Parkdale Baptist Church
Corpus Christi, Texas
BY SHIRLEY HANDLEY
THE CHURCH HISTORY COMMITTEE
MRS. GEORGE CLARK, JR.
MRS. E. E. HARRISON
MRS. D. W. HANDLEY
CONTENTS
1. Forward
2. Dedication, Preface, Acknowledgements
3. They Had a Dream 1950-1955
4. Born To Preach 1955 - 1958
5. Building A Dream 1959 - 1967
A. A New Day — A New Dream 1968 - 1970
7. "I Remember" By Cleo Pierce, (Charter Member)
8. Women's Missionary Union
9. Roll of Deacons and Trustees
FORWARD
We all owe a debt of gratitude to Mrs. D. W. Handley
for her work in putting together our Parkdale Church History.
For those of us privileged from the beginning to share in the fellowship and ministry of our congregation—since our early days as the Downtown Mission of Corpus Christi's
First Baptist Church—VICTORY HAS CONTINUALLY FOLLOWED VICTORY. We have had our disappointments, frustrations, and temporary defeats. With Paul, we have been "down but not out." The departure of Warren Hultgren and Wallace Rogers, each in its own way, produced times of serious crisis. In and through it all the faithfulness of our Lord has been revealed. His triumph has enabled us to move constantly forward. Today, under the leadership of Frank
Moore, our brightest future lies ahead.
We are a guilty and unclean people. We have not loved God or each other as we should. We have not been Christ's body in the world as we are called. We deserve the judgment of God. Instead, through the death and rising again of our Lord we have forgiveness, love, and light. Before us individually and collectively lies continual repentance, reformation,
and growth—an overcoming life. So the church becomes what it is.
Because we have been perfected in the Cross, we face the future in faith. Our old defeats are dropping away. Our new victories are appearing.
These victories will come first in our deepened personal commitments. Next, they will come in our growing love for each other. Then they will come in caring for the world God loves. Finally, they will come in our faithfulness until death. The conquest has been completed; death is swallowed up in victory.
Parkdale Church is a winner, all the way. Our history captures this triumphant note of Resurrection.
Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood and has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
9 March 1970
Howard Butt, Jr.
Charter Member.
DEDICATION
Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. Malachi 3:16.
Our children's children will be impoverished unless remembrances are made sacred, generous and sacrificial deeds recorded, and our rich heritage made lasting in the memory of those who will follow in the noble work of our church.
Therefore, this book is dedicated not only to the memory of those who have gone before us, but to the coming generations at Parkdale Baptist Church—with the hope that they will feel pride in our history and a renewed loyalty to our church because of the knowledge that although our beginning was humble, God chose to bless us in a way far greater than we could have ever dreamed.
It is our prayer that we will be worthy of the ones gone before and will keep apace of their dedication to Christ's cause here in this place.
PREFACE
I think it important that the members of Parkdale Baptist Church know something of the past in the life of their church. Lack of funds and time made it impossible to write a detailed history of our beloved church. I only wish I could have mentioned the multitude of faithful servants who rendered major service, gave countless hours and sacrificed themselves beyond measure to Christ's cause through Downtown and Parkdale Baptist Church. Of course, this was impossible, so I have sought in my very limited way to put in writing some of the noteworthy happenings, the good times and the bad times experienced down through the twenty-year life span of our church. It was a labor of love.
—Shirley Handley
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The History Committee wishes to thank Mrs. Joe Melton for spending many hours typing the manuscript, Tom Peterson for the artwork, and Mr. Don Cannata for his help and encouragement during the writing of this history.
Dreams are made to feed the soul,
Every dream precedes the goal.
Dreams, the stuff that makes men bold,
A peoples' dream can a world remold.
In March of 1950, the First Baptist Church moved to their new location on Ocean Drive, but a handful of members felt that there should still be a witness for our Lord in the downtown location. The H.E. Butt Foundation purchased the old First Church property at the corner of Mesquite and Taylor Streets in order that this might be accomplished. The First Baptist Church was paid $65,000 for this property. The initial meeting of the group that formed the mission from the First Baptist Church was held on Wednesday, March 22, 1950. There were 17 persons present. The scripture used that night was: "So we built the wall . . . for the people had a mind to work." Nehemiah 4:6
From the very beginning the mission was self-sustaining. Warren C. Hultgren was called as mission pastor. Rev. Hultgren, still a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, commuted from Fort Worth to Corpus Christi every week until May, when he moved his family to Corpus Christi. A warm and enthusiastic young man, his dynamic preaching drew large numbers to the preaching services and the hard work and enthusiasm of the small membership soon led the mission in a growth from 54 members to 364 members in three months.
The following letter to the church family from the pastor was printed in the Sunday bulletin on April 2, 1950:
"WHEN IS A CHURCH GREAT?"
"A church is great when it speaks out to the world through its members of a living, loving, coming Christ. The witness of an individual's life is the most convincing argument for Christianity and the only method of building a great work for our Christ. The motto of the Downtown Baptist Church is:
"In the heart of Corpus Christi, For the hearts of Corpus Christi"
May God strengthen our arm, enlarge our vision, break our hearts, and allow us by His grace to minister to the needs of sin-sick, weary men and women. To this end we join our hands together as we begin our service for our blessed Lord.
"Your Pastor."
THEY BEGAN TO DREAM . . .
Dream of becoming an independent church, and this dream began to materialize when in a business session on June 7, 1950, a petition to become independent was drawn up for the council which would meet and decide the fate of the congregation of the Downtown Baptist Mission. The petition read:
"REASONS FOR ORGANIZATION"
We of the Downtown Baptist Church, a mission-arm of the First Baptist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas, do herein make request of this Council to become an independent Baptist Church cooperating with the General Baptist Convention of Texas for the following reasons: We firmly and sincerely believe that there is a definite need for a downtown Baptist Church in our city.
1. We feel that the providential way in which the former site of the First Baptist Church was made available to us is indication of God's pleasure in the matter.
2. We have come to feel through consultation with other pastors and a growing personal conviction on the part of our people, that the time is ripe to request the action of this Council in establishing us as a Church.
Therefore, was acted upon in business session June 7, 1950.
/s/Mrs. Joe B. Williams,
Secretary."
This dream became a reality on Sunday, June 11, 1950. The following statement, written by the pastor, Dr. Warren Hultgren, was printed in the church bulletin.
"This afternoon at 2:30 a council is being called to hear our request to become an independent Baptist Church
. . . we feel that God has led us in a divine way to this point . . . May God give to us a strong and sincere sense of mission as we minister `in the heart of the city for the hearts of the city'."
Fifty-four members were at this meeting and the Downtown Baptist Church was organized into a cooperating Baptist Church with 107 Charter members. Those on the Organizing Council were:
John T. Frazier (West Heights Baptist), N. Ray Harrill (Calvary Baptist), A. H. Wilcox (First Baptist), G. C. Kenyan, F. Kendall, Earl Hill, H. Davis, Fred Martin, B. S. Stockard, J. O. Folkes, G. I. Norris, R.R. Lloyd, J. W. Caldwell (Lindale Baptist), Martin H. Jones, Victor L. Nichols, L. S. Cole, L. S. Rice, Gerald N. Smith, Jesse L. Burton, E. Barsugho, Almon D. Norris, G. S. Meyer, James Roy Clark.
The first church conference of the Downtown Baptist Church was held Wednesday evening, June 14, 1950, and the following minutes were taken:
"June 14, 1950
"The following recommendations made by the board of deacons were read and approved by the church in conference June 14, 1950: "First: That on each Wednesday night we take an offering for benevolence. "Second: That 10% of all money received each month be sent to the Cooperative Program.
"Third: That we hire a babysitter for the nursery for Wednesday night and both services on Sunday.
"Fourth: That we change the time of our evening services from 7:45 to 8:00 p.m.
"Mr. E. H. Pierce stated that next Sunday morning we are to start a Young People's Department — a young men's class, young women's class, and a young couples' class. He invited all young people to come and to invite friends. He also said that we would have Fellowship after church Sunday night with the following people furnishing refreshments: Punch, Mr. and Mrs.E. H. Pierce, sandwiches or cookies, Mrs. Segrest, Mrs. Hayworth and Eleanor Butt.
"Attendance-39"
O June 25, 1950, a full graded Sunday School was organized with 196 enrolled and Mr. E. H. Pierce as Superintendent. A mission of First Baptist Church meeting in David Hirsch Elementary School was absorbed into the Downtown Baptist Sunday School.
At a church conference on July 5, 1950, a financial report was given to the church showing cash receipts from March 27 to July 5, 1950, as being $5,591.81, total disbursements $2,452.00, leaving a balance on hand of $3,139.01. The Building Fund balance was given as $1,276.59.
In a church conference on August 23, 1950, plans to remodel the building, sanctuary, choir loft and the basement were discussed, and pledges were taken that evening to raise $5,000.00 for this purpose. These plans were carried out in the fall of 1950 when extensive redecorating was done, the choir loft and baptistry rearranged, pews refinished, and new carpet, drapes, and windows were installed in the sanctuary. A piano and organ were purchased, and the basement fellowship room replastered and painted. This was done at a cost of $7,200.00.
On August 24, 1950, a Woman's Missionary Society was organized with 22 charter members. Mrs. R. O. Tackett was elected President.
On September 6, 1950, the church voted to hire Professor Parker as organist at a salary of $50.00 per month. At this same conference, Mr. Howard Butt, Jr., and Rev. Hultgren were authorized as a committee to find an Education Music Director. On September 13, 1950, Mr. Butt reported that after much investigation and prayer, he and Rev. Hultgren recommended Mr. Bill McGraw to come to the Downtown Baptist Church as Education-Music Director at a salary of $300.00 per month plus a house to live in. This recommendation was adopted.
At a church conference on December 6, 1950, Mr. E. H. Pierce, Sunday School Superintendent, reported an enrollment in Sunday School of 275, and Mr. McGraw reported a Training Union enrollment of 44. At this conference a budget of $26,800.00 was adopted for the year 1951. This budget included $4,800.00 for a Building Fund, and the Church Treasurer was authorized "to place $400.00 in some reliable interest-paying banking firm each month as a building fund account."
On June 1, 1951, the Downtown Baptist Church held their first Vacation Bible School with 100 enrolled, 70 boys and girls, and 30 faculty. Mr. McGraw wrote the following comments on the Vacation Bible School Report:
"This was our first school and we approached it carefully and prayerfully as any church that is only eleven months old would. A thoroughly prepared faculty, ready weeks before we began, made the school pleasant for everyone. I'm sold on preparation. Our Commencement was as fine as I've ever seen. We used just what we did in our periods of study together. The parents were thrilled. Some remarked they didn't know what went on in V.B.S., but that their children were coming next year."
Enthusiasm and excitement were still at a peak as the first year of this new church came to a close. The Lord was still blessing as the pastor preached to a capacity congregation every Sunday. His timely messages reached out to people from all walks of life—bankers, housewives, newspaper boys, retired opera singers, lawyers, high school and university students, yes, the "up and out" and the "down and out" too, but all lost, some with haunted eyes, all searching and seeking and coming to hear the young man in an old pulpit tell them eloquently, yet simply, of a God reaching out to them through His Son. They came, they listened, and some gave their hearts to Christ and stayed on to serve Him.
The people were blessed with outstanding guest speakers during this first year. They had the privilege of hearing such men as Dr. Harry Marko, Dr. Mervin E. Rosen, Charles Wellborn, and Buckner Fannin. Some of those who came to enrich souls with music and beautiful singing were Dick Baker, Ernie Wells, Frank Boggs, and Jimmie Davis.
The church grew in membership to 489 in 1951. Because of its unique location, strangers were in every service, and many joined to strengthen the church and were drawn into the bosom and closeness of the small group who had joined hands and hearts to build the nucleus of a great church. The church continued to be a beehive of activity and became the social as well as the worship center for most of the membership. Truly, the church was "a family" with problems—not just the responsibility of one or two—but the concern of all.
Among the guest speakers coming to bless and delight the church family during this year, 1951, was Miss Eunice Short who spoke at the Young People's Sweetheart Banquet in February. In April, a revival was held with Charles Well-born preaching, assisted by David Christiansen and Jimmy Davis. Rev. Charles B. Henry, missionary to Mexico, was a guest speaker for one service in May. A Bible Conference was held the last week in August under the leadership of Dr. E. F. Hallock, a noted pastor, Bible teacher, and author. On October 31, 1951, Dr. W. R. White, president of Baylor University, spoke at a special Ordination Service of the new deacons.
November 18 through 24 was the date for a revival at the Downtown Baptist Church with Dr. James McGinlay of Glasgow, Scotland, and Brooklyn, New York, coming to preach. Dr. Hultgren said of him, "He is undoubtedly one of the outstanding preachers living today." The people were asked to "save all those days for the Savior, that he may save precious souls." In the summer a good group of our young people, accompanied by the pastor and several sponsors, attended the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment. A representative group from the church attended the Training Union Convention in Lubbock, the Southern Baptist State Convention in Houston, and a large group participated in the Associational Workshops and the City-Wide Revival held in Corpus Christi in 1951.
In May, the following paragraph was published in a church bulletin:
"Congratulations to Rev, and Mrs. W. C. Hultgren upon the arrival of their son, Warren C. Hultgren, Jr., and to Mr. and Mrs. Bill McGraw upon the arrival of their son, William E. McGraw, Jr. Both others and sons are doing fine, and the fathers are expected to live."
It was the beginning of the fiscal year in October of 1951 that the church voted to assume the debt of the building from the H. E. Butt Foundation. Arrangements were made to raise $20,000.00 in cash and a note was given for the balance. The adopted budget for the year October 1951 to October 1952 was $50,495.00.
"It is not an accident that God has placed our church in the strategic position it occupies. We want ever to identify ourselves with a growing city, never losing sight of the fact that if our city and nation is to be great, it is the same message we proclaim from this pulpit that will help make it so."
—Downtown Church Bulletin, May 4, 1952.
Because of the location of the church, the pastor and congregation did try to minister to the city as a whole and not to just a corner or section of town. Rev. Hultgren spent many hours speaking to various civic and community organizations, as well as to many churches throughout the city. He was much in demand, and this made it necessary for him to arrive at his study in the early morning hours so that he might have several hours of quiet time to study without interruption. The church was truly a sanctuary and source of help and comfort for the many who came through its doors daily.
Not only has the church tried to serve in their own community, but through foreign and home emphasis had led the people to be "mission-minded" and aware of the needs of all peoples everywhere. Dr. Robert Harris was appoint-ed a missionary supported by the Downtown Baptist Church in February of 1952. The pastor announced this through a letter to the congregation:
"We have often said from the pulpit that one of the best ways to determine the effectiveness of a Church program is to notice its missionary interest. There is no question about the fact that the primary function of a New Testament Church is Missions. As we are faithful in our Mission emphasis, we will be successful in other areas of Christian interest. "This week marks one of the most significant in the history of our Church. The Foreign Mission Board appointed us a full-time worker. He will be supported through our Lottie Moon offering. This week a check for $2,000.00 went from our Church office to pay his first year's salary. The coming of Dr. Robert Harris to our Church staff (even though serving in Lima, Peru), is made further significant by the fact that he was the first missionary ever to speak in the Downtown Baptist Church.
"I sincerely hope that this will be the beginning of a large missionary interest whereby our Church will share directly in the great commission of our Christ."
After Mr. McGraw's resignation, the search was begun for another Educational-Music Director. On March 9th the Sunday Order of Service announced:
"Welcome Mr. McLaughlin"
"We are happy to have our new Educational-Music Director with us officially this Sunday. We have been looking forward to his coming and feel that God has sent him our way. As per our agreement, Mr. McLaughlin will commute to the Seminary in Fort Worth until the first of May, when he will begin his work full time. His family, however, will be moving into the Educational Director's home the first week of April. We welcome him as "a man sent from God" and pledge him our prayers and co-operation. "This day, March 9th, was also the first day of a week's revival with Dr. Vance Havner, preaching, and Bill MacDougall leading the singing. Rev. Hultgren had told the congregation: "We will have in our church this week one of the finest privileges we have ever had to receive untold spiritual blessing and strengthening for our own lives. We will also have an opportunity of inviting the lost and un-enlisted into an atmosphere that is charged with prayer and to sit under a ministry anointed by God. I am anxious that all of us dedicate ourselves to doing our best and being at our best for this strategic week in the life of our church family Aside from the fact that I personally am depending upon you and your faithful support—God is depending upon you." This revival did prove to be a rich and encouraging experience in the life of the church.
Easter Sunday, April 6, 1952, was a great day for the church—an auditorium filled to capacity in the morning service and that evening, Miss Jaxie Short thrilled hearts as she told of her experience as a missionary in China.
Because of the great preaching heard from this pulpit, not only from the pastor, but from the distinguished guest speakers, a large number of students from the University of Corpus Christi and Del Mar College were drawn to the church. In 1952, fifteen licensed ministers were members of Downtown Baptist Church, and in 1953 this number had grown to twenty-six. Most of these men were students at the University of Corpus Christi.
A significant mark of growth in the life of our church was the addition to the staff of Miss Margaret Ann Rogers, in May 1952. She served as supervisor of the work in the Young People's and Intermediate Departments in every organization.
Our pastor was much encouraged at this time by the announcement in the BAPTIST STANDARD that the Downtown Baptist Church ranked No. 1 in our Association in per capita giving to mission causes the first six months of this year. He said: "We have a `peculiar situation' in that we are trying hard to improve the physical equipment of church that has been in a state of disrepair. On the other hand, I am of the firm and unshaken conviction that God will bless us here at home in direct proportion as we are faithful in giving to others."
The summertime was the usual busy time for the church. The Second Annual Birthday Picnic was held Saturday, May 8. This was an old-fashioned affair with baseball games, sack races and lots of good food and laughter. At dusk, the church family gathered children together and went home with the good. feeling that God had showered another year of blessings upon them.
Lou Evans and Colleen Townsend Evans of Hollywood, California, came for a week's revival in the fall. The Pastor invited the people to come "hear the most dramatic Christian testimony of this generation!"
In the Annual Letter to the Association for the year 1951-1952, it was reported that the church membership was 508, the gifts to Missions totaled $12,442.59, and the total gifts to the Church were $66,226.12.
The old year ended with a Watch-Night Service on New Year's Eve. The pastor called for the congregation to kneel at the altar and end the year with a prayer of thanksgiving for God's goodness.
If there is one over-all theme to describe the year 1953, it would be STUDY, for that year John McLaughlin and the pastor led the teachers, church officers, and congregation in so many training programs and study clinics they are too numerous to mention.
The first major event on the Church calendar was Bible Study Week in January. The pastor directed a study in the book of Philippians to an enrollment of 225 each evening. There were Sunday School Clinics, conventions, study courses, backyard study groups, planning meetings, conferences and rallies throughout the year all well attended.
Early in the year at an HOUR OF POWER as the prayer meeting was called in those days Rev. and Mrs. George Wilson, missionaries, spoke of their work among the Indians. It was announced at this service that the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions totaled $19,000.00 and that the offering would remain open until January 31. Designated gifts from a family in the church to missionary causes made up a large portion of this offering.
A step forward was made in April. A new parsonage at 718 Indiana was purchased and the pastor and his family were able to enjoy a larger, more comfortable home. Up until this time, the parsonage had been rented.
Shortly after this, Rev. Hultgren had the opportunity to take an extensive tour through 17 countries in the Middle East. The deacons wanted the church to have a part in this trip and it was decided that a fund for this would be included in a special offering to be pledged April 19. On that day, the following letter was sent to the membership:
"SPECIAL OFFERING TODAY"
"This is the day our church will make a special offering of cash and pledges to retire a portion of our indebtedness. Included in this offering will be $5,000 to cover the down payment on our church's parsonage, $3,000 to finance our pastor's tour of the Holy Land, and $15,000 to reduce our church debt.
"Because of the crowded conditions existing in some departments now, and anticipating the growth of our Sunday School in this next year, it is imperative that we do our best in this offering to reduce the principal and interest of our loan. "It is suggested that each person make an offering over and above his regular gifts, of cash or a pledge to be paid over the next eight months. By giving `on the installment,' a person can make a worthy contribution.
