Burnham These loyal members held the Fort until re-enforcement's came. There was a sizable number of members on the church roll when the first pastor was called, namely Rev. P. E. Castle. Rev. Castle pastored for two years. Succeeded him was Rev. T. H. Henderson of Dallas, Tx. and after him came the Rev. W. M. Fennell of Hearne, under his leadership the membership greatly increased in number and spiritually. The fourth pastor was Rev. S. M. Murphy of Hearne, Tx. who had the honor of pastoring longer than any of his predecessors. Death drew the curtain of his illustrious ministry in 1960. Succeeding Rev. Murphy was Rev. M. L. Williams, who pastored the flock for--sixteen years. . Succeeding Rev. Williams was Rev. M. E. Wells, who pastored four years. After Rev. M. E. Wells, the Lord blessed us with our Pastor Rev. M. O. Cooper who has been our Pastor for the past fifteen years. Under his leadership the congregation has grown in membership and many student have joined under Watchcare while attending Texas A & M. Also, under Rev. Cooper's leadership over fifteen preachers have been called to the ministry and over ten deacons have been ordained. In 1992, under Rev. Coopers leadership, the first Childrens Church was organized. Services are held each Sunday in the fellowship hall from 11:AM to 12:PM During Rev. Cooper's leadership we have also paid off our caferteria. Also, in October 1996, Rev. Cooper has been named as First Vice Moderator of th Central District Association, where he was serving as second Vice Moderator . Since the year 1921 GOD has blessed our union Spiritually and through Faith and His Grace we have prospered. We know in Him all things are possible, which is why one of our favorite verses-comes-from the Proverbs- which states " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lien not unto your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." On this day October 27, 1996 the officers are as follows: Pastor Rev. M. O. Cooper Chairman of Deacon Dec. Larry Johnson Deacons Dec. Clarence Britton, Jr. Dec. Arister Brooks / � - Dec. Fred Watson Dec. Willard Taylor Treasurer Sister Billie Smedley Secy Sister Saundra Watson Sunday School Supt. Deacon Arister Brooks Youth Director Sister Charlene Britton Youth Minister Rev. Kelvin Cooper Sr. Choir Pres. Sister Clara Moore Sanctuary Choir Pres. Sister Sharanda Williams Inspirational Choir Pres. Sister Jazzlyn Taylor Usher Board Pres. Sister Willie Brooks Food Comm. Chairman Sister Nora Lee Peterson Pastors Aide Pres. Sister Sharanda Williams Senior Mission Pres. Sister Esterlean Leaks Decorationing Chairman Sister Lurl Watson Sunshine Comm Chairman Sister Irene Gibbs Announcing Clerk Sister Melba Madison WE THE MEMBERS OF SAINT MATTHEW BAPTIST CHURCH THANK GOD FOR ALL HIS MANY, MANY BLESSINGS. Methodist Group I'110NISON, J, C. Present Pastor MINI:, \'I\'II1N l'ir•l l'I�`�"' S'IUDI,.NT CABINI'T (;cu>DEN0>17611, If. F. President MOON, I", 11. l'i,nrllr I"ire-l'resi�le„I I'O1\'I{1.1,, G. A'1. First Vice-President I'LANNI•;10', .1, O. Serrelrlr\'-Trrucnrl, himi.ws, W. S. . Second Vicc-President NIXON, S. :�. ('hrrir►nnn nl l'rrllil its .1ENNINGS, 1t. N1. Third Tice-President hltl,l)i;Ill('K, Mlis.\\'., ClNlir,rlrlrl nl ,11lr�il STINNE.TT, G. W. Editor of Tabernarle Tires Jl1NIOR—SENIOR EPVVORTII DAMON, A. M. President HODGE, J. F. First Vice-Presidr'nl QUF.RFAU, C. H. Second Tice-/'resident PYLAND, J. W. Third Tice-Presiderrl EI,LIs, W. T. Fourth ['ice-President WILSON, J. L. Secretary-Treasurer SOPHOMORE EPWORTH I,I:AGI?h, MCCLENDON, F. C. I'resictent KNox, F. A. First Vice-President MINERS, W. H. Second Tice-President STE.VENS, J. A. Third rice-President GOODWIN, L. Fourth Vice-President O'NEAL, J. H. Secretary-Treasurer FRESHMAN F,PWORTH I_F';A(;1'1- HAMILTON, V. President SMITH, C. A. . . First Vice-President JACKSON, J. A. . . .Second Vice-President HALLUM, F. E. Third Vice-President I{AZS, A. E. Fourth Tice-President SIIOT'rs, E. B. .Secretary-% rersnrer � r aF y I� � � It+ t•� w In/ I'r ;,' � I\Irl\, �'l l\111.1., � I111.1.11'�, •I I.\\I\ .�, ��llll\, �'I..\\\IIt1, �I\ \ ,1rr nlN/ I'u:,' till\XI(I I, lilu ll ll•.\1111.11, � 11..\XII, ( 111•.I<1•.\I �'.III�, �� II.