108 S. Vanderveer, Burnet Texas 78611 * 512-756-4481

 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Burnet, Texas

We have no record of the circumstances which led the organizers of this Church to the final conclusion to form a Baptist Church in Burnet, however, we do feel it was the leadership of the Holy Spirit in the lives of a few Christens who made this decision——and we have the original Certificate of organization, which we quote verbatim, as follows,

intimated to us their desire to be organized into a Church of Christ, to keep the ordinances as they have been delivered by our Divine Master, we did, after examining their respective claims to member-ship. recognize them as fit subjects for a Gospel Church and. in testimony of the same, extended to them the right-hand of Church Fellowship and recognition, their basis of organization resting upon the "New Testament Scriptures" as construed by the "Articles of Faith" of the Austin Baptist Association."

(Signed) H. M. Burroughs!  Presbytery

W. W. Mond

Burnet. Texas, 12th August, 1877

 

"The Baptist Church of Christ at Burnet, Texas, in the County of Burnet, was duly organized on Sabbath Evening August 12th A. D., 1877; Brethren Elders Wm. Mond and H. M. Burroughs, both of Lampasas, Texas, officiating.

The following brethren and sisters were admitted to membership by letter; i.e.:  S. R. Crews and wife Eliza Ann Crews from LaMotte, 30th April, 1859; Sarah E. James, now Sarah E. Owens, from Greenville, Alabama, March 10, 1866; James M. McDonald from Bastrop County, Texas, Saturday before the First Lord's Day in May 1874.  James Martin from Boccy Valley, Wilson County, Tennessee, Saturday before the second Lord's Day in August 1866, J. Thornton Motley, from Massaponex Church, Spottsylvania County, Virginia, October 22, 1866.

 

The following Brethren and Sisters were received into membership by relation, i.e. W. A. Blackburn and wife, Sallie Blackburn, Sister Sallie Martin was received into fellowship by relation, on Monday Evening August 13, 1877. On Tuesday night, August 14, l877, Bro. N. D. Nelson was received into fellowship and baptized on Friday afternoon, August 17, 1877.

The next recorded minutes of the Church are of a conference held on May 5, 1878.  Bro. J. H. Stapp, Sr. was received into the Church by letter and was appointed the first Collector and Treasurer to look after the financial condition of the Church.  Bro. J. T. Motley was elected clerk and Bro. A. Weaver was called as pastor.

On Sunday, July 7, 1878, the Church agreed that the regular conference for transacting Church business should be held on Saturday night before the first Sunday in each month after preaching.  The matter of holding a protracted

Meeting being canvassed, it was agreed to begin such a meeting on Saturday night before the first Sunday in August.

The Burnet Church was in the jurisdiction of the San Saba Association and on August 3, 1880, Brethren Blackburn, Martin and Stapp were elected as messengers to attend the Association which met with the Richland Church on Richard Creek, San Saba County, on Friday before the second Sunday in September.

For several months the Church discussed the need for electing deacons.  On January 4, 1880, J. H. Guthrie, H.R. Sauls and J. H. Stapp were duly elected to act as deacons.  However, they were not ordained until March 6, 1880.  Before the ordination service on that date, Bro. L. R. Millican was elected pastor.

In the early days of this and all other Baptist Churches there was very strict discipline among the members and on March 6, 1880, the first membership withdrawal is recorded.

On April 13, 1880, the church voted to extend an invitation to Maj. Penn to come to Burnet to hold a revival.  The matter was mentioned again later: however, there is no record o f his coming except by information received many years later by word of mouth, from some older members.  Evidence of a great revival having been conducted here about this time is shown on the Church Roll when seventy-five adults were received into the Church by baptism in August 1881, and it is practically certain that they were received during a great revival held by Major Penn.

The Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were adopted on July 3, 1880.

In June 1881, a committee was appointed to see about purchasing a lot for building a house of worship.  The Burnet County Deed Records show that on August 6, 1881, the Baptist Church purchased lots 1 and 2 of Block 15, Kerr Addition, and this property being the 100 block of North Boundary Street.

On November 5, 1881, Bro. C. R. Douglas was elected pastor and Bro. Joseph Booth was elected Church Clerk.

On December 3, 1881, Bro, G. M. Hayden was invited to preach until a pastor could be called.  On February 4, 1882, Bro. L. R. Millican was unanimously elected pastor for the ensuing year.

By request of the North Gabriel Church, Bro. A. M. Yeager was ordained to the full work of the ministry on April 1, 1882 by this Church.

On December 3, 1881, Bro, G. M. Hayden was invited to preach until a pastor could be called.  On February 4, 1882, Bro. L. R. Millican was unanimously elected pastor for the ensuing year.

By request of the North Gabriel Church, Bro. A. M. Yeager was ordained to the full work of the ministry on April 1, 1882 by this Church.

On May 6, 1882, the deacons were appointed to sell or exchange the lots now owned by the Church for one more suitably located.  On September 2, 1882, the Church purchased lot 2, block 13 of the Kerr Addition to the City of Burnet. (This is the property on which the present sanctuary now stands).

On December 2, 1882, a resolution was passed by the Church authorizing the pastor to ask the American Baptist Home Mission Board of New York for financial aid to build a house of worship.  The paper work being completed on July 25, 1884, the American Baptist Home Mission Society mailed the two hundred dollars to this Church.  The building was completed in 1884 and served the congregation until 1949.  The records show that the Church was incorporated in order to qualify for this loan.  Prior to this time, the Church rented the school house for $5.00 per month for worship services.

During these years the minutes show that committees were frequently appointed to contact members who absented themselves from services three times in succession.  No one, no matter what his position in the Church might be escaped the net of this discipline.  On May 5, 1883, H. R. Sauls, one of the first deacons ordained by the Church, was charged with conduct unbecoming a Christian.  Mr. Sauls refused to come before the Church and make apologies; therefore, fellow-ship was withdrawn from him.  The records do show, however, that he later came to the Church and apologized for his waywardness, was forgiven and was granted a letter to a Church in another community where he had moved.

In early days the question of finances troubled the Church and committees were appointed to solicit money to pay the pastor and to carry on the activities of the Church.

Bro. H. F. Prince and Bro. R. Foster were elected deacons on June 30, 1883.  Bro. Lackey and Bro. Bullock were granted a License to preach the Gospel on December 1. 1883.

A called conference was held on April 27. 1884, for the purpose of deciding what kind of seats the Church should have.  It was unanimously decided that the Church be seated with benches.

On December 6, 1884, Bro. W. H. Russell was elected clerk and conference time was changed to the third Saturday.

On February 1, 1885, a communication was read informing the Church of the rumor that some of its members attended a masked ball.  On a motion the Clerk was instructed to ascertain and notify all who did attend to be present at the next conference and answer to the charge of disorderly walk in attending said ball.  On March l4, 1885, the following resolution was adopted; "Resolved, that we regard the attendance of balls, whether participating in the dance or not, as being contrary to the teaching of the New Testament Scriptures in regard to the duties of Church members".

W. H. Russell resigned as clerk on June 20, 1885 and J. T. Motley was elected.  It was agreed to take up a collection at each preaching service for church expenses.

On October 17, 1885, Bro. C. E. Simmons and Bro. A. W. Johns were elected as deacons.  Sisters E. A. Booth and S. J. Collins were elected agents to collect mission funds for the Church.

On October 18, 1885, it was agreed to thank the 'unknown donors' for the beautiful pulpit, the thanks of the Church being made known through the columns of the Burnet Bulletin.

Bro. Isaach Sellers was called as pastor on March 21, 1886.  Bro. C. E. Simmons was elected clerk on June l8, 1886, after Bro. Motley resigned.  Bro. Thomas Marrall was called as pastor on June 19, 1886.  On July 11, 1886, his salary was

set at $350.00 for one-half of his time for one year.

On August 15, 1887, Bro. G. E. Green was elected clerk and Bro. J. A. Arbuckle was elected pastor.

During January of 1888, the Church purchased two dozen Baptist Hymnals for $7.10.  Bro. Green resigned as clerk on July 6, 1889.

On March 24, 1888, the Burnet Church voted to withdraw from the San Saba. Association and join the Austin Association. The Church remained in the Austin Association until 1913» when the Burnet-Llano Association was organized.

An outstanding service was rendered by the Burnet Church when, on September 9, 1888, following a series of services at Marble Falls, conducted by Bro. J. A. Arbuckle, pastor of the Burnet Church, a regular Baptist Church was organized at Marble Falls with eighteen charter members.

On April 27, 1890, Miss Kate Blackburn presented herself for membership by letter from the First Baptist Church, Austin, Texas.  Miss Kate was for many years the organist, the old foot-pedaled kind.  She will be remembered by many for her activity in sponsoring and soliciting funds for the purchase of and installation of the beautiful Memorial Window that is over the present baptistery.  This window as installed in the old Church building in memory of those who have gone on to their eternal reward.

On Friday night, August 29, 1890, a series of meetings began in the Church with Bro. W. C. Friley, pastor of the Baptist Church at Taylor assisting Bro. Arbuckle.  The Church minutes refer to this revival as follows; "Bro. Friley did all the preaching up to and including the morning service on Wednesday at which time he returned home. Our regular preaching was on Sunday, August 24th and we held regular prayer meetings every night -- until Bro. Friley came when he found the Church united and ready to work in the Master's cause, and from the very beginning there was a lively interest in all the services by the Church.  The "leaven" soon spread till many Christians of other denominations became zealous workers in the Master’s cause.