"Consider prayerfully the opportunity we have in this downtown location and what God would have you do for Kingdom work in this place as you make your
offering today." The church welcomed their pastor home on June 7, 1953, following his eight-week extended and highly specialized tour of Europe, the Middle East and the Holy Land. Touring with him were Dr. Warren Walker, pastor of the Second Baptist Church, three other ministers and two laymen. Dr. Hultgren's message on that day was entitled "Touring a Worried World." The
Second Baptist Church and Downtown Baptist Church held a combined evening service at Del Mar Auditorium with messages from both Dr. Walker and Dr. Hultgren. Two weeks later a week of unusual significance was experienced as the pastor preached a series of messages based on his tour. The first message was entitled, "THE VOICE OF ISRAEL--ANCIENT AND MODERN."
A noteworthy event in the life of the church was experienced as Rev. Olan Runnels was ordained to the Gospel Ministry. A group of 33 messengers comprising 14 churches formed themselves into a presbytery at the Downtown Baptist Church for this purpose. The examination was conducted by Rev. Earl Hill, the Ordination Prayer was led by Dr. N. C. Bettis of the University of Corpus Christi, the sermon was delivered by the pastor, Rev. W. C. Hultgren, after which the right hand of fellowship was given to Rev. Runnels by those present.
Howard E. Butt, Jr., was guest preacher several times this year as he had been numerous times before. Mr. Butt was always willing to step in in the absence of the pastor, and on special occasions, and always inspired and moved the congregation with a timely message. Incident-ally, he is still doing this 20 years later. Other guest speakers throughout the year were: Dr. Roy C. McGlamery, medical missionary to Columbia; Dr. N. C. Bettis, supply pastor while Rev. Hultgren was on tour; Cowboys for Christ, athletes from Hardin-Simmons University; Mr. Culberson, President of Moody Bible Institute; Mrs. J. H. Dean, State Training Union Worker; Rev. I. E. Gonzales, First Mexican Baptist Church; Dr. R. A. Springer; and Dr. Sam Morris. In the summer the Adult Department expanded into two departments: Adult I, ages 25-34, with 62 members; Adult II, ages 35-up, with 108 members. A Young Married People's Department had been organized the year before and had a present membership of 63. In September, the nursery was enlarged to accommodate 17 beds and two play areas. Rev. and Mrs. Bill Dyal, missionary appointees, were guests of the church on August 9. Rev. Dyal brought a warm-hearted message at the evening service. They left the States on August 23 for a year's study in Language School in Costa Rica, then they were stationed in Guatemala. Music had always been a beautiful and important part of the worship services at Downtown Baptist Church. Mr. McLaughlin was not only a capable minister of education but a fine musician as well. The church was blessed with many musically talented members and the choir would have been a credit to any church. The congregation enjoyed the singing of the male quartet, the girls' trio, and Mr. McLaughlin's solos were always inspiring. The influx of University of Corpus Christi students in the fall was always a welcome happening. This year 56 of these students came in-to the church fellowship. Needless to say this filled the Young People's Department to capacity, but the vitality and inspiration they brought overshadowed the cramped quarters and the scurry for more teachers and extra chairs. For several months the deacons had been discussing the possibility of purchasing a bus—primarily to transport students to and from the University of Corpus Christi. In August, Mr. E. H. Pierce reported that an unusual bargain had been located in Abilene—a 28-passenger bus, in good condition, could be bought for only. $200. Mr. E. E. Harrison donated the needed $200—the bus was promptly purchased and put to good use.
The people were concerned over the number of children and adults living between the church and the Bascule Bridge who were not being reached by our Sunday School. This was made a matter of prayer by the congregation and a committee was appointed to search for a suitable location in that area for a mission. In October, a building was rented at 313 Brewster Street and was named the Brewster Street Mission to be fully sponsored by the Downtown Baptist Church. A Sunday School was started and staffed by volunteers from the Downtown Baptist Church with ministerial students from the University of Corpus Christi doing the preaching until Rev. Tom Clawson, a member of Downtown Baptist, was called to be the pastor. The Christmas Cantata, "The Christ Child", was presented by the choir under the direction of Mr. McLaughlin. Soloists were: Mrs. Martha Crane, Mrs. Robert Bradley, Mrs. Grant Howard, Mr. John Coffman, Mr. Grant Howard, Mrs. T. W. Anderson, and Dr. L. R. Daniel.
The Watch Night Service was held as usual on New Year's Eve. Many participated in an interesting evening, which included refreshments and a period of spiritual emphasis and consecration led by the pastor.
On January 20, 1954, the church received a letter of resignation from Mr. John McLaughlin. He said in part:
"It is with considerable difficulty and deep regret that I come to the moment of announcing to you that I have accepted the call of the First Baptist Church of Lufkin, Texas, as Director of Music and Education. Out of several weeks of careful and prayerful consideration of the work there, following my visit in December, I am convinced that God is definitely leading me in that direction.
I will continue my work here through Sunday, February 14. It will be hard for us to leave so many friends and the wonderful aspects of the church here. But a spiritual conviction as deep as the one that led us here is motivating our decision to take up this new work." /s/ John McLaughlin.
The church realized that God does call men on to other places of service, but it was particularly difficult to "give up" John and Movita McLaughlin. They had endeared themselves to so many as they faithfully served the Lord and His Church at the corner of Mesquite and Taylor Streets in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Intense preparation had been in the making for several weeks prior to the revival scheduled for January 10 through 17. Buckner Fanning, acclaimed to be a dynamic Bible preacher, and Eddy Nicholson, soloist, composer, and song leader, came to lead the church during this week. The Church Order of Service for January 17 reported, "We are experiencing a genuine revival." Just because the year 1953 had ended study did not end for the folks at Downtown Baptist Church. A city-wide Sunday School Training School was held in the church with Dr. T. D. McCulloch of Dallas directing the study.
THE DOWNTOWN BAPTIST, a four-page 8x10 publication, was mailed to the Church Family starting in the spring of 1954. This publication contained the message from the Pastor; Mr. George Wilcox, Music Director; Mr. E. H. Pierce, the Sunday School Superintendent; the Woman's Missionary Union. the Training Union; and timely promotional material about the church work. Many letters were received from Robert and Mary Lillian Harris in Peru, and these were shared with the Church Family through THE DOWNTOWN BAPTIST.
Early in March, Mr. George Wilcox became the new Music Director. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox were soloists and with his training and experience, the church felt God's leadership and favor in having him fill this position.
On March 21, the church began its third annual Bible Conference. The speaker and teacher for the week was Dr. Roy L. Laurin, Pastor, Eagle Rock Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Laurin had distinguished himself through five years of continual daily broadcasting on a California network and the author of 12 expository books dealing with the New Testament Epistles.
Mrs. Halouise Wilcox sang "The Crucifixion" by Curran at the Easter Worship Service. She sang it so beautifully and the congregation was so moved it became somewhat a "standard" for the church and she was requested to sing it again and again in the years to come.
A many-talented young man by the name of Roy Stewart was employed early in the spring to serve as Educational Secretary and Young People's Director. His first big job was leading the Vacation Bible School Workshop. Many of the young people will remember Mr. Stewart's artistic talent from the large murals lining two walls of Fellowship Hall depicting Japanese Gardens. These murals were used at a Japanese banquet for the young people. Not only was the background music and decorations truly Japanese, the W.M.U. ladies who served wore authentic Japanese costumes.
At the June Commencement of the University of Corpus Christi, the pastor received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree. The church was pleased and proud that he should be honored in this way. Dr. Hultgren was the first to receive such a degree from the University.
Brewster Street Mission held their first Vacation Bible School the latter part of June. Mrs. George Clark, Jr., and Mrs. Alma Jones were in charge, assisted by Misses Zoe Harmon and Ruby Martin from the Home Mission Board. The church expressed its thanks and appreciation to these women for their dedication and the "plain hard work" that went into making this school a success. Sixty boys and girls were enrolled.
In June, the congregation was asked to start praying for our revival scheduled for July 25 through August 1. They were asked to pray especially that "the Lord would lead lost people to hear the message that God will send our way." Dr. W. Fred Swank, pastor of the Sagamore Hill Baptist Church, Fort Worth, "a real soul winner and soul-inspiring preacher," led in those eight days of Revival Emphasis. On August 1, Radio Station KWBU began broadcasting the 11 o'clock Worship Service. Several ministerial students and men from the church began holding services in the County Jail during the summer of this year. This gave our men insight into the needs of others and a chance to witness of God's love. It was reported to the church that several of the men there looked forward each week to the service and had begun to shave and "fix up" for those coming to preach and sing each Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The Lord continued to bless the church "of humble beginnings" for the church membership totaled 730 at the end of this year. Sixty-three people had come for baptism and 227 by letter. A total of 550 were enrolled in Sunday School. The total gifts to the church were $67,595.30 and the total gifts sent for missions were $17,908.20.
About a year before, the church had felt a great sense of responsibility to a large number of folks who were not attending church and Sunday School anywhere. For a while $20 a week was spent to send a city bus out to the Breakers Hotel and North Beach and back. This did not work out well and the Missions Committee then decided to rent the lower floor of a two-story house on Brewster Street and established the Brewster Street Mission. Within a few months we could see that this space was inadequate. It was costing $50 a month plus utilities for three small rooms and a screened porch. God led us to find a perfect location—built exactly for our use at 1429 Mesquite. The rent was $90 per month. The name was changed to Central Baptist Chapel. The building had a large auditorium and three classrooms. It was painted, ceiling fans added, a platform and windows installed, electrical work done, and a sign erected. Within weeks there were several additions for baptism. Tom Clawson, the Mission Pastor, was largely responsible for this growth. He was said to be
"a good preacher and a hard worker for the Lord." The Church family was asked to pray "that God would greatly prosper this, His work, through our church.
The crowded conditions were almost more than could be coped with at the Downtown Baptist Church because of the tremendous growth in its few short years of existence. A building fund had been started from the beginning, and now it was time to think seriously of expansion. The deacons appointed a Survey Committee to study the needs and they were asked to bring a recommendation for expansion in the near future. A little later the deacons recommended to the church that the vacant property at the corner of Lower Broadway and Taylor be purchased for $12,000. The recommendation was adopted, and the lot purchased.
Prominent men continued to fill the pulpit on special occasions and for revivals. Dr. M. D. Oates, a medical missionary from Peru, spoke at a morning worship service. He worked with our own missionaries, Robert and Mary Lillian Harris, and so brought first-hand knowledge of their work, and special greetings from them. Dr. W. H. Colson, new City Missionary (his title in those days), preached for us several times. He was a good preacher, but it was impossible to know at that time what a tremendous power he would be for the Lord and Baptists in Corpus Christi. He also proved himself a true friend to Downtown Baptist Church. Dr. Mery Rosell was scheduled for a revival on November 14. The pastor wrote the church family:
"There is no more fitting or God-honoring way to begin a new church year than with a Revival. Revivals are persistent throughout the Bible. They bring to the Christian, seasons of Spirit Refreshing. There is not one of us, including the preacher, but who needs a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit upon us.
I'm going to ask you to do several things, first: Will you pray definitely every day for the meeting. Secondly, will you promise God to be here at every service. Third, will you dedicate yourself to bringing someone with you to every service.
"Don't underestimate the blessing Christ can be to your life and the lives of others through this week of special services!" There were many, many spiritually uplifting times, but there were lots of times of fun and laughter, too. The old fellowship hall rang regularly with gaiety and excitement for both young and old. The young people's banquets were always "sights to behold." The pastor's secretary was also the Superintendent of the Young People's Department, and she had no qualms what-soever about asking EVERYONE for help. Can one ever forget Joe Forbes, perspiration dripping off his brow, as he sawed and hammered the last of 20 stands for bare mesquite trees, looking up and saying, "But you didn't tell me there was this much to do." Of course he worked another day spraying the trees white as the secretary followed, sprinkling them with silver glitter. Oh, but it was worth it—to see them sparkle and glisten in the candlelight at the Christmas Fairyland Banquet that year!
No matter how much time the pastor spent in outside revivals, serving his denomination, or speaking before civic groups, he never neglected his church or his "preaching." He led people to Christ and the church, put them to work. He promoted tithing, stewardship and Bible study. The church prospered and grew spiritually. As Dr. Hultgren completed his fifth year as under shepherd, he announced that he had accepted the call of the Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles, Louisiana. In his last message to the church family, he said: "The unique way this church was born and the unusual circumstances under which we began our first full-time pastorate have given you a special place in our hearts. My life and that of my family is infinitely richer because of these five fruitful years in the heart of this growing city."
In his five years of leadership, "Preacher" could rejoice in a solidified church membership and a people able, with God's help, to meet any crisis.
It would have been easier to "cry a lot" but there was work to be done—a challenge to be met! Mr. E. H. Pierce and Howard Butt, Jr., were elected co-chairmen of the Pulpit Committee. Others on this committee were: Lloyd Ramby, John Coffman, and David Harris.And thus we began our prayerful search for a new pastor. The six months we were without a pastor were trying times. Some, unable to see a future for Downtown Baptist Church, or who had built their lives around a man, left to place their membership in other churches. But most were willing to work a little harder, pray more, and "go the second mile."
We had good preaching, too! Dr. Jack MacGorman, Associate Professor of New Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and then, later, Rev. Milton Ferguson, commuted to Corpus Christi by air each week to be our interim pastor. Dr. N. C. Bettis, Professor at the University of Corpus Christi, was our preacher on Wednesday evenings. All three men ministered well to the needs of the people.
Our Pulpit Committee traveled far and wide, certainly not willing to take second best, for their trust was in God and they knew He had the EXCEPTIONAL MAN for us.
AND HE DID! . . . Dr. Wallace R. Rogers, "the man with the golden heart," came to preach for us on July 31, 1955, and then accepted our call to him on August 20, 1955, with this telegram:
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE DOWNTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH:
After prayerful consideration, I have decided to accept the call of the Downtown Baptist Church and am looking forward to working with you and having fellowship with you.
Mrs. Rogers, Jane and Ann are all very happy over my decision.
My faith in the strategic mission of the Downtown Baptist Church is strong. It is my desire to give of my best with you as we build together for the Master.
/s/ Wallace R. Rogers
The arrival date for our new pastor was September 18, 1955, and there was work to be done. Dust cloths, mops, brooms, and polishing cloths were much in evidence around the church prior to the coming of Dr. Rogers, his wife, Aline, and two pretty daughters, Jane and Ann. Soon after the new pastor arrived in Corpus Christi, the church began to "hum" with renewed activity. He soon endeared himself to both young and old. He wrote in one of his very first Pastor's Paragraphs: "We want to be of service in every part of our city and to every strata of society. May God help us at Downtown Church to know neither rich nor poor, famous or obscure, but rather may He help us to open wide our doors and hearts to all men in the Name of Christ. I have been impressed by two remarkable things. I have been impressed by the number of you who bring your Bibles to Worship services and who follow me as I read and preach from God's Word. And I have been impressed by the large number who bow in prayer as I give the invitation. God will honor these prayers. The Holy Spirit will warm the hearts of our people and our visitors when we have dozens praying as we sing. Thank you for all that you mean in the worship service of our Church." It had been the usual "busy Baptist Summer" with Vacation Bible School, both at the church and at the mission; the annual Birthday Picnic; also Baptist Encampment; and for our Music Director, George Wilcox, and his wife a trip to Glorieta Baptist Assembly for Music Week. Saturday night continued to be the time our youth gathered in fellowship hall for lots of fun, games, and refreshments. The sponsors always had a good time, too!
Many fine young service men, mostly "Navy boys," were counted among our members. They made the church their "home away from home," usually coming in from the base on Saturday morning and truly making themselves useful. Earlier in the year, a storage room had been set aside for their use as a locker. It turned out that Dr. Rogers was "partial" to the Navy as he had held pastorates in Pensacola, Florida, and Charleston, South Carolina, both "Navy towns," so he was happiest when "his boys" were around.
Inasmuch as these men could not get back to the base in time for the noon meal if they stayed for worship service on Sunday, a luncheon was prepared for them at church. Often as many as 20 young men could be found enjoying this delicious meal, made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Howard E. Butt, Sr.Rev. Tom Clawson had graduated from the University of Corpus Christi in August. He resigned his pastorate of Central Baptist Chapel to enroll in the fall term at Golden Gate Seminary The Mission Committee—J. D. Stephenson, chairman, Franklin Peck, G. C. McMichael, and Mrs. Ralph Miller—began their search for another mission pastor. They felt God's leadership toward Rev. Jimmy Wood, a ministerial student at the University of Corpus Christi, and he was called as interim pastor. He later filled this post full time.
In November, a presbytery met with Rev. Wood and Dr. Rogers and recommended to the church that Rev. Jimmy A. Wood be ordained to the Gospel Ministry. This ordination took place on January 11, 1956.
Earl Harrison, Mike Smith, Calvin McCarter, Ronello Knightly, Charles Chestnutt, and Franklin Jeffus, all fine young men and faithful members, felt calls to the ministry and were licensed to preach by Downtown Baptist Church in 1955. Earl is the son of one of our deacons, Mr. E. E. Harrison and Mrs. Harrison. God had called Charles to be a missionary, and Calvin had "grown up" in Downtown Baptist Church and is now a Chaplain in Florida.
Our pastor was no doubt astounded, but pleased, as on one Sunday shortly after his arrival 27 University of Corpus Christi students presented themselves for membership. He loved young people and felt "right at home" with them. He could not have been more delighted at this opportunity to be their friend and pastor. November was absolutely full of every-member canvassing, tithing emphasis, budget proposals, and all the "things" and meetings preliminary to the adoption of a new budget. All went well and the budget adopted totaled $70,398.
In looking back at the calendar of activities for December 1955, one wonders when the ladies found time to do their Christmas shopping! Every Sunday School Department had a party, the young people had a party, a hayride, and a banquet. The Week of Prayer for Foreign Missions was well attended, and the regular activities went on as usual.
Christmas was on Sunday that year and our 11 a.m. worship service and the Student Night at Christmas gave opportunity for the church family to pause, count blessings and renew their faith in the PRINCE OF PEACE
"We need a revival." These words were heard more and more often around the church. This need was fulfilled when Tom Haggai came to preach for us in the spring of 1956. Rev. Haggai was not only a great preacher but a warm-hearted man who quickly endeared himself to our people—we felt as though we had known him for years—and isn't this the way it should be with Brothers in Christ? Souls were won to Christ, and he left the people refreshed and with a renewed spirit.
We appreciated Tom Haggai even more when he said of our pastor, "God gave him an oversized heart and a refreshing humility." (Wish I'd said that!)
We were pleased to have Howard E. Butt, Jr., preach for us in July, and fortunate, too, as he had become world-renowned and much in demand. By our request, he preached the same sermon he had used at the Southern Baptist Convention in Kansas City. Dr. Rogers said of him, "This prophet is honored even in his own hometown."
Another welcomed guest speaker was Dr. R. O. Cawker, beloved former pastor of the First Baptist Church in the 1930s and 1940s, who preached for us one Sunday in June. Dr. Rogers said of Dr. Cawker, "I like Orville Cawker; you always know where he stands."
In June, we were pleased to hear that the Foreign Mission Board had assigned another missionary couple, Dr. Samuel Lee and Ona Jones, to our church. Dr. Jones wrote this letter to us:
"In a recent letter which I received from our Foreign Mission Board; I was informed that the Downtown Baptist Church of Corpus Christi has undertaken my full support as a missionary of the Board. I am deeply grateful for this and feel greatly honored. I count it a privilege to represent the Lord and
Southern Baptists in the work here in this part of the world. It is my prayer that the Lord will richly bless every individual who is helping to make this possible. I hope that I can be worthy of the confidence placed in me as I try to witness for our Lord here in Southern Rhodesia . . . "
Yes, dared to dream of a spacious, adequate building where the needs of a multitude could be met, and our people began praying in earnest for God's will and direction in seeking a new location. A lot on Lower Broadway was considered and we envisioned a church there with a bridge from the second floor to Upper Broadway. This idea was scrapped later as "impractical."
Property on Shoreline was also considered. It was very expensive and some wondered if it would still be inconvenient for our people to reach as most of them lived in the south part of the city.
