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Worship in Matagorda County, Texas According to the award-winning book Historic Matagorda County, the first Baptist Sunday School in the Republic of Texas was started at Matagorda in 1830. Soon there were Baptist churches also in Old Caney and Tres Palacios. Being so near the Gulf Coast makes Matagorda County often a target for storms. All denominations in Matagorda were left without a meeting place from a terribly destructive hurricane in 1858. A statement that was published in the Matagorda Gazette newspaper of that time regarding a place of worship: “There are in Matagorda a few Baptists, a small Episcopal Methodist Church, a small Christian Church, etc. – all equally destitute of a house of worship and we presume none of them are willing to admit any intellectual or moral inferiority to their fellow-workers in that place…(omission)….we do think, that when a house of worship is to be erected by public contributions, publicly solicited, that a generous, liberal-minded community would not wish to monopolize by any one small sect in our town, with the exclusion of all others…(omission)…. Of course, this arrangement would impose no obstacle in the way of any sect building for themselves when able.” <Wm. Baxter, Elder of the Christian Church, Matagorda> After Texas became a state, and according to the Bay City FBC history, the communities of Ashby on Wilson Creek and Red Bluff on the Colorado River had built joint places of worship by 1869. Circuit-riding preachers of several different denominations shared God’s word in the rural areas. Rural “Circuit-Riding” PreachersHistorical records declare that these churches from small communities were the “parent” of most of the larger congregations formed in other local town sites. Reverend Robert Abner Partain was the first Pastor of Red Bluff’s Colorado Baptist Church of Christ, after having been an Elder at the former Tres Palacios Baptist Church at Demings Bridge, (May, 1892 minutes). The name of this location was changed to Hawley and the buildings have been moved either to Midfield or Blessing; only a cemetery remains. When Bay City became the Matagorda County Seat in September of 1894, Rev. Partain and his congregation moved into town and established the First Baptist Church of Bay City. Church records show Rev. J. H. Thorn as their pastor in 1904, then Rev. Eli F. McDonald of Yoakum, who is also listed in the Markham Baptist Church pulpit Bible as pastor in 1905. It is likely that both these men were circuit, quarter, or half-time preachers in Markham on Sunday afternoons when we had our beginning. Founding of MarkhamFrom the activities of the Moore and Cortes Canal Company, a hotel and Post Office had been established at Cortes, Texas, near Elliot’s Ferry crossing at the Colorado River. By 1902, rhe New York, Texas, and Mexico Railroad had crossed the river toward Palacios, choosing several loading depots through the area along the way. Soon after, a bridge was built across the Colorado River near Cortes to extend Highway 35 further south. On January 14, 1903, representatives of the Markham Town Company were deeded 344.6 acres (@ $50/acre) for the site of a proposed new town. Newspaper accounts give the official Markham founding date as May 23rd, 1903, the day an influential railroad official (C. H. Markham) placed his name on a boxcar at a side switch to mark the depot site. By mid-June, the land was plotted into streets, blocks and lots, and the area was dedicated to the public for purchase and settlement. Soon after, residents from Northern Canal Company Headquarters, Cortes, and surrounding areas began to relocate and populate the town of Markham, which is now one mile square and land-locked by ranches and farmland. Baptist Church Chartered, and Land Purchased Word-of-mouth tells us that Markham was little more than a “tent city” when Mrs. Captain James (Vina E.) Barnett and four other ladies chartered a Baptist Church in 1903, and started meeting upstairs over a saloon. (The other four, although not documented, may have been Mrs. E. F. McDonald, Mrs. Charles (Dora) Cabaniss, Mrs. W. R. Knowles and Mrs. Dock Mason.) A short history of the Markham Baptist Church (MBC) appears in the limited issue of Historic Matagorda County Vol. III. This commentary, submitted by Minnie Legg, tells that the owner of the saloon eventually became a Christian and closed his liquor business. A dramatization of one of these services was presented during the Centennial celebration by Burlon and Betsy Parson’s ‘Wharton Time Walkers”. On June 16, 1903, County deed records show that three Trustees of the newly organized Baptist Church (S. J. Hill, I. A. Hodges, and G. H. Morrow) purchased Lot 12 of Block 57 @ Canal and Avenue J, for $1.00 in cash! In 1904, the Baptists built a one-room church for the growing community.
In November of the founding year, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church was also chartered in Markham. Their original building was lost in 1962 due to Hurricane Carla. The Ashby Memorial Church building was relocated to Avenue B and Ninth Street in exchange for that congregation fencing in the Ashby Cemetery. Pilgrim Rest has a Texas Historical Subject Marker. The United Methodist Church (UMC) of Markham was organized by March of 1904, but met for services with the Baptists for about 20 years before building a separate sanctuary. Complete records of the early Markham Baptist Church are not available; however, a congregation was already chartered and Trustees were selected by the time lots were available for purchase! Much of this history is from a Deed and Title search, along with several commentaries, newspaper articles, and participating residents’ memory. Early Markham residents left a legacy of faithfulness and perseverance that has lasted for over a century. Buildings and GroundsThe same Trustees who had originally purchased the lot for Markham Baptist Church, signed a mechanics lien for $850.00 with Alamo Lumber Company on December 9, 1904. This was probably the date charter members began construction of the original one-room church building on the southeast corner of Canal Street and Avenue J. Our little one-room building was considered a “community” church, consisting largely of Baptists and Methodists. However, W. D. Cornelius, Jr., testifies that he and his family also attended the church on Canal and Avenue J. when the roads were too muddy to travel. They were members of the Catholic Church in Bay City. Minnie Legg wrote that a tornado lifted the one-room Markham Baptist Church up and set it down in the middle of the street in 1905. The building had very little damage, so with cooperation and borrowed money, the building was moved back to its rightful place. The Colorado Baptist Association assumed the MBC debt and Title of Lot 12 of Block 57 on January 18, 1906. In 1924, after five years of fund-raising, Pastor Crail and the Markham United Methodist membership completed a separate church building that stands and remains active at Broadway and 7th Street. From this time on, MBC was no longer considered a ‘community’ church. In the 1930-1940’s timeframe, during Rev. R. E. Black’s 16-year Pastorate, a kitchen and attic classrooms were added to MBC, and a piano donated by the Doman family was hoisted up through an upper window opening! Senior citizens advised that school children met in the original church for classes before the first (frame) Markham School was erected. We are grateful to the Association for conveying the cleared deed without cost on April 17, 1951. This enabled the FBC to build the second frame sanctuary the following year.