The result was, as it always has been and ever will be, when Christians do their duty, God convicted and converted sinners – (9 by baptism to date).  Wednesday night of the day that Bro. Friley left us was our regular night for holding our prayer meeting at which time it was expected our services would close, but upon assembling at the Church and singing and praying and having a short sermon by Bro. Arbuckle upon the Love of God, it .as very plainly to be seen that the soldiers of the cross did not want either a discharge or furlough but were eager to wave the banner of Prince Immanuel in the face of the enemy a little longer as they believed it was His will, and so, upon taking a vote the Christians and sinners too seemed to be almost, if not altogether, unanimous in desiring to protract the services indefinitely; and it was so decided and is no matter of wonder that such was the decision for during the services immediately proceeding the vote there were tw0 professions  and a number of new inquirers after the way of salvation. – And thus with the Solemn ceremony of baptism in the likeness of our Savior (Sept. 15), burial and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, close a meeting long to be remembered by the Christian people of the town of Burnet resulting in the reception of twenty-one happy converts by Baptism and two by letter for all of which we offer Grateful thanks to the Giver of All Good.”

Bro. J. H. Stapp was elected clerk on January 10, 1891.  The report sent to the Austin Association on August 5, 1891, showed a membership of 125, Pastor’s salary of $400, and a total budget of $514.75.

On October 4, 1891, Bro. Arbuckle stated that several of the young members had been engaging in dancing which is a violation of the rules of the Church.  After talking with those involved, fellowship was withdrawn from one member.

A series of meetings was held in June 1892, by Bro. T. J. Walue.  According to the minutes, “Sinners were wrought upon by the Spirit of God; backsliders were reclaimed and the faithful old Soldiers of the Cross were greatly revived and strengthened."

On September 4, 1895, Bro. Arbuckle stated that he had been feeling impressed with the great importance of a revival in the Church.  The Church voted to have a revival with Bro. W. 0. Baker preaching.  The services lasted almost three weeks with twenty coming by baptism and six by letter.

On November 15, 1896, Bro. Arbuckle formerly tendered his resignation as pastor of the Burnet Church, having accepted permanent work with the State Mission Board.  The Church immediately called Bro. W. 0. Baker of Florence.  Soon after his arrival, Bro. Baker conducted another revival and on April 14, 1897, Charles F. Stapp was received for baptism, In 1909, Bro. Stapp left the United States for Brazil where he served as a missionary for forty-two years.  On October 3, 1897, Bro. Baker resigned as pastor.

In the early days the Church Baptistery was located on Hamilton Creek, near the old flour mill in the western part of town.  Many of our elder citizens were baptized there, not only those who joined the Baptist Church but some who joined other denominations as well.

In January 1898, the public school building was destroyed by fire and the Baptist Church building was tendered to the Burnet Schools for conducting classes until another school building was erected.

On March 23, 1898, it was voted by the Church to cooperate with the Marble Falls Church in calling a pastor for half time at each place.  As a result of this agreement Bro. J. T. Bell was called by the two Churches.  On October 11, 1899, Bro. Bell resigned and Bro. J. E. Bell (no relation) was called as pastor for both Churches.

In October of 1898, Bro. W. y. Fowler was recognized as a deacon.

On December 6, 1899, the Church sold the pastor's home for $250. and purchased the East half of lot 2, Block 14, Kerr portion from the estate of R. J. Smith for $150.00.  An interesting note in Mr. Smith's will dated July 31, 1897 is, "In conclusion I wish to attest that after years of study I arrived at the conclusion that the Plan of Salvation revealed in the New Testament writings is of Divine Origin and that I trust implicitly in the atoning mercy of a crucified and risen Savior."

On the second Sunday in December 1900, under the leader-ship of Bro. J. E. Bell. the Church took a forward step by considering the adoption of weekly, systematic giving to the financial program. .On March 9. 1902. Bro. Bell resigned as pastor and Bro. W. J. Durham was called as pastor.

On October 21, 1903, Bro. Durham resigned to go to Manor.  The Ladies Aid Society took it upon themselves, to reseat the Church and desired the Church to cooperate with them in the selection of the seats and plan of seating.  On January 6. 1904. a contract was signed with the Texas Seating Co. for the seats to be ready by March 1.

Bro. J. H. Pace a student at Baylor University was called as pastor on May 2, 1904.   On May 8, 1904, Sister Trinnie Schlomach came by letter.  In September of 1904, Bro. Pace resigned to go to Second Church at Temple for full time.  November of 1904, Bro. W. C. Garrett was elect-ed pastor.  His salary was fixed at $25.00 per month to be paid in advance.  Bro. G. W. LaForge was recognized as a deacon on March 19, 1905.

Bro. Garrett resigned on November 5, 1905 and Bro. W. M. Riddle was elected as pastor.  In November of 1906, the janitor's salary was set at $3.50 per month.  On May 26, 1907 Bro. Riddle resigned as pastor.  On October 13, 1907, Bro.

C. A. Taylor of Austin was called as pastor.

A committee was appointed on December 22, 1907, with full power to act in the matter of furnishing the Church with better lights and better heating.  A committee was also appointed to have a small wood and storage room or house built near or adjourning the present Church building.  Three lamps were purchased and were in their place for

the regular meeting on February 23, 1908. Bro. Thornton A. Payne was the evangelist for the protracted meeting

August 10-30, 1908.  Eighteen were received by letter and seventeen by baptism.

On July 8, 1909, Bro. Charles F. Stapp was ordained to the Ministry by this Church.

There is a very interesting record of a revival held with this Church in August 1909.  This revival was recorded by Church clerk Prof. J. T. Motley, with weather conditions for each of the nineteen days.  It is recorded the temperature reached 112 degrees during the meeting.  Bro. E. M. Francis of Austin did the preaching and A. A. Williamson of Dallas led the singing.  On Sunday afternoon, at 4 o'clock a service was announced especially for children, but all from 1 to 100 years were invited, and everyone was requested to bring a nail — straight, crooked or rusty.  The text was John 12:32 - and the nail proposition was illustrated by use of a magnet to draw the nails -- all kinds of nails representing all kinds of people.  On Tuesday and Wednesday morning a prayer and praise service was held.  As a result of the meeting, there were sixteen added to the Church by baptism and eleven by letter.

Some of the most beautiful penmanship to be found is exhibited in the Church minutes written by Prof. J. T. Motley during his time as Church clerk.

At the Church conference held on September 4, 1909, it was ordered that the Church house be turned over to the Ladies' Aid Society for the purpose of cleaning it up and keeping it clean, and that the money heretofore paid to the sexton be also turned to the Ladies to be used by them according to their wishes.  Brethren Hansford Stapp and Will LaForge were appointed ushers.

Bro. J. N. Faith was received into the Church and recognized as a deacon on January 23, 1910.

In February 1910, it was reported that the pastorium was in "bad need of repairs and that the yard in a dilapidated condition.  It was suggested that a neat fence be put around the premises and the house be put in comfortable condition for renting and that water be provided.

On July 24, 1910, Bro. J. H. LaBlonde and Bro. A. J. Carson, both ordained ministers, were received into membership and full fellowship by letter.  Bro. Fowler reported he had purchased the fencing for the pastorium lot, paying the sum of $3.15; whereupon he was requested to have the fence put in place.

On January 22, 1911, Bro. Motley resigned as Church clerk and Bro. L. H. Jones was elected to succeed him.

It was in the year 1911 that the great Baraca and Philathea work began in the Sunday Schools over the country and Burnet Church Sunday School saw this movement thrive for several years. This was one of the greatest periods of activity among the young people that has ever been seen.  At this time two Sunday School rooms were added to the west side of the Church building. Under the inspiration of Bro. Arthur J. Carson, the young and old alike worked in every phase of the Sunday School and Church.

On September 8, 1912, Bro. Taylor resigned as pastor and on March 23, 1913, Bro. W. R. Hornburg was elected as pastor.  Soon after he became pastor, the Burnet-Llano Association was organized, being completed August, 29, 1913.  Bro. C. A. Taylor, Bro. W. R. Hornburg, and Bro. J. H. Stapp were elected messengers to be present at the association for the purpose of assisting the organization of the Burnet-Llano Association.

On February 22, 1914, a motion was made and duly carried to remove the bell from the belfry for various reasons.

On April 12, 1914, a resolution was adopted “Feeling that in the past we have not paid our pastor a living salary and feeling that we owe it to him his family to the cause which they represent in our midst, to give to them such support as will enable them to live and at the same time lead us in every worthy enterprise, We hereby adopt the following resolution: Resolved:

1st. That we pay our pastor a salary of one hundred dollars a month beginning April 1.

2nd.That we pledge ourselves to pay him seventy-five dollars per month out of our Church treasury. 

3rd. That we ask the Board of Missions of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, to supplement this amount by granting to us for pastoral support the amount of twenty-five dollars per month or seventy-five dollars per quarter."

On June 25, 1914, Bro. O. B. Zimmerman and Bro, W. H. Smith were elected as deacons.  On June 28, 1914, Bro, Horn-burg resigned to pastor the Coggin Avenue Church in Brownwood,  Later he became President of Howard-Payne College in Brownwood.

On August 23, 1914, Bro. T. B. Harrell of Houston accepted a call from the Church as pastor for $100.00 per month for full-time work.  A committee was instructed to canvas the membership to see if the amount could be raised to pay Bro, Harrell for full time.  They also were instructed to find out if an appropriation could be obtained from the State Board.  The State Board wrote that they could not send an appropriation this year.  The soliciting committee reported that they had received subscriptions to the amount of about $70.00 per month for the pastor's salary.  The Church instructed the pulpit committee to write Bro. Harrell, telling him that under the present conditions the Church could not call him as pastor.