In a special business session on June 3, 1956, the church heard the proposal from The Caller Times Publishing Company that they buy our property at the corner of Mesquite and Taylor for the sum of $125,000. Mr. Clyde Faulk, cochairman of our Building Committee made the motion that we accept this proposal. This motion was seconded by Lloyd Ramby. After lengthy discussion, Mr. Howard E. Butt, Sr., made the motion that this be amended to read, "that the church property be sold at the best terms possible." This amended motion carried. Under this proposal from the Caller-Times, we would occupy the buildings free of rent for two years and retain the furniture and fixtures. In August the property was sold to The Caller-Times for $125,000, $30,000 of the purchase price was to be a donation.
At this same meeting on June 3, a motion was made and carried that we buy 15 acres of land at 3800 South Staples Street for $52,000. This motion carried. Later, the final figure paid for this property was $54,307 for 16 acres. This included the lot for the Dody Street entrance purchased from Swantner and Gordon for $1.00.
Parkdale Baptist Church will always be grateful and thank God for Dr. W. H. Colson and his part in enabling us to purchase the 16 acres where our church stands today. He knew about the property and through his ingenuity and business knowledge, we were able to purchase this site—the site we still believe to be the most strategically located property in Corpus Christi. God had heard our prayers! A dream come true! And the "people praised Him and rejoiced!" We were truly "walking on air" over this blessing and most of us found time to drive by 3800 South Staples almost daily. Dr. Rogers expressed some of this elation in one of his pastor's letters:
"We were walking over the new property for our church on South Staples, Dr. Handley and I, and somehow he managed to lose his tie clasp. As we left without recovering it, he said, `I know there is gold in this property.' That was a facetious remark concerning his tie clasp, but he and I and all of us feel that there is `gold on this property' in spiritual values. We can hardly wait until we get started in a program that will be for the glory of our Lord and for the service of humanity at home and to the uttermost parts of the earth."
A group of men and boys spent a day cleaning a portion of the new property around the largest mesquite tree and that is where the Annual Birthday Picnic was held that year. A Building Fund with a goal of $50,000 had already been launched. Everyone wanted to have a part. These "echoes were printed in the November 4 issue of the DOWNTOWN NEWS:
One little girl decided that she would not get a piano this year, but rather that she and her family would give substantially to the Building Fund.
One young husband and wife decided that they would wash their car themselves and each week put the price of a car wash in the Building Fund.
One businessman wanted a new Buick. He decided that he could very well drive his present car for another year and give more to the Building Fund.
One college boy said, "What can I do? I'm not working, and I do not have an income?" The pastor suggested, "Maybe you could squeeze out 25 cents a week in order to `have a part'." The answer—Yes, I could do that. I want to have a part."
What do you want to name our new church? This question was heard a great many times in the months ahead. Many suggestions were made. Our pastor asked us to consider the matter prayerfully and turn any suggestions into the church office.
The Central Baptist Chapel, our mission, had been struggling for some time with only a handful of people attending services each week. At a business session it was decided to close the chapel and encourage the people to attend our church. The salary paid to Rev. Jimmy Woods was continued until the end of the school year in order that he could be the pastor of Peary Place Baptist Church. Certainly a part of the outreach of our church has been the benevolence offering taken each Wednesday night from the first prayer meeting. Jack Reichenstein was elected chairman of the Benevolence Committee in 1956—a position he still holds to this date, 1970. Because of this fund, Jack has been able to help hundreds of needy people during these years and he estimates he has distributed over $10,000.
Christmas Day Vesper Services at 5 p.m., with observance of the Lord's Supper, in 1956, started a tradition carried on throughout Dr. Wallace R. Rogers' pastorate. After the hurry and bustle of the Holiday Season, it was good to quietly enter the House of God to worship and renew our faith in a Risen Savior.
AND BY THIS NAME
THEY SHALL BE KNOWN
The time had arrived to select the new name for Downtown Baptist Church. Thirteen "suggestions" were printed in the Downtown News on February 24. Out of these 13, the congregation voted on one and the three receiving the vote majority would be submitted the following Sunday for a final vote. Parkdale Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church, and Metropolitan Baptist Church received the most votes. By an overwhelming vote, our congregation chose the new name PARKDALE BAPTIST CHURCH. It was done in a Baptist way—all voted their choice—then the congregation stood to make it unanimous. The people said, "It is a good name, let us make it a glorious name in the work of our Lord."
Mr. Henry S. Steinbomer of San Antonio, Texas, prominent architect, renowned for his beautiful churches, was engaged as our architect for Parkdale Baptist Church. An underlying current of excitement was in the air as we anticipated his first sketches. And they were marvelous! A spire pointing Heavenward, a dignified and beautiful building. And shouldn't churches be the most beautiful buildings in town?
Although to most this was a thrilling and significant building, to some it was totally out of the "Baptistic" rut and not their idea of how a Baptist church should look at all—but true to our faith — joined "hearts and hands" in brotherly love and soon became as enthusiastic as the rest of us.
Mr. Joe Melton, Chairman, and the Architectural and Planning Committee had been hard at work for almost a year corresponding with our Sunday School Board Architecture Department making analysis of our needs now and in the future; travelling throughout South Texas to study other churches; compiling files of notes, figures, correspondence and facts that proved to be invaluable when the time came to make firm decisions, approve plans and sign contracts for the new building. Later, after a daylong, bone-weary, into-the-night meeting, Mr. Stein-bomer wrote to Mr. Melton, "I think your church is very fortunate in having you as chairman of the Building Committee and at no time was your level-headed leadership better shown than it was at the meeting on Labor Day "when in the midst of all the confusion and disagreement, you were able to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner and to bring out of the meeting some definite decisions. It is a real pleasure to work with you."
The general construction contract was awarded to Mr. E. E. Harrison on the basis of cost plus six per cent. At that time the committee had made great efforts for several months to reduce the cost of the building from Mr. Harrison's original estimate of $592,056 down to $487,272. Some sacrifice of beauty had been made, many floors and walls would remain bare, ornate fixtures eliminated, and "plain" would be substituted for "fancy" throughout the building, but we now had a realistic figure to work with.
"How can you beat a team like this?" headlined the DOWNTOWN NEWS in April of 1957. Rev. John E. Haggai, "one of the nation's finest evangelists came to be our preacher in a revival and Howard E. Butt, Jr., "the most inspiring young layman in the Southern Baptist Convention," led the congregational singing and brought messages with special music. Our people always looked forward to revivals not only as an opportunity to see others reborn to a new life, but as a time to refresh and strengthen our own faith.
September 1 was a significant date because on that day three new staff members were added to the church: Mr. C. A. Bevil, no stranger to Corpus Christi, and full of vim, vigor and vitality, came as our new Minister of Education; Mr. George Wilcox had been transferred to Dallas, Texas, and Mr. Milton Smith, Choir Director for Mary Carroll High School, assumed the duties as Minister of Music. Miss Jean Venable had been our organist for four years, and Mr. Gary Ross was engaged to take her place when she resigned to enter graduate school at the University of Texas.
Downtown Baptist Church had been broadcasting the Sunday morning worship services over Radio KANN for about a year. We began to hear more and more reports and echoes from people who were "regular" listeners. Many wrote to tell of the blessings reaped from the broadcasts. Our people, confined at home, enjoyed "keeping up" via the radio God's hand was felt in so many ways. Our church family was willing to make any sacrifice in time and gifts in order that the building program might go forward. God answered prayer in so many unusual ways. We needed an entrance way to Dody Street from the new
property—this came in the form of a gift from Mr. G. R. Swantner. Parkdale Baptist Church will always be grateful to him and many others for their kindnesses during our long building duration.
AT LAST! The long-anticipated time for our groundbreaking service was at hand. On Sunday, December 22, 1957, the congregation met for a brief 11 a.m. Worship Service, then went in a body to the site of the future Parkdale Baptist Church for the following program:
December 22, 1957
Hymn 417, "Faith of Our Fathers"................................ Memy
Prayer ............................................................... Mr. C. A. Bevil
Introduction of
Building Committee .................................... Mr. Clyde Faulk
Presentation of Contract to E E. E. Harrison by Trustees… Mr. H. E. Butt, Sr
Remarks:
Mr. Ernest Pierce.…….Sunday School Supt.
Mr. A. E. Meissner……….Training Union Dir.
Scripture and Prayer…………by Pastor
Dr. D. W. Handley……………..Chairman of Deacons
Mrs. Rupert Wright…………President of Woman's
Missionary Union
Turning of First Earth…………............. Mrs. O. B. Mock
Closing Prayer.................... Dr. Wallace R. Rogers, Pastor
A momentous step on behalf of the church was taken by the trustees, Mr. H. E. Butt, Sr., Mr. Clyde Faulk, and Dr. D. W. Handley, as they signed the note for $200,000 at First State Bank on January 16, 1958. This note was to be paid out in five years—$20,000 at the end of the first year, $25,000 per year for three years and $10,000 the fifth year. This note carried five percent interest, payable annually.
Again, H. K Pierce was chairman of another Building Fund campaign with a goal of $50,000. It is rather difficult to say just what he chose for a motto—he had three: "No pledge too large or too small," "All of us should share," and "Sacrificial giving will be the measure of our success." The campaign was successful—because the people were united with one mission in mind—to glorify God, to provide worthy worship, and to reach the multitudes for Christ, to train and teach in order that we may develop great world-minded Christians.
Lots of changes and decisions were being made every day and yet the day-to-day functions of the church went on as usual—a good revival was held with Dr. E. H. Westmoreland as evangelist and Mr. D. K. Harrell as Music Director. Dr. Westmoreland was pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston and President of the General Convention of Texas Baptists, but he had a greater claim to fame—he was our pastor's brother-in-law. Not only was Christ lifted up in our services each evening, but we also learned many things about our
pastor's life as a young preacher in Arkansas.
Mrs. Bevil was now the Educational Secretary and Mr. Bevil's "right-hand man." The two made quite an educational team! Mrs. David Harris was the pastor's secretary, and it was no small job just keeping up with the several committees functioning now to take care of the many changes that would soon be made.
The name of our bulletin was changed to Parkdale News in January and in gleaning through them we find that Vacation Bible School was the usual huge success—a large group of Juniors attended Alto Frio Assembly and 30 of our youth went to camp at Zypher Encampment on Lake Mathis.
In March, several of our members went out to "walk on" the floor of our new building. Mrs. Rogers was with this group. Dr. Rogers was in a revival in Florida. When she wrote him about this memorable occasion, the church received the following letter from him:
"A letter from Mrs. Rogers came yesterday in which she said, `I walked on the floor of our new auditorium . . . ' She made me just plain jealous. You see, I watched the preparation for pouring the floor and then left to come to Florida for my appointments here. How glad I am that progress is being
made!
"The thought comes to me even now —How many will walk on that floor in years to come, walk on it to make public their faith in our Lord Jesus?' Your prayer and mine is that it may be-come a veritable pathway to glory for multitudes as the years come and go; for you see, that floor is planned to last for a hundred years, maybe twice that unless our Lord returns.
"Beloved, the steel and stone foundations are important, but the really important foundations are of spiritual composition. Let us, as we build an edifice to last a century, be building another one for eternity. The steel embedded in concrete is an inanimate thing —the soul of a man an eternal one . . "
These inch-high words capped a half-page pictorial story in the CALLER-TIMES on August 20, 1958, telling how the 47,000-pound, 43-foot spire was raised to the top of the 97-foot belltower at 6:00 a.m. What a breath-taking time for a group of us sleepy church members as we watched the giant crane lift the gleaming spire high into the air, set it down, tall and straight, sparkling with the rays of the morning sun striking the stainless steel like diamonds in the sky. Exciting, yes, but sobering, too. Oh, God, help your children of Parkdale Baptist Church stand as straight and tall and shining for Thee in the years to come!
In July we were saddened by the death of Mrs. O. B. Mock. A gracious lady in every sense and a dedicated Christian who stayed busy for the Lord. Somehow, the most vivid picture of Mrs. Mock is of her hard at work in the old kitchen at Downtown Baptist Church. She believed in giving of her best and that meant using the good silver and giving everything that little extra touch. Why, plain pears simply wouldn't do on the salad for a youth banquet—so, we tinted them green! What a grand place. Heaven must be when one thinks of dear people like Mrs. Mock, up there!
The laying of our cornerstone was delayed several weeks because of rain—and, of course, that meant that construction was also held up! Dr. Rogers said, "That mud is all of six feet deep out there." The laying of the cornerstone did take place on September 14, 1958.
Our pastor was such a lover and devotee of good music it encouraged our ministers of music to go above and beyond the call of duty! Our choirs and the choir of Morgan Avenue Baptist Church combined to present THE MES-SIAH at Christmas time under the direction of both Frank Eng and Eddie Cathey. It was a majestic piece of work—many said they had never heard it sung better.
Again, on Christmas Day the five o'clock Candlelight Vesper Service was held in our sanctuary. We had so much to be thankful for —it had been a good year—the blessings always overshadowing the setbacks. As we observed the Lord's Supper it was a time of serious and reverent self-examination. Never must we forget that He said to His disciples, "With great longing I have wanted to share this meal with you," Luke 22:15.
In the Watch Night Service, our pastor's prayer was "for more real joy in our Christian experience, for love, fellowship, and continued harmony in our congregation, and our faith strengthened in the year to come."
Our pastor referred to 1959 as "our critical year as we move into the new building and reorganize our work. How grateful for the beautiful new building, but even more, I am grateful for the spirit of you people."
The attitude of our people was one of optimism and aggressiveness with seemly no tendency to "wait until we move." We were continually amazed at the number of lovely families coming into the church each week.
A Service Man's Membership was begun after Dr. Rogers came to Downtown Church. This was simply that those here in the service temporarily could come under the watch care of our church. Many young men and several families came this way and proved a real blessing to us. One such young man, Ens. John Campbell, a Presbyterian, telephoned the church before he was transferred to say, "I just wanted to thank you. Your church is wonderful. Your people are friendly and a real help to the individual fellows, to the Navy, and to the city."
There was an undercurrent of happy excitement in our congregation as April approached. Perhaps the coming of Spring had something to do with it, but more than likely it was because the construction of our building was rapidly coming to a close and it looked so beautiful! Sharing joy always brings people closer, and our congregation seemed to be drawn together as one family as the time approached for our move.
And MOVING DAY did come, or should we say days! It was with happy hearts that our people went about the task of moving. Whole families helped pack books, literature, and records. Teams of men loaded then unloaded chairs, tables, cabinets, desks and files—the accumulation of years. While this was going on, other teams were busy painting furniture and classrooms in the new building. Some were laying tile, hanging drapes and scraping windows. Beavers couldn't have been busier. Dr. Rogers worked, too, but he beamed more! Mr. Bevil directed and scurried from group to group. Then, at last! The final truck was loaded and on its way across town.
"It was difficult to hold back the tears as I stood in the gutted sanctuary of old Downtown church. It was empty of pews, furniture, musical instruments, and, yes, even the carpet had been removed. Empty? No! It was full of memories and sounds and echoes!
I heard Oline playing the organ . . Jack Reichenstein playing "Jesus Never Fails" on the piano with all the runs that only he can do so well . . . I saw "Preacher" and John stride in at the 11 o'clock hour . . then Dr. Rogers at the dais, open Bible in one hand . . I heard the crescendo of "The Holy City" sung by Halouise, the sweet, true soprano of Verna Bradley, the deep bass of John Coffman . . . I saw John McLaughlin grow a little taller as he sang of Christ's love . . . I heard the wedding march and saw the faces of a hundred radiant brides as they came down the aisle . . . I saw little boys and girls and grown men and women, too, go forward, give their hearts to Jesus and begin a new life . . . and men and women kneeling at the altar at the close of an old year . . . I saw the church family on Wednesday night in earnest prayer for God's leadership as we sought a new location. . . I heard the laughter of little children as they came in clutching their handwork—a gift for Mother.
I heard the thump, thump of a broom as faithful Bob Stephenson swept between the pews — humming softly to himself—and Cleo Pierce busy polishing the grand piano and Harry Rice bringing in a lovely arrangement of flowers and place them at the altar . . .
I saw the crowds on a hundred Sunday mornings and heard the rustle of pages being turned in hymnals and Bibles. Then, the people were gone — just an empty, dusty room again . . . I was overcome with loneliness . . . But God's work must go on—we must go forward—we cannot look back.
Goodbye, old walls, goodbye, old, vaulted ceiling — you've served well. You were a sanctuary in time of need, a happy place in times of joy — generations have passed through your doors. The whole world is better because you were here on this corner—goodbye, old Church, good-bye!
Our church is full of great whistlers, hummers and singers, as well as carpenters, maids, and general handymen. Rupert Wright can swing a mean mop! Lillian Alphin knows exactly how drapes should hang, and Mr. Bevil can be in several places at one time!
All these discoveries, and more, were made on Saturday, April 16, 1959. Boys and girls and moms and dads and perhaps a few friends and relatives were busily engaged in polishing, scrubbing and dusting even into the night getting ready for the, FIRST SUNDAY IN THE NEW PARKDALE BAPTIST CHURCH.
There might have been a few circles under eyes, a few blisters on fingers and a lot of aching backs, but you would never have guessed it by the sparkle in the eyes and the spring in the step of the congregation as they gathered for the first service, April 17, 1959. This was a dream come true! But lest we forget who made this possible our pastor said:
"The longing of my heart as we begin our removal to the new location is that we shall retain our simple, friendly spirit and that we shall never get away from the sense of a world mission for Christ. All the beauty will become mockery when we allow it to crowd Christ, our Crucified Savior, out or when we lose our compassion for men."
The dates for our Grand Opening were May 24, 25, 26, and 27, Sunday through Wednesday. Three distinguished speakers came to be with us on these days. Dr. Warren Hultgren, now pastor of First Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, was guest speaker on Monday evening. Howard E. Butt, Jr., spoke on Tuesday evening; and Dr. Ralph Naylor, President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, was our speaker for Wednesday evening.
Sunday, May 24, was designated the day of Formal Opening with the pastor preaching at the 11 o'clock hour, an Open House that afternoon from three to five o'clock, and that evening the Senior Class of Sundeen High School came to our church for their Baccalaureate Service and had asked Dr. Rogers to be their speaker.
The day was beautiful, and several hundred guests came to the Open House to be taken on a grand tour of the building. They were all complimentary, and many were awed by the beautiful stained-glass window over the pulpit. The dove at the top of the window, with radiance of glory descending, represents the Holy Spirit. The Greek symbol in the lower left is called the Chi-Rio and is the first two letters of "Xpistos" or Christ. The Alpha and Omega in the lower right are the "first and last" of Revelation. The Cross, the full length of the window, is symbolic of our faith in the substitutionary atonement of Christ. This, the beautiful window, speaks to us constantly of the Holy Spirit, of the Crucifixion, of Christ, Christ First and Last and Always.
It had been an exciting time, and now time was needed to rest and have some quiet moment of prayer and rejoicing. However, the influx of new members and preparation for Vacation Bible School and the summer program made this time short lived.
We had scarcely gotten settled in the new building when, to our utter amazement, we discovered it was already crowded in many areas. In three months, the Sunday School enrollment had increased by 231; 141 people had united with our church, 18 of these by baptism.
The third floor was just a huge empty attic at this time, and our staff began to investigate the possibility of converting this into additional classrooms. A bid of $30,000 to convert the third floor into enough classrooms for 200 people was received in September. Of course, we had borrowed to capacity in order to build and furnish our new building, and now here we were, three months later, needing more money. The need was urgent, and in order that this construction could begin at once, Mr. Claude Alphin and Mr. E. H. Pierce signed a note at the First State Bank for the $30,000. This would be repaid by the church in three years.
An interesting fact about this construction is that a large portion of the lumber used in the partitions and all of the doors on the third floor came out of the old Downtown Baptist Church.
A revival with Dr. Orville Cawker and Cliff Baker was held on October 25 to November 1. An "every member canvass" was taken in October and a Unified Budget of $133,382 was adopted. Our pastor's daughters were both married in our church—Jane to Ens. James Byron in July and Ann to Gary Hauft in September. These are but a few events in the life of Parkdale Baptist Church in the summer, fall, and winter of 1959.