Services were held at the school until construction was complete, largely through volunteer work and funding by Vergil and Velmo McGinnis, Vic Burchfield, Belton Snider, Morris Duplissy, Ed Hess, Wilbert Canant, Luther Robertson, and J. C. Keith. Folding theater seating was purchased from a church in Beaumont, Texas, for the new sanctuary. New Gulf Pastor, Rev. C. H. Phieffer painted and donated a removable river scene for the baptistery. Just before services were to begin in the new frame sanctuary, Pastor, Rev. Allen Oubre led the Church to prepare an affidavit declaring that the Markham Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church were legally the same. Tom Damuth and sons, along with other congregants built a brick Educational Building in 1961. This building was enlarged in 1977, and combined with a new air-conditioned brick sanctuary during the sixteen-year pastorate of Rev. Joe E. Ramsey. The Baptistry painting was lovingly salvaged and reinstalled by Jack Cornman and Cecil and Minnie Legg into the present brick sanctuary. The previous frame sanctuary was bought by L. C. and Irene Rush. The back portion was moved and remodeled into a beautiful 2-story Swiss Chalet for their home on Avenue F, while the remaining part was torn down and materials used for their camp house in Charanqua. Around 1986, a sizeable donation was given to FBC in memory of Carlton LeBeff. Pastor Howard Harper and the church voted to use these funds to build a Christian Life Center (CLC) with a gymnasium for our youth and large gatherings. Because he was especially active in encouraging youth and missions work, the church chose to memorialize his efforts by naming the CLC after Brother Harper. More of Harper’s work will appear in the “Missions and Outreach” section of this history. Sadly, he was killed in July of 2022 in an auto accident. Today, several oak trees, a Jack Cornman memorial circle drive and an Earsie {Hale) Midgett memorial prayer bench grace the front yard. Baptists and Methodists CooperateMinisters were scarce and funds were meager, but whether preachers were sent, called or borrowed, the Baptist Church in Markham never closed its doors. Historical writings mention that struggling congregations which lacked a designated pastor would welcome part-time pastors from larger area churches and various denominational student preachers from the Palacios Baptist College of South Texas or the University of Corpus Christi. The Baptist College closed when so many young men entered WWI in 1917, and the facility became a home for aged ministers until funds dried up. During revivals, either the Baptist or the Methodist church would dismiss their Sunday night services to attend and support the other. The Baptist Church minutes include an approved dismissal of our services to allow members to attend the wedding of Kaleta Jessie, when she became Mrs. Conlee in March of 1942. When Mrs. Doman was the Methodist Church pianist, she would rush over and play for the Baptist services, too! For many years, Mrs. Doman and her daughter, Mignon, provided floral arrangements for both the Baptist and Methodist churches. This cooperative effort signifies God’s intended relationship among His people, pleading “Give Me That Old Time Religion”. When funds became available, each congregation supplied a parsonage for their respective pastors and cooperated with each other in every way possible. Baptist minutes show that the Methodist congregation agreed to help with the light bills and they worked jointly in fund-raisers. At an MBC business meeting, Mrs. J. H. Barber of the Markham United Methodist Church obtained permission, and taught a Sunday School class at the Baptist Church from 1908 to 1925. Other Methodists also were officers and teachers while we met jointly. Earsie (Hale) Midgett told us that, while growing up, she and the other Methodist youth joyfully participated in the Baptist Young People’s Union. A July, 1904, issue of the Daily Tribune made notice of the “Union Camp Meeting at Hawley”. Missions and Outreach Methodist, Annie Sparks remembered attending worship services for many years in the Clemville School before L. P. Larson made the land available and a church building was donated around 1924. Brother Crouch, of the Colorado Baptist Association, Rev. Black and Markham Baptist Church joined Brother Snow and the existing Methodist ministry at Clemville Community Church around 1947. Students and ministers of various denominations continued to supply the pulpit at Clemville Community Church until the congregation disbanded, around the mid-eighties. In 1944, MBC Pastor, Rev. Black and a ministry team began holding afternoon Mission Church services at the Ashby School. Brother Black became the Pastor of Ashby Memorial Baptist Church after his retirement from Markham Baptist\in June of 1946. Brother Black organized the first Brotherhood in the Colorado Association at Markham FBC in 1936. During financially slack and pastorless times, the Women’s Missionary Union (or Society) is credited with the continuance of the Baptist fellowship in Markham. When the original Blessing Baptist Church disbanded on January 15, 1928, the T. B. Smiths and the E. R. Bell family moved their membership to Markham. Mrs. T. B. Smith (Irma) helped to write the history of the Markham Baptist Church WMU for the national organization’s Diamond Jubilee (75th year) celebration in September of 1955. She served and enjoyed the Markham WMU extensively until her health would no longer permit. Under Rev. Howard H. Harper’s leadership, FBC offered financial support for the Unity Mission during a period starting in 1988 with the licensing and ordination of Rev. Mitch Sauls. This congregation met in a house near the Tres Palacios River until offered the unoccupied 1st Baptist Church building at Collegeport in 1997. The distance wasn’t feasible for congregants, however, and the Church was disbanded. At the time of this writing, and since 2007, however, Brother Sauls has been Pastor of the Matagorda Community Baptist Church. Long-Term Pastorates Robert E. Black came right out of college in Alabama to teach English at Markham High School. He also accepted a bi-vocational ministry at Markham Baptist Church for $30.00/month and was ordained on October 6, 1930. In addition to teaching and preaching, Robert Black was very talented and successful as a barber, a musician, farmer, and a published poet. He gave MBC and the Lord 16 years of his busy life as Pastor. During the Great Depression, just keeping up with the bills was a struggle, but Rev. Black led the Baptists to expand and improve the existing church on Canal Street. The Markham congregation even hosted Associational fellowships and fed everyone at no cost. Mattie Snider remembered helping to cook at home, collecting and serving meals from that little kitchen for these huge gatherings. Before his retirement, Rev. Black held worship services both at Ashby and Wadsworth, simultaneously, and had a record of baptizing the largest number of