On September 16, 1914, Bro. O. B. Zimmerman and Bro. W. H. Smith were ordained as deacons.  At the request of the Bluffton Church, Bro. E. G. Hughes was ordained to the Gospel Ministry.

On October 25, 1914, the janitor was instructed to ring the bell for all services until the election of a pastor and regular services begin.  On November 22, 1914, Bro. C. R, Joyner of Brady was called as pastor for half time.  His salary was established at $40.00 per month.  On January 24, 1915, the Church bell was removed, but not disposed of until a later date.  On October 27, 1915, Bro. A. J. Carson inquired as to whether the church wished to dispose of the bell or not.    The Church made him a price of fifteen dollars for the bell.  However, on March 27, 1918, a motion was made and carried to sell the bell that had been taken from the belfry to the scrap iron dealer at whatever it would bring.

In September of 1915. under the direction of Sister Kate Blackburn, an organ fund was established. In March of 1915, the .Church voted to have concrete steps placed at the front doors of the Church.

On April 5, 1916, Bro. J. R. Smith and Bro. Hansford Stapp were ordained as deacons. Bro. C. F. Stapp, on furlough from his missionary post in Brazil, preached the ordination sermon of his brother Hansford Stapp. The ordination service for Bro. J. L. Williamson as deacon was held on June 25, 1916.

On October 25, 1916, a committee was appointed to investigate the matter of having electric lights installed in the Church. They reported back at the next meeting that the cost would be about thirty dollars. The matter was deferred.

An interesting item is shown on October 25, 19l6. Bro. Joyner resigned as pastor of the Church, however, the Church refused to accept his resignation. A committee was appointed to canvass the membership to ascertain whether or not the members would pledge enough to justify Bro. Joyner in accepting three fourths time. The committee reported on November 29, that they had sufficient amount pledged to retain Bro. Joyner for three fourths time. His salary was set at sixty dollars per month.

On November 29. 19l6. the act of this Church forbidding Christmas trees in the Church building was rescinded on the request of the Sunday School Superintendent and on Saturday night December 23rd the first Christmas tree was placed in the Church.

The Ladies Aid Society took over the duties of janitor during the summer months of 1917.

Due to the fact that Bro. Joyner had accepted a call from the Lone Grove Church for two Sundays a month; he was released from the 1st Sunday and salary set at fifty dollars a month.  During January of 1918, Brother Joyner resigned dollars a month.

On February 24, 1918,  Bro. F. M. D. Hill of Manor was called as pastor.

On Sunday night, August 11, 1918, a very impressive Memorial Service was held honoring Bro. Marvin Scott, a member of this Church, who lost his life in World War One, on July 15, 1918.  Marvin was the first Burnet County casualty in World War One.

On November 24, 1918, Bro. Hill resigned to work as a General Missionary along the border from El Paso to Brownsville under the direction of the Home Mission Board.  On February 2, 1919, Bro. Hamilton of Brownwood was called as pastor.

One of the quickest pieces of work ever accomplished by the members of the Burnet Church was in 1920, when a large tabernacle was built on the Church property adjoining the Church building.  This work was completed and the tabernacle occupied in less than a week.  In 1920 the Church attempted to go full time, but due to considerable opposition this effort was defeated.

On May 25, 1921, Bro. Thomas C. Ferguson was authorized to exercise his gift as a Preacher of the Gospel.

In May of 1921, the tabernacle committee was authorized to fix seats near the tabernacle for Negroes to occupy during the meeting.

On July 31, 1921, Bro. Hamilton resigned as pastor.  On August 25, 1921, T. R. Whitley was recognized as a deacon.  The October 30, 1921 minutes refer to the baptistery at the Church for the first time, when Bro. Frank Bolt was baptized.

On January 8, 1922, Bro. W. P. Grow was called as pastor, his salary being set at eight hundred dollars per year.  On October 8, 1922, the Church extended a call to Bro. Grow for full time and that the Church would pay Bro. Grow the amount they had been paying to Associational missions, same being twenty-five dollars per quarter with the understanding that he do missionary work in the territory surrounding Burnet.

State Evangelist for the State Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, W. Y. Pond, Sr., conducted a revival during August 1923.  There were twenty-five additions by baptism and ten by letter.

On January 30, 1924, the Church voted to no longer accept aid from the State Board to supplement the Pastor's salary and increased the pastor's salary to twenty-five dollars per week.

September 10. 1924. since Bro. W. A. Berry feels "that he is called of God to preach the Gospel, be it resolved that we the First Baptist Church of Burnet, hereby express our confidence in him and license him to exercise his gifts as God may lead."

Bro. Grow resigned on August 30, 1925, and, on September 6, 1925, Bro. Truett Blaylock of Temple was called as pastor.  Bro. Leonard R. Wimpy was ordained as a deacon on December 20, 1925.   Beginning Sunday, December 27, 1925, the Church was in a week's Prayer Conference led by Bro. Layton Maddox of the First Baptist Church of Belton, Texas.  He used as his text for the entire series Luke 11:1, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray."  A great spiritual experience was witnessed during this meeting.

During February of 1926, the ladies took a religious census of Burnet and surrounding territory.  The Church also purchased one hundred "Modern Hymnal" song books.  On February 11, 1926, Bro. T. 0. Whitaker and Bro. S. E. Guthrie were ordained as deacons.  During March of 1926, the pastor's salary was increased to thirty dollars a week.  Bro. Frank Bolt was elected as a deacon on December 5, 1926.  On April 3, 1927, Bro. Blaylock resigned effective May 1st.

On May 4, 1927, the Church received a letter from the American Baptist Home Mission Society calling attention to the fact the loan they had made us in 1883, in the amount of two hundred dollars had not been paid.  The Church in conference appointed Miss Libel Atkinson (now. Mrs. John Pogue, Sr.), Miss Mae Edgar (Lowe) and Willis Smith to contact members and former members and secure the necessary funds to pay this note off.  In July 1927, the Church called Bro. J. L. Bryan of McAllen to full time work, and he came on the field at the salary of $75.00 per month.

8:00 P. M.  ................................................................................. 30 min. Song Service 

                                                                                                   Bro. Ollie Hundley,of Marble  Falls, 

                                                                                                   former member of the Church

Prayer ....................................................................................... Rev. J. L. Bryan, Pastor

Special Music ............................................................................ Lucille Smith

Reading of certificate of Organization

and Roll Call Of Charter Members ............................................. Willis Smith, Church Clerk   

 

Vocal Solo ................................................................................. Mrs. Geo. N. Atkinson

Talk: Early History of  Burnet Church ........................................ Mrs. J. H. Stapp, Sr.

Vocal Solo ................................................................................ Miss Lora Ponton

Anniversary Sermon ................................................................. Rev. Geo. Balch, Marble Falls Pastor

Announcements ....................................................................... Pastor

Closing Song ...........................................................................  #383, “God Be With You”

Benediction ............................................................................. Mr. J. H. Stapp, Sr.

Bro. J. H. Hollingsworth was elected as an active deacon on September 7, 1927.  The first record of using envelopes for contributions to the Church financial program was recorded in 1927.  On April 6, 1929, Bro. F. C. Fowler was recognized as a deacon.

The records of September 9, 1931, show the pastor's salary reduced from $25.00 a week to $20.00 and the janitor's salary from $7.50 to $5.00 per month.  The great depression was beginning and the Church was beginning to feel its effect.

As conditions continued to grow worse, the Church was forced to go back to half-time in August of 1933. In August of 1933. the pastor's salary was set at fifty dollars per month for half-time.  In January of 1933. the deacons started meeting once a month.  Bro. Leslie Caron and Tom Whitaker were ordained as deacons on January 18, 1933.

Under the leadership of the pastor's wife, Mrs. Bryan, the ladies of the Church built a fence around the parsonage in February of 1934.  Bro. Bryan's resignation was accepted on April 18, 1934.

On July 4. 1934. there was a motion made that each member present would pray each day for one week over the matter of calling a pastor, then a special prayer service would be held the following Wednesday night.  On July 11, Bro. L. R. Stephens was called as pastor, effective August 1st, with a salary of $15.00 per week.  In October of 1934, the ladies of the Church had a self-denial offering for the purpose of lighting the Church.  Bro. Hansford Stapp was appointed to see about piping water into the Church.

In May of 1935, a Vacation Bible School was held for the boys and girls which continued for three weeks and the last week revival services were held each day.  There were fifty-four enrolled with an average attendance of thirty-eight.  As of January 1, 1936, the Church was out of debt and had some cash on hand.  On February 2, 1936, Bro. Stephens resigned.

On April 18, 1936, after being without a pastor for nearly three months, a called conference was held and the decision was made by a unanimous vote to instruct the deacons to select plans and secure a loan to begin construction for a new parsonage.  The contract was awarded to R. R, Wear for $1500.00.  The old building was torn down and all materials that could be used were used in the new building.

On May 27, 1936, Bro. Buren Sparks of Alpine was called as pastor, at the salary of $125.00 per month and the Church paid his moving expenses.  He came on the field August 1, 1936.  The Church began to grow in many ways.  Under the leadership of Bro. Sparks this Church kept busy about the Masters business and experienced several revivals during World War II, that were of untold value to the member-ship and the entire community.

Bro. W. O. Fisher and Bro. R. D. Williams were ordained as deacons on July 25, 1937.  The ordination prayer was given by Bro. Bunion, pastor of the Marble Falls Church, who is presently a member of the church.