As the old year drew to a close, the future of our church looked as bright as God's love. We had much to do, but we had heavenly resources to draw upon to do the manifold things which were ahead of us. How grateful for His assurance that He would be with us. The mistakes and victories of 1959 were history. We cannot look back—we must look forward with courage and vision and faith to 1960, a new year to use for God.
Dr. Orville Cawker, former pastor of many in our congregation, a man of unique personality and a friend to Parkdale Baptist Church, died on January 31. We remember him victoriously as he sang in our church only a short time ago:
"Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine, constantly abiding, rapture divine, He never leaves me lonely, Whispers, O so kind, `I will never leave thee,' Jesus is mine."
On Sunday afternoon, February 21, a tradition was started in Parkdale Baptist Church that is still carried on—that tradition was one of fellowship and an exchange of pulpits with St. John Baptist Church. Dr. Harold Branch was their pastor then as he is at this writing. Christian brotherhood and love know no color. We pray that our friendship with St. John's will last until eternity.
Dr. Rogers has always given time and energy to our denominational work on the associational and state level, and this year he was elected to represent the Baptist General Convention of Texas on the Southern Baptist Convention Board in Nashville, Tenn.
The construction on the third floor had been completed in January at the cost of $30,000. This provided space for 200 more people in Sunday School. We were still growing rapidly, and the Long-Range Planning Committee, headed by Mr. Joe Melton, had their first meeting during the month of April to consider the need for another educational building.
ON WINGS OF SWIFTNESS
We celebrated our First Anniversary in the new church Easter Sunday, April 17. It had been a wonderful year. Our growth had been great, both in spirit and number. Our records indicated that our enrollment had doubled:
Resident Church Membership, April 1959 - 385, April 1960 - 769
Sunday School Enrollment, April 1959 - 497, April 1960 - 825
Training Union Enrollment, April 1959 - 249, April 1960 - 376
The year had gone on wings of swiftness. Many lovely families and individuals had cast their lot with us. It had been a glorious year and we had reason to rejoice on this Resurrection Day.
Youth Camp in August was held for the first time at the recently completed Zephyr Encampment on Mathis Lake. A new swimming pool, dining room, dormitory and tabernacle had been completed during the year. Our church had joined with the other churches in this area to have a part in the financial support of this much-needed place.
Another first! As far as we know, Howard Butt, Jr., had never acted as supply pastor before, but during the month of August, we felt very privileged to have him as supply pastor at Parkdale Baptist Church while Dr. Rogers was camp pastor at Panama City, Florida, then attended Bible Conference at Massanetta Springs, Virginia.
In September, for the first time, we had a brand new parsonage. Dr. and Mrs. Rogers were very proud of their new home at 662 Moray. Dr. Chester E. Swor, nationally-known lecturer and spiritual leader, led in a Spiritual Emphasis Week, November 27 - December 4, with services at 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., each day. He was assisted by Wayne Philpott, singer and music director. This was an especially significant week for our young people. Because of his vast experience on school and college campuses, Dr. Swor could "talk their• language."
The first annual Deacon's Dinner Party was held on December 19. Little did we know it would become a tradition that would grow bigger and better each year.
Dr. Roger's New Year's message to the church family was: "May you find yourself through the new year in the center of God's will for your life."
During the spring of 1961 the emphasis was on training and efficiency in our. Sunday School and Training Union. Special training classes were held for leaders in these organizations. Mrs. E. H. Pierce taught the book, "Your Life and Your Church" for seven weeks in Training Union, then held a class for new church members for another seven weeks. The Woman's Missionary Union organized a training circle for women new in this work. Most of the Sunday School classes became standard during the year. All this was done in the belief that being well informed can be the key to a deeper devotional life and more abundant living. It can give us the ability to share our Christian experience with others.
The first Sunday in June, Mr. Jerry Barnes was called to be Minister of Music and Youth Activities. Mrs. Barnes became our organist. Dr. Rogers said, "This young couple comes with excellent recommendations. We feel that they will bring with them a dedication that will enrich the whole life of our church."
A milestone was reached in July when Sunday School enrollment went over the 1,000 mark.
We were privileged to share the joy of Mona Lou Pigg when she surrendered for missionary service while a member of our church and a student at the University of Corpus Christi. Mona Lou, now Mrs. Billy Kieth, and her husband were under appointment by the Foreign Mission Board to work in Japan. We rejoiced with them as they visited in our service—she had been a faithful member of our church, and we still claimed her as "one of our own."
Dr. Rogers was fond of saying, "Churches need to be more than religious clubs." We felt we were at a crossroads in this city and were here to serve. Our pastor was always available to anyone at any time—no matter their station in life or whether or not they happened to be a Baptist in good standing. Truly, as the years passed the people appreciated and loved him more and more because of this distinctive quality. You can truthfully say our church has always been "youth centered." The place of the church is unique among other organizations of society. She has a message and responsibility to youth which can be given no other. The mission of the church demands that she do all within her power to preach youth for Christ. Because of this belief, an extensive and complete program for youth was planned for our church beginning in September. A three-month calendar of activities, such as recreational programs, youth revivals, and youth evangelism services, was published in the church bulletin. These activities were headed by Jerry Barnes and were designed to meet the specific needs of the youth.
A hurricane threatened our city in September, and we would not want to say Dr. Rogers was glad for this, but since he had no control over it, he just went ahead and enjoyed it. He opened our church to anyone who was fright-ened or needed shelter, and a great many came to spend a day and night here. He went about being helpful, giving comfort, taking care of their needs even if this meant going out in search of milk for the children at the height of the storm. Dr. Rogers was at his zenith when serving others. This letter is from one of the families (not members of Parkdale) who sought shelter in the church:
"My family and I wish to thank the members of your staff and congregation for the shelter and care you gave us during the hurricane. We were received and treated with such warmth and consideration that we shall never forget your goodness.
(s) Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Sandel."
It has always seemed the appropriate thing to do—to bring our gifts to the Lottie Moon Offering for Missions on the night our choirs present beautiful Christmas music. This year, our youth and children's choirs presented "The Miracle in Melody" and the Chancel Choir presented the cantata "Love Transcending." This offering and music remind us—lest we forget—that we are celebrating the birth of God's greatest gift to us, His Son, Jesus.
Following the First World War, Lloyd George cried out that the choice before the world was either Christ or chaos! As Christians we must believe that this is true and that we must do all in our power to proclaim Christ to the world — once we have done our part, then they have a choice — Christ or chaos. Our belief is that much "proclaiming" can be done through our missions—through the special offerings we take each year—the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions in December, the Annie Armstrong Offering for Home
Missions in March, and the Mary Hill Davis Offering for State Missions in September. It is hoped that giving money will never take the place of personal concern and witness but untold thousands have been reached for Christ because of the generosity of Baptists as they give to missions through their offerings. The members of Parkdale Baptist Church have felt concerned enough to share our material blessings not only in our monthly gift to the Cooperative Program, but through monthly gifts to the University of Corpus Christi, the Valley Baptist Academy, Associational Missions, our Mission Kindergarten, Zephyr Encampment, and to various other causes down through the years. We have always been thankful for pastors and staff who encouraged our church to be "mission minded." In February of 1962 our pastor wrote these words to the congregation in his weekly column:
"God placed us here. At least we believe He did. We are as obligated to take care of the Spiritual needs of children and young people from Ray or Miller or Carroll, from Del Mar, U.C.C., or from the Navy, Marine Corps, and now the Army, as we are to furnish "missions" for any group on this earth. "What is Missions? It is the task of evangelizing people `beginning at Jerusalem (Corpus Christi) and unto the uttermost parts of this earth.' I know of no commercial enterprise such as Sears, or Lichtensteins, or Penney's or food stores, or banks which are not reaching out to take advantage of the `market.' Let us at Parkdale be wise for the Lord in our affairs as are `the children of this generation'."
Jack Reichenstein, our Benevolence Chairman, was busy all year, but especially in December, helping families or individuals who were in need. In February, he wrote a letter to the congregation, saying “I want to thank all of you who had a part in the Christmas planning for various families who would have had a rather leak holiday season had it not been for your concern and help. Again, this year, mothers and fathers found encouragement, and children found happiness at Christmas time because many of you, quietly and conscientiously, have shared with them. Several groups in our church all during last year continued giving to meet the needs of people; this is a genuine service to families whose needs go on even after the holidays end. If your group would like to join us in this kind of helpfulness, I would be happy to talk with you. Thank you very much.
(s) Jack Reichenstein
Benevolence Chairman."
In May — just in time for Vacation Bible School—Mr. Preston Waldrop, a teacher at Tuloso Midway High School, came to Parkdale as Music and Youth Director for the summer. Mr. Waldrop, a versatile young man, "fitted right in" and went to work immediately—having 25 young people in choir practice his first day on the job. He became a favorite soloist in the morning worship service, and a "favorite" of our young people, too.
The Long Range Planning Committee, headed by Mr. Joe Melton, was moving forward with plans to have a new education building ready for promotion day in 1963. Mr. Ben Christian had been employed as architect for this building.
Dr. and Mrs. Rogers again attended the Bible Conference in Massanetta Springs, Virginia, in July. Dr. Arthur Rutledge, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of our Home Board in Atlanta, Georgia, was the supply pastor during Dr. Rogers' absence.
Our Personnel Committee was searching diligently for both a Minister of Education and a Minister of Music. Our people were earnestly seeking God's will for we know our task is to build a great church, but we acknowledge the need for the help and guidance of a dedicated staff and so it was with grateful hearts that we welcomed Jimmy Key into our fellowship as Minister of Music. We were not aware of it at the time, but we were actually acquiring two ministers of music-Mrs. Key, Glennela, was also a talented musician and assumed the duties of director of the children in the graded choir program. Jimmy and Glen, with their sons, Kendall and Kelley, came on October 24, 1962, with an extensive music program unknown in our church until this time. Our congregation was caught up in their enthusiasm and zeal which resulted in a music program second to none and the beginners to our oldest member learned to use their voices for the Master under the leadership of this couple.
The whole church family was lifted into the spirit and true meaning of the Christmas Season this year, as under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Key, our Christmas Music Program was combined with a dramatic pageant of the Manger Scene and the visitation of the Angel and Wise Men.
1963 brought many new challenges to Parkdale Baptist Church. Dr. C. Roy Angell once said: "If we have a good ending, a good beginning, and fill it in between with good days, we will have a good year." This reminds us of the remark made by our pastor at the beginning of this year: "We can have a good beginning if we are found in our places on Sunday morning and a good year if we are found in our places all the Sundays in 1963."
Mr. Key, our Minister of Music, had this New Year's message for us: "Sing and Serve! Join a Choir in January!"
On March 3 the congregation voted to place a first mortgage on the property of the church to secure a loan of $480,000. This loan would refinance the present indebtedness of $180,000 and the remaining $300,000 would be used for the new educational building.
The early part of 1963 was also the start of a long and happy association of Parkdale Baptist Church and Lindale Baptist Church. Parkdale began sponsoring a mission kindergarten at the Airport Baptist Mission which was sponsored by Lindale Baptist Church. The Missions Committee of both churches met to work out the details of this joint effort and because a great sense of cooperation and love was experienced, we were encouraged that our churches could work beautifully together.
The Missions Committee reported in March that ten children had enrolled the first day in the Mission Kindergarten, but by October 1 their enrollment had reached 35.
On May 5, 1963, Parkdale Baptist Church voted to call Mr. Don Searles to be our Minister of Education. Mr. Searles, formerly of Austin, Texas, was finishing some graduate work in Louisville, Kentucky, and would arrive here July 1.
We had looked forward to his arrival with great anticipation. Mr. and Mrs. Searles were also assets to our music program. Both of them were musicians. Don was an experienced music director and Sue taught music in the public schools and had an exceptionally beautiful soprano voice. One of Mr. Searles' first duties was to lead the congregational singing while Mr. and Mrs. Key were in Glorieta and on vacation. With the Keys and the Searles as co-laborers, we had happy and busy days ahead of us.
The contract for our educational building was let in July to Burnet Construction Company for $299,040. Mr. Joe Melton, Building Chairman, reported that approximately $20,000 extra would be needed for furnishings and paving for the parking area.
Groundbreaking for this new building was held at 11:45 a.m., Sunday, August 4, 1963.
Two of our Sunday School Departments had been meeting across the street in Hamlin Junior High School for two years, but because of our still crowded conditions a dual Sunday School was started on October 1. Sunday School classes were held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with worship services at 9:45 a.m. Sunday School pupils whose last names fell A-L were asked to attend the early Sunday School and those whose last names began M-Z were asked to attend the late Sunday School.
To be sure, there was some confusion and in the beginning a few Sunday School teachers had to work "double shifts," but as is typical of Parkdale, everyone was patient and cooperative. The difficult task of setting up this dual organization was, of course, Mr. Searles' and he now in his quiet way took care of the problems and soon had everything functioning smoothly.
We did have a little trouble getting word of the worship service time change to everyone, and so our late Sunday School had a good many "surprised pupils" that year! One lady who had never tried it before, decided that she really liked Sunday School!
By October, much progress was being made on our new building. Dr. Rogers reported by way of his bulletin paragraph: can see a tremendous machine placing steel in our new building this morning. Every stone or beam or yard of concrete is for the purpose of reaching people and teaching people for and about Christ. It is a grave responsibility we have undertaken. Every dollar you give must be translated into spiritual value. The steel and stone and concrete become a part of the missionary achievement of our church." How like him to remind us of the real purpose of this new building.
A blazing star, the tramp of shepherd feet . . . silver trees and wreaths, poinsettias . . . the Christmas rose . . . candlelight and music . . . pageants and prayers, church bells ringing and joyful carols floating out on the crystal-clear air . . . the sparkle of anticipation, the nostalgia the memories . . . the quiet peace of God's love, the silver glow of hope. WHAT IS CHRISTMAS? All these and more were Christmas this year at Parkdale Baptist Church. And after the busy and joyful times of parties and pageants and a concert of beautiful Christmas music, it was good to come to the Vesper Service on Christmas Day and have a quiet time of adoration and worship.
The opportunity to sponsor another Cuban family came to us in January of 1964. Luis Mier Montez, his wife, Nelsa; and brother, Raul, three attractive young people who had fled Cuba in a fishing boat only a short while before, arrived in Corpus Christi by plane on a typically windy day. An emotional and touching scene occurred as they walked from the plane to be greeted by a group from our church and by several freed Cubans now living in Corpus Christi.
Again, our church had rented an apartment furnished it with household necessities, and we were prepared to take care of them until they became self-supporting. The task of finding jobs was not easy as none of them spoke more than a word or two of English. But they were such gracious people and were so grateful for every little thing done for them that our church family was only too happy to assist in any way they could. And again, we were the beneficiaries—our people were thankful for the reminder that God has blessed the citizens of the United States beyond measure and that we should not take our freedom for granted—especially the freedom to worship as we choose.
As we approached April 5 . . . numbers of our people were praying daily for Warren Hultgren, Billy Ray Hearn, and Howard Butt, Jr., who were to lead in a revival April 5th through 12th. "Prayer Partners" was catching on . . . the first load of furniture for the new building was delivered . . . visitation efforts were being intensified weekly as people sought to reach the lost in this neighborhood . . . a competent and dedicated group of men were working to build some of the furniture for the expanded Sunday School—at a saving to the church of approximately $800—plans were being made to return to one Sunday School . . . members of Parkdale were expressing the feeling of personal need for revival . . a new organization was being projected which would narrow the age span of the present classes and departments . . . nursery policies were being formulated by the Nursery Committee which would make our new nursery program one of the "best in Texas." Over $3,000 had been designated for the equipment fund and budget offerings continued to be good . . . enthusiasm was running high . . . every member was urged to give himself completely to the tasks that needed to be accomplished before April 5.
Under the leadership of Jimmy and Glen Key and a large voluntary staff, exceptionally beautiful music, concerts, and pageants had become a regular part of our worship at Parkdale. Four of our choirs had entered the Area Church Music Festival, and all four received "Superior" ratings from the judges. Good choirs take scores of practice sessions and lots of dedication on the part of members, sponsors and parents, too. But when several hundred voices are lifted up in our sanctuary in glorious singing for the Master and hearts are lifted up to new heights of adoration and joy, and people are deeply moved by the sights and sounds of beautiful music, then we are assured that it was worth the many hours of preparation.
It was again with happy hearts that Parkdale moved again—this time into the beautiful new educational building. Lots of willing hands helped move furniture, straighten rooms, and clean—all this the week before our revival.
Mr. Howard Butt, Jr., and Billy Ray Hearn led in a meeting especially for the youth on Saturday night, and Dr. Hultgren preached each night and brought a devotional early each morning for the next six days. It was a good week
with some of our people coming for rededication. several boys and girls giving their lives to Jesus and several new families coming into the church.
The excitement of a revival and of moving into a beautiful new building was over! Now what? Dr. Hultgren was back in Tulsa, Mr. Hearn was on his way back to Georgia, Mr. Butt had returned to his office. The crowds had been good and the decisions numerous. The building was beautiful and the organization stronger. Equipment and parking were not what we might wish but were better than before. What would be the result of it all? Would those who made commitments lay hold of the opportunities to grow and serve? The pastor prayed that they would and that the "renewed spirit" felt by the staff and the people would remain with us.
A highlight in the spring, especially for many parents, was the annual Service of Recognition and Awards for our children and youth choirs. This year the service took place on Sunday, May 17. The theme was "Crown Him Lord of All" with all choirs, including the Chancel Choir, participating. The climax was the combined choirs — about 200 voices — singing "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" accompanied by the trumpets and timpani from Del Mar College.
As a part of the 1964 Summer Music Concert "Sing Unto God," the Chancel Choir presented "God's Trombones," a dramatic sequence for two speakers, soloists, choir and instruments based upon American Negro folk sermons, poems, and spirituals. To Author James Weldon Johnson the powerful voice of the old-time Negro preacher was like a wonderful trombone. It "moaned," "pleaded," "blared," "crashed," and "thundered," all to the glory of God and the salutary admonition of sinners. Hence, "God's Trombones."
Summers at Parkdale are youth-centered, and this year found us majoring on youth activities more than normally. After the usual big, busy Vacation Bible School, our Youth Choir attended Music Camp at Highland Lakes. Juniors and Intermediates attended Youth Camp at Zephyr early in July and several of the young people were present for the South Texas Youth Congress at Zephyr the latter part of July. Our own Youth Camp was held August 17-21 at Lennet's Wings at the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp. Thirty-eight G.A.'s participated in the Coronation Service on August 26 with Pam Henderson, Beverly Howard, Sandy Owen, Laura Epperson, Sharon Branham, Ginger Middleton, Stephanie Richardson, and Kathy Woodward all attaining the rank of Queen.
The boys were not to be outshown, and our own Parkdale Boys' Softball Team won the 1964 City Championship in August. David Moriarty, Lane Carpenter, Don Knutson, John Scaff, Steve Hidell, Bobbie Harris, Paul Bellow, Pat Reid, Steve Niles and Kenny Latta made up the team, coached by Mac Bineham and Kenneth Nelson.
Promotion Day in September was "reorganization day" in Sunday School. Pupils had always been classified according to age, and now under a new plan the children and young people were classified according to their grade in school, and September 1 was used for determining the age of all pupils. It was felt that this new plan would enable the Sunday School to more effectively meet the needs of each member.
In October, our pastor said, "I am interested in numbers, in great crowds. Jesus was concerned about multitudes. If I weren't interested in large numbers of people, I should not have led you into spending $800,000 to prepare for large numbers of people. Let us be wise and reach one thousand for Bible Study and then let us overflow the sanctuary for worship as we are used to present the claims of Christi." With this in mind, the congregation put forth a tremendous effort in the fall to reach the lost and =enlisted Baptists. The goal of one thousand in Sunday School did not materialize at this time, but the attendance was consistently over 850 in Sunday School, over 200 in Training Union, and 366 children, youth and adults were enrolled in the music program.