Markham FBC converts at one time – in a nearby canal. Refer to subtitle “Missions and Outreach”. Rev. W. Jeff Clements first filled the MBC pulpit from July 26, 1946 until August 10, 1947. Records show the deacons at that time to have been C. O. Legg, Wayne K. Tomlinson, Archie Williams, R. L. Hammil, John Quinney, and Luther Robertson. On November 8, 1946, the church bought (for $3,750) the Alfred/Ina Hanson house, which was cleaned and repainted for the Clements family to move into. Additionally, lots 7-8-9-and 10, adjoining the church property was purchased to later locate a new parsonage. Following two other short-term pastorates, Bro. Clements returned to Markham First Baptist Church on December 1, 1951, for a monthly salary of $250.00 + $10.00 for utilities. In 1952, the Church paid $500.00 to acquire the west portion of Block 57 along Canal Street and completed the second, larger frame Sanctuary. In December of 1954, Deacon Cecil Legg began warming the building for services, and did so until he was no longer able. During the next four years, members replaced the water well and pump, and paid down the church debt. The Burchfields, Robertsons, Leggs, McElraths, Sniders, Clements, Damuths, and Brods, donated various pieces of furniture and kitchen appliances. Brother Clements’ two pastorates totaled 12 years and he was greatly loved when he resigned on August 19, 1956. Rev. Joe E. Ramsey Coming from Batson, Texas, Bro. Ramsey began a 16-year pastorate in Markham on March 3, 1970. His beginning salary was $375.00 a month. The new Mrs. Bernice Sanders Ramsey conscientiously served as church clerk for approximately 35 years, including the years Brother Joe pastored in Markham. Bro. Joe retired from the Markham FBC on October 1, 1986, but was elsewhere called back into the ministry two more times before actually “retiring”! He and his wife bought a home in Bay City, and became members in attendance at the Calvary Baptist Church of Bay City, following his last pastorate at Van Vleck FBC. Rev. Howard Harper Bro. Harper retired after 18 years and 2 months at FBC, Markham on June 12, 2005, as likely our most mission-minded pastor (see heading “Missions and Outreach). He led willing members on mission trips to Belize, C.A. and into Mexico in cooperation with Wm. Gartner, Pastor of the Big Bend Baptist Church. Bro. Harper had also rallied for the youth of the Markham community, offering his family’s ranch property for campouts and retreats. At the pastor’s request, we have often hired youth directors for the summer to keep the young people interested in coming to church During 1999, the membership voted to designate a sizeable donation given in memory of Carlton LeBeff for a Christian Life Center. The CLC and gymnasium have provided for additional ministries in a safe environment for Markham youth and families with small children. The facility was dedicated and named the Howard Harper Memorial Christian Life Center in his honor. Another priority to Brother Harper was having a regular Hispanic ministry to the approximately 40% Hispanic residents of Markham. .Belle Castaneda taught a Spanish-speaking Sunday School class for about five years, and Howard Harper sponsored two bi-lingual revivals, one led by Evangelist Mickey Munoz, and a second by Dr. Rudy Hernandez of Dallas. The church also licensed Tino Torres to preach for one of our Mexico Mission trips. Howard Harper and his wife, Shirley, bought their own home in 1997. During his pastorate, the church parsonage was utilized for Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible School, housing for revival evangelists, etc. In 2003, use of the parsonage was part of the salary to employ Brent and Wendy Calhoun as full-time Youth Directors. Howard Harper participated in an after-school outreach called “SNACK Time”. We had as many as 60 kids attend, but keeping a sufficient number of volunteers was difficult after four+ years. After retiring from FBC, Markham and until his death, Brother Harper pastored at the Midfield Community Church and also the FBC at Matagorda, Texas. Rev. Damon H. Rambo There was no hesitancy when the search team told Damon Rambo how meager the salary was that we could offer, so we invited him to preach in view of a bi-vocational call. His tenure began on November 6, 2011, and continues as of this writing in his twelfth year. Brother Rambo came to FBC with a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, Virginia. He had 4 years pulpit experience as a lay preacher, youth director and a summer missionary, but Markham FBC was his first Sr. pastorate. He offers no frills or concessions, simply Biblical facts, and his sermons are enthusiastic and always interesting. Brother Damon is very evangelistic and civic-minded. He began serving on the board of the Palacios Baptist Encampment in 2022. He loves to do ‘street preaching’, and has led groups to witness in favor of life at the abortion clinic in Houston and at the Texas State Capitol. His concern for the decline of today’s culture even spurred him to run for State Representative of our area, though unsuccessfully. In addition to preaching, he leads the singing, does solos, and has personally installed a new A/C system and video system for on-line services from the sanctuary. He and family did most of the work in the Fellowship Hall to add a coffee bar, install a window into the foyer, paint, upgrade lighting, and then added a couch to create a welcoming feel of home. At his request, the Church voted to finance evangelists to witness in Lake Jackson during a Trans-Drag performance for kids in June, 2023. Joining several area Pastors and leaders, Brother Rambo went to the Dominican Republic on Mission Trips in 2023 and 2024, and is scheduled to go again in 2025. Conclusion
People are the basis of
a church, not the building where they meet. I once read the
following quote regarding the Materials of Construction for a Church
(author unknown): “There will be times a Church must be steel, and
other times it will have to be velvet. A Church that is all
steel is harsh and calculating. A Church that is all velvet
becomes too soft, too tolerant, accepting anything and lacking in
conviction.” Reference the books of Hebrews, Chapters 3:6,
Matthew, Chapters 15-18, and Revelation 1-3 for confirmation. |
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Eli F. McDonald
Mary H. McDonald Rev. Eli F. McDonald April 27, 1861 – January 7, 1939
Funeral services were held here Saturday for Rev. Eli Franklin McDonald, who expired following a lingering illness. Rev. Odis Rainer conducted the services from the Baptist Church and Taylor Brothers were in charge of arrangements.
Rev. McDonald, who was born April 27, 1861, in DeWitt County, was married to Miss Mary Hasseltine Cook in 1879. He was called to the Baptist Church of Bay City in 1903 and remained here until 1910 moving to Ft. Worth, where after a short period he became ill and retired from the ministry. Later he returned to Bay City, where he spent the remainder of his life.