The old tabernacle was converted into a new Sunday School building.  The dedication service was held on August 29, 1937.  Bro. A. B. Sample was ordained as a deacon on October 16, 1938.  The Church granted Bro. Earl Tracy a license to preach the Gospel on September 13, 1939.  Bro. Thomas C. Ferguson was ordained as a deacon on October 8. 1939.  Bro. James B. Sparks was licensed to preach the Gospel on September 8, 1940.

On September 7, 1941, the Church voted to mail a check for $250.00 on the first of every month of the Cooperative Program.  On December 2, 1942, the Church voted unanimously to increase the salary of the pastor to $150.00 per month.  Bro. Hubert Carson was elected as a deacon on January 6, 1943 and was ordained February 21, 1943.

January 6, 1943, saw the beginning of accumulating of funds that would later be used in building the present Church auditorium.  A committee was appointed to invest part of the Church funds in Defense Bonds.  In 1943, the Church Clerk reported a net membership of 353, the Church having reached this figure over a period of 66 years, having been organized with nine members.  Sunday, February 27, 1944, the v/hole Church and community was shocked when Bro. Sparks offered his resignation as pastor of the Burnet Church, effective April 1, 1944, to pastor the Church in Fort Davis.  Thus ended a colorful and very profitable period of the Church history.  Bro. Spark's pastorate was the third longest in the history of the Church, exceeded only by that of Bro. J. A. Arbuckle who served as pastor of the Church 9 years. 1887 to 1896 and Bro. Mike Cox who served 10 years, 1966 to 1976.  Bro. Spark's faithfulness, and his jovial spirit, in spite of a serious and later fatal affliction, was an inspiration.  He never let the outside world know of his handicap.  His memory will dwell in the hearts of his friends until that reunion where there will be no pain, heartache or disappointments.  The accumulation of War Bonds had increased by March 1, 1944, to $550.00 and it was from this small beginning that the present auditorium was built.

Sunday, April 30, 1944, a call was extended Bro. R. E. Harrison of Wichita Falls, Texas.  Bro. Harrison accepted the call and came on the field Sunday, May 7, 1944.

On November 12, 1944, Bro. Wm. A. Schlomach was ordained as a deacon.  The ordination service was preached by his brother, Carl Schlomach.

Sunday morning, January 28, 1945, the pastor, Bro. Harrison, made an appeal to the members to subscribe to an offering to clear the debt of $494.40 against the pastor's home and the educational building.  Before the services of the day were over more than $500.00 had been given.  The indebtedness was paid and the note was burned in a public service later.

On March 29, 1945, the Church granted Bro. Troy Brooks authority to baptize candidates into the membership of this Church while he was serving as a Chaplin in the Armed Forces of our Country.  Bro. Brooks and his wife, the former Mary Catherine Stapp served as Home Missionaries for many years.

By August 19, 1945, the building fund had reached $1600.00.  In January 1946, the Church voted to begin praying for direction in an effort to formulate plans for a new Church building. 

By April 1946, the building fund had reached $2257.  Much interest was manifested toward making definite plans for the erection of a new building, as soon as possible.  Sunday September l6, 1946, Bro. Harrison resigned.

By November 1946, the building fund had increased to $3515, and on this date the first definite move was made by the Church for a new building.  The Church elected a steering committee to recommend the necessary means and methods of financing, designs, floor plans and other construction details.  At this meeting, it was also decided to give 10% of all undesignated gifts to the Cooperative Program.

Due to building plans as well as the spiritual interest of the congregation, the need was keenly felt that God's leadership be sought as to His man to serve as a pastor. On November 17, 1946, a call was extended to Bro. W. Y. Pond, Jr. to serve as pastor.  Having accepted, he arrived on the field December 8. 1946.

By December 4, 1946, the Building Fund was $3829.50.  The Building Committee requested the Church decide if they wanted to erect the new Church building on the site of the old building or try to secure another location.  The Church voted to build on the old site.

On December 18, 1946, the Church voted to mail a Church bulletin to each member regularly. 

On February 5, 1947, Bro. M. B. LaVoice was recognized as a deacon and Bro. D. W. Hunt was ordained as a deacon.

On August 12, 1947, at 6:30 p.m. the program celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Church began with Bro. Pond presenting a color slide showing the plan of the new Church building which was enthusiastically received.  The sermon for this occasion was preached by Bro, Geo. Brown of Temple. Immediately following the celebration the Church treasurer reported over $9,000.00 in the building fund.  By September 3. 1947, the building fund had reached $9,947.05 and Mr. Noonan of San Antonio was hired as the architect.

The Burnet Church being ever mindful of keeping a clean and wholesome atmosphere in the community, passed a resolution on August 13, 1947, condemning the operation of slot and other gambling machines in Burnet and called upon the peace officers to use their good offices to see that such machines were withdrawn and the operation of such illegal practices be forbidden.

On September 10, 1947, the Church purchased the vacant lot next to the parsonage for $300.00. 

On October 6, 1948, Bro. C. C. Hill was recognized as a deacon.  During the year of 1948, an organ was purchased. 

In March of 1949, the Sunday School rooms west of the old auditorium were torn down to make possible the moving of the old building.

The year 1949 was of great importance to the First Baptist Church of Burnet.  The old Church building was moved to the West line of the property and a contract was let to Mr. Charles Newman of Kennedy, Texas, to erect a new Church building, for the sum of $35,057.00.  Ground breaking ceremonies were held and construction was begun immediately. The weather conditions were ideal all during the construction period and the building was finished ahead of schedule.  A loan of $20,000. was secured from the Western Reserve Life Insurance Company of Austin, Texas to be repaid in 15 years— or at the rate of $1.350 per year, plus interest.  August 14, 1949, saw the first services held in this new auditorium and at the close of the first services $1,400. was given in an offering to purchase new seats.  In the afternoon of the same day, services were held for the laying of the corner-stone.  Dr. Hal Buckner was the principle speaker on this occasion.  The brotherhood was responsible for the beautiful neon sign being placed on the front of the Church in 1950. In March of 1950, shrubs were planted in front of the church. On October 5, 1949. Bro. Olin Miles was recognized as a deacon.  Plans were made at this time to remodel the old educational building to accommodate departmental assemblies.

In March of 1950, the pastor's salary was raised to $300. per month.  In July of 1950, Bro. R. C. Pryor was recognized as a deacon,

In August of 1950, Bro. Talmage Hensly came answering the call to preach the Gospel of our Lord.  He was licensed to preach and the Church wished him God's blessing in his new call.

In September of 1950, the Church voted to employ someone to post the offering envelopes and that they be paid $.75 Per hour.

State Evangelist Joe Boyd of Marshall conducted a revival in November of 1950.  There were fourteen additions by letter and ten by baptism with a large number of rededications.  In December of 1950, Bro. B. F. Hearne was recognized as a deacon. In January of 1951, the Church voted to ordain, the following as Deacons:  Bro. Ed Young, Bro. Bob Owens, Bro. Clithel V. Plevan and Bro. C. E. Wofford.

In January of 1951, the Church granted Bro. Pond a month's leave of absence for the purpose of conducting a revival in the Canal Zone.  Dr. Jenkins of Abilene was secured to supply during the pastor's absence.

Pre-revival services were conducted March 9, 10, 11, 1951, by Bro. Kenneth Sutter, followed by revival services thru the 18th, conducted by Bro. Clifton Brannon of Longview.  Bro. Roland Boyd led the singing.  There was reported over 125 decisions.  This is the largest response to any revival ever conducted in this church.

On March 21, 1951, Bro. Pond resigned effective March 31, 1951.  He and Mrs. Pond went to the Canal Zone to do missionary work.

On March 25, 1951, Bro. Owens, Bro. Plevan and Bro. Wofford were ordained as deacons.  Bro. Howard Ellison was recognized as a deacon.  Bro. Thomas Ferguson and Bro. Olin S. Miles filled the pulpit frequently with Dr. W. C. Raines, Dr. Singleton and Dr. Perry F. Evans supplying when needed.  In April 1951, the Church bought the lot south of the Church to park on for $500.00.

On Sunday, June 24, 1951. the Church extended a call to Bro. Ralph F. Powell of Rockdale, Texas.  He accepted the call and came to the Church on August 1, 1951.  In July of 1951, Bro. Andy M. Griffin, Sr.  was recognized as a deacon.

On August 8. 1951, the Church granted the following members letters that they might become charter members of the Baptist Church to be organized at the Buckner Boys Ranch: Bro. and Mrs. Olin Miles, Peggy Miles, Bro. and Mrs. L. F. Marshall, Bro. and Mrs. Wm. Schlomach, Roger B. Schlomach, Harvey Schlomach, Jimmie Price, Bro. and Mrs. E. A. Stuart and Gus Stuart.

In September of 1951, the Church adopted a pledge to be required of each teacher and officer in the church, the pledge being, “I will not drink any intoxicating or alcoholic beverages of any kind nor attend square or popular dances or taverns".

Bro. Powell served until November 1, 1951, when he resigned, effective December 1, 1951. 

After Bro. Powell's resignation, Dr. B. L. Nichols was elected as supply pastor and served in a noble way until February 1, 1952.  At this time Bro. Pond and wife returned from missionary service in the Canal Zone, and the Church voted to call him for a second pastorate.  He accepted the call and came on the field February 3, 1952.

On June 29, 1952, Bro. L. C. Lange, Jr. was licensed by this Church to preach the Gospel of our Lord.

During the week of August 10th thru 17th, 1952, the Church observed her seventy-fifth anniversary.  During November of 1952 the first G. A. Coronation was held; this was also the first one to be held in the Burnet-Llano Association.