Early in 1965, the emphasis was Stewardship, and the goal was "every member a tither." The young people entered a "Tithe Now" essay and/or Poster Contest. Winners for best essays were Beverly Howard and Susie Haymaker. The poster contest winners were Carolyn Chandler and Susan Mapes. Tithing commitment Day was January 17. A good deal of time is spent at Parkdale stressing tithing and giving, but as Dr. Rogers said in one of his sermons during this emphasis, "The church has a teaching program. a missionary program, a training program, and so it is necessary that we have a financial program." A momentous step was taken when the 1965 budget of $134,831 was adopted in that the church also voted to give 12 per cent of all undesignated gifts to missions and 50 per cent of all monies over and above the required budget be given to missions.
March was set aside as a time to give special consideration to evangelism. Most of the month was used for "planting and preparing. praying and witnessing" and March 26-28 as "harvest time." On those dates a weekend revival was held with Rev. A. M. McGregor as the evangelist and Mr. Jimmy Key leading the
music. The faithful prayers and concern and the good preaching of Rev. McGregor resulted in 15 young people and three adults making their professions of faith.
The sacred cantata, "The Seven Last Words," was sung by our Chancel and Chapel Choirs at noon on Good Friday, April 16, 1965. This was the beginning of a much-loved tradition at Parkdale Baptist Church.
Plans were being formulated in April for Parkdale's first kindergarten. Mrs. Ben Sorrell, Dr. D. W. Handley, Mr. A. A. Freeman, and Mr. Noel Chaplin were elected a committee to establish a guide for the kindergarten program.
The teaching of Christian principles was to be an integral part of the kindergarten activities. Two classes were planned, an attractive brochure was printed and by June over half of the first class was registered. Mrs. Kenneth Maroney was obtained as Kindergarten Director and on September 13, the kindergarten began with 27 pupils.
THE YEAR OF THE DRAMA…
This could possibly be remembered as the year of the drama. In the spring ALICE IN WONDERLAND was presented for the children by the Music Department. The music ministry also presented AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VIS-ITORS and the youth presented BANANA MOON.
Over 60 adults and several young people worked long hours under the direction of the Keys to present a lavish musical production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND as the "surprise" this year for all the children in our choirs. Who
will ever forget Jimmy Key and one of our dignified deacons singing "The Unbirthday Song" on top of a table? And weren't the "dandy lions," "tiger links" and "dog wood blossoms" pretty even though they were "mothers"? Between rehearsals, nimble fingers spent the week prior to the performance painting scenery, building sets, and sewing costumes—literally turning Fellowship Hall into a "Wonderland." A command repeat performance was held for the adults the next week. It was estimated 450 people viewed this "production."
The glee and complete enthrallment of a room full of precious children as they lived every moment of Alice's adventure with her will remain as a warm glow in the hearts of all the "actors" and "actresses" for long years to come.
BANANA MOON, an original musical comedy written and directed by Jane Byrom, our pastor’s daughter, was presented after church on Sunday evening. We were very impressed not only by the caliber of the play but with the
acting ability of the young people.
The delightful Christmas opera AlVIAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS was presented in October and again in December. The story revolves around the journey of the Wise Men to Bethlehem and their stop overnight with
a poor woman and her crippled boy, Amahl. Excellent performances were given by Judy Lively, Sue Searles, Don Searles, James Lively, Jimmy Key, Bob Carpenter and the Chancel Choir.
The church voted to call the new educational building "The Wallace Rogers Building," and a suitable brass plaque was to be engraved and placed on the building at a later date. Mr. Searles was given a leave of absence to return to Louisville, Kentucky, for the month of July to complete his residence work at Southern Seminary. Mrs. Searles accompanied him to spend the time introducing their new daughter, Anne Kathryn, to relatives in Kentucky.
LAST ONE IN IS A…
The Jimmy Alexanders had "turned over" Alexander's Acres, their summer house and swimming pool on the Nueces River, to Parkdale to be used by church groups for outings, picnics and parties. These facilities were put to good use for several summers and were enjoyed by a host of our people.
TEACHEST THE WAY OF GOD IN TRUTH…
October 2, 1965, was set aside for Teacher Appreciation Day at Parkdale. Often the teachers in our Sunday School, Training Union, Girls' Auxiliary, Royal Ambassadors, Sunbeams, and choirs are some of the "unsung heroes" of church life. Many of them are quietly faithful for years without ever being recognized or praised but on this day, Parkdale said, "Dear teachers, we honor you for your faithfulness, for your dedication to Christ's cause, and for your ability as teachers in the most important place in the world!"
It seems fitting at this point to tell of Mrs. R. O. Tackett's retirement as a Sunday School teacher at the age of 76. Mrs. Tackett, a charter member of Parkdale and a teacher all of her adult life, was honored with a luncheon and then the Woman's Missionary Union honored her with a dinner and "This Is Your Life" program. Mrs. R. O. Tackett is an exemplification for us all of a Christian willing to use her talent for the Lord.
JOY TO THE WORLD…
One of the most meaningful times of the year comes at Christmas and New Year's as we at Parkdale celebrate in ways that have become traditional. First comes the delightful Christmas musical programs by our children . . . then the Adult and Youth Choirs' splendid music and pageant accompanied by the ingathering of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions . . . the five o'clock Vesper Service on Christmas Day when the Lord's Supper is observed . . . the Student Night at Christmas Service . . . and a time of fun and frolic followed by a serious time of thanksgiving and praise as the old year is finished and a clean new year presents itself for our use.
AND IT CAME TO PASS AFTER, THE YEAR HAD EXPIRED …
How good that God allows us to begin again. A new year at Parkdale always means January Bible Study. Dr. John Cobb, New Testament Professor at the University of Corpus Christi, and a master teacher, led us in the study, "John's Witness to Jesus."
January is also tithing emphasis time and this year the congregation took their commitment cards to the altar during a morning worship service to join in a Dedication March. Dr. Searles said, "Our Dedication March was inspiring! Suddenly there was a mass movement toward the altar; it seemed as though the whole congregation moved at once."
Most of February 1966 was given over to preparation for a revival scheduled for March 16 - 20. Dr. T. A. Patterson, Executive Secretary of Texas Baptists, was our evangelist and Mr. Jack Terrell was our music director for the revival. Mrs. Jack Terrell, well known performing artist, came as special guest soloist. This was a very distinguished "evangelistic team," and our people's response to their leadership was gratifying. A special and popular feature of this revival was the men's breakfast on Saturday morning with men bringing guests. Many of our men brought their neighbors, their bosses. golf buddies, fellow workers, or just acquaintances — some were introduced to the "gospel message" for the first time. Our men called it "an enriching experience."
A GIFT OF LOVE…
The church family was pleased to learn that an anonymous donor would make it possible for Parkdale Baptist Church to have a pipe organ to replace the Baldwin electronic organ which was moved from the old Downtown Baptist Church. Mrs. Claude Alphin, Mrs. George Ansley, Mrs. Harry Johnson, Mr. Walter Roussel, Dr. Wallace Rogers, Mr. Clyde Faulk, Mr. A. A. Freeman, Mr. Don Searles, and Mr. Jimmy Key were appointed a special committee to study suitable organs and make a recommendation to the church. On April 13, 1966, this committee recommended a three-manual Moller pipe organ which cost $25,000. The church adopted this recommendation. The organ would take several months to build and be installed and hopefully would be ready for use early in 1967.
Christian Home Week was observed with an Open House in our Nursery for parents. Rev. Raynell Parkins, Priest in Charge of St. Martin's Episcopal Mission, was guest speaker. Parents' Dedication Day was also observed during the worship service on Sunday morning. All parents with their babies born in the last year came forward to rededicate themselves to the responsibility of Christian parenthood and their children to the nurture of a Christian family.
Christian Education Week was observed on May 15 with Mr. Howard E. Butt, Jr., then Chairman of the Board of the University of Corpus Christi, as guest speaker. On this day a special offering was taken toward a goal of $2,000 which was voted as our share of $75,000 the University of Corpus Christi was endeavoring to raise for pressing needs at the school. Informative data on the advantages and opportunities provided by a Christian education was emphasized in each Sunday School department.
The choirs participated in several festivals through the years and always performed excellently and received high ratings.
Mr. Don Searles received an advanced degree of Graduate Specialist in Religious Education from Southern Baptist Theological Many of our people had expressed their desire for a "deeper study of the scriptures." After many weeks of study, our workers with adults and young people voted to adopt the "LIFE AND WORK CURRICULUM" beginning the first of October. This new curriculum is produced by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and is the result of many years labor. It is intended to train and produce Christians to action on the basis of that knowledge. The LIFE AND WORK CURRICULUM will increase the potential for individual knowledge of the Bible—it will assist young people and adults in understanding the nature, purpose, functions, and tasks of Parkdale Baptist Church. It is designed to mobilize persons in doing the work of our church. Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
SING UNTO THE LORD . . .
The Youth Choir traveled over 2,000 miles while on a tour to seven churches and attending Music Week at Glorieta. This enthusiastic group was always a joy to hear as their many hours of practice resulted in the blending of voices in beautiful music. Their "specials" on Sunday evenings were continually uplifting and made "Youth Choir Boosters" out of the entire congregation.
Parkdale youth were busy all summer with church-centered activities such as choir trips, clean-up days for the church and grounds, youth camps and a Bible Conference.
Our Intermediates, Seniors and College-Career young people participated in a YOUTH BIBLE CONFERENCE each evening the same week Vacation Bible School was held for the younger children. The schedule was an hour of Bible Study followed with refreshment time, discussion time, and youth-led worship. This Bible Conference ended with swimming, games, a picnic and a final hour of Bible Study at Alexander's Acres on Saturday.
Eighty-three young people and sponsors participated in the Youth Camp at Echo Valley in August, and wonderful "echoes" were heard from the camp, too. A large number made commitments, and several were won to Christ. Some of the decisions and testimonies shared with the congregation upon their return were: "I gave my life to special service three years ago; I feel now that I am being called to foreign missions." "I know that 1 have no great gift for speaking or singing, but God gave me a talent for art. I'll do as much for Him as I can." "I am going to follow God's will." "I felt that I ought to accept Jesus and ask Him for forgiveness." "I'm going back." "The Lord has called me to the field of nursing, but mainly He wants me to win my family to Him."
The church can plant the seed, but only God sees the promising future of the children trained in activities such as Girls' Auxiliary, Royal Ambassadors, Sunday School and Training Union.
We can visibly see some of the results of Christian training when we look around and see young husbands and wives with families of their own, who "grew up" in Parkdale still actively doing God's work as teachers, deacons, and making decisions in places of leadership that affect the very life and future of our church.
WHO IS FAITHFUL AMONG THY SERVANTS?
In the fall a lovely reception was given for Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Pierce by the Diaconate and their wives. Mr. Pierce had retired. He and Mrs. Pierce were moving to Gordon, Texas, a small town in North Texas near their ranch. When Mr. Pierce left, Mr. J. B. Segrest remained as our only charter member deacon.
The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce had literally been "woven" into the life of Downtown and Parkdale Baptist Church from the very beginning. They spent countless hours at the church quietly taking care of tasks necessary for a church to be the training center for its members and a witness for Christ to the world. Mr. Pierce was Sunday School Superintendent from the time we were a mission until after our move into the new building. He was Finance Chairman during our move and for several years thereafter. It has been said, "His hold on the purse strings and accounting for every penny made the move into our new situation possible."
Mrs. Pierce served many years as teacher in the Young Married Department, as organizer of our Woman's Missionary Union, and as Counselor for Girls' Auxiliary and Young Woman's Auxiliary. She was President of District Five of Woman's Missionary Union for five years and held a state office in the same organization. She was on the Board of Directors of Valley Baptist Academy from its beginning.
One day someone asked if Mrs. Pierce had any children. Mary Ann Wright replied, "Well, about 500, I guess—that's about how many she's `mothered' at summer camps." A great many of our young people, and some of us not so young, count it a privilege to have been one of her "children."
Many still in our congregation have given years of faithful service to our church and it is hoped that their names will be recorded when our next 20 years of history is written.
COME GIVE THANKS!...
Instead of having several Christmas programs this year, the Music Ministry presented a beautiful Thanksgiving and Praise Service November 26 featuring the Chancel, Youth, and Crusader Choirs and the University of Corpus Christi Band.
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS IS LOVE…
Another new event in Parkdale Church life was the Family Christmas Banquet and Program held Wednesday evening before Christmas Day. It was a joyous time of merriment and fun for the church family.
All the choirs took part in a Manger Tableaux with carols on December 18. Everyone present, participated in a meaningful Candle Lighting Service with the prayer that our "Light of Joy" will shine for Him throughout the world in 1967.
A small band of Southern Baptists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, organized the Bux-Mont Baptist Church in 1966. They had been unable to secure property and were meeting in rooms in a motel. Because of their enthusiastic witness and faithfulness, God blessed them abundantly and their membership had grown from 45 to 66 in two months.
In February of 1967 property became available, and the Home Mission Board had expressed their willingness to loan this small church $42,000 if some established church would underwrite half of that amount.
Parkdale became interested in this church through former members. Several of our members visited there while in Philadelphia on business and returned with enthusiastic reports of Bux-Mont's progress and astonishing tithing record. We voted in a specially called business meeting upon the recommendation of our deacons to underwrite this loan.
LEAVE THY OUTGROWN SHELL …
Members of Parkdale Baptist Church believe that a changing world necessitates that outdated procedures and antiquated methods must be recognized and new ideas and ways must be innovated by the church to keep abreast of the times and with the thinking and needs of our families. With this in mind, Dr. John Drakeford was asked to come to us March 31 - April 2 to hold a Family Life Revival. Dr. Drakekford, a native of Australia, is associated with the Southwestern Baptist Theological Society as Professor of Psychology and Counseling and Director of the Baptist Marriage and Family Counseling Center and the author of several books on these subjects.
Our meetings started with a family banquet with Dr. Drakeford speaking on "The Family in a Modern World" to parents and children over 12. At 6:30 a.m., on Saturday a Man's Breakfast was held with Dr. Drakeford speaking to fathers and grandfathers on "The Facts of Life for Fathers." That evening he had a Parents' Meeting speaking on the subject, "How to Talk to Your Children About Sex," illustrated with
recorded experiences. During the Sunday School hour, he spoke to Intermediate and Young People. At the 11 o'clock worship service, he asked that all families sit together, and he spoke on "The Mobile Family." A family dedication service was held at this time. At 6 o'clock his topic, as he spoke to husbands and wives, was "Compatible or Combatable?" At the evening service his subject was "Church and Family — Allies or Enemies."
Dr. Drakeford, under God, brought inspiration, information, religion, loyalty and beauty as he spoke about our homes and our relationship to Christ and to one another
The dedication of the new pipe organ and memorial chimes was held on February 26. Mr. Robert Bennett played the Dedicatory Recital Mr. Bennett was organist-choir master of St. Luke's Methodist Church in Houston and an accomplished recitalist and oratoria accompanist.
Our organ is a lovely instrument so constructed as to allow for enlargement in years to come. It was and is beautifully adequate for great worship experiences for generations to come. Although the donors preferred to remain anonymous, our people were thrilled and thankful for this generous gift.
A significant decision was reached by the Woman's Missionary Union the first of March when they voted unanimously to take time ordinarily devoted to meetings and use it in service. Beginning immediately the ladies took the time usually reserved for two of the meetings at church and used it in various action projects. Typical of these projects were: Literary work, Bible teachings and personal ministries to shut-ins, neighborhood missions and volunteer work in the children's hospitals.Parkdale members were urged to invite friends and neighbors to hear the great story of ELIJAH by Mendelssohn sung by the Sanctuary Choir with Mr. Andrew White, Chairman of the Voice Department at Baylor of the Voice Department at Baylor University, as guest soloists. This immortal sacred music, the story of a great prophet of the Lord, sung in oratorio form was beautifully presented by the choir, the instrumentalist and Mr. White, and marked a milestone of music excellence in our church.On April 9, this letter of resignation was received from Mr. Don Searles:"To the Pastor, Personnel Committee, and Congregation of Parkdale Baptist Church:"After considerable prayer and personal struggle, I feel compelled to accept a call issued by the First Baptist Church of Austin, Texas. I therefore submit my resignation, and request that it be accepted as of May 1, 1967."Be assured that you will always remain in our prayers and in our hearts.(s) Don SearlesMinister of Education."Mr. Searles served as our Minister of Education four years during which time many goals were accomplished in our educational program. Mr. and Mrs. Searles had been diligent and faithful in their service to Christ through our church and they would be sorely missed.BLEST BE THE TIE…Visitation was stressed in May but not the usual visitation—this was "Get acquainted with Parkdale" month. We had 526 families in our church at this time. Families with names beginning with a particular letter were to stay home on certain nights and be visited by others in the church. Needless to say, friendships were made with our fellow members who, perhaps prior to this, had only been seen across the sanctuary. Dr. Ray Finch, the chairman of this campaign expressed the sentiment of all when he said, "Hasn't this been fun!"OUR HANDS… GOD'S TOOLS…Our youth need creative approaches to help them see the necessity of a living relationship with Christ. The leaders of our youth must have had this in mind when they planned the activities for the 1967 summer.Mr. Jack Reichenstein was in charge of a youth "Think In" July 24 through July 29. Lively discussions were held each evening and on Saturday at Alexander's Acres.Seminars and Bible Study on "What Christ Expects of Me" were held at the Youth Camp in Echo Valley in August. Serious questions on reverence, honesty, dedication and obedience were explored and vital decisions were made by our young people.TO DISTANT CLIMES THE TIDINGS BEAR . . •Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Freeman and Mr. Jimmy Key journeyed to Dayton, Ohio, in August to help with the Baptist Encounter Crusade there. Mr. Key directed the music for a revival at the Gettysburg Baptist Church and all three of them joined the local Baptists in personal witnessing and visiting—literally going from door to door. The Lord blessed the Ohio Baptists with 645 baptisms and 1,370 rededications during this time but the Freemans and Mr. Key reported they felt they had received the blessing.
When a man has served God and his fellow man for 35 years and deserves to rest from a rigorous schedule, then we can rejoice with him in his retirement. But, when he is the beloved pastor of a great church, the congregation faces this news with mixed emotion. This was certainly the situation when Dr. Wallace R. Rogers decided to retire.
The following letter was read to the church on September 3, 1967:
"To The Congregation Parkdale Baptist Church Corpus Christi, Texas
"Beloved, After twelve years as your Pastor, I have decided it is time to resign, and therefore offer this resignation. I should like to be released from pastoral responsibilities as of September 30.
"For Mrs. Rogers and my Family, I offer this expression of gratitude for
every kind word spoken, for every prayer prayed, and for every thoughtful
deed you have done. "Our prayer for you is that under the Divine Leadership of our Precious Lord you will seek and find God's man to take up the opportunities and challenges of your pulpit.
"You have a right to expect great things in the future. God expects great things of you. Accept, therefore, His word as He cries out to His people to go forward.
"May the blessings of our Father be with you until in the fullness of time Jesus comes again to claim His own. This we write in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(s) Wallace R. Rogers."
At a called meeting of the deacons on September 11, it was unanimously agreed that the treasurer would set aside $4,200 for Dr. and Mrs. Rogers to be paid $700 per month for six months starting in October. This was approved by the congregation, and it was also agreed that this would be over and above the special love offering from the people.
A Week of Appreciation was scheduled September 17 through September 24. On September 17 the dedication of the educational building was held. Our church had unanimously voted to name it "Rogers Building" in honor of our pastor. At this ceremony, a beautiful brass plaque was unveiled. It read:
Dedicated to the Glory of God in appreciation for
WALLACE R. ROGERS, D.D.
Pastor, 1955 - 1967
Dr. Rogers preached his last sermon on September 17. A special all-church fellowship dinner, a luncheon for denominational leaders and special guests, and a city-wide reception were held, all in Rogers Building, during this week.
Dr. E. H. Westmoreland, Pastor of South Main Baptist Church, was guest speaker for both the morning and evening services on September 24. Dick Shepphard once said, "I can more easily see our Lord sweeping the streets of London than issuing edicts from its cathedral." Dr. Rogers was at home in the pulpit, perhaps even issuing edicts as he was "born to preach," but he was also at home sweeping, if need be, or in shirt sleeves over the barbecue pit cooking hamburgers for a hungry "bunch" or cleaning out the swimming pool at Alexander's Acres or camping out with a group of R.A.'s.