The Herald joins a large circle of friends in extending sincere sympathy to the following survivors: one sister, Mrs. Will Sutherland of Alice; one brother, A. F. Mcdonald of Boling; one daughter, Mrs. J. C. Sisk of this city; four sons, H. H. McDonald of Wharton, G. C. McDonald of Palacios, Eskar and Lonnie McDonald of this city.
Newspaper and date unknown
Obituary courtesy of Susie Adkins Marker photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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New Pastor Preaches Rev. J. C. Gilliam until recently of Hico, Texas, preached his first sermon to the congregation of the First Baptist Church here yesterday. Rev. Gilliam was called to the service for the Bay City Church several weeks ago but was unable to get here sooner. Matagorda County Tribune, August 25, 1916
Bay City Pastor Accepts Call From Clifton, Tex. The following extracts from some letters received by Pastor J. P. Gilliam explain themselves:
Clifton, Texas, July 1919 The pleasure is mine to notify you that the First Baptist Church at Clifton, Texas, has unanimously elected you as pastor at a salary of $1,500 and pastor's home. We know the salary is too small and we apologize to you for offering a salary so small, but you will remember that ours is a small, but growing, church, and that we are offering you $500 more than we have ever paid before. But we need a leader who preaches the Word and shuns not to declare the whole counsel of God; and we feel that there is no other who can fill the needs of this congregation as you can. Trusting that we may a favorably reply from you at your earliest convenience, and that we may have the pleasure of having you permanently located in our midst in the very near future. I am sincerely Yours, W. B. Robuck, For Clifton Baptist Church Bro. Gilliam says, that after prayerful consideration, he has decided to resign at Bay City next Sunday and asks the church to accept the resignation at once, that he may begin at Clifton the first Sunday in August, as the Meridian Association convenes at Clifton in August, and the church is anxious for the pastor to be on the ground. He further states that this conclusion was reached, not because of a call from a larger church, for it is a smaller one; not because of a larger salary; for that is the same as received at Bay City; but having conducted two revival meetings at Clifton, and his family having resided there during the time he was general missionary under the State board, he knows the membership and is assured of their loyalty and co-operation in the work; and no small secondary inducement is the fact that both of the sons of Brother and Sister Gilliam are permanently located there, in earnestly requesting their parents to accept the call to Clifton, that the family may, at least, have an occasional family reunion. So, with love for all and hatred for none at Bay City, he expected to close his work here next Sunday. He also said he would be delighted to meet all his friends at the Baptist Church next Sunday at 11 a. m. and 8:45 p. m. his farewell sermon Sunday night. Daily Tribune, Tuesday, July 22, 1919
Rev. J. P. Gilliam Accepts Pastorate Baptist
Church The Daily Tribune, Bay City, Texas, makes the following complimentary reference to the going of Rev. J. P. Gilliam, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Bay City, to become pastor of the Clifton Baptist Church: "The many, many friends of Bro. J. P. Gilliam and wife will be grieved to learn that they are soon to leave us for Clifton, Bosque County, Texas, Bro. Gilliam having accepted a call to the Baptist Church there. During his term of service here this splendid pastor has endeared himself to the people of Bay City and vicinity and is held in high esteem by the members of all denominations. He is a strong and forceful speaker, a sincere Christian, a good companion, a staunch friend and a most lovable man. He and Mrs. Gilliam have been identified with every forward movement in the city, have held "open house" to all especially the young people of the city and have shed sunlight and smiles during their abode in our city. We feel that they are voicing the real heartfelt sentiments of every man, woman and child, who knew them in the city, when we say that their departure will be regretted more seriously than can be properly expressed in words here. We wish them well in their new field and can only hope for them that they will be received in Clifton and by Clifton people with the same genuine love and admiration that they take with them from Bay City and Bay City people." If the editor of The Tribune had been on the beautiful lawn of Mr. R. R. Waldron, president of the First Guaranty State Bank, Clifton, Teas, last Thursday evening and witnessed the splendid reception tendered Rev. and Mrs. Gilliam he would have seen strong evidences that his good wishes in which he expressed the home that Pastor Gilliam and wife he received in Clifton and by Clifton people with the same genuine love and admiration that they bring with them from Bay City people, have come to pass. The lawn was well lighted. The crowd was large and enthusiastic. The spirit sublime and the people united and hopeful. The services last Sunday were well attended and there were six additions to the church. Daily Tribune, Monday, August 18, 1919
Rev. and Mrs. John P. Gilliam Both natives of Tennessee and born in the year 1854, Reverend and Mrs. J. P. Gilliam moved to Texas in 1903 and adopted this state, and especially Bosque County, as their permanent home. Brother Gilliam, as he was affectionately known, first came to Texas to conduct a series of revival meetings, and here he found relief from the severe asthma attacks he had been suffering in Tennessee. It was in 1909 that he first held a revival meeting in Clifton at the First Baptist Church. He declined a call to pastor that church at that time because he was then serving with the Missionary Board of the Baptist Church in Texas. Frequent visits to Clifton where the A. G. Gilliam family lived afforded this couple an opportunity to make many friends here, and in 1920 [after serving in Bay City] the Reverend J. P. Gilliam accepted the call to become pastor of the First Baptist Church. An active sportsman, Brother Gilliam found this county a paradise. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. A typical day found him rising at 4:00 a. m. to read his Bible and study for his sermons. By daybreak he was ready to go fishing or hunting, and he always returned with game which he shared with friends. His afternoons were spent visiting members of his church and in further study. A life-long hunting companion was the late John Nance Garner, Vice President of the United States. Each deer season found them meeting at Uvalde, Texas for their annual hunt. Two men could not have been more opposite in temperament and character, except that they shared the joy of hunting, and they had respect for each other. Brother Gilliam was an outstanding "Scripturenarian," with an amazing memory that could place chapter and verse correctly. At Wednesday even prayer meetings, he often played a game with his congregation asking them to read a portion of a scripture from anywhere in the Bible to him. Then he would tell them the exact book, chapter, and verse, and most often could go on reciting the scripture from memory. He was very ecumenical in spirit and cherished his friends in different denominations. After leaving Clifton, Brother Gilliam served as pastor of several central Texas churches before he retired in 1930 and moved back to Clifton to spend his last years near the family of his son, and in an area where he could continue to hunt and fish. When it was no longer advisable for him to drive a car, Brother Gilliam bought a gentle horse which he rode out into the country to pursue his beloved sports. When he was almost eighty-five years old he went for his last happy horseback ride, when the animal slipped on wet pavement and fell. The injuries he sustained at this advanced age led to his death in 1939. Mrs. J. P. Gilliam, born Sarah Belle Pardue, was a quiet, gentle woman who never took any position of leadership in the church, but she was totally supportive of her husband's ministry, and she made for him a home that was truly a haven. All who came to seek Brother Gilliam's help were first welcomed into their home by the gracious smile of his wife. Theirs was a marriage of perfect complements--this active, gregarious, eager man and his quiet, serene, understanding lady. Children of this couple were Arthur G. Gilliam, Ivy Gilliam Cage, Mattie Gilliam Binford, and John Paul Gilliam. Descendants who still live in Bosque County are granddaughters Grace Gilliam Parks and Nell Gilliam Jenson and great-grandchidlren Patsy Parks Rickels, Tom Gilliam Parks and John Phil Gilliam. The Reverend and Mrs. John Philip Gilliam are buried in Hico, Texas.--by Mrs. J. Bruce Parks Bosque County: Land and People: A History of Bosque County, Texas, 1985, Dallas, Texas, p. 310 ~~~~~~~~~~~ The many friends of the much beloved Rev. J. P. Gilliam regret to learn of his serious condition the past few days. He suffered a broken arm and other injuries when he fell from his horse several days ago.--Clifton Record, June 23, 1939 Rev. J. P. Gilliam Is Called by Death Rev. J. P. Gilliam, almost 85 years of age, and one of Clifton’s greatly beloved ministers and citizens, passed away just before midnight Tuesday, July 4, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mattie Binford, in this city.