On March 1, 1953, Bro. Pond resigned effective April 1, 1953.  During March of 1953, a revival was held with Bro. Carl Schlomach doing the preaching.  On April 1, 1953, Bro. Martin Bridges was called as Music Director.  Bro. Holland Smith was called as pastor on August 12, 1953, effective September 13, 1953.  At the request of the Joppa Church, on Sunday afternoon September 13, 1953, many people met at the First Baptist Church of Burnet for the purpose of ordaining L. C. Lange, Jr. to the Gospel Ministry.

On November 11, 1953, Dr. Charles Piper was licensed to preach the Gospel.  On November 1, 1953, Bro. Martin Bridges resigned.  On November 29, 1953. Bro. Bob Alexander was called as Assistant Pastor and Music Director. 

In January 1954, the Church purchased the old laundry south of the Church for $2,000.00.  This building was remodeled and used as an annex.

June 23. 1954, was Bro. Alexander's last Sunday as Music Director.  On September 26, 1954, Bro. O. D. Hall. Jr. was called as Music Director. 

In January 1955, the Church purchased choir robes.  On January 30, 1955, Bro. Jimmy Cox came forward accepting God's call to preach.  May 22. 1955 was Bro. Hall's last Sunday and on May 29, 1955 Bro. M. A. Huddler came as the Music Director.  Bro. Huddler left in October and Bro. Keating A. Armstrong became the Music and Youth Director in October of 1955. 

On February 5, 1956, Bro. Armstrong resigned.  Bro. Jack LeCroy became the Music Director on April 8, 1956.

On May 27, 1956, the Church voted to hire an architect for plans for a new educational building.  On May 17, 1956, a recognition service was held for the Negro G. A.  Four girls made their maiden step.  Mrs. L. C. Lange, Sr. served as counselor for this group.

On August 12, 1956, the Church celebrated the 79th anniversary with the burning of three notes and showing plans for the educational building.  On September 2, 1956, Bro. Smith resigned effective September 15, 1956.

On October 7, 1956, Bro. J. L. Bryant of Spearman filled the pulpit.  On October 14th, the Church extended him a call; however, he did not accept.

Bro. Joe B. Taylor of Hico accepted the call as pastor of this Church on December 9, 1956. 

On January 2, 1957, a permit was secured from the Post Office for the purpose of mailing a Church Bulletin to every family each week.

On Sunday, August 11, 1957, the Church observed her 80th anniversary. 

The deacons recommended that the Church buy carpet in January 1958 and Bro. Jack LeCroy resigned as Music and Youth Director in January 1958.  In December of 1958, Bro. Wesley Anthony was called as Director of Music and Youth Work. 

 On Sunday, May 31, 1959, a very impressive ground breaking service was held during the morning service.  Spades of dirt were turned by Mrs. Bolt, the oldest member of the building committee. Work began on the building June 8, 1959.

On May l6, 1959, the old educational building was sold to Billy Joe Fox for $500. 

On February 14, 1960, the Church officially dedicated its new $80,000 Educational Building. The principal speaker for this program was R. Hooper Dilday, Director of Church Related Services of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  The Prayer of Dedication was given by R. R, Lloyd, District Missions Secretary of District 15. Others offering prayers were Bro. Max Cope land and Bro. W. E. Dickerson.  Special music was presented by the Church Chapel Choir under the direction of Wesley Anthony.  At the conclusion of the program, local members and visitors visited the building and were served refreshments with the Y. W. A's acting as hostesses.

On May 29, I960, Bro. Don Palmer, Bro. Gratton Carson and Bro. Tom Henry were recognized as deacons and Bro. W. M. Hanszen and Bro. Derrel Cowan were elected deacons.  Bro. Cowan and Bro. Hanszen were ordained as deacons on June 5, 1960.  Bro. Wesley Anthony resigned as Music and Youth Director in October 1960.  On October 2, 1960, Bro. LaRue Tippie was recognized as a deacon.  On October 4, 1960, Bro. Douglas Newton, Bro. James Dickens, Bro. Tommy Warren and Bro. Franklin Davidson were ordained as deacons.  During November of 1960, Bro. Eddie Martin was called as Music and Youth Director. 

On January 29, 1961 Bro. Joe B. Taylor resigned effective April 30, 1961. Bro. L. O. Sluder was called as Interim Pastor.  On July 2, 1961, Bro. Hubert D. Christian of Seminole was called as pastor.  Bro. Eddie Martin resigned as Music and Youth Director on July 31, 1961.  Bros E. L. Allison, Bro. 0. 0. Huggins, Bro. James Thomas, Bro. O. L. Kassaw and Bro. Marvin Dietering were recognized as deacons in November of 1961.

On July 26, 1962, the Church purchased two lots in East Burnet for the New Hope Baptist (Negro) Church.  The 85th Anniversary was observed August 12, 1962, with Family Day and Roll call.

In October 1962, Bros. Allbritton, Plevan, Henry, Hill, LaVoice and Wofford were elected to serve as deacons under the new rotation system. 

The Church voted to remove the old annex to the property in East Burnet for the Negro Church in October 1962.

On May 7, 1963, the Church voted to sponsor a mission at Silver Creek.  The land for a Church and parsonage had been donated.   The Church would be self-supporting and secure a loan from the Home Mission Board.

In June 1963, the pastor announced the Church had received the gift of a grand piano from an anonymous donor.

In August 1963, the Church voted to broadcast the Sunday morning Worship services over the Burnet Radio Station. 

On June 11, 1964, the Silver Creek Baptist Chapel had a dedication service for their new building.

During August 1964, Bro. Fredrick Lee Sylvester was licensed to the Gospel Ministry.  On October 15, 1964, Bro. Bill Taylor accepted the call as Music and Youth Director and served in that position until November 24, 1965. 

During December 1965, the deacon rotation system was discontinued and all deacons became active.

Bro. Melvin Hogan was called as Music and Youth Director in January 1966 and Bro. Billy McCoy was recognized as a deacon.  On July 24, 1966 Bro. Hubert Christian resigned effective August 1, 1966.  In August 1966, a building committee was appointed to look into the possibility of building a new parsonage.  Bro. Jack Whyburn served as interim pastor.

Bro, Michael Cox was called as pastor and came on the field October 26, 1966. 

In January 1967, Bro. Russell Widner became Music and Youth Director. 

In March of 1967, Bro. Dow was recognized as an active deacon and in July a contract was awarded to A. C. Choat for $20,309, for a parsonage to be built at 805 N. Pierce.

Dr. R. G. Lee, who preached the famous sermon "Pay Day-Some Day" held a week end revival August 12, 13, 1967. .Dr. Lee pointed out that "God has something for all men.  But how many of us have taken him up on his offer?  How many of us have asked that it might be given us, or knocked that it might be opened unto us? Faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can move mountains; how many mountains have we moved lately?"

Bro. R. F. Fechner was recognized as an active deacon in November 1967.  In August of 1968, the Church voted, to rescind the policy adopted in 1951 concerning alcoholic beverages.  On November 3, 1968, the Church began having two worship services on Sunday morning (8:30 and 10:55).  The old parsonage was moved to Post Mountain in October of 1968 where it is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Merkle Q. Williams.                                               .

Bro. Travis Sealey and Bro. W. V. Wills were recognized as deacons in November 1968. 

In June 1969, Bro. W. A. Schlomach was recognized as a deacon.  Bro. James Glass was called as Music Director in September 1969.

On October 14, 1969, Mary Anne Forehand was appointed as a missionary to Spain.  Bro. B. R. Johnson was elected as the representative to the Negro Church in October 1969.  The Church voted to pay the pastor at the Negro Church $10.00 per Sunday.  In November 1969, the Church restarted the

Deacon Rotation System.

On October 31, 1971, Bro. James Glass resigned as Music Director.  Bro. Robert Wheeler came as Music Director on November 10. 1971 and served until March 19. 1972.

On March 21, 1972, the Church bought the house on North Vanderveer from the Katherine B. Phelps estate for $7,500., to be used for Sunday School classes.  Bro. Ron Davis was called as Music Director on June 7, 1972.  On March 18, 1973, the Silver Creek mission was organized into a Church.  In the fall of 1973, a balcony was added to the Burnet Church.

Bro. Don Underwood was called as Music and Youth Director on November 11. 1973.  In June 1974, the house at 305 East Washington was purchased for $9.000.00.  Bro. Beauford Rowney was ordained as a deacon on November 3, 1974.  Bro. Don Underwood was ordained as Minister of the Gospel through Music and Youth on April 13, 1975.  On November 2, 1975. Bro. Woody Hudman was ordained as a deacon.  The Church voted to close the New Life Mission in November of 1975.  May 1, 1976 was Bro. Underwood's last day as Music and Youth Director.  Bro. Cox resigned as pastor effective Sept. 15, 1976.

Bro. Carl Schlomach served as interim pastor from September until November of 1976.  On November 15, 1976, Bro. James L. Morrow moved on the field as the new pastor. 

On February 15. 1977, the Church purchased the house at 205 S. Vanderveer for $7,500. from John Pogue, Jr.

On April 7, 1977, the Church voted to establish a building fund for the purpose of building a new building in the near future. On May 4, 1977 a Memorial Song Book Fund was established to buy the new Baptist Hymnal.  At the present the building fund has $2,278.97 and the organ fund which was established in May of 1977 has $1,172.00.

On July 25, 1977, Bro. James M. Morrow (no relation to the pastor) came on the field as the Minister of Music and Youth.  At the present time this Church has a resident membership of 618 and a non-resident membership of 242, giving a total membership of 860.  This, Church is proud to have had a part in the lives of the following who are serving in the field of full-time Christian Service  Rev. Carl Schlomach, Rev. L. C. Lange, Jr., Rev. Jim T. Hardaway and Robert and Becky Brannon.