He had served Parkdale for 12 years, but this time had been crammed with a lifetime of experience, laughter, and tears, success and failure. Young people (including his own daughters) had "grown up" under his pastorate, married and had families of their own. Countless young people counted him their "special" friend.
Perhaps "contemporary" is the word to describe Dr. Rogers' 12 years of Pastor's Paragraphs in our bulletins each week. He wrote about things on his mind at the moment -- about the things happening that day around him — around the church—around the city—around the nation.
He had the gift of "personalizing" his messages—they were like mirrors—we saw ourselves reflected in them.
Many flowery words and phrases could be written about him, and they would all be true—he was loving, kind-hearted, charitable, gracious, a bulwark for Christ—he never asked, "Who is my neighbor?" But perhaps one phrase stands out above all the rest — "He had the human touch."
His church family felt God had been gracious to us. He was God's man for this time, in this place. We do not say goodbye to an old friend, we say Godspeed until we meet again.
On October 1, Parkdale Baptist welcomed Dr. A. Hope Owen as Interim Pastor. Dr. Owen had recently retired from the Presidency of Wayland Baptist College. He had agreed to serve our church for five months, after which he had other commitments. Dr. and Mrs. Owen proved to be a great blessing to us. They were warm, dedicated people who loved God and His children. They moved into our parsonage and were soon "at home" there and in our hearts. How amazingly God has always blessed Parkdale!
A Pulpit Committee had been elected. Serving on that committee were: Mr. A. A. Freeman, Mr. Howard E. Butt, Jr., Mr. Jack Reichenstein, Mr. Bill Snow, Mr. Harold Epperson, Mrs. Louie Dell Harris, and Mrs. Nancy Mapes. This committee was committed to a tremendous responsibility as they sought God's man as our pastor and leader.
The following guidelines were approved by the church and presented to the Pulpit Committee: We, the members of the Parkdale Baptist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas, would like to offer the following guidelines for the Pulpit Committee as they seek God's will in selecting a pastor for our church.
1. The committee should seek and pray for God's divine guidance and will in finding the man God has for the pastor of our church.
2. Members of our church should be given opportunity to make suggestions for a pastor. They should furnish reason for suggestion, name, and address if possible. This should be in writing.
3. The committee should make a thorough investigation of the Christian character, denomination cooperation, Baptist doctrine, reputation in community, church leadership, and experience as pastor. All of this should be done prior to personal contact.
4. The committee is to use their own discretion concerning travel expenses, honorarium, etc. for the prospective pastor and wife.
5. The committee is to use the current church budget as a guide when discussing salary, car expenses, housing allowance, etc. for the pastor of the church. If this is found to be insufficient, the committee should come to the deacons for further instructions.
6. Fringe benefits:
a. Vacation should not exceed a pulpit vacancy of more than 3 Sundays.
Could leave on a Monday and return on a Saturday if desired.
b. On revivals the pastor should not be out of the pulpit more than 3 Sundays a year.
c. Conventions: The church is to pay pastor and wife's expenses to Southern Baptist Convention and State Convention, and Executive Board if a member.
d. Church will continue to participate in the Church retirement system using the current practice of the church.
e. Group hospitalization, social security: These should be followed as on current budget.
7. The committee should not bring any person before the church that is not unanimously chosen by the committee.
8. The committee should bring only one person before the church at any time for the church's consideration.
9. While the prospect is here, he and the pulpit committee shall meet with the entire group of deacons in a period of fellowship, discussion, and getting acquainted.
10. At the evening service on the Sunday when the prospective pastor has appeared before the church in view of a call, the church shall be called into conference at the close of the service for the purpose of voting whether or not to call the prospective man as pastor of Parkdale Baptist Church,
If you have a name you would like to present to the Pulpit Committee, please turn this in to Mrs. Harris at the Church office.
The loss of our pastor seemed to make the membership aware of personal responsibility. Because of this a "new spirit" was felt in the church. A new spirit of faithfulness, willingness, and concern.
This same new spirit was also felt by our men at the Men's Retreat at the H.E.B. Foundation Camp during October. Dr. Charles Culpepper, a retired Southern Baptist missionary to China, and Dr. Charles McLaughlin, Executive Secretary of the State Missions Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, both "giants" for our Lord, were guest speakers at this retreat. Dr. Owen returned saying he was "amazed at the potential `manpower' in Parkdale Baptist Church.' He said, "We hear much today about political power, financial power, chemical power, horsepower, and nuclear power, all the while God is calling for manpower.
An Intensive Educational Leadership Conference for our people was held in three all-day sessions in October by Mr. Harry Piland, Minister of Education at the University Baptist Church in Fort Worth. This was our only major educational workshop this year and all those with responsibilities in any phase of our education ministry were asked to attend. Mr. Piland held Age Group Conferences, Personal Counseling Sessions regarding specific needs in our educational ministry, and Age Group Coordinator Seminars.
Rev. Neal T. Jones, dynamic young pastor of Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church in Dallas, was our evangelist in a fall revival November 12 through November 18. In the midst of these services, Dr. Owens wrote: "We are thankful for the decisions that have been made. There are others waiting for you to help them with their spiritual problems and are eager for you to help them find a church home at Parkdale. We are strategically located in the city. So many people drive by and observe the beautiful building. They hear about the church. You must keep your spiritual friendliness and make the many visitors
who come to the services feel at home."
Rev. Tom McMillian, a brilliant and personable young man and a Southern Baptist missionary from Arusha, Tanzania, was special guest at an All-Church Missions banquet held during the Week of Prayer for Foreign Missions. He was also guest of the Sunbeams and Girl's Auxiliary on Saturday afternoon and with the youth Saturday evening. Rev. McMillian enthralled the adults and fascinated the children as he told of his work with the African people. He preached at both worship services on Sunday. His topics were "Missions in the Making" and "Rest for the Restless."Our people were grateful to the Woman's Missionary Union for inviting this man to our church. Getting to know men such as Dr. Culpepper and Rev. McMillian is a rich experience for a church. God surely chooses "only the best" to represent Christ for us in other lands.
It would be easy to say, "Well, we did the same old things in December here at Parkdale--the Family Christmas Banquet, the Deacons' Christmas Dinner, the music and pageant by our choirs, the ingathering of the Lottie Moon Love Offering and the Student Night at Christmas Program." But, when you are experiencing these events, they are far from dull—the music is in-spiring, the fellowship marvelous, and this year, someone said, "the Deacons' Dinner was `stupendous." Rev, and Mrs. Neal Jones were our special guests. Dr. D. W. Handley, Chairman of the Deacons, acted as Master of Ceremonies and with the help of Mrs. George Ansley, put on an amusing program, and that's putting it mildly.
Christmas at Parkdale is a happy time and also a time to re-evaluate our lives—to think on the Christ Child. And just as the shepherds did not leave the Manger to return to the same old life, Parkdale people left this Christmas season of 1967 "glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen!"
About a year before, the church had felt a great sense of responsibility to a large number of folks who were not attending church and Sunday School anywhere. For a while $20 a week was spent to send a city bus out to the Breakers Hotel and North Beach and back. This did not work out well and the Missions Committee then decided to rent the lower floor of a two-story house on Brewster Street and established the Brewster Street Mission. Within a few months we could see that this space was inadequate. It was costing $50 a month plus utilities for three small rooms and a screened porch. God led us to find a perfect location—built exactly for our use at 1429 Mesquite. The rent was $90 per month. The name was changed to Central Baptist Chapel. The building had a large auditorium and three classrooms. It was painted, ceiling fans added, a platform and windows installed, electrical work done, and a sign erected. Within weeks there were several additions for baptism. Tom Clawson, the Mission Pastor, was largely responsible for this growth. He was said to be
"a good preacher and a hard worker for the Lord." The Church family was asked to pray "that God would greatly prosper this, His work, through our church.
The crowded conditions were almost more than could be coped with at the Downtown Baptist Church because of the tremendous growth in its few short years of existence. A building fund had been started from the beginning, and now it was time to think seriously of expansion. The deacons appointed a Survey Committee to study the needs and they were asked to bring a recommendation for expansion in the near future. A little later the deacons recommended to the church that the vacant property at the corner of Lower Broadway and Taylor be purchased for $12,000. The recommendation was adopted, and the lot purchased.
Prominent men continued to fill the pulpit on special occasions and for revivals. Dr. M. D. Oates, a medical missionary from Peru, spoke at a morning worship service. He worked with our own missionaries, Robert and Mary Lillian Harris, and so brought first-hand knowledge of their work, and special greetings from them. Dr. W. H. Colson, new City Missionary (his title in those days), preached for us several times. He was a good preacher, but it was impossible to know at that time what a tremendous power he would be for the Lord and Baptists in Corpus Christi. He also proved himself a true friend to Downtown Baptist Church. Dr. Mery Rosell was scheduled for a revival on November 14. The pastor wrote the church family:
"There is no more fitting or God-honoring way to begin a new church year than with a Revival. Revivals are persistent throughout the Bible. They bring to the Christian, seasons of Spirit Refreshing. There is not one of us, including the preacher, but who needs a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit upon us.
I'm going to ask you to do several things, first: Will you pray definitely every day for the meeting. Secondly, will you promise God to be here at every service. Third, will you dedicate yourself to bringing someone with you to every service.
"Don't underestimate the blessing Christ can be to your life and the lives of others through this week of special services!" There were many, many spiritually uplifting times, but there were lots of times of fun and laughter, too. The old fellowship hall rang regularly with gaiety and excitement for both young and old. The young people's banquets were always "sights to behold." The pastor's secretary was also the Superintendent of the Young People's Department, and she had no qualms what-soever about asking EVERYONE for help. Can one ever forget Joe Forbes, perspiration dripping off his brow, as he sawed and hammered the last of 20 stands for bare mesquite trees, looking up and saying, "But you didn't tell me there was this much to do." Of course he worked another day spraying the trees white as the secretary followed, sprinkling them with silver glitter. Oh, but it was worth it—to see them sparkle and glisten in the candlelight at the Christmas Fairyland Banquet that year!
No matter how much time the pastor spent in outside revivals, serving his denomination, or speaking before civic groups, he never neglected his church or his "preaching." He led people to Christ and the church, put them to work. He promoted tithing, stewardship and Bible study. The church prospered and grew spiritually. As Dr. Hultgren completed his fifth year as under shepherd, he announced that he had accepted the call of the Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles, Louisiana. In his last message to the church family, he said: "The unique way this church was born and the unusual circumstances under which we began our first full-time pastorate have given you a special place in our hearts. My life and that of my family is infinitely richer because of these five fruitful years in the heart of this growing city."
In his five years of leadership, "Preacher" could rejoice in a solidified church membership and a people able, with God's help, to meet any crisis.
Early in January of 1968, word was received from Bux-Mont Baptist Church that they were hard at work completing plans for a building. A Building Fund Campaign was being planned and drawings for their new church were being prepared. At this time, they were still meeting in seven rooms in a motel at a cost of $300 per month. Rev. Jack H. Kelley was the pastor.
We were delighted to learn that along with these endeavors, this small church had voted to sponsor a group in the Lansdale, Pennsylvania area interested in starting a chapel. There were to be two families from Bux-Mont Church and one from Daylestown forming the nucleus for this mission. The chapel was to be known as the Nort-Penn Baptist Chapel. It would serve an area which had 45,000 people and no Southern Baptist Church. We were asked to pray for this new venture. Surely God had given this small group an extra measure of faith and we were happy to have even a small part in their ministry.
So soon? Five months had passed so quickly since the coming of Dr. and Mrs. A. Hope Owen. Dr. Owen said, "It is always difficult to say `Goodbye.' It grieves me that I must leave before you have a pastor. It is my prayer that the Pulpit Committee will soon be guided to the man God wants to be your pastor. Parkdale has a great future. Be assured of my abiding interest and prayers."
The Chairman of the Deacons expressed Parkdale's appreciation for Dr. and Mrs. Owen in this paragraph published in the Parkdale News:
"Our Heavenly Father has blessed us greatly during this interim period. What a thrill it has been to associate with folks like Dr. and Mrs. Hope Owen.
"Sunday, February 25, 1968, will be their final day here at Parkdale. This church has always seemed to attract pastors and staff members who possess a touch of greatness, and the warmth and glow of the Master. The Lord continued His blessings upon us by sending Pastor and Mrs. Owen to us for this short time.
"D. W. Handley and Members of Parkdale Baptist Church."
GOD PROVIDETH FOR THE MORROW . . .
Those on the Pulpit Committee were diligent in praying for God's leadership, seeking out and interviewing men of great abilities as a potential pastor.
Not for one instant did the Parkdale congregation's faith flag. God was sufficient for that ay—He would provide for the morrow.
Nor did the attendance or interest flag. After Dr. Jack MacGorman preached for the morning and evening services on March 9, our Deacon Chairman wrote in the bulletin:
"Did you see the crowd? Did you hear the great music? Did you see the Royal Ambassadors in action? Didn't you feel God's presence at both services Sunday? Since Dr. Rogers, our Pastor Emeritus, often spoke of God's pulpit with reverence and dignity, he would have been pleased as Dr. MacGorman spoke from God's Word.
"Things are happening at the Parkdale Baptist Church. We are looking forward to hearing some of our most outstanding Baptist leaders and teachers in the next few weeks. Pray that God will use them in a mighty way."
HE AROSE A VICTOR…
The Easter season of 1968 brought both joy and sadness. The music ministry presented their usual matchless musical programs. The Chancel Choir had sung "On the Passion of Christ" on Palm Sunday, and an unrivaled presentation of "The Seven Last Words" was given at noon on Good Friday.
Rev. Milton Cunningham, a long-time friend of Parkdale and now one of our missionaries in Zambia, Africa, preached for both services on Easter to a responsive congregation.
During this same week, Mr. Jimmy Key, our Minister of Music for five and one-half years, resigned to accept a position with the Music Department of our Sunday School Board in Nashville, Tennessee. The following is his letter of resignation.
"BELOVED PARKDALE,
"Some of the hardest decisions in life seem to come at what we, in our human strength, might consider the most inopportune and inappropriate times. However, God in His infinite wisdom and understanding holds the key to the master plan of our lives which unlocks the doors and leads us to His highest purposes.
"It is with a real struggle and a sense of wrong timing, yet, a deep conviction that the Lord's will and the rightness of following HIS leadership rather than my own, that I submit my resignation as your Minister of Music effective with the close of services on Easter Sunday. I am resigning to accept the position of Music Editor of Literary Materials for the Children's Division of the Sunday School Board in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a most challenging work and in such a completely different direction from the eighteen years I have spent in local churches that it has been a very difficult decision to reach.
"Leaving our church at this time has been another difficult decision. However, I know that with God's help you will not let down until a pastor and more staff have been procured.
"My family will remain here until the conclusion of the school term and will be available to assist the music ministry in any way you so desire.
"We cannot begin to thank you enough for the joys and blessings which we have experienced here. This is a GREAT church—and I know the Lord has great plans for YOU.
"We shall always be deeply concerned and interested in you and the progress you make in the years to come. May the Lord bless you in all that you do for Him is my prayer.
"Most Sincerely, Jimmy Key."
Jimmy and Glennella Key were a couple of many talents and interests with a love of people and life. How can one express sufficient gratitude for devotion to duty, loyalty to Christ, a deep sense of Christian humility, a warm heart for the lost and a driving enthusiastic spirit.
Jimmy's leaving was the end of an era at Parkdale. God, however, does not let His work just end without meaning. We were confident that He had plans for our church that would allow us to take advantage of the foundations that had been laid.
HOW SHALL THEY HEAR?
Perhaps a church without a pastor has one compensation and that is the congregation has the opportunity to hear some of our denominational leaders, missionaries, professors from the seminary, and other outstanding men that we would not ordinarily hear. We have mentioned Dr. MacGorman and Milton Cunningham. Others who came were: Dr. John P. Newport, Professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Dr. W. H. Colson, Dr. Charles McLaughlin, and Dr. Milton Ferguson, also a professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. These men were all gracious and helpful in many ways as they came to our pulpit from week to week.
WAIT UPON THE LORD...
We found these words by Dr. Handley, Chairman of the Deacons, written in early March: "The puzzle concerning our future pastor will begin to make a picture before our eyes one day soon and we will discover the exact blessings that God has been saving for us." Later, in April, he informed us again via the bulletin:
This Friday and Saturday, a prospective Pastor, Rev. Frank Moore of Stillwater, Oklahoma, is coming to Parkdale to see what we are like. I wonder what he will see? I have also wondered what he will sense. Will he see the freshly painted rooms and halls and know that this work was done by tired businessmen after a day's work? Will he be able to detect the positive attitude shown by our members or the great concern for the lost as seen in our Sunday School teachers?
I pray that he will catch a glimpse of the great heart of this church."
We were charmed by this young man and his pretty, vivacious wife as they spent a busy, busy two days in Corpus Christi. Now would come the soul-searching time for both the church and this couple and their two sons. God's leadership was sought in many prayers, not only here in Corpus Christi and Stillwater, Oklahoma, but by friends and leaders in the seminary in Fort Worth and throughout the state.
And while we were awaiting the Lord's leadership in the selection of a pastor, Parkdale Baptist Church adopted the largest budget in their history. It was a challenging $229,288. Much prayer and work went into the preparation of this budget. And so we began the task of subscribing it with a Kick-Off Dinner and an intensive budget campaign.
Every year in the life of a church there are budget committees, nominating committees, finance committees, etc., etc., etc., all vital to the church, made up of busy men and women who spend hours of time and energy making plans and adopting programs, sometimes to be forgotten when the work is done or at least until "next year" when they are needed again. And in our "humanness" we fellow church members even forget to say "Thank you." But we are grateful to our Heavenly Father for these that "keep on keeping on" regardless of thanks or gratitude or glory.
This year, we had cause to be thankful for these committees were working without the help of pastor, minister of education, or minister of music.
Our church secretaries, Mrs. Leslie Owen, Mrs. Carl Smith, and Mrs. David Harris were called on many times to go that "extra mile," which they did willingly.
Oh, to be sure, there was a "crisis" or two (and maybe even more!) but the people weathered the storms, grew spiritually stronger for the experiences, and learned that God is still on the throne!
Mrs. George Ansley was employed as Director of the Youth Choir and Coordinator of the children's choirs, and Miss Silvia Garrett was employed as Director of the Chancel Choir and to lead our music during the morning worship service. Both these women were members of Parkdale and performed these tasks superbly.
Some of the happiest news in all the years came to us when we learned Rev. Frank Moore was returning to preach in both services for us on Sunday, May 26, 1968. Following the evening service, the congregation would vote on calling Rev. Frank Moore as Pastor of Parkdale Baptist Church.
Almost everyone came to hear him at the morning service, and as the day progressed anticipation and suspense mounted to such a degree that the congregation seemed to be wreathed in an aura of expectancy and excitement as they gathered for the evening service. After Rev. Moore preached and he and Mrs. Moore left the sanctuary, Dr. D. W. Handley presided and admonished us with these words: "This evening, we will vote as a congregation on the proposition of calling Rev. Moore as our Pastor. The right to vote is a priceless privilege enjoyed by Baptists throughout our convention. Each
congregation is a separate entity governed by God through inspiration and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
"How fortunate we are to belong to a denomination that allows such freedom. Let us decide now that we will offer each vote in an atmosphere of prayer and total dependence on the Holy Spirit. The decision we make could very easily outlive us."
God's guiding hand was felt as the vote was taken and when it was over and Rev. Moore was called to be our new pastor, a sense of gratefulness and rightness prevailed. We were confident that great things would be accomplished for Christ and His church through the leadership of this
man. Rev. Frank Moore had been ordained by the Chappel Memorial Baptist Church in Oklahoma City in 1953. After graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University, he enrolled in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated from there in 1962 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He again enrolled in the seminary in 1964 to work on his doctorate's degree. He had completed all his academic requirements and was preparing to write his dissertation. His doctoral thesis deals with an appraisal of contemporary drama and literature from the viewpoint of the Christian understanding of man. Rev. Moore is married to the former Sue Scantlan, also a native of Oklahoma, and they have two sons, Michael, age 11, and Marshall, age 8.