Born September 21, 1854, in Gallatin, Tennessee; died July 4, 1939,
Clifton, Texas, marks the life and passing of a great and good man. He
entered the ministry of the Baptist Church and to those who knew him all
these years, he was one of the best and
Until just a few weeks ago he was quite active, though showing signs of
feebleness, when one day he went for his last happy horseback ride. He
fell from his animal and broke an arm and was possibly injured
internally and for a while it seemed he would recover from this
accident, but his advanced age and feeble condition proved a
Funeral services were conducted at the Clifton Baptist Church Thursday
morning at 9 o’clock by Rev. Clarence Morton, a former pastor of this
church, now serving the Ballinger Baptist Church in this capacity. He
was assisted by the local pastor, Rev. Rev. Morton, a friend for many years, was some years ago given the written information by deceased in his own handwriting giving much information about his life and especially his ministry, with the personal request that he conduct the funeral services for him should he live the longest. He also furnished a life sketch for publication; the latter being promised for the Record next week. Special songs known to be favorites of Rev. Gilliam, were beautifully rendered during the services. The pallbearers were: Ike Malone, Paul Winn, Roy Watson, Geo. Fossett, Leo Richards and H. P. Jones. The deceased is survived by four children: A. G. Gilliam, Mrs. Mattie Binford, of Clifton; Airs. John Cage, Stephenville; Paul Gilliam of Hamilton; also nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Clifton Record, July 7, 1939
Mrs. J. P. Gilliam Dies At Carlton, Texas Mrs. J. P. Gilliam, wife of Rev. J. P. Gilliam, died at their home in Carlton last Saturday, March 22, and was buried in Hico, their former home, Monday afternoon.
Deceased was seventy-six years old, had been practically an invalid for
a number of years; hence her demise did not come as a surprise to
relatives and friends; however, the shock and grief is a severe blow to
those she meant so much to in this life. She Rev. Gilliam had already purchased the Waldrop home in Edgewood Addition to Clifton, and getting ready to move here with his wife at the time of her fatal illness which interrupted this plan in a way; however, he is this week moving the household goods here and the Record is advised that his widowed daughter, Mrs. Mattie Binford, and her two children who have been making their home in Alabama, will join him in his Clifton home to help make life brighter for all of them.
Clifton Record,
March 28, 1930 |
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Baptists Call Rev. Herndon At a business meeting of the deacons of the First Baptist Church held Wednesday night a "call" was issued to Rev. J. V. Herndon, of Brownsville, to fill the pulpit here. Rev. Herndon has accepted and will soon move with his family to Bay City. Matagorda County Tribune, Friday, August 29, 1919
Dr. Herndon, 70 , Noted Pineville Minister, Dies Dr. Thomas V. Herndon, 70, of Pineville, prominent Louisiana and Southern Baptist minister, died in an Alexandria hospital at 8:05 p. m. Monday. Dr. Herndon was a trustee of Louisiana College for many years and served part of the time as president of the board. He retired in 1950 but was still active in the ministry until 1952 when he suffered a heart attack. He has been in ill health for the past two years and was hospitalized six days ago. Early in his career, Dr. Herndon pastored churches in San Antonio, Brownsville, Mercedes and Bay City, Texas, and was budget director of the Texas Baptist Convention. He came to Louisiana in 1926 and was the first pastor of the Trinity Baptist church in Lake Charles, where he served for 19 years. He also served as pastor of the Elizabeth Baptist Church for five years. He was a member of the State Baptist Executive board, a trustee of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a trustee of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Herndon was also a member of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and was a president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention for two years. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Thomas V. Herndon of 117 Fairmont street, Pineville; two sons, John W. Herndon of Pasadena, Texas, and Professor George C. Herndon of Louisiana College, Pineville; one daughter, Mrs. G. E. Keith of Temple, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Lois H. Fortson of Elberton, Ga., and nine grandchildren. The body will remain at the Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Alexandria until the services at 10 a. m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Pineville. Officiating will be Dr. Houston Smith, Dr. Earl Gunn, president of Louisiana College; and Rev. Troy V. Wheeler. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The Town Talk, Alexandria, Louisiana, July 13, 1954 Mrs. Herndon Succumbs at 85 Pasadena, Tex.--Mrs. Martha Collins Herndon, 85, of Pasadena died at 1:10 p. m. Wednesday in a hospital here. She was the widow of Dr. T. V. Herndon, who was the charter pastor of the Trinity Baptist church in Lake Charles, La. She was state president of the WMU of Louisiana for seven years and a Sunday School worker in the Baptist church. Survivors include two sons, John W. Herndon of Pasadena and Dr. George C. Herndon of New Orleans; one daughter, Mrs. G. E. Keith of Belton, Tex., nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Saturday in the First Baptist church in Pineville, La. The body will be at the church at 8 a. m. Saturday. Dr. R. Houston Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park under direction of Hixson Bros. of Lake Charles.