As you have read the history of the past one hundred years of the First Baptist Church of Burnet and reflected upon the past, may you now pause and ask for Divine Guidance for your life and the life of this Church for this day and the days to come.

Moving forward, the Church, sent a check in the amount of $2,600.00 to the telephone company for the purchase of land for parking.

The following March, 1979, the Building Committee made a recommendation to the congregation assembled: “Your Building Committee having had under consideration various plans and procedures for the construction of a new church building for some times, and having endeavored to bring designs, costs and available funds together in such a manner as to form concrete recommendations for the consideration of the whole congregation, desire to report that in their opinion such has now been accomplished in a manner that the church can proceed, if it so desires. Provide a new auditorium adjacent to the present auditorium, being 7,696 square feet with a foyer, bell tower and the two additional restrooms as per preliminary plans presented on March 4, 1979 at a cost of $315,000.00.   Bro Carl Schlomach was Chairman, Doug Newton, Hardy Whitfield, David Allbritton, Woody Hudman and Beauford Rowney serving on this committee.

January 1980, B. J. Morrow resigns as Minister of Music/Youth. A search committee was formed and met with Doug Stephens for the position of Music/Youth Director. October a Bible Study was held during Church Training on Sunday & Wednesday nights.

March 0f 1981 a Ground Breaking Service was held. We also had a covered dish luncheon. This was an exciting time for our church.

Starting the year off right, in Jan 1982, the church voted to license Mark Newton to preach. Mark has made a very good preacher.

In February 1983, a music festival was held in the high school auditorium.

Doug Stephens resigned as Music/Youth Director. In March of 1983, Mike Robertson was called to be Music/Youth Director.

June 1983, the first services were held in the new sanctuary. That was on Father’s Day, the 19^th.  What a great Father’s Day. R.V. Stone was our Superintendent of Construction, Bob Owens, Darrell Cowan and Travis Sealey were the Trustees at that time.  Pete Reed also served on the Building Committee.

In September 1983 a community Thanksgiving service was held at the First Christian Church.

December we have a new church directory.

July 1984 the church voted to keep the parsonage.

October 1984 a revival service was held with many additions to the church fellowship.

In January 1985, we began to remodel the old sanctuary with an estimated cost of $60,000.  The actual cost was $57,000.  In March the church endorsed Paul Haines to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Bro. W. B. Hammond, in April 1985, resigned his teaching with the Special Ministries and went to work at the Pot of Gold Youth Camp.

December 1985, Mike Robertson submits letter of resignation.

January 1986, Roy Berryhill was hired as Minister of Music and Earl Tuten as Outreach & Youth Minister.

January 1986, the church voted to accept as many boys from Buchner’s Baptist Church into church fellowship and Sunday School Programs.

In July 1986, the church voted to participate in the Hoover Valley Mission.

November 1986, the church hired Tim Waechter as a temporary Music Director.

November 1986, the church purchased a home on Hoover Valley Road for Hoover Valley Mission site.

In February 1987, the associational Music Festival was held in Marble Falls.

In March 1987, Bro. Jim Morrow appointed a Building Committee to study and do research for a Family Life Center.

Brent Pittman, from Bellville, accepted the call for Music and Youth Director.

In April 1987, a personnel committee was in place and rewrote the staff policy and job description.

June 1987, the Spanish Mission that had been started in May, now had 14 in attendance. Hoover Valley Mission’s average in Sunday School was 35 and Vacation Bible School this year enrolled 254.

 

In July 1987, the Deacon Family Ministry Plan was implemented, where deacon associates would become eligible after being in reserve one year.

September 9, 1987 - The Great Day Revival had a conflict with the Burnet/Marble Falls football game.  Revival began on Saturday morning.

Edna Boone became the “Mission Service Corp” person in February of 1989.

In May a decision was made to hire a Youth Interim Pastor for the summer.

Bro. W. B. Hammond recommended establishing, “The Upper Room Ministry”.

In August a young interim was secured, being our own De Anne Shipp.

The Church recommended and endorsed approval of Brent Pittman and De Anne Shipp to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

January - A youth mission trip scheduled to Brownsville for the summer.

February - A music festival scheduled in Kingsland.

April – Bro. Brent Pittman resigned to become pastor of First Baptist Church of Sheridan.

May – Doug McLemore was called to serve as Youth Interim and was later ordained into the Gospel Ministry.

July – Pastor Qualifications Questionnaire given to the congregation as a help for the Pastor Search Committee.

August 26 – New Minister of Music started.

November – Bro. Larry Brownfield was voted as new Pastor to include use of parsonage to start on December 23, 1990.

February – First Baptist paired with O Be Joyful Baptist Church in Crested Butte, Colorado.  They are in need of a pastor and our church will help with work on the building and VBS.

March – We participated in the Blue Bonnet Festival Bed Races.

In May 1991, Danny Quintanilla was hired to be a Summer Youth Worker for 10 weeks.

In June the Church wide summer celebration was held at Tommy White Park.  Food, games and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

July was the kick-off of the stewardship program “The Great Challenge.”

August 8, was Youth “See You at the Pole”. 

September Tandy Hazelwood, a student at Howard Payne College will help in the summer to earn college credit.

October Mission Friends, open house.

First Baptist – in top 100 churches in youth baptisms.

In Feb. 1992, Church Covenant placed in the back cover of each hymn book.

In March our church sent 50 hymnals sent to O, Be Joyful Baptist Church and goals were set on ways to further help this church.

In September A Senior Adult Revival was held for all seniors in leadership positions by Bro. T. D. Taylor.

A Transportation Fund was set up. 

In June, Hoover Valley Baptist constituted as a church.

August the church had a lay renewal weekend.

In November the church voted to purchase Renick’s property for $35,000.00. 

December the Church sold the Renick house for $1000.00, buyer will move it. 

December 13, The World Missions Conference was a huge success.

In Feb. 1993 John H. Kough was formally endorsed to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

In March the Renick house was moved to parking lot next to Main Street. 

Two new vans were purchased. 

Bro. Gordon Edwards of Bluebonnet Hills Baptist Church was called as Interim Pastor, but will stay on the Home-Bound Ministry with wife continuing her responsibilities in the church. 

April, Bro. Larry Brownfield resigns as Pastor and goes to Faith Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, TX.

In April the Missions Development Council recommends the church adopt Main Street Bethlehem as ongoing mission project. The site being selected is northwest corner of Washington and Boundary Sts. 

May, business Conference called to discuss transition plans.  The Transition plan given to church with changes made and adopted for voting by the membership present. 

In July Bro. Gordon Edwards elected as Interim Pastor. 

Church in need of a wheelchair, individual who loaned to church wants it back. 

August 19^th there was a Jericho Walk. 

September - Camp Inks Lake State Park - Youth, “See You at the Pole”

December - This was Main Street Bethlehem’s first three day production with about 3,000 visitors.

In January 1994, Brotherhood Breakfast, Bro Jim Owens issued a call to pastor. 

In May, our church sends Jon Jones to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

July 7-16 Mission trip to Crested Butte, Col., 32 individuals made the trip helping with VBS, repairing church property and built a playscape.

In July, Bro. W. B. Hammond was elected to minister to the jail ministry.

Vacation Bible School with 145 children.

In November - The church voted to send Walker (Pete) Mobley to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In Jan 1995, the church purchased the smaller of two lots donated by Otis and Viola Lock. 

In February - We accepted custodianship of the Baptist Memorial Retirement Center Account at First State Bank (The Woodlands).

In March 1995, Voted issued to call Scott Oldenburg as Youth Minister. 

In June the church endorses Scot Oldenburg to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

In July the WMU started a “Clothing Closet” especially for children.  Survey, Planning & Building Committee recommended the “United We Build” program; church voted and the fund raiser program was approved. 

October - Baptist General Convention of Texas was held in San Antonio.  Fifteen messengers to attend.  Later that month we had a “United We Build” banquet.  The property committee requested to remove the front pews to make more room for the Lord’s Supper observances and to greet those who come forward during invitation time for counseling. Pews will be placed at the back of the church not to lose the 36 seats. 

December - Main Street ready to open with expectations of 8,000 to 10,000 to attend.

In May of 1997, Church voted to change building site for Family Life Center from the east side of the church to the south side.

In June, a Fund Raiser Auction/Luncheon was held to finance a trip to Washington, D. C. for 24 men to attend Promise Keepers on Oct. 4.

July - United We Build at about $250,000.00.

August - $1,200.00 was raised for Promise Keepers trip.

September - Remodeling for Annex, (old Temple Baptist Church) cost $11,000.00 - 99.1% finished.

October and November - Work getting “Main Street Bethlehem” ready for Dec

In March 1998, The Adult Choir had a fund raiser to purchase formal attire, “Pink Flamingos” It was a fun thing to do. $15.00 insurance to keep them out of your yard, $10.00 to have them placed in someone’s yard and $5.00 to have them removed. 

In May an “Old Timey Gospel Revival“ was held.

October -  Plans for a “United We Build Banquet” was set.

In Jan. 1999, recommendation to joint partnership with FBC - Bertram to sponsor a Spanish Mission, former Mt. Blanc Baptist Church of Oatmeal. The Mt. Blanc property & monetary assets were given to Burnet-Llano Baptist Association. 

March Closing for parsonage property set at $93,000.00. 

In June of 1999, Ground Breaking Ceremony for Family Life Center was held. Brother Gordon Edwards announced a “Neighbor Party” at Main St. Bethlehem site. 

August, Chris Winford called to be Youth Minister.