� \ Built to Last a Lifetime By Dawn Lee Wakefield Some great marriages keep on going, like the tells a friend what Don specifically likes as his favorite Energizer bunny. meal, it's because he's taken the time to tell her Couples who celebrate 30, 40, 50, and 60 what he appreciates.This simple means of com- years deserve special credit. Real-life mar- municating underlies the basic success of all riage is not like in the movies. Remember relationships. happy couples on TV like Ozzie & °� Harriett, Ward & June, Frankie & Annette, and Lucy & Ricky? Baby Boomers grew up thinking that was , Couples who don't fight really don't how married life was supposed to be. have much to fight about.In fact,they Well,it can be,but it takes hard work agree on just about everything major: ethics,politics(there are exceptions to and dedication. Couples today wait longer before every rule!),how to treat other people " ` in business and in life. Dixie says, tying the knot,"otherwise known as taking the vows of holy matrimony in `x "Gene and I have love and respect for the presence of invited guests and offs- argue,we talk things out" each other.We always have.We don't cial witnesses.What secrets preserve a 1 marriage for a lifetime? How do you Fighting is something foreign to the reach your golden wedding anniversary? Woodells as Dixie explains, "If you get Iwo happy couples,each of whom has t married, you shouldn't even think about been married more than 40 years, share ' � fighting. It all goes back to respect" some insight and tips for staying happily Elizabeth Coulter, who's been_the beautiful married.Don and Ethel Clark recently celebrat- wife of husband Frank for more than 60 years ed their 47th wedding anniversary, ` said,"In our entire marriage,I don't think there and this couple truly embodies the words love,honor, and cherish. were more than three or four cross words between Gene and Dixie Woodell will celebrate their 45th wed- us,ever."For years,the Coulters have been dedicated din anniver in February. Here's there advice: and devoted volunteers in enriching music and the arts in g arY Gene&Dixie Woodell Bryan-College Station. These couples will agree that they married their best friend,the one they could talk to about any subject with the other interested and listen- ing.A confidence would be kept, assuredly, advice would be given, that little things can be worked out. Disciplining the children, making sparingly,and most of all,there is joy in just sitting together quietly for major purchases and teaching family values. Children on the play- hours,without either of them having to say a word.Lasting love begins ground respond to peer challenges with, "My family doesn't believe with friendship. that,"or"My parents say that we don't use that kind of language,"or "My family goes to church or synagogue and believes in.." Many families have been divided over religion. The number of �l spouses who say,"I wish I could get so-and-so to go to church with It's another key to married life.Respecting oneself is just as impor- me" rings out the fact that this was a detail they hadn't discussed in tant as respecting the other.When Gene Woodell says Dixie's name, advance of the wedding.If religion is not an important part of your life there's still such gentleness in the way he says it.When Ethel Clark together before you are married, it won't happen miraculously after January 1999 Is rule--each partner will"win"sometimes,and the other will have to concede,but not keep- ing score helps remove the topics for dis- agreement. nn Ladies,how a man treats his mother is a preview of how he's going to treat you in later years.Think about it.Gentlemen,your wife is not "still tied" to her parents, she's just so excited that she found you that she can't stop talking about it to the two people in her life whom she most adores, next to you. Don Clark says, "Mother-in-law jokes never got started in our house;Ethel and I both have the highest respect and regard for each other's mother."Ah,respect,again! Longtime married couples have worked hard to blend families,hers and his,to eventu- al fun celebration times and gatherings where there is"standing room only"for all the fami- ly guests.Not everyone will love Uncle Fred, and chances are good that Aunt Gladys will irritate or offend everyone, but omitting negativity can smooth the way for a family celebration. `6/ - If you have them, love them! Heavy responsibilities exist in raising children—dia- per changing, 2 am feeding, waiting for the teenager to come home,carpooling and chauf- fering,hosting