The Town Talk, Alexandria, Louisiana, June 18,
1971 |
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William Mannie Joslin October 7, 1923 - January 27, 1924
Rev. Joslin Moves to Longview, Texas Rev. W. M. Joslin, who has been pastor of the Bay City Baptist church left today with Mrs. Joslin for Longview where he will take the pastorate of the Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Joslin are making the trip through in automobile, having shipped their furniture yesterday.--Matagorda County Tribune, December 4, 1925
W. M. Joslin Port Arthur--Rev. William M. Joslin, 89, of the Cresthaven Nursing Home, died there at 6:45 p. m. Friday. He was the former pastor of Lakeview Baptist Church and Northend Baptist Church. He retired in 1949. He was a native of Cooper and had lived in Port Arthur for 31 years. Funeral services will be announced by Clayton-Thompson Funeral Home. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. A. E. Thompson Sr., Amarillo, and Mrs. W. H. McDonald, Wichita Falls; and two brothers , Carson and Ivan Joslin, both of Amarillo. Beaumont Journal, Beaumont, Texas, April 7, 1973
Mrs. Joslin Port Arthur--Funeral services for Mrs. Lula E. Joslin, 84, a resident of Cresthaven Nursing Home, will be Saturday at 4 p. m. in the Clayton-Thompson Funeral Home. The Rev. Hugh Durham, pastor of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, will officiate. He will be assisted by the Rev. G. Julian Jones, pastor of Truett Memorial Baptist Church and the Rev. James Edwards, pastor of the First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Mrs. Joslin died at 4:30 p. m. Thursday in the nursing home. She was a native of Independence, Mo.
Beaumont Journal, Beaumont, Texas, September
12, 1970 |
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Dr. Odis Rainer 1927 - 1939
Dr. Odis Rainer Dr. Odis Rainer, 75, of 504 Bellevue Place, Austin, died in an Austin hospital Monday, May 13, 1963. He had been a Baptist minister for many years, serving Hillcrest and other nearby churches and at the time of his death, was active in the Hyde Park Baptist Church. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Ara Dell Rainer; two sons, Earl Rainer of Dallas and Leslie Rainer of Austin; a sister, Mrs. W. E. Petty of Merkle, Texas; one brother, Earl Rainier of Floydada; and nine grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday at 3 p. m. from the Hyde Park Baptist Church with Dr. Ralph Smith officiating. Burial was in Capital Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Troy H. Harrell, R. L. Smith, John J. Vandertulip, Rodney Montague, Dr. Charles Peck and Stanton Weiss. Honorary pall bearers will be Marcos Yancey Jr., Jim Roberts, Robert O. Reynolds, Sam Drake, Melvin Ward and Bill Vest. Dr. Rainer was formerly pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bastrop and occasionally returned here as a visiting preacher. Bastrop Advertiser, May 16, 1963
Ora Lee Birdwell Rainer Funeral services of Mrs. Ora Lee Rainer took place Friday morning from Seventh and James Street Baptist church. Rev. W. W. Melton officiating, assisted by Dr. J. B. Tidwell. Interment was at Oakwood cemetery.--Waco News-Tribune, May 7, 1921
Mrs. Ara Dell
Fitzgerald Rainer
Rainer, Mrs. Odis (Ara Dell), 86, 504-A Bellevue
Place, died Tuesday. Services were Thursday. Cook-Walden Funeral Home.--Austin
American-Statesman, Austin, Texas, March 19, 1976 [Married May 7,
1925, Denton, Texas] |
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Rev. Robert E. Black, Sr. Rev. Robert E. Black, Sr. 95, of Bay City died June 17, 1997 at Matagorda General Hospital. He was born in Pike Co., Alabama Nov. 10, 1901 to the late Eliza Green and Rev. Jehu Black. He moved to San Marcos and attended school. After serving four years in the U. S. Navy he went to Baylor University and earned his Bachelors of Education Degree. Rev. Black moved to Markham in 1930, and taught school for 36 years for the Tidehaven Independent School District. During this time he earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Houston. Rev. Black also was a licensed barber for 50 years, and was the owner/operator of Black’s Barber Shop in Markham. Rev. Black served as pastor of the First Baptist Church in the communities of Markham, Ashby and Wadsworth. Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Robert E. Black, Jr. of Markham, Charles E. and Vivian Black of Van Vleck, William E. and Claire Black of Houston; sister Lois Black of Mobile, Alabama; five grandchildren Jeffrey Black of San Antonio, Craig Black of Van Vleck, Emory Black of Houston, Marie Black of Houston and Rodney Black and wife Nadja of Houston. Rev. Black was preceded in death by his wife Lois E. Black in 1976, a daughter Wilda Elizabeth Black in 1937, sister Julia Lott and five brothers Jim, Jesse, William, Spurgeon and Pink Black. Funeral services will be 10 a. m. Friday, June 20, 1997, at the First Baptist Church in Bay City with the Revs. Mike Zimmerman, Joe Ramsey and W. D. Baker officiating. Interment will be at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers are Roy Sanders, Ray Sparks, T. J. Middleton, Pat Patterson, Craig Black, Jeffrey Black, Emory Black and Rodney Black. Honorary Pallbearers are Frank Craft, Earl Adams, Rev. Howard Harper, Homer Ves, William Johnson, Delvin Taska, Brent Kirby, Earl Johnson, Lawrence Polensky, Raymond Johnson, J. T. Frick, Henry Seifert, Rev. Robin Odom, Dr. Fred Matthes, Andy Anderson, Charles Ryan and Paul Ryan. The family will receive friends at Taylor Brothers from 6 to 8 p. m. Thursday. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City. Daily Tribune, June 19, 1997
There aren’t many people who can say, “I’ve been a preacher, a teacher, a barber, a boxer, a musician, a rancher, a poet, a carpenter, and a philosopher.” Robert E. Black of Markham, fondly called “The Reverend Mr. Black” by many of his former students, has been all of these, usually several at one time. More remarkably, he does or has done all of these things well. In Mr. Black’s 36 years of teaching in the Tidehaven School System, he has touched many people and all regard him as a person who always went much further than the assignment of a teacher. He fondly called to his classes “Now Students” when wanting their attention. His resonant, soft spoken, yet magnifying voice is the voice of a scholar and a poet. It all began on November 10, 1901, at Brundidge, Alabama in Pike County, with the birth of a very special child to the Reverend John Black and Harriet Green Black, who had five other sons and two daughters. He attended a county school for eight years near the Pea River which separates Barbour and Pike counties. It was there he started his quest for knowledge which continues to this day. His first job was with the Goodrich Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, at the age of 16, a job short lived due to the flu epidemic of 1918. After returning home to help his parents, his restless nature took him next to Toledo, Ohio to reside with a brother and work for the Overland Automobile Company, which was known for the Willis Knight Car. After the World War I ended he drove for his father, a circuit preacher, and chanced to meet the lovely Lois E. Hataway at Orion Baptist Church. This