September 24, 2000, Ordination Services held for Chris Winford. 

October 7, Sanctuary Choir asked to provide music at World Mission Fair & Banquet in Kingsland.

In October, church voted and approved for Chris Winford to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Jan 21, 2001, Chris Winford, Youth Minister, will begin attending Seminary for Master of Divinity degree. TX. Baptist Convention, First Baptist Church and some members assisted with his tuition. 

We surpassed Lottie Moon Christmas offering goal of $8,400.00 by $3,000.00.

February 2001 - Choir robe fund raiser, cookbook sale- very successful. 

March, Loan secured at First State Bank for new Family Life Center in the amount of $425,000.00. 

May - Church voted for Bob King to be contractor of Family Life Center. His fee was $1.00. July, New Pictorial Church Directory received-225 families. 

March 22 - Due to a Divine calling to Christian Ministry, the church recommended Phillip Whitfield for the Ministerial Tuition Aid Program at Howard Payne University. 

In May - Bob Beasley, Minister of Music, reported the church now has 3 octaves of hand bells, a keyboard, a digital piano and video projectors. Praise God for generous members in fellowship. 

June - Property purchased from Frank Fickett at the 200 block of N. Jackson east to the end of S. Boundary. 

In July - 26 people went to Mexico to help in mission effort. 

August - Two new children’s choirs begin.  Work on Annex building completed. 

August 29 - Recommendation made by church to assist Michael A. Waldman, from the Ministerial Tuition Aid Program to attend Howard Payne University. 

September - Prayer Room being made ready for use. 

October - Cancelled agreement with KLHB radio station due to increase from $30.00/ week to $60.00/week.  Radio station agreed to keep rate at $30`week.

In April of 2002, Van shed was re-erected. 

June - Possibility of starting Christian Women’s Job Corp. 

October - Donation in the amount of $30,000.00 was given to apply to principal of loan at First State Bank for building loan. 

November 23 - After almost 10 years serving as Pastor, Brother Jim Owens announced his resignation.

December - The 10^th annual production of Main Street Bethlehem attendance near 19,000.

March 16, 2003 Transition Council brought a motion for church to vote on Intentional Interim Minister, motion carried. Ladies travel to Alabama to train for Christian Women’s Job Corp. 

April 13, a special meeting was called to enter into covenant with Bro. Ken Flowers to serve as Interim Pastor for one (1) year, April15, 2003 - April 11, 2004.  In April a Check for $600.00 was sent to Nuevo Rosita Church, concluding work there.

May - Mission Development  Committee collected boxes in “Food for Iraq” program. Some was sent to LaCare.

June - a donation of $30,000.00 was given for debt reduction on Family Life Center.

July - New Nursery & Preschool Phase of FLC completed. Several ladies attended Texas leadership conference in Waco. The Church celebrated “50" Anniversary of WMU with a House Party “90" Anniversary of G. A’s. 

August 8 - of 2003 Chris Winford informed the church of his plans to leave and further his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His last Sunday will be the 24^th. The Youth Council was in place to guide activities for the youth.  Hamburger Supper held in Family Life Center in honor of Chris to say goodbye. 

October - Youth Search Committee in place.

January 18, 2004.  Radio station KHLB is raising the rate for the Sunday morning service from $30 a week to $125 a week.  The discounted rate to the church will be $106 a week.

Lottie Moon offering goal of $7000.00 was exceeded.  The amount received was $8764.00. The Christian Women’s Job Corp has completed its first week successfully.

Main Street Bethlehem experienced an attendance of 18,000 with donations of approximately $21,000.00.  Several churches took part in cast and crew.                  

February 1, 2004.   Matthew Brown was called, by secret ballot, to become Minister of Youth.  On February 15, he accepted the call. 

Minister of Music & Education, Bob Beasley announced his resignation, effective April 11. He plans to serve as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Lakeview Baptist Church of Belton. 

February 22, 2004.  Donations to Main Street were moved into the budget excess.  The remaining $15,000, which had been transferred last fall, will be moved back within a three year period.  The church debt is $333,123.

A recommendation was approved to continue the Sunday morning radio service until the end of March.  Thereafter, the church will no longer broadcast on KHLB due to the increase in rates (old rate was $1560 a year and new rate $5512 a year) and poor quality of broadcast.

March 21. 2004.  A recommendation was approved that the Church will offer to pay Mat Brown’s insurance premium of $477.49 a month, which sum will be deducted from his salary so that his salary will remain the same.

By secret ballot, the Church renewed the Intentional Interim covenant with Brother Ken Flowers beginning April 10, 2004 and ending April 10, 2005.  His monthly financial compensation will continue as budgeted for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2003 as follows:  $3335.06 a month in salary, $661.50 for health insurance and a housing allowance of $500.

A recommendation to give Bob Beasley a $10,000 love gift for his long and faithful service to the church was approved by secret ballot.

A recommendation to employ Doug Sullivan as part time interim music director, for a salary of $1200 per month beginning Monday, April 12, 2004 was approved by secret ballot.   A search for a permanent music director will be undertaken.

A recommendation was approved, by secret ballot, to revise Article V of the Committee Manual, Section 1 to state: All committee members must be members of the First Baptist Church , Burnet, TX.  A second recommendation was approved to revise Article II, Sec. 2, Para. B2 to read: “Upon any vacancy of any of the called personnel the church will take measures to secure a successor.

April 18, 2004.  A recommendation from the Finance Committee to apply $6000 from the United We Build Fund to debt reduction was approved.

A recommendation was presented on first reading to revise Article II, Sec. 3 be revised to say that the only way to become an active deacon is by vote of the church.

The Pastor Search Committee is meeting weekly.

June 27, 2004.  The Church indebtedness was reported to be $312,370.49 as of May 31, 2004.  The Church agreed to contribute $1500 toward a mission trip to Bangladesh.  The Church also agreed to host the Annual Burnet-Llano Association Meeting on October 3, 2004.

July 25, 2004.  The sum of $6,500 was transferred from the General Fund because it was needed for salaries and first of the month bills.  The amount of the church indebtedness is $305,930.00.

A motion was approved stating: “An ad hoc team of 5 persons will recommend guidelines for how a person remains a member in good standing and what actions or inactions constitute either removal of a person’s name from the church roll or from active member status.  

August 22, 2004.  A recommendation was approved, by secret ballot, to allow the current pastoral candidate to do his own Educational (i.e. Sunday School) work and to transfer $7,500 from the Educational Director Benefit Package to the self-employment package of the pastor.

November 21, 2004.  A motion was approved, by secret ballot, as follows:  “That a Moderator be elected annually to serve as Chairman of the Business Conference.” 

February 20, 2005.  A motion was approved that the Church accept the gift of a 43 passenger school bus that Doak Williams has purchased for use in the Van Ministry.

A motion was approved that the Church authorize the transfer of $5,000 from the Main Street Bethlehem designated fund to the General Fund in order to replenish part of the money designated for cave construction.

April 17, 2005.  A request from Matt that the Church approve changing his housing allowance from $1,020 a month to $940 a month was approved, changing his annual salary from $11,280 to $12,240

May 15, 2005.  Four ladies graduated from the Women’s Mission Job Corp and $7,000 was raised in a garage sale.

Two new adult Sunday School classes have been added.  They are Adult VI Ladies (single) and Adult VII Young Couples (22 thru 32).

June 27, 2005.  A proposal for a new program to be known as “Kidz Life” was approved.  Its mission statement is preparing our kids for Christian life through Bible study, fellowship, worship, giving, loving, serving, witnessing and missions.  The vision statement is to reach children for Christ and see them burn passionately for live through love, inspiration/instruction, fellowship and evangelism.  

A motion was approved that the Church begin the process of electing a search committee to select a full-time Minister of Music.

August 21, 2005.  A men’s fellowship and prayer breakfast will commence in September.  All men are urged to get involved and invite others to attend.

September 18, 2005.  A new “Personnel Manual” was presented for study and approval for it will be requested in October.

A motion was approved for the establishment of the “Angel Fund”.  It will be a benevolent fund intended to receive city wide contributions for the purchase of fuel to operate a small aircraft  used to shuttle emergency supplies, victims and personnel in support of disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. 

A motion was approved to pay $10,000 from the Building Fund on the note leaving a balance of $8,000 needed to complete Phase I of the Family Life Center.

October 16, 2005.  A motion was approved to amend the By Laws to provide that future Church Business meetings, and Deacons meetings, will be held on a quarterly basis, (January, April, July and October) instead of monthly.  Provisions for called meetings and emergency meetings are included. 

A request was approved to raise the amount of non-budgeted expenditures that can be approved by the Finance Committee, without Church approval, from $500 to $1500.

October 23, 2005.  A call was extended to Scott Shaw to become the Minister of Music.  Salary was set as follows:  From November 21 until January 2006 the sum of $533.20 a week.  In January of 2006, a full time salary of $47,955 a year is approved in the Church Budget of 2005-2006.

January 15, 2006.  Bro. Terry desires to pursue a Doctor of Ministry Degree.  His studies would require eight weeks a year away from the Church for three years.  A motion that the Church grant him permission to do so was approved.

The past years have been a great success for the Women’s Job Corp with eleven women graduating and 3000 volunteer hours expended.   New classes will begin on February 7, 2006.

April 23, 2006.  Seven more women graduated from the Women’s Job Corp on the previous Thursday night.  A garage sale produced $4,688.29 that will be used to support the Corp.

Significant changes have been made to the Policies and Procedures Manual with respect to new deacons.  In summary, a standing committee, consisting of the Pastor, Deacon Officers and two members, selected by the Deacon body, has been constituted.  The Committee will meet during the first quarter of the calendar year to discuss the need for new deacons.  The Church has 21 deacons.