parties,etc.Successful married couples also have respect for, and expect respect from, their children. Children learn best by example how to treat their parents, how to treat their siblings, and how to treat their own children.Family outings are impor- tant "together times." Dixie Woodell said, "We didn't need vacations from our children, we took them with us!" In this month of bridal shows and wed- ding plans remember this: If you keep your promise to love, honor, and cherish, in sick- ness and in health, for better, for worse, for richer,for poorer, until death you shall part, then you have the same chance of celebrating landmark anniversaries like the Woodells and the Clarks. Best wishes to all 1999 newly- weds, and Happy 50th wedding anniversary in 2049! January 1999 mjAIS�L A HISTORY OF WELLBORN BAPTIST CHURCH 1890 - Present The Wellborn Community Wellborn, Texas is located seven miles south of College Station on farm to market road 2154 (originally old Hwy. 6) The best we can decipher is that the community of Wellborn was was founded in 1867 as a railroad construction camp of the H&TC. Wellborn is located in the A.M. McMahon grant and its name was derived from a well at the railroad construction camp, a foreman named E.W. Wellborn and W.W. Wilburn who owned the land in the area before the Civil War. Wellborn grew but was never incorporated as a town or city. The son's of Adam Royder of Rock Prairie were early founders of Wellborn and some of the Royder clan live in Wellborn to this day. By 1990 the community had a community center, a post-office, Wellborn Water Utilities, two grocery store/gas stations, Wellborn Baptist Church, a Masonic Lodge, and a Justice of the Peace Office and curently has other assorted businesses as well. The History of Wellborn Baptist Church (As We Know it) On February 28, 1890, one acre of land was purchased for a church site for Wellborn Baptist Church. A. Hill and his wife Anna Hill conveyed the acre of the land to the trustees of Wellborn Baptist Church. The trustees were: J.M. Atkins, P.L. Barron and George F. Lee. The Trustees paid $40 for the land in the McMahon, Stephen subdivision. (See the Benjamin Graham Map, Vol. 12, page 394 in the deed records in Brazos County). The land conveyed to Wellborn Baptist Church Trustees, is a true copy, found in the Deed of Records in Vol. 11, page 172, 173 in the Brazos County Courthouse. We have no dates when or how soon the first Wellborn Baptist Church was built after the land was purchased in 1890. At this time in history there were quite a number of stores in Wellborn. The community grew very quickly. Wellborn had a cotton gin, jail, stores, and a lumber yard which was operated by Joseph Barrow and his father Thomas Barrow. Joseph Barrow was H&TC station master. In April of 1896 Joseph Barrow was killed by a shot fired through the station window. A few months later his parents, his widow and four children narrowly escaped from their burning home in the middle of the midsummer night. Mrs. Thomas Barrow, however, inhaled a considerable amount of smoke and died of pneumonia. The Barrow family had contributed to the erection of the Wellborn Baptist Church. Mrs. Joseph Barrow had been the organist of the church. The first Wellborn Baptist Church building was destroyed by fire in 1896; the same year the Joseph Barrow home was destroyed by fire. The Barrow family moved to Bryan, abandoning the lumber yard business. It was reported that Thomas Barrow died a year later of a broken heart. The murder of Joseph Barrow, the burning of Thomas Barrows home with his family in it and the burning of the Wellborn Baptist Church were never solved. In 1910 we have recorded the official organizing (or reorganizinjof The Wellborn Baptist Church by Isiah Watson. The people of Wellborn were hard working people and immediately began saving their money to rebuild a church building. In a called business meeting on August 18, 1911 Isiah Watson was chosen as moderator. W.E. Graham as church clerk pro-tem. The Building Committee was called upon to report how much money had been collected and how much money had been subscribed for erecting a new Baptist Church in Wellborn, Texas. It was moved by George F. Lee second by W.E. Graham that the Wellborn Baptist Church authorized two of its deacons, Bro. George Gilbert and Bro. Enoch Holland to contract with Howell Lumber