brief encounter would later hold fond memories; four years later, on September 24, 1924, they became man and wife. While serving in the Navy in 1920, Mr. Black states that he made a grand total of $42 monthly while training in Chicago, and later in Charleston received an increase of $12. A few boxing championships also came his way in the Navy. Since the government wanted to reduce the Navy at that time, Mr. Black cooperated by returning to Brundidge, farmed, and drove the preaching circuit with his father. His next venture was Barber College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated in 1921, and followed this trade in Banks, Eufaula and Dofin, Alabama. At the latter he was invited to play the guitar with a jazz band, but declined. Always there was a thirst for more education, and he traveled to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, supporting himself by barbering at the Hermitage Hotel. A great experience while there was hearing Gypsy Smith, the great evangelist from London, England. His correspondence with Lois Hataway began to take a serious turn, and Mr. Black bought a new Ford and stated doing some serious courting, 35 miles every weekend. They were soon united in marriage by his father. Robert and Lois spent a honeymoon year at Bessimer where they were members of the First Baptist Church and he surrendered himself to the ministry. “There were wonderful people in Bessimer”, he recalls. Then they both attended San Marcos Academy. Lois graduated in 1926, the same year their precious little daughter arrived. Robert graduated as valedictorian in 1927. At Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, he laid his foundation in English, Latin, and Bible, and continued his education through Baylor University in Waco in English Education, Greek, and Latin. He had made the dean’s list all semesters. In 1930 the family arrived in Markham and our “Reverend Mr. Black” began his teaching career. It was during the middle of the depression but times were good in Markham, Black recalls. He organized the English department in grades 7 through 11 to meet requirements of the State Department. He remembers that two of his former students from his first graduating class of 1930-31 were Lois Harper and Alfred Kopecky. As a teacher in Matagorda County, Mr. Black has endeared himself to hundreds of students, teaching 16 years in Markham, 4 at Blessing and 16 years at Tidehaven High School. Since settling down in Markham, Mr. Black has become known, not for any one skill, but for all those skills he has developed during his lifetime--teaching at Tidehaven schools, preaching at First Baptist Church and carpentering at home. The Blacks have also raised three sons and a daughter in Markham. Bill now resides in Houston. Charlie in Van Vleck and Bob in Markham. The Black’s daughter “our sweet Wilda,” died at age 11. Their five grandchildren are Jeffery Wayne, Craig, Emory, Marie Elizabeth, and Rodney Emerson. Mr. Black is a man who has shown people how to live, a God fearing man, full of compassion and enthusiasm for life. He has gone the gamut in life’s happiness and sorrows, yet there is a twinkle in his eye, laughter in his voice, and a very deep serenity in his soul.
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The Rev. Jeff Clements Texas City—The Rev. Jeff Clements, 101, of Texas City, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000. He was born Oct. 24, 1898, in Center. He was a retired Baptist Minister. He was a 1924 graduate of Baylor University and a 1926 graduate of Southwestern Seminary. He was chaplain during World War II and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Survivors: wife, Iola Landureth Clements; daughters, Betty Scull, Lee Meyer and Karen Payne; son, Jim Landureth; sister, Vera Wilbur of Galveston; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation was 5 to 7 p. m. Friday at Emken-Linton Funeral Home chapel. Services will be 2 p. m. today at Calvary Baptist Church, the Rev. Leon Maxwell officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p. m. Sunday at Hochheim Cemetery. Emken-Linton Funeral Home, Texas City, (409) 945-4444. Victoria Advocate, February 19, 2000
Omie M.
Scarborough Clements Yoakum—Mrs. W. J. Clements, 79, wife of the Rev. W. J. Clements of Hochheim, died Sunday in a Houston hospital. She was born April 3, 1902 in Lake Butler, Fla., but she and her husband had resided in Hochheim for many years. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Yoakum with the Rev. W. W. Connally officiating. Burial will be in Hochheim Cemetery. Survivors, in addition to her husband, include two daughters, Mrs. Frank J. Meyer of Austin and Mrs. Bob C. Scull of Houston; a sister, Mrs. Lula S. Terry of Jacksonville, Fla.; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. The family has requested that in lieu of the usual remembrances, that contributions be made to the Omie Clements Scholarship Fund at Yoakum Federal Savings.
Victoria Advocate, April 28, 1981 |
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Rector
Russell Walton, Jr. Rector Russell Walton, Jr. 85, of Bay City died February 21, 2006 at his residence. He was born September 6, 1920 in Del Rio, TX to the late Rector Russell Walton, Sr and Ann Ruth Brashier Walton. Rev. Walton was a resident of Bay City since 1964 and was a very active member of the First Baptist Church. Rev. Walton was a former minister at Magnet Baptist and Lane City Baptist, and interim minister at Matagorda Baptist Church, and was former minister of Education & Youth at First Baptist Church. He also was a longtime member of the Bay City Coastalaires. Rector’s most favorite activities were his singing with the Coastalaires and his Christian witness thru song at First Baptist Church as well as other places. Survivors include: 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Richard “Dick” and Betty Walton of Bay City, and Jack & Sherry Walton of Ashburn, VI; brother: Leon Walton of Uvalde, TX; 3 grandchildren: Brad Walton & wife Cathy of Alameda, CA, Kristian Seagraves & husband Richard of Sacramento, CA, and Richard Wade Walton & wife Ann of San Antonio, TX; 4 great grandchildren: Sage Walton of Alameda, CA, Calder & Aidan Seagraves of Sacramento, CA; and Claire Elizabeth Walton of San Antonio, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Jane Rice Walton June 13, 2004. Funeral Service will be 1:00 PM Friday, February 24, 2006 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, TX. Pallbearers will be Richard Lewis, Bill Bennett, Mike Henderson, Thomas Pivonka, Joe Rowland and Kevin Lawrence. Memorials maybe made to the Bay City Coastalaires, 2620 Hamman Rd., Bay City, TX 77414. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Jane L. Walton, 84, of Bay City went to be with The Lord on Wednesday June 9, 2004, at The Legacy. She was born March 13, 1920 in Cleveland, Texas. Mrs. Walton was a devoted and active member of the First Baptist Church and a resident of Bay City since 1964. She was catalog sales supervisor for J. C. Penney for many years. Her quick wit and loving spirit touched many lives and she will be missed dearly. Jane was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who devoted her life to her family, church, and many friends.