If new deacons are needed, nominations will be sought from the Church membership.  The nominations will be screened and the requisite number selected.  Those selected must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the voting members at a business meeting called for that purpose.  Members are urged to vote only for those they believe to be scripturally qualified.

A motion was approved that $4,561.94 will be paid for debt reduction on the Family Life Center.  Also $5000 will be paid on cave construction at Main Street Bethlehem.  The Budget will be increased to $12,890 in the category that is used to replace components of the sound and computer systems in the sanctuary and gym.

A motion was approved to change the terms used to designate members from resident and non-resident to active and inactive.  Church members will be given a card on which to state whether they are active or inactive.

July 16, 2006.  The Trustees recommend that the Church purchase the lot across the street from Main Street Bethlehem for $67,000.00 plus closing costs.  Separate financing will be pursued to pay for the lot.  Information has been mailed to the membership concerning the purchase.  It will be financed by money gained from a three year note at eight and a quarter percent.  That sum will not be made part of the regular budget.

A motion was approved that two services will be instituted on Sunday, one to be traditional and the other to be contemporary.  That will occur for six months to see if it is successful.

October 15, 2006.  Now that Scott Shaw has been ordained to the Ministry, his total compensation will be $47,955 per year.  Of that amount, $25,618 will be salary, $15,000 will constitute a housing allowance, and $7337 will be a self employment reimbursement.  A motion to that effect was approved by secret ballot.

Bro. Ken Flowers was employed as Intentional Interim Pastor for one year with a salary set at $55,170 plus mileage.  That was approved by secret ballot.  At that time, he was designated as Moderator of future business meetings for that period of time.

January 21, 2007.  A motion was approved that the Church would donate its older bus to the Victory Baptist Church.

March 25, 2007.  The six month trial time for holding two services on Sunday has elapsed.  A motion was approved, by secret ballot, to continue it until a new pastor is found and then for an additional three months after he arrives. 

The Pastor announced a decision to hold Vacation Bible School at night.  The congregation approved.

A motion was approved to make the Minister of Music a part time position and that this person would work two days a week for a salary of $1600 a month.

A motion was approved that $10,00  will be paid toward debt reduction.

April 29, 2007.  At a special called meeting, a motion was approved, by secret ballot, to call Bro. Ricky Guenther as pastor of the Church at a salary of $65,000 a year.  Bro Guenther, and his family, accepted this call and plan to be in the field on or about June 1, 2007.

May 20, 2007.  A request from Bro. Ricky Guenther was approved that his salary be set as $36,912 for a base salary, $20,000 as a housing allowance, $5,600 for insurance and $2400 as retirement.

A motion was approved, by secret ballot, to revert to one service on Sunday.

June 17, 2007.  Bro. Guenther presented his vision for the church that includes the building of a new sanctuary within the next five years.

July 15, 2007.  Ten new deacons will be elected on Sunday the 5^th of August.

On August 12, 2007, the Church will celebrate 130 years of its existence and a block party is being planned after the evening service.

August 19, 2007.  A recommendation was accepted that bids be taken for the installation of an elevator in the Family Life Building.  Construction should require six months and the cost is not to exceed $50,000. A minimum of three bids will be required.

A recommendation was approved that a search committee be elected to begin the process of hiring a full-time minister of Music and Education

A general consent was given to have a new church directory printed.

September 16, 2007.  The search committee for a new Minister of Music and Education was elected.  Deacon rotation for the year of 2008 will be suspended to recommence in 2009.  The Committee that will oversee the preparation of new Church Directory was selected.

October 21, 2007.  A recommendation was approved that Rip Moran be hired as part-time Minister of Music to serve until a full-time Minister of Music and Education is called.  He will work a minimum of two full days per week at a salary of $1200 per month.

November 11, 2007.  A motion was approved, by secret ballot, to raise the pastor’s salary to $72,000.  A motion was approved to constitute a new Building Committee the function of which will be to oversee the construction and development of the expansion being undertaken in the Family Life Center.  It is to be disbanded when that work is completed.

January 6, 2008.  At a special called meeting a motion was approved, by secret ballot, that the firm of Griffin and Jacobson, Architects, be employed to complete contract documents, secure building permits, procure construction bids t\o finish of the 2^nd floor of the Family Life Center at a cost of $418,712.  If the bids exceed the estimated construction costs, congregational approval will be sought.

January 20, 2008.  Last year, the Church was borrowing from the Reserve Fund to pay its bills.  At this time, the Church has $102,000. in the Reserve Fund and $37,000. in the General fund.  All outstanding bills have been paid.  The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal of $7,000 was exceeded by $800.

A recommendation was approved to upgrade the telephone system.  The bid from Telstar in Kingsland is $4,410.  That includes ten stationary phones and one portable phone.  All will carry a five year warranty.

A recommendation was approved to purchase a new computer for the Minister of Music for $1500 and a new set of drums for $836.

February 1, 2008.  A recommendation was accepted that the Church change insurance carriers from Guide One to Church Mutual.  The difference in premiums is $4932. The new police provides 100% coverage with a deductible of $2500 for each occurrence.

Preliminary plans, presented by the Architect, for renovations in the Family Life  Center have been approved.  Building permits are being sought.  Bids will be obtained and construction commenced by April 1, 2008.

A request was approved to seek bids for the purchase of a 26” people mover.

March 16, 2008.  A recommendation was approved to replace all of the existing speakers in the auditorium and to add three additional speakers for the organ player, the drummer and Matt Brown, each with its own volume control.  The cost will be $9,309.

April 20, 2008.  The Treasurer reported that for the fiscal year, receipts have been $326,630 and expenditures have been $267,929.  A goal for the Annie Armstrong Offering of $4000 was exceeded by $174.

Building permits have been obtained for the renovation of the Family Life Center.  The elevator has been ordered.  Construction is to start of May 5, 2008 with estimated completion on September 5, 2008.  The total construction budget is $338,000 which includes a contingency fund of $30,000.

Doug Burton is coming on April 27 and 27, 2008 in view of a call as Minister of Music and Education. He and his wife will participate in services on that Sunday.

April 27, 2008.  At a special called business meeting, a motion was approved, by secret ballot, to extend a call to Doug Burton as Minister of Education and Music.  The compensation package includes a salary of $61,000 with 20 days of paid time off each year.

May 18, 2008.  A motion was approved that the roof of the Sanctuary be repaired at a cost of $12,000 to $15,000.

June 22, 2008.  A motion was approved setting the salary of Doug Burton as follows.  Salary will be $29,632, housing will be $18,888,  health insurance will be $7,968 and retirement will be $5000. The Church will pay $3713 toward his moving expenses.

1July 27, 2008.  The new people mover is now in operation.  The two older ones have been sold to the Victory Baptist Church for $2000.

August 24, 2008.  A motion was approved indicating that Bro. Guenther has chosen not to use the insurance plan offered by the Church.  He will instead be placed on Mrs. Guenther’s insurance plan at her employment.  His salary package will be rearranged as follows.  Salary will be $49,000, housing will be $20,000 and retirement $2400.

September 21, 2008.  At a special called business meeting, five new deacons were elected.  Deacon ordination will occur on October 5, 2008.

November 16, 2008.  A recommendation was approved to change the Policy and Procedures Manual.  In summary, all staff and other employees will be paid on the 15^th and 30^th of the month.  No advances in salaries or wages will be authorized.

January 18, 2009.  Two donations of $20,000 and $22,000 respectively were received in December of 2008 which allowed the Church to end the calendar year in excellent financial condition.

The Jail Ministry had fourteen professions of faith in 2008 and one so far in 2009.

A recommendation was approved implementing a 403b savings plan for the full time non-ministerial staff using Edward Jones.  The only cost to the Church will be a $40.00 enrollment fee for each participant.  In time the Church may make a small matching contribution. 

May 24, 2009.  Matt Brown’s salary package has changed as follows.  Health insurance changed from $5208 to $5400, housing from $16,800 to $14,500 and salary from $28,258 to $30,366.  There is no change in the total amount.

The Welcome Wagon ministry will begin on June 2, 2009.  The City will provide a list of new residents.

A plan called “Adopt a Project” has been implemented.  Church members or groups will choose a project and the Church will provide materials for the following projects.  Renovate the old fellowship hall, fix up the women’s restroom on the west end of the hall, update sanctuary and prepare handrails for upper section of the stage.  Each group will do the work on the selected project.

New signs have been put in place.

July 8, 2009.  A huge storm occurred in early July that caused significant damage to both of the Church buildings.  A special called business meeting was called for the purpose of electing a Renovation Committee to lead in the repair of the sanctuary and other damages caused by that recent storm.  Six people were selected to serve on the Committee.

The insurance company awarded the Church $113,000 to pay for what it estimates to be the damages.  The company will advance $50,000 to the Church so that some work can begin immediately.  Repairing the roof is the most pressing repair and the Committee will obtain bids for that work.

Other needs involve ceiling tile, carpet, insulation and roof repair to the Family Life Center. The pews will need to be repaired or replaced.  The sound equipment may need work but that is outside the allotted $113,000.

July 19, 2009.  The new Welcome Wagon Ministry has been operating for two months and has given out 56 welcome kits.

The process has begun to select seven new deacons.  The election will be completed by the end of September.

The roof has been completely repaired and the building may be ready for use by the end of the month.

Money has been donated to build a playground next to the rock building and work has begun.

The Church offices are located in the right side of this building,

and the Christian Women's Job Corp. is in the left side.