Established in 1896
Heritage and Laity Celebration
and
Texas Historical Marker Dedication
October 22, 2023
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
OUTLINE OF GENERAL HISTORY
China Methodist Church—est. 1896
(Board Approved August 12, 2026)
Below is a brief outline of the general history of the Methodist Church in China, Texas. It is meant as a companion to the history booklet done for the Heritage and Laity Celebration and Historical Marker Dedication on October 22, 2023. There are references included in the outline for quick finds in the booklet for more details.
- Founding
A. Date: July 5, 1896
B. First Minister: Henry A. Abney
C. Charter Members: on plaque in sanctuary narthex and 25th page of booklet
D. Circumstances of the Founding: 10th page of booklet
II. Buildings
A. First Church Building: 1896; description on 10th page of booklet
B. Second Church Building: about 1899; description on 10th page of booklet
C. Third Church Building: 1984; description on 14th & 15th page of booklet
D. Fellowship Hall: 1948+; description on 12th page of booklet
E. Education Building: 1960; description on 12th page of booklet
F. Current Parsonage: 1969: description on13th page of booklet
G. Location of Buildings: all buildings have been/are on present sites
H. Interesting Circumstances About Buildings: 10th-15th & 27th-28th pages of booklet
III. Organization:
A. Names Church has been Known as: 12th, 21st & 22nd pages of booklet
B. Unification of 2 or more Churches: 12th, 67th & 68th pages of booklet
C. Oldest Records: Church register/roll 1896-1920; 31st-50th pages of booklet
IV. Ministers:
A. Names & Dates: on plaque in sanctuary narthex; 26th page of booklet
V. History of Sister Methodist Churches Within Hardin-Jefferson School District
A. Omega Methodist Church of Nome: 67th & 68th pages of booklet
B. First Methodist Church of Sour Lake: 69th-75th pages of booklet
Note: Records seem to indicate that China has always served as the home for the ministers when serving a multiple charge circuit which included as many as 4-5 churches at times during its early history. The longest range seems to have been from Liberty to Sabine Pass. This was due mainly to China being the most central location in the circuit as well as having a parsonage after 1918.
Preface
The Methodist Church in China, Texas began recognition of its history as early as the mid-twentieth century when in recorded minutes Mr. Loither Adams brought attention to the fact that the church was upon its sixtieth anniversary and it should be so acknowledged. In 1986, as Texas was celebrating its sesquicentennial, a celebration in honor of the church’s ninetieth anniversary was held in July. When the church’s one hundredth year began to approach, a year long celebration was planned with monthly activities and visits from former pastors. In July of 1996 people came dressed in popular fashions that spanned the past one hundred years. Dinner on the grounds was served after the worship in which the bishop of the Texas Conference came. There was talk to consider applying for a Texas Historical Marker in time for the church’s centennial celebration. After investigation into the process and the cost to the church it was decided that it was not financially affordable and tabled for some time in the future.
As 2021 approached, the idea of applying for the marker was presented to the administrative board again. The board voted to move forward in recognition of the 125th anniversary of the church. With help from Mr. Les McMahan at the Jefferson County Historical Commission, the process began. The cost had increased greatly for a marker since 1996 but the board stepped out on faith and the funds arrived from an unexpected source that initially had no knowledge of the church’s plans. The road became bumpy with the pandemic in 2020 that interfered with the entire process. While the Texas Historical Commission eventually granted the marker for the class of 2020, the casting and foundry work was delayed. The marker was finally delivered in the fall of 2022 well after the 2021 celebration was to happen. The growing turmoil within the United Methodist Church denomination created more delays for the little congregation in China. Once again the congregation stood together and stepped out on faith and moved in a different direction in 2023.
The day has now arrived: October 22, 2023. The work has been done and the celebration has begun. Let us remember the work of the “great commission” is on going in the life of Christian churches and let us also remember the devotion, love, and commitment of all the saints who established and carried forward what Jesus so commanded.
May God continue to bless the work of all the Christian soldiers of the churches in our community and area. In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen and Amen.
Acknowledgments
There is always an army made up of the church family who work and serve behind the scenes in large and small ways without receiving public acknowledgment and consider it a labor of love. I am going to try and give the due recognition to as many as possible because my work as church historian in planning and preparing for this occasion could not and cannot happen without them. These are the past, present and future of the church because…
…The Church is the People!