Rev. Moore was committed to finish teaching summer school and would assume his pastoral duties July 1. His first message to the church family was written on Monday, May 27, 1968, and was printed in the Parkdale News:
"My family and I anticipate that the years of our relationship with you will confirm the impression that yesterday was one of the most wonderfully memorable days of our ministry. We are pleased, grateful, and excited to be a part of what our Lord will do through Parkdale Church.
"Already in multiple ways you have expressed your eagerness to expand your already significant ministry. We respond with a similar eagerness.
"For us to realize the best ambitions we all share for our church, we will be mutually dependent on the Lord. Most of all I would ask of you that you pray for me in my efforts to lead you. "We anticipate moving to Corpus Christi as quickly as arrangements can be made in Stillwater.
"Your Pastor, Frank L. Moore."
Our Pulpit Committee had been magnificent and untiring. Many words of appreciation were expressed to the Chairmen, Mr. A. A. Freeman, Jack Reichtenstein, and the rest of the committee. Their mission was accomplished. We could all say, "Well done, good and faithful servants."
Now our Personnel Committee, with the leadership of our pastor, began to earnestly seek a Minister of Education. They were diligent in their efforts to find the right man to fill this important position. The search continued on through the summer and into the fall and although it was hard not be impatient, interviews and investigations were in motion, and in October our pastor made the welcome announcement that Mr. Don Cannata would be in our church on October 27, 1968, in view of a call as Minister of Education. He said:
"I am eager for you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Don Cannata. Their visit will climax several months of communications as we have searched for a Minister of Education. Once you have met them and learned something of Don's capabilities you will understand why the Personnel Committee, along with the Pastor, recommends that the church extend a call to him. Throughout my conversations with him, I have been impressed by his concepts of education and his commitment to our Lord. Take advantage of the schedule this weekend to get to know the Cannatas. Pray for the Lord to give clear direction as we vote Sunday evening."
The next week after the Cannatas' visit, Rev. Moore was pleased to announce that they had accepted our call and Mr. Cannata would resign his position as Minister of Education with First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama, effective November 24. Before going to Birmingham, Mr. Cannata served as Minister of Education at First Baptist Church, Valley Mills, Texas, during his seminary days, as Youth Director of Houston's Second Baptist Church, and as Minister of Education at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas.
The congregation was eager for the Cannatas to come. For so long our church had been limited by a lack of education leadership. He, his wife, Norma, and children, Leigh Ann, Mark, and Susan, arrived in Corpus Christi the last week in November 1968.
Rev. Moore said, "We are favored of the Lord to have Mr. Cannata with us. Only the Lord could have sent us a man of his caliber. I anticipate a long and meaningful working relationship with him."
SOMETHING NEW . . .
For some time remodeling had been underway for a new suite of offices in what had been the nursery department before the new educational building was built. This new office suite would fill a longtime need for centralized space for the Minister of Education, Education Secretary, Pastor's Secretary, a Counseling and Conference Room which will be used by the pastor and others as needed and a reception area. The Pastor's Study remained in the west corner room near the sanctuary. The church staff was pleased to move into these attractive and serviceable facilities.
THEN HELP ME, LORD TO SHOW I CARE FOR ALL YOUR CHILDREN EVERYWHERE
An unusually fine Week of Prayer program was arranged by the Woman's Missionary President, Mrs. Claude Alphin. In addition to the, all church missions banquet on Friday night, a new innovation last year, luncheon meetings were held through the week so men and employed women could attend' and hear a missionary message and participate in a time of prayer. Mr. Avery T. Willis, Jr., missionary to Indonesia, was guest speaker at the mission's banquet. Mr. Willis was a delightful gentleman. He charmed us all as he sang, played his guitar, and gave his eloquent testimony and story of his work in Indonesia. Again, we were struck with the merit and charisma of one of our missionaries who, because of his obvious abilities, could have had a high place of leadership in our denomination, but chose to go to a land where he 'faced opposition and the possibility of actual harm to his family because Americans were not wholeheartedly accepted in Indonesia.
The missions banquet climaxed a most magnificent Week of Prayer. Our pastor said, "In both scope and depth the spiritual impact was remarkable."
HAPPINESS IS CHRISTMAS AT PARKDALE . . .
This was the theme chosen by Mrs. Bob Mapes for our Christmas Banquet, and Fellowship this year, 1968. HAPPINESS was also LISTENING to the choirs present their annual Christmas music.
HAPPINESS was GIVING to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and participating in the ingathering service when each Sunday School brought their "gift" to the altar symbolizing their gift to Christ for Foreign Missions.
HAPPINESS was SHARING food or warm clothing and love to those in need right here in Corpus Christi.
OH GIVE THANKS… FOR HE IS GOOD…
The church year ended in a significant service with the congregation participating in a wordless Lord's Supper. The format of this observance differed from the customary manner only in that the elements were received with no spoken interpretation. The congregation entered silently and departed silently. As we paused to remember all. 'The good things that had happened to the people of Parkdale Baptist Church in the year 1968, our hearts. were overwhelmed!
MY CHURCH ALOOF OR ALIVE,
I'm glad that Parkdale has not been content with things "as they are" but has always been on the growth incentive. For those tired of the escalation and pace of today's life, the church must offer security and peace. For those beset with boredom, the church must generate excitement.
It is thrilling to hear and read about new plans and methods and realize their possibilities for helping us to grow spiritually as we learn and apply them under the guidance of strong, alert, and forward-looking leadership.
If the mark of a great leader is that he is not content to maintain the status quo, then Mr. Cannata must be awarded that title. Beginning early in January, he and the pastor introduced us to the Parkdale Advance Program, Phase I. alert for new and better ways to accomplish God's work. For all, the church must give direction and A great amount of time and thought went into the formulating of these plans before they were presented first to the deacons where they were wholeheartedly endorsed, then to the church where they were endorsed and adopted in a special church conference lasting two hours.
This was the first phase of a five-year plan for our church advance in evangelism, deeper spiritual growth of members, enlarged and flexible religious education program, enlarged sacred music program, additional staff members, increased personal stewardships, improved buildings, up-graded office equipment and methods, new ministries.
Phase I of the five-year (1969-1974) Advance Program includes a major emphasis on OUTREACH for the unsaved and unchurched. Phase I lasted about six months, making it possible for us to include the ministries of Phase II in the new church budget adopted June 1, 1969. One of the important pilot projects of this program was the Telephone Outreach Office. The Telephone Office, with four telephones, operated by volunteer Parkdale members, served as the nerve center of our outreach and visitation ministry.
Some other projects in this program were: Sunday School enlargement campaign for all Sunday School workers directed by Mr. Luke Williams . . . distribution of complimentary copies of "Good News for Modern Man," (3,000 copies by our members . . . family group pictures for a Pictorial Directory for the church . . . church budget planning promotion for the 1969-1970 budget. The estimated cost of Phase I was $9,445.
A TIME FOR WORSHIP . . .
St. John's Baptist Church invited Parkdale to attend their church en masse and conduct the evening service Sunday, February 16. This was a peak hour in the life of Parkdale. Our people and their people literally "packed" the auditorium. The music was glorious. Our Youth and Chancel Choirs sang five or six "specials," all done beautifully. And you never heard better preaching. One of our deacons said, "If they had `amend' Frank one more time he would have preached himself to death!" A fellowship hour followed. The entire service was sheer joy and an experience that will long be remembered. The next Sunday evening St. John's reciprocated--they came to our church. Dr. Branch preached and their choir sang. A fellowship hour followed. This was an enjoyable evening and another that will not soon be forgotten. These services were dramatic reminders that in Christ "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all in all."
Col. 3:11.
HELLO, I'M FRANK MOORE
Somehow the church is failing if it does not use every media available to convey the message of Christ to the world. The world today is an exacting world—demanding our best in ingenuity—not only in scientific fields, but also in the areas of human relationships — to our relationship with God — to our relationship with the world "outside" the church.
Our pastor, wanting very much to reach these people on the "outside," presented Christ and our church to them through a series of TV "spots" that saturated the Corpus Christi area in March and April of 1969.
Some $6,000 in Phase I had been earmarked for radio and TV coverage. These spot commercials were developed by Rev. Moore with the assistance of Mr. Marshall Weaver with Television Station KIII, and a member of Parkdale, and Mr. Ted Lott, Program Director for the Baptist Radio and Television Commission.
A bit of fun was enjoyed by many as our pastor was given the title of "TV Star" but new dimension was given to the church and its outreach for people. His messages were gripping and "listenable" — lives were touched — people were interested in his message for them — many came to inquire of this man Jesus of whom he spoke. Only time will tell the true impact of these TV messages.
SPRING HIGHLIGHTS . . .
Our pastor returned to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to hold a revival in March and Dr. Huber Drumwright, Professor of New Testament at Southwestern Seminary, came to Parkdale for a revival in April. Malcolm Granger directed our choir in some stirring and forceful music during this week. Dr. Drumwright's messages were based on "Discover the real you, the best you, you that God intended you to be—hear the message of the abundant life in Christ available for you now!"
We welcomed three new additions to our church staff during these spring months. Rev. Royce Milam, a senior student in religion at the University of Corpus Christi, assumed the duties of assistant to the pastor. Royce, and his wife Cindy, were both graduated from Ray High School here in Corpus Christi. Cindy was also a student at the University of Corpus Christi.
Bob and Nancy McCullough were welcomed into the church family early in June. Bob would serve as Minister of Music. Our church will always be grateful to Mrs. George Ansley, Miss Silvia Garret, Mr. Gordon Yarbrough, and the many others who kept our music ministry right "up to standard" all these months we were without a minister of music.
Our popular Student Youth Director for the summer was Karen Boldin. With her effervescent personality, liveliness, love for people and for Christ, she enchanted our young people. Someone said she "turned on" the "turned on" generation.
Phase I was declared a success and thinkins, buzz and brain-storming sessions were held during April and May to let the members express what programs and ministries they wanted included in Phase II which was launched at a Project Parkdale Banquet on May 22. Dr. Warren Hultgren was our featured speaker. This banquet promoted our Phase II budget, totaling $248,217. The five major goals for the Phase II program were:
1. Developing a spiritually vital church membership.
2. Sharing Christ with unbelievers.
3. Performing Christ's ministry in the community.
4. Extending the church's mission throughout the world.
5. Renewing our church's life through improved operations.
As the people set about to carry out Phase II, we found that Mr. Cannata had failed to issue one set of instructions that might have been real helpful—these were to get a physical checkup and purchase a large supply of vitamin pills. However, so much enthusiasm was generated by the large scope of this new program, it seemed to infuse energy into the extraordinarily large number of people who "got involved." Perhaps at no time in its history had the church had such an opportunity to fill the various roles for which it is so uniquely established.
A TIME FOR PLAY…
After months of work there was a time for play. It was estimated that 250 people attended our church-wide picnic on Saturday, July 19, planned and directed by Karen Boldin and the young people. There were games, skits, pony rides, contests and lots of good food enjoyed by the "oldsters," youngsters and all ages in between. One of the "in-betweens" was heard to say, as he patted his full stomach, "Why don't we do this more often!"
A TIME FOR STUDY . . .
Our pastor was granted a leave of absence June 30 through August 9 to make possible a period of study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for the completion of his doctoral dissertation. A variety of fine preachers was heard from our pulpit during his absence. Among them were Mr. Homer Hanna, Dean of Student Services at the University of Corpus Christi; Dr. Harold Branch of St. John's Baptist Church; our own Assistant to the Pastor, Rev. Royce Milam; and Dr. Lewis W. Newman, Chairman of the Di-vision of Religion at the University of Corpus Christi. One Sunday evening was taken over by Karen Boldin and our young people for an unusual and impressive service.
Our young people enjoyed and showed spiritual growth during the summer through spontaneous group discussions about the Christian's Life, the Christian's Influence, and about Christian Love. The theme for the Youth Camp in August was "What's God Like?"
A TIME FOR PLANNING . . .
September in a Southern Baptist church is like December. It brings the culmination of the old year's work and ushers in a new year. Just as in December, we try to set our house in order —to "make up" for many of our sins of omission during the year and "catch up" on obligations—so, in September, we try to set our educational organizations in order, girding ourselves with new leaders and knowledge to start a new church year. It's no menial task to procure the large number of workers for a large organization such as ours. Our nominating committee starts in the spring and works through the summer completing the roster of leaders for Sunday School, Training Union, W.M.U. auxiliaries, choirs and all church committees. We must each find our "place" of service—the "slot" in which we can best make a contribution. It is so easy to get "lost" in the crowd of a large church. A meaningful function of this committee, and for all of us, can be to search out hidden talents; seek those who could well become giants for the Lord if given inspiration and pointed in the right direction.
In researching through stacks of old records -Sunday School rolls, church rolls, minutes, bulletins and reports, and reading the hundreds of names of people who have passed through our doors—we sometimes wonder if our efforts to involve "everyone" and make the Christian life meaningful for them have not failed—and, if we admit this failure in the past, should this not inspire us to a new determination to take a "look" at ourselves—have we failed to get involved ourselves—have we failed to include others in our plans and programs—could the reason behind such projects as Phase I and II be not only to help us get involved, but to help us include others.
The Big Top—a graded choir enrollment circus was held for boys and girls on September 10 —it was a "wild success!" The Improvement Clinic for all Sunday School workers was held on September 3 and 4 . . . It was again our privilege to hear Dr. Lewis W. Newman of the University of Corpus Christi while our pastor was away at a revival in University Heights Baptist Church,
Sweetwater, Oklahoma . . . Mrs. Helen Stephenson was employed to supervise the Wednesday night suppers . . . Cleanup Day for our building and grounds Saturday, October 4. September was registration time for Parkdale Kindergarten, with 98 enrolled in six classes. Mrs. Ken Maroney was still the capable director. Mrs. Joe (Arlene) Long came as church organist. She was highly qualified and an organ instructor at Del Mar . . . Mr. Bob McCullough regretfully resigned as Minister of Music to go into secular work that offered an opportunity of great challenge . . . Dr. Joe Long, Professor of Voice, and with an excellent background in church music,
was secured as supply Minister of Music . . . Fifty-plus of our men attended the Men's Retreat at H.E.B. Foundation Camp . . . Several boxes of canned goods were delivered to South Texas Children's Home after the annual Kans for Kids drive . . . The drama, "A Christmas Odessy," as presented on December 7 by our young people . . . Because of a crowded December calendar, the Chancel Choir had a Thanksgiving banquet instead of their usual Christmas party.
HOW BEAUTIFUL THE
COMPASSIONATE HEART . . .
The December calendar was full of a variety of celebrations, but the most significant occasion during the month was the Week of Prayer when we focused our attention on the world in general and foreign missions in particular. Special programs were planned with four guest speakers and our own Don Cannata. Mr. 0. D. Martin, Jr., with the Brazilian Baptist Radio and Television Board, spoke not only to the noon luncheon but had "Missionary Flower Power" and a hot dog supper for beginners and primaries and "Tune in to Missions" with the Junior High, High School, and College-Career groups. Mrs. Ralph Watson, Promotional Vice President for W.M.U. of Texas, was guest speaker for a joint Sunday School assembly. Mr. Harvey Kneissel, former missionary to Guyana, was a featured speaker at a luncheon, and Mr. Don Cannata presented slides and a missionary message from his brother, Dr. Sam Cannata, medical missionary to Ethiopia. Rev. James Hester, formerly a missionary to Italy, was an inspiring speaker at the churchwide Missions Banquet.
AN ALLELUIA RINGS!
Christmas and the end of the year bring their own particular joys to each of us, but to the Parkdale family they mean sharing of our abundance through our mission offering so that the Good News can be sent out to a lost world and being lifted to new heights of worship as the choir climaxes Handel's Messiah with the majestic Hallelujah!
TAKING A GIANT STEP INTO THE 70's . . .
The new year 1970 started in the right direction for Parkdale. Dr. Ray Summers, formerly on the faculty at both Southwestern and Southern Seminaries, and now Chairman of the Department of Religion at Baylor, came as our January Bible School teacher. He preached at both services the first Sunday in January, then taught from the Book of James each evening through Wednesday and taught from the Book of Ephesians at noon meetings on these same days. This was a golden opportunity for some deep Bible
study from a scholar with a sensitive heart for the needs of individuals.
ANOTHER TIME FOR STUDY . . .
Rev. Moore was given a leave of absence December 28, 1969, until March 7, 1970, to complete work on his dissertation. He wrote from his quarters at Southwestern Baptist Seminary “The church's vote to grant me a leave of absence for completing my dissertation must be among the most considerate gestures I have ever heard about. Please accept my expression of thanks for
what it is—a deeply felt gratitude. You will be releasing me from all other responsibilities for this period allowing me to finish my graduate work by late February."
We heard some excellent preaching during the pastor's leave of absence. We have mentioned Dr. Ray Summers who preached for us the first Sunday in the new year. Dr. Sam Scantlan, Mrs. Moore's father and who for 25 years was Secretary for the Department of Missions in Oklahoma, and also a great preacher, was our guest speaker for the second Sunday of 1970. Other men we were privileged to hear were: Dr. Bill Colson, Dr. Louis Newman, Howard E. Butt, Jr., James Franklin, Director of Development at the University of Corpus Christi; and Dr. Ken Maroney, President of University of Corpus Christi. Capable laymen, assisted by Mr. Cannata and Royce Milam, conducted our Wednesday night prayer services.
Wednesday night prayer meetings have been very meaningful to the church family throughout
the years. They have been more than just a time set aside to pray and hear a short sermon. They have been times of momentous decisions, times of sharing needs and sharing joys. The people consistently attending this mid-week service are the life-blood of the church.
The sharing and talk-back sessions led by our pastor on some Wednesday nights since coining to Parkdale have been enjoyed and enlightening. Perhaps this new concept of meaningful dialogue between Christians in our Wednesday night meetings, in Training Union, and in Sunday School will help us all to grow more Christ-like as we learn of the hopes and struggles and solutions others have found through Christ. Too long have some of us thought that Christianity is "pie in the sky when we die." We at Parkdale have learned that to attempt living a Christ-like life is not something for the future but for NOW!
COMMITTEE OF CONCERN . . .
We have had a Long-Range Planning Committee at Parkdale for many years, but a new concept of this committee was introduced to us in March. Mr. Cannata said: "The Long-Range Planning program is like "nothing you have ever seen. Both Frank Moore and I attended a five day seminar learning the basics of the program. It's not simple. It's not someone else looking at us—and then telling us what we `ought' to do. It's more of us looking at ourselves and then find-ing what God would have us to do."
Dr. Lavon Anderson and Mr. Joe Melton were elected Co-Chairmen. Others on the committee are: D. W. Handley, Jack Reichtenstein, Edna Jordan, Sam Hunter, Betty Prigmore, Pauline Long, Harold Epperson, Terry Thompson, Aleene Reid, Nelda Weldon, Bob Maroney, Shirley Ray, Bernard Schrader, Mary Ann Cradoct, George Ansley, Bill Crow, and Bob Hargrove. Mr. Reginald McDonough, Director of the Editorial Section, Church Administration Department, Sunday School Board in Nashville, Tennessee, led this committee in a Long Range Planning Seminar, April 17-19, Friday - Saturday - Sunday (19 hours). This Long Range Planning Committee will give the church direction for years to come. They will be leading us into significant action in significant times. Parkdale Baptist Church is not a place, it is a people; and through the leadership of this committee we can become a people deciding, discovering, determining, probing the unprobed, searching, finding, doing, all for the glory of God.
Our pastor had returned to preach for us twice during his leave and on March 7 he returned "for good." Needless to say, we were happy to have him back. His message to us the week before had been: "See you next Sunday, Hallelujah!"
Parkdale members had an opportunity to invest in the future by making a gift over and above their regular offering to the Five-in-Two Campaign. This was an effort to raise $5,000 in two weeks for spreading the "Good News" through newspaper, television, and radio media. This goal was not reached, however, some $2,700 was given for this purpose.
HALLELUJAH… WHAT A SAVIOUR…
Preparation for the Corpus Christi Encounter for Christ Crusade had been in the making for several months. Many of our people had attended seminars, rallies, and planning meetings so that they could be of service as counselors, ushers, or in the choir during the Crusade. John Bisagno was the evangelist for the Corpus Christi Baptist-sponsored event April 19-24 in the Coliseum. Some of the personalities that appeared through the week were: Tom Landry, of the Dallas Cowboys; Ethel Waters, and Tom Lester, a TV star.