Survivors include: her husband of 62 years, Rector Walton of Bay City; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard "Dick" and Betty Walton of Bay City and Jack and Sherry Walton of Ashburn, Virgin Islands; three grandchildren, Brad Walton and wife Cathy of Alameda, California, Kristian Seagraves and husband Richard of Sacramento, California, and Dr. Richard Wade Walton and wife Ann of San Antonio; and three great-grandchildren, Sage Walton of Alameda, California, Calder and Aidan Walton both of Sacramento, California.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 2004, at The First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Kimball Bill Bennett, Mike Henderson, Thomas Pivonka, Joe Rowland, and Kevin Lowrance. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. each night. Memorials may be made to the El Campo Hospice Group, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, Texas 77437.
Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
The Bay City Tribune, Sunday,
June 13, 2004 |
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Rev. Joe Ramsey, 95, of Bay City passed away August 13, 2013. He was born August 28, 1917 in South Texas to the late John Newton Ramsey and Maybelle Rodermel Ramsey. He served in the US Navy during WWII and enjoyed being a rancher and cowboy prior to becoming an ordained minister in 1953. Since that time his life has been devoted to preaching the Gospel. He served a number of churches in Matagorda County through the years. His wife, Bernice Ramsey and daughter Rachel Ann Hart preceded him in death. Survivors include children Mary King, Joe Ramsey & wife Lana and Dedra Ramsey; grandchildren Darrell Machacek & wife April, Jacobb Bakker, Rachel Rush & husband Louis, Lisa Sexton & husband Kenny, Scott King & wife Nora, Courtney King and Richard Lewis; great grandchildren Joseph “Joey” Elwood Machacek, Austin Machacek, Caleb Rush, Joshua Rush, Hannah Rush, Tanner Sexton, Taylor Sexton, Timothy Sexton, Ricky Lewis, Zachary Lewis, Landon Lewis, Morgan Lewis and Aiden Lewis. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm until 8pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 4:30 PM Saturday, August 16, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Markham with Rev. Louis Rush and Rev. Howard Harper officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be Darrell Machacek, Jacobb Bakker, Kenny Sexton, Scott King, Pete Medina and David Hebert. Memorials in his name may be made to either First Baptist Church in Markham or First Baptist Church in Van Vleck. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Marker photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
Bernice Ailene Ramsey Bernice Ailene Ramsey, 87, of Markham passed away November 16, 2012. She was born August 14, 1925 in Palacios,TX to the late Jesse Walton Sanders and Lela Edna Keith Sanders. She worked for many years at Orr’s Grocery in Markham. Her husband of 42 years, Rev. Joseph Elwood Ramsey, was former pastor at the First Baptist Church in Markham where she was an active and faithful member. She was preceded in death by a brother Jess W. “Bud” Sanders & wife Ida Bell Sanders, nephew Robert Alan Sanders and daughter Rachel Ann Hart. Survivors include her husband Rev. Joe Ramsey; brother Henry Marvin Sanders & wife Bobbie of Ferriday, LA; niece Susan Saudi; children Mary King & husband Bill, Joe Ramsey & wife Lana and Dedra Ramsey; grandchildren Darrell Machacek & wife April, Jacobb Bakker, Rachel Rush & husband Louis, Lisa Sexton & husband Kenny, Scott King & wife Nora, Courtney King and Ricky Lewis; great grandchildren Joseph “Joey” Elwood Machacek, Austin Machacek, Caleb Rush, Joshua Rush, Hannah Rush, Tanner Sexton, Taylor Sexton, Timothy Sexton, Ricky Lewis, Zachary Lewis, Landon Lewis, Morgan Lewis and Aiden Lewis. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6PM to 8PM Monday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 19, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Markham with Rev. Louis Rush officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Darrell Machacek, Jacobb Bakker, Caleb Rush, Joshua Rush, Kenny Sexton and Scott King. Robert Miller will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Taylor Bros. Funeral
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Howard Thomas Harper was born on December 18, 1946. He entered heaven on July 17, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley Webb Harper, his daughter Tasha Werner, sons Hunter Harper and Dennis Harper, and many grandchildren, his sister Mary McCaleb Franklin and her children Caren and Mahdroo McCaleb, a dear aunt, Helen Dunbar Cobble, and numerous cousins. Howard grew up nearby on the Buckeye Ranch with his parents Melvin and Leona who predecease him. He bought his first cows when he was in junior high with money he earned picking up and burning oak stumps to help his father clear land for rice farming. Ever since Howard has loved being on the land, working cattle, spading levees, mowing pastures, or working on equipment. In his down time, you would find him with his nose in a book. Howard loved to read, and he read everything. He was a walking encyclopedia. He learned everything a man could except how to spell. Most of us know Howard because of his service to Christ. He felt the call of God to be a preacher from a young age and went on to earn a doctorate in theology. He pastored many churches including the Mason Baptist Church, La Belle Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Markham, First Baptist Church of Matagorda and Midfield Community Church where his great grandfather had been a circuit rider Pastor over 100 years ago. For his entire life Howard counseled the troubled, visited the sick, fed the poor, led mission trips and church retreats. Howard married or buried more of us than we can count. His Christlike service has reached far beyond his family and town, and we can feel the outpouring of love and support from the many who felt his impact. His passing leaves a big hole in many lives, and he will be deeply missed. There will be a celebration of his life at the First Baptist Church of Markham at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2022, followed by a dessert reception afterward. Howard loved desserts.
Bay City Tribune,
July 24, 2022 |
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