Co. of Bryan, Texas for material to erect a Baptist Church at Wellborn. This was done by order of the conference. The deacons appointed to negotiate with Howell Lumber Co. contracted building materials for $726.50 cash in advance. The balance of the cost was made in a promissory note at 8% interest with the total to be paid October 1, 1912. Howell Lumber Co. took a mechanics lien on the one acre of church property. These proceedings were witnessed by G. W. Gilbert and Enoch Holland and was filed in the Deed of Records, 12/11/1911 signed by W.S. Higgs, BCC, page 161 & 162. Some of the charter members of the church were: Mae Wilson Williams, P.L. Barron, Dr. George F. Lee, Mrs. Bernice Goodyear Lee, Enoch Holland, George Gilbert, Isiah Watson, Mrs. J.J. Jones, J.M. Alkins, W.E. Graham, Herbert Knox, Benjamin Graham and many others totaling 80 charter members in all. In a written statement given February 23, 1958 Gladys Dowling tells us only two charter members were living as of that date: Mrs. Lee and Mrs. J.J. Jones. Others that were part of the fellowship were Laura Wade, Thomas Harvey Royder, Jeff Royder, John Royder. Rev. J.J. Pipkin preached the first sermon in the new church. Mrs. George F. Lee played the organ. Dinner was served at the church On April 29, 1918 additional land was purchased from B.J. Lloyd for the Wellborn Baptist Church. The land joined the one acre of land purchased February 28, 1890. Trustees at that time were J.M Atkins, P.L. Barron and Dr. George F. Lee. The church paid B.J. Lloyd $100.00 for the land. (Recorded in The Deed of Records in Brazos County, Vol. 49, p. 591. On February 5, 1922 Rev. Robert Koller of Waco, Texas came to our church and Sunday School was organized with 25 charter members. Mrs. George F. Lee was the Sunday School Superintendent and W.E. Graham assistant Superintendent. The Wellborn Baptist Church has always supported the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention. In the 1930's the church sent gifts to an orphans home at Thanksgiving: --September 28, 1931 the church sent 33 chicken hens --In 1932, 33 chicken hens and 3 quilts --In 1933, 30 chicken hens and 5 quilts valued at $25 Through the years the church had W.M.U., G.A.'s and R.A.'s. Some of the members that attended the church in the 1930's were: Beatty and Verna Ferguson Barron, Rosie German, Guy and Eulalior Neelley, Mae Foster Yager, Mary Frances Yager, Katie Robinson Hensarling, Miss Ruth Smith, Mr. & Mrs. C.E. Hudnall, Thomas Yager Jr., Martha Williams Bullock, Pearl Eden Arrington, Thomas Wade, Elaine Redman, Mrs John Koerth (Gladys German), Otha and Essie Williams, B.T. Yager, Curtis and Velma McCullock Williams, J.H. Wade, Dorothy Wade, Thelston Williams, Louise Glenn, Wingate and Byrdie Chenault Cooner, Milton Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Cody. The church building was a big one room auditorium heated by a big wood heater in the winter and cooled by raising the church windows in the Spring and Summer. The members also used cardboard fans furnished by a Bryan business for advertising purposes. The church was lit with gasoline lamps until 1937 when the church was provided with electricity. There were no Sunday School rooms. Classes met in different places in the large church room. Later the church put in sliding cloth curtains hung on a cloths line to section off classes. The church had a faithful woman member who walked through pastures with her children to church (five miles one way) every Sunday. In the Winter they brought sack lunches and would stay warm by the big wood heater until the evening services. Church members would take turns carrying them home after the evening services. On May 20, 1945 ten people and Pastor Ed Smith went to Peach Creek to help organize a Sunday School called "The Wellborn Baptist Mission". The organization was formed and set to work. The following were elected for officers and teachers: Mrs. H.L. Allen - Superintendent Mrs. L.S. Barker - Secretary Treasurer Mrs. Tom Barker - Teacher Junior Class - 6 enrolled Mrs. H.L. Allen - Teacher Primary Class - 8 enrolled Mrs. Crenshaw - Teacher Adults - 8 enrolled Mrs. Greer - Teacher Young People - 1 enrolled There were 10 visitors present from Wellborn and an offering of $7.63 plus $4.00 for song books was collected. MisS Francis Dowling contributed $5.00 for the mission. The church minutes show that the mission secretary-treasurer will handle all the funds. On July 22, 1945 Wellborn Baptist Church voted to extend its support to the Peach Creek Mission. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Barker were received for church membership by statement. Mr. and Mrs H.L. Allen came for baptism. The church approved Louis Barker for baptism and afterward into church fellowship. (The baptizing in those days was done in stock tanks and rivers because the church did not have a baptistery) In 1945 a propane gas system was installed in the church building for heating. Some of the members in the 1940's were: Hugh and Gladys Dowling, Mr. & Mrs. L.F. Blair, Lucille Haste Alexander, Mr. & Mrs. Jimmie Parsons, Mr. & Mrs. A.N. (Bob) Carroll, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Nolan, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Redman Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Neelley Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Guy Neelley, J.D. and Minnie Williams, Dan Williams, Milton Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Norwood, Mary Jane Norwood Ryan, Mrs. Lorene Robinson Calvin, Clyde & Catherine Royder Ubernosky, Mack & Lurleen Cooner and J.O. and Nan Ingram Alexander as well as many others... In the year 1950 the church voted to give 10% of the total offerings to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention. The church also purchased new pews for $2700. Church members paid for the pews by purchasing a pew in memory or honor of a loved one and the names were put on the pews and remain to this day. In the early years of the 1950's Jesse Fletcher was pastor and because of church growth and space was needed for more Sunday School an education facility was built on the north side of the church. A large Fellowship Hall, nursery room, kitchen, bathrooms and more Sunday School rooms. The space had air conditioning and heating installed when the building was built. The Church had a large church bell on a tall post in the church yard. The bell was rung fifteen minutes before church services to remind all members from the community of worship. In the year 1958 Ray Head was pastor and again because of growth in the church, it was voted by the church members to tear down the church building that was built in 1911- 1912 and build a new church building with a larger sanctuary, a pastors study, a library room, and more Sunday School spaces, a choir loft, central air conditioning and heating as well as an indoor baptistery. Members of the church and community people tore down the building, cleaned up the lumber and stacked the lumber that could be used in the new church building. They met under the trees in the church yard to accomplish this project. The church materials were furnished by Woodson Lumber Company. The new facility was finished and dedicated on November 23, 1958 in a dedication ceremony at 2:30 p.m.. Ray Head lead a revival meeting in early 1959 and 27 people (quite a few adults) accepted Christ and were baptized in the new baptistery. On October 5, 1964 a letter came from the Houston Baptist College asking for help. The church voted to send them $44.40 a year for ten years. During the 1970's the church recommended and supported James Parish and Larry Driggers as they attended Southwerstern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. They were students at Texas A&M and attended Wellborn Baptist at the time. They both felt called to special ministry and have gone on to missionary work in the home and foreign missions area. In 1972 Bill Ubernosky and his sister, Grace Ubernosky Holsomback gave the church an organ in loving memory of their parents Clyde and Catherine Royder Ubernosky who had recently passed away. In the 1970's the church bought a mobile home and place it near the church building for a parsonage. Later, it was sold because it was not satisfactory for that purpose. In the late 1970's the church bought some land, 10 acres from Mrs. R. Guy Neelley for $3,000 to build a brick house for a parsonage. This also did not prove out to be satisfactory. After that time the church voted to include in the budget a housing allowance for the pastor of the church. Between 1987 - 1990 the church was one of the first participants in the "Adopt A Highway" program. The church took a segment of Wellborn Road for a three year period. Church members