Several of our children made professions of faith, and many of our young people went forward for rededication of their lives to Christ during this decisive week.
AS YOU GO . . . REACH OUT . . .
Dr. George W. Truett is quoted once to have said: "The consequences to a church without a mission spirit are so direful that it becomes a hospital; unless it is converted, God removes its candlestick and then it becomes a graveyard."
The mission spirit was set aflame at Parkdale on April 29, 1970. A momentous step was taken to assume joint sponsorship with Lindale Baptist Church of the Airport Baptist Mission.
The following Joint Sponsorship Proposals were
adopted:
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT - It is understood that the needs of mission area will be a matter of common interest, prayer, and endeavor on the part of the two congregations.
NINE MEMBER COMMITTEE—The Joint Committee will be composed of three members from each of the two sponsoring churches and three members from the Airport Mission. The Committee will select its own Chairman each year and the Chairmanship will alternate between the two sponsoring churches each year.
MISSION BUDGET—The Committee will prepare and submit an annual operating budget for the Mission to be approved by the sponsoring congregations. The following budget has been agreed upon for the Mission to be effective June 1, 1970:
Pastor's salary, including Per Month
benefits ....................................... $ 600.00
Debt retirement ...................................... 185.00
Utilities, literature, kindergarten, mission support, etc. 265.00
Total Monthly Budget.............. $1,050.00
Sources of Income:
Mission congregation offerings……………………………….………… $ 400.00
Lindale Baptist Church………………………………………….…….…$ 125.00
Parkdale Baptist Church…………………………………….…..….…..$ 275.00
Pastor's salary supplement from Home and State Missions………....$ 150.00
Kindergarten worker's salary supplement from State Missions…….$ 100.00
Total Anticipated Income…………………………………………….. $1,050.00
CALLING OF PASTOR-It is recommended that Rev. Salvador Molina be called as the mission pastor.
RATIO OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT-If at the end of each month, the mission congregation does not need all of the pledged financial support from the sponsoring churches to meet its obligations, the amount needed will be divided as follows: 30% for Lindale Baptist Church and 70% for Parkdale Baptist Church.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS — The joint committee will set up regular meetings and bring reports to the congregations.
CHURCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM—The mission pastor will lead the members to enroll in the Development Program of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
COOPERATION WITH DIVISION OF MISSIONS — The joint committee will maintain close cooperation with the Division of Missions of Corpus Christi Association. The counsel of the Divis-
ion of Missions will be sought concerning Kindergarten leadership and in determining the amount of kindergarten tuition.
PASTOR'S SCHEDULE—The joint committee will determine the special privileges of the pastor such as vacation, the number of revival meetings he may hold, etc.
USE OF MISSION FACILITIES-It is understood that the Mission property belongs to Lindale Baptist Church, but that the joint committee will have the authority to determine the use of the buildings and facilities such as allotment of space for the kindergarten, etc.
Dr. W. H. Colson, Missions Secretary, said, "This is the first such experiment of joint mission sponsorship between two churches in associational history." We are excited to be a part of such a project.
Our pastor was preparing for a revival with Ranch Acres Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 4 when he became ill and had to be rushed to the hospital followed by surgery a few days later. The nature of his illness required him to convalesce at home for several weeks. During this time, we again had the pleasure of hearing excellent preaching. Guest minister during this time were: Dr. Maple Avery, a medical doctor in Conroe, Texas, and a lay minister; Reynell Parkins, formerly with St. Martin's Episcopal Church, and now professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas; Rev. Royce Milam proved his ability as a fine preacher when he preached at both services on April 26. It was our pleasure again to have Rev. Ron Durham, Rev. James B. Franklin, and Howard E. Butt, Jr., in our pulpit.
Other special guests in our church on May 2 were Mr. Edward Otto, and his wife, Connie. They had come by invitation of our Music and Personnel Committees in view of a call as Minister of Music. We were very impressed by the ability and sincerity of this young couple and the members expressed an overwhelming vote of approval as they voted to call Mr. Otto as Parkdale's new Minister of Music on Sunday, May 3. Mr. Otto, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, is completing the work on his Master's Degree at the University of Texas and expects to move to Corpus Christi, June 1. We are looking forward to a continued excellent music program under his leadership. It's a miracle that God looked down on a small gathering of believers who were petitioning for His help and God must have said, "These are my children in whom I am well pleased. I will bless them more than they could ever dream! "It's a miracle!
A TIME FOR CELEBRATION…A NEW DAY… A NEW DREAM…
At this writing plans are being made for the celebration of our Twentieth Anniversary in June 1970. Our former pastors, former members, and friends of Parkdale Church have been invited to be with us for this momentous occasion. Because of a prior commitment, Dr. Warren A. Hultgren could not be here, but we are happy that Dr. Wallace R. Rogers will be our honored guest and will preach at the morning worship service June 28. On Friday evening, June 26, a banquet is being prepared for 400 members and guests, and after Sunday evening services a reception will be held for Dr. Rogers and former members of Downtown and Parkdale Baptist Church.
IT'S A MIRACLE!...
It's a miracle that in only 20 years Parkdale Baptist Church is the church it is today! It's a miracle that in only 20 years 17 people could multiply into 1715!
It's a miracle that in only 20 years our budget could grow from $26,800.00 to $197,856.00! It's a miracle that there could be 20 years of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, sorrow and happiness, disappointments and celebrations, failures and victories, farewells and hellos, harmony and conflict, life and death!
It's a miracle of 20 years of love and fellowship between people from every walk in life and from every strata of society!
Hope for a great and wondrous future has never been brighter than today in Parkdale Baptist Church. We have three dynamic young men to lead us. They are qualified, capable and ready to guide us into the fulfillment of a new dream—a dream for every member of Parkdale Baptist Church to be a witness for our Lord — for our church to be a beacon for those searching for a purpose in life-for those, both young and old, seeking their destiny in a topsy-turvy world.
The potential of Parkdale Baptist Church is only limited by the small vision and short sightedness of us, the members.
It is exciting to be a part of a growing, pulsating, alive church—to be a part of a congregation made up of the stability of the old and the enthusiasm and magnetism of the young, working together with love in a common cause.
We have been a people possessed by a dream . . . a dream we are to dream, again . . . dream of the fulfillment of Christ's Commission.
O keep us building, Master, may our hands Ne'er falter when the dream is in our hearts, When to our ears there comes divine commands And all the pride of sinful will departs; Teach us to build; Oh Master, lend us sight To see the tower gleaming in the night, We would be building, Master, let thy plan Reveal the life that God would give to man.
On a Wednesday night, March 22, 1950, Prayer Meeting was held in the Fellowship Hall immediately behind the auditorium in the old First Baptist Church building. This was the initial meeting of what later became Downtown Baptist Church. No one knew how many or who would come to cast their lot in this new venture. The 17 present for that meeting were:
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Segrest Mr. Rufus Bryant, Miss May Crocker Mr. A. W. Orman
Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Pierce Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Custis, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Butt, Jr. Mrs. R. O. Tackett, Charlie Butt Mrs. Eula Hayworth, Eleanor Butt Mr. and Mrs. S. W. White
As we planned for our very first Sunday, we had a picnic at David Hirsch School on Saturday to see how many children we could round up from that area for Sunday School. It had not been my privilege to hear Warren Hultgren when he had preached in First Church a few weeks prior to this time. He was only a name to me. At the picnic I was sitting on the ground pooling soft drinks in a No. 3 tub when I became aware that someone had walked up. I heard my husband say, "This is our pastor." My gaze began with pair of worn crepe-soled sneakers, then the baggy biege trousers, tan suede sport coat, silk sport shirt, and long hair. My heart stopped three times! I don't remember what I said to him, but I turned to the Lord and said, "Now, what have you got us into? You know we don't need this BOY for a pastor! You know, Lord, we need every help we can get!"
The Lord, of course, was right and I was wrong. What I didn't know then was that I would soon learn to love my pastor dearly, and that this dynamic young man was indeed God's man for this time! I also learned that his dress that day belied his flare for clothes and good grooming. The selection of Warren Hultgren as pastor was another victory reached through the leadership of the Lord. Those in places of leadership on that first Sunday, March 24, 1950, were: Sunday School Superintendent—Rufus Bryant; General Secretary—J. B. Segrest; Adult Superintendent—Lee B. Dunn; Intermediate Superintendent—Mrs. C. C. Routs; Junior Superintendent— Mrs. Lennie Miller; Primary Superintendent—Mrs. E. H. Pierce. (Teddy Burkhart, a six-year old boy, was our only Primary pupil).
* * * * * *
Rufus Bryant was Sunday School Superintendent until shortly before we became the Downtown Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist church, on June 10, 1950. Rufus told us that it had been his desire all along to see us become a Missionary (fundamentalist) Baptist Church. He graciously stepped aside and the church elected Ernest Pierce who served seven years in this capacity. Mr. Bryant was a sincere and faithful worker and completely honest with us about his ambitions for our church. We appreciated him and all that he did in those early days when our numbers were so few. When asked about our preaching attendance, we could always answer, "Oh, we had people in the balcony." We didn't bother to explain that Ernest Pierce sat up there with little Butch Brown (Thomas Brown), a Beginner child, to keep him quiet.
Our most faithful greeter was Judge S. W. White, a tall white-headed, dignified man. He organized a "Howdy-Doody Club using both men and women as greeters in the front vestibule. We never lacked for good preaching. In fact, we were kept on the edge of our seats and enjoyed one mountain-top
experience after another. Warren was a very graphic story-teller. One Sunday night a Junior boy who was sitting with
his grandmother, was trying on her white gloves while listening to the preacher tell about an airplane that flew into the
Empire State Building in New York City. At the most exciting place, the boy, with gloved hand held high, said in a
loud and unbelieving tone, "GOLLEEEeeeee"!! Order was never completely restored at that service.Immediately behind our church and facing on Taylor Street was the Peel-Jackson Funeral Home. One Sunday morn-
ing Ernest Pierce and Earl Harrison were standing at the Taylor Street side entrance of the church when a dignified, soft-spoken little lady came up the steps and said, "I would like to see the body." Finally realizing that the woman was looking for the funeral home, they directed her next door. No sooner was she out of hearing distance when Earl said, "Why didn't we show her Hultgren?"!! At one service "Preacher" asked that members give their experiences on witnessing and to point out opportunities for witnessing. On man who sold a household product stood up and said, "I witness on the job. In my work I have an opportunity to get familiar with the women . . .(I don't remember how this ended, but I do remember that it was a long time before Warren again asked for testimonials).
Yes, the rays were filled with hard work but they also abounded with love, joy, and inner peace. The blessings were rich and eternal. It would be great to experience it all over again. May Parkdale members ever grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, is my prayer.
Are You Interested In The Heart-Hunger of America?
The above title was adopted as the slogan for the Woman's Missionary Society of the Downtown Baptist Church which was organized on August 24, 1950. The officers and charter members were:
Mrs. R. O. Tackett, President
Mrs. D. W. Stocker, Vice President
Mrs. W. C. Hultgren, Young People's Sec.
Mrs. H. E. Butt, Jr., Recording Secretary
Mrs. W. A. Custis, Corres. Sec.-Treas.
Mrs. R. E. Brady Mrs. Ernest Heickman
Mrs. E. E. Harrison Mrs. O. W. Ruffan
Miss May Crocker Mrs. James Crisp
Mrs. Robert Hollis Mrs. J. R. Segrest
Mrs. E. H. Pierce Miss Belva Hamby
Mrs. W. Shaffer Mrs. W. S. Stephenson
Mrs. O. B. Mock Mrs. J. R. Vess
Mrs. Mae Decker Mrs. R. R. Haddock
Mrs. F. W. Bugg Mrs. William McGraw
Mrs. W. N. Hale Mrs. James Bigger
Mrs. S. W. White Mrs. F. W. Homeyer
Mrs. Eula Hayworth
In Mrs. Tackett's very first report to the church, she wrote: "The object of this Woman's Missionary Society shall be to enlist and develop women and young people through prayer, Bible study, study of world missions, benevolence, tithes, and offerings and to give full cooperation in every phase of the program of the church and the pastor." This group of women gave $1,415 to the Lottie Moon Offering when the organization was only six months old. They gave $2,055 when one year old and the next two years the offering was $4,100 and $7,559. This dedicated group of women set the pace and the pattern for the Woman's Missionary Union of our church for the next twenty years. Woman's Missionary Union Presidents 1950-1970:
1950—Mrs. R. O. Tackett 1960—Mrs. D. W. Handley
1951—Mrs. E. H. Pierce 1961—Mrs. D. W. Handley
1952—Mrs. Joe Coquet 1962—Mrs. Noel Chaplin
1953—Mrs. Herman Gibson 1963—Mrs. George Clark, Jr.
1954—Mrs. Herman Gibson 1964—Mrs. Johnny Mitchell
1955—Mrs. D. W. Handley 19 5—Mrs. Claude Alphin
1956—Mrs. D. W. Handley 1965—Mrs. Claude Alphin
1957—Mrs. Rupert Wright 1967—Mrs. Don Hutson
1958—Mrs. Rupert Poetker 1968—Mrs. W. R. Harder
1959—Mrs. E. H. Pierce 1969—Mrs. W. R. Harder
A COMMITTED COMPANY . . .
The story of the women of our Woman's Missionary Union is a story of dedication, enthusiasm, and deep concern for the spiritual plight of people throughout the world. The Woman's Missionary Union woman is a growing Christian—striving for spiritual development for herself, her family, her church. She is a doing Christian, not satisfied to be a hearer only, taking action which makes her a vital part of the mission enterprise. She is a giving Christian, sharing of herself as well as her money. Recognizing her responsibility through Christ to the entire world and although confined to one small geographical spot, the Woman's Missionary Union member can carry out the Commission to go into all the world. Women can wear "blinders," live in their own little world, be unconcerned, unaware and ignorant of the needs of others, or they can be active WMU members. Christ wants us to be participants, not "onlookers."
AN EXPANDED RESPONSE, TO CHRIST'S COMMANDS...
In the last few years WMU has shifted their emphasis from maintenance of the organizational structure and concentrated more specifically on involving women in the direct action of helping others. Emotional awareness of the needs is not enough. Emotional and verbal refutation of what is "going on" in our world today is not enough. There must be an avenue of service so that we can do something about the problems and the needs. Mission Action can provide this avenue. We have heard this question so often: "Why does WMU have programs and study mission books?" The answer is so that the women's knowledge and understanding might be enlarged and broadened. You cannot be motivated to meet a need if you are not aware of the needs in the needs in the community, in the world, in the church, and learn ways of service to meet these needs.
A COMMITTED COMPANY, TO THE NEEDS OF YOUTH
The concern for the lost implanted in the lives of our youth through the auxiliaries fostered by WMU can have a lasting influence on the entire life of a young person. The overwhelming testimony of our missionaries and that of many ministers is that they first became AWARE of lost people and concerned for their souls and plight through the Sunbeams, or Girls' Auxiliary, or Royal Ambassadors, or Young Women's Auxiliary. As in the organization for the women, the youth organizations not only teach our children to be aware of the needs in our community and world, but teach them to seize opportunities to serve, to witness, to study, to pray, to give, to share, and to love as Christ would have us love.
SO I SEND YOU . . .
Twenty years of faithful service have been given to Christ through the Woman's Missionary Union in Downtown and Parkdale Baptist Church. Someone has said, "Faith is not faith until it is practiced." The WMU puts feet to faith. It is a place where faith can be practiced. For thou shall be His witnesses unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard." Acts 22:15.
Claude Alphin, George Ansley, Jr., Lavon Anderson, H. E. Butt, Jr., Jim Byrom, H. E. Butt, Sr., Tommy Blake, Robert Bolen, Shorty Baker, Bob Bradley, Dr. Floyd Bird, F. W. Bugg, W. A. Custis, Pat Clepper, Noel Chaplin, W. D. Crow, J. W. Cradoct, J. F. Dickson, C. V. Douglas, Harold Epperson, Clyde Faulk, Dr. Ray Finch, Joe Forbes, A. A. Freeman, Wiley Gay, L. V. Gentry, Roy Ginn, David Harris, E. E. Harrison, Guy Hamilton, Jack Haymaker, E. R. Heickman, Sam Hunter, D. W. Handley, Don Hutson, George Jordan, Jr., Keese Jarrett, Monte Kitchens, Glenn Killough, Bennie Kyser, Ray Littlepage, Walton Lively, Travis Long, Bob Mapes, Jimmy Martin, Joe Meneee, Ken Mosely, Claude Miller, M. T. McCandless, M. G. McDonald, Garland McMichael, Homer Moore, Harold Nuckles, Allen Pyle, B. H. Peach, E. H. Pierce, Truett Powers, Sie Ponton, George Pogue, Troyce Price, Roy Park, Rupert Poetker, T. Ray, John Ray, Harold Ramey, David Robbins, Walter Roussel, Jim Riddle, Jack Reichtenstein,
R. L. Ramby, Dr. A. R. Seamster, J. D. Stephenson, Ernest Simmons, J. Sorrell, George Sawyer, Duane Sutton, John Stockton, H. G. Seal, J. B. Segrest, F. E. Smith, L. W. Smith, Bill Snow, E. L. Sparks, Lester Stephens, Paul Stewart, P. B. Snyder, Philip Trousdale, Neal Williams, George Wilson, S. W. White, George Willoughby, Kenneth Weldon, Rupert Wright, Don Wells, George Wilcox, Gordon Yarbrough
1951 - Dr. A. P. Seamster, Garland McMichael, E. E. Harrison, Clyde Faulk, H.E. Butt, Sr., H. E. Butt, Jr.,
1955 - D. W. Handley, David Harris, David Robbins, Lloyd Ramby, L. V. Gentry
1956 - Joe Forbes, Rupert Poetker, Philip Trousdale, Harold Ramey, Jack Reichenstein, Harold Epperson, Floyd Bird, George Willoughby, Robert Bradley, Lester Stephens, George Wilcox, Rupert Wright
1958 - B. H. Peach, Paul Stewart
1960 - A. A. Freeman, Walter Roussel
1961 - Claude Alphin, George Jordan, Jack Page
1962 - Ben Sorrell, Jim Byrom, Neil Williams
1963 - Noel Chaplin, Tommy Blake, Pat Clepper, P. B. Snyder
1964 - Kenneth Weldon, Guy Hamilton, as available records
1965 - Monte Kitchens, Bill Snow
1966 - David Hull
1968 - Ernest Simmons, Don Wells, Gordon Yarbrough, Ray Finch
1969 - Lavon Anderson, Keese Jarrett, Ken Mosely, Roy Ginn
ROLL OF TRUSTEES
H. E. Butt, Sr.
E. E. Harrison
Clyde Faulk
D. W. Handley
Joe Melton
H. E. Butt, Jr.
Claude Alphin
A. A. Freeman
W. D. Crow
George Jordan
Ray Littlepage
DEACON CHAIRMEN
1950 - 1951 ................................Mr. S. W. White
1960 - 1961 ................................Dr. Floyd Bird
1951 - 1952 .................................Mr. S. W. White
1961 - 1962 ................................Mr. Rupert Wright
1952 - 1953 ...............................Mr. Lee Dunn
1962 - 1963 ...............................Mr. Harold Epperson
1953 - 1954 ...............................Mr. G. C. McMichael
1963 - 1964................................Mr. Allen Pyle
1954 - 1955 ................................Mr. J. D. Stephenson
1964 - 1965 ...............................Mr. Allen Pyle
1955 - 1956 ..............................Mr. Clyde Faulk
1965 - 1966 ...............................Mr. Bob Mapes
1956 - 1957 .................................Mr. E. E. Harrison
1966 - 1967 ..............................Mr. A. A. Freeman
1957 - 1958 ...............................Dr. D. W. Handley
1967 - 1968 ................................Dr. D. W. Handley
.
1958 - 1959 ................................Dr. D. W. Handley
1968 - 1969 ................................Mr. Travis Long
1959 - 1960 ................................Mr. Lester Stephens
1969 - 1970 ..................................Mr. Noel Chaplin
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