volunteered on Saturdays to keep the highway clean of litter. On February 10, 1988 the church voted to help a new mission church named Southwood Baptist Chruch which would later be called Faith Baptist Church. Wellborn gave $1,000 initially and pledged $100 per month for one year. In 1989 the church members in a business meeting agreed to build a new fellowship hall/educational facility that would house a new nursery, three restrooms, a large kitchen and large fellowship hall that could be divided into six temporary classrooms. Brother Vaughn Manning, The Director of Missions for the Creath-Brazos Baptist Association came to our church in January of 1989 and directed us in using the Texas Baptist fund raising program "Giving to Grow" to raise the money for the new building. The church and its members and friends raised $98,000 in cash and pledges toward the purchase price of the new building. Much of the success of the financial campaign can be attributed to the work and management of J.O. Alexander who worked tirelessly with the finance committee. Marek Brothers Construction Co. built the building at a cost of$140, 270.00. The construction and long term loan was taken from First City Bank in Bryan, Texas. The building was completed in March of 1990 and was dedicated at that time. The loan was paid off in full January 1, 1992 and the note was burned May 24, 1992. To aid in the financing the Church became incorporated on March 12, 1989. The Finance Committee for the building consisted of Matt Medlock, Roxanna Boyle, Rev. John Boyle, Florence Neelley, Mack Cooner, and Shirley Willingham. The Building Committee consisted of Evelyn Medlock, Ann Watson-Carnes, Robert Williams, Lurleen Cooner, Robert Beal and Tom Willingham with Clayton Hall as chairperson of the committee and construction foreman. On March 20, 1994 the church voted in a business meeting to aid in paying the indebtedness of Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment. The church chose to pay the equivalent of the cost of one acre of land ($3600) over a three year period ($1200 per year) In August 1994 Mack and Lurleen Cooner gave land located next to Wellborn Grocery and joining the land the Masonic Lodge owns. The lot was a gift to the church to use for church parking, activities, or whatever the church needs the lot for. The transaction is recorded in the Deed of Records, Vol.2193, page 259 in the Brazos county Courthouse. In 1996 a new sound system was purchased for the church sanctuary from donated funds. In 1997 the church sanctuary was enlarged due to the need for more room for worship. The Pastor's Study and Church Library/Secretaries office were opened into the main sanctuary and thirty seats were added. The Churches first Youth Minister was called in 1996. Jason Cupak answered the call. Our pastor at this writing is Rev. John David Boyle. His wife is Roxanna Boyle and they have one daughter, Christine Boyle House. Brother John has been at Wellborn ten years. Our Music Director is Matt Medlock. He and his wife Evelyn, who plays the piano for our worship, have three sons Tony, Alex and James. Matt and Evelyn have been at Wellborn for fifteen years. At the time of this writing we have other faithful members that aid us in worship: Mark Briles on guitar, Jett McFall on bass guitar and Ginny Hobson on flute. Wellborn Baptist gives 13.5% to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention, 3% to Creath-Brazos Baptist Association, 1.5% to Baptist Student Ministries at Texas A&M and 1% to Save Our Streets Ministries. Other mission offerings are made yearly to the Lottie Moon Offering for foreign missions, Annie Armstrong and Mary Hill Davis mission offerings. Funds are provided from private donations for kids to go to camp every year and we also take up food collections for the Brazos Church Food Pantry. This historical document compiled by Lurleen Cooner, July, 1997 Methodist Group "Ilx nlm., J . t'. Present Pirsun KIN", Com. . Fir NI P,,.r,,, sro i)I:m rA HI S ISI' I, If. F. PrriVex M(x)N. F. II Fnurrh I'xr.l•n.r,l„r IunWi IvI.,G �M First ViroPresuleni Fr.%Nmxv . .l ( IN .lrrrrinrn / r.,�,xre. I4o11.1IN. \\'. S. . Serond Vu'oPresidenl NIxoN, S. A. 1 '4xirnurx rd l•xldi, Is% Ji-.xi. .., R M. 1'bird Vfte-Presu/ent FRIIII.xll x. Al x..\\ .. f"kxrrxlnx fit AIf,I I, STINNETr, C. W. . 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