John C. Blanch Marge Bieber Ruth Laidacker Mackan
E.J. Halfacre Loither Adams Lilith Romig
Ann Miller Granger Benny Granger Molly Sue Kolander Ridley Doug Winters Billie Lee Sandra Sherman Sharra Weaver Debbie Sherman Thornton Vicki Wharton Rose Debbie Budd Lillian Kolander Stacey Kolander King Joe Budd Eric King Laura Rose Gold
Katrina Kolander Whittington Monique Orrenmaa Felicia Seaman Lori Bibb Giles Sanders Scott Orrenmaa Angie Studdert Alvey Trey Alvey Julie Bibb West Mead Doris Murray Shelle Sherman Samaha Jerry Thornton Jimmy Samaha
Sheila Kolander Studdert Leigh Ann Schroeder E. C. Guidry Melody Copeland Taylor Bradley Diana Guidry Fregia Colt Kolander Julie Ann Granger Copeland Ella Alvey Barbara Bonner Nunez
Renee’ Kuebodeaux Joyce Granger Ewing Benita Granger Sebesta
Salena Taylor (& Margot) Harris Noah Harris Elijah Harris
Chesney King Presley King Bob Rose
Connie Carreon Pastor Marty Boddie Pastor Mark Fleming
Others in the community and beyond:
Janell Higginbotham Vickrey David Blair Darlene Blair
Ross Owens Les McMahan Kate Hambright
A special thank you to:
Hector Martinez for his work on updates and repairs to the church and parsonage.
Russell, Jody, and Anthony at Jefferson County Precinct 1 for installing the historical marker in front of the church.
It is with heartfelt thanks that I express my admiration, respect and appreciation to each of these people, others I have inadvertently forgotten, and to all of the remainder of my church family for their constant support.
In Christ Love,
Peggy Granger, Historian
China Methodist Church
China, Texas
Table of Contents
- Marker Inscription
- History of China Methodist Church
- Comprehensive List of Membership 1896-2023
- Stories and Memories
- History of Omega Methodist Church of Nome
- History of First Methodist Church of Sour Lake
Texas Historical Marker Inscription
THE METHODIST CHURCH IN CHINA
IN THE LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY, THE METHODIST MOVEMENT SPREAD ACROSS THE REGION THROUGH TRAVELLING PREACHERS, ALSO KNOWN AS CIRCUIT RIDERS. WITH NO CIRCUIT RIDERS REGULARLY AVAILABLE AND NO ESTABLISHED METHODIST CHURCHES IN THE AREA, METHODISTS BEGAN TO HOLD SERVICES IN THE HOMES OF VARIOUS FAMILIES. IN 1895, THE METHODIST CHURCH IN CHINA HELD SERVICES UNDER A BRUSH ARBOR. THE TEMPORARY SANCTUARY KNOWN AS KIRBY CHAPEL WAS BUILT NEAR THE WOODS IN THE AREA KNOWN TODAY AS WESTBURY.
IN 1896, THE CHURCH WAS FORMALLY ESTABLISHED AND THE FIRST MINISTER WAS APPOINTED. PROPERTY FOR THE FIRST PERMANENT BUILDING WAS PURCHASED AND A NEW BUILDING WAS ERECTED. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE CHURCH BUILT A LARGER SANCTUARY NEXT TO THE ORIGINAL, COMPLETE WITH STEEPLE AND A CHURCH BELL. ADDITIONAL ROOMS WERE BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES AND MEETINGS. THE ORIGINAL BUILDING WAS MOVED SEVERAL BLOCKS AWAY AND USED AS ONE OF THE FIRST SCHOOLS IN THE AREA. A PARSONAGE WAS ADDED TO THE CHURCH PROPERTY IN 1918, AND A FELLOWSHIP HALL AND EDUCATIONAL BUILDING BY 1960. THE PRESENT CHURCH WAS BUILT IN 1984 ON THE SAME SITE. THE CHURCH HAS HAD SEVERAL NAMES REFLECTING ITS HERITAGE.
IN 1968, THE METHODIST CHURCH MERGED WITH THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH WHICH CHANGED THE NAME OF THE CHURCH TO CHINA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, THE CHURCH WAS ALSO USED AS A TEMPORARY SCHOOL AND FOR SOCIAL GATHERINGS. THE CHURCH HAS PARTICIPATED IN NUMEROUS COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS. THEIR FAMOUS CAJUN AND COUNTRY COOKIN’ COOKBOOK HAS SOLD MORE THAN 10,000 COPIES SINCE 1975. WITH HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, THE METHODIST CHURCH IN CHINA CEMENTED THEIR IMPACT ON THE LIVES AND HERITAGE OF THE AREA THROUGH FAITH AND SERVICE.
(2020)
MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
Introduction to the History of The Methodist Church in China
The Historical account of the Methodist Church in China presented here is the information gathered and presented to the Texas Historical Commission in Austin in the endeavor to be granted a Texas Historical Marker. That information ended with the year 2020. An addendum to the church’s history has been added to bring it to the present.
Additional pieces of information about the church are included in this section as well.
A list of pastors that have served China Methodist Church follows the recorded history. There is also a complete list of all the members that have been recorded in the official membership registers.
Stories and memories of members, past and present, conclude the information about China Methodist Church.
THE METHODIST CHURCH IN CHINA, TEXAS
- CONTEXT
The Methodist faith originated in England in the eighteenth century under the labors of brothers John and Charles Wesley and several other clergymen within the Church of England. Methodism was introduced into the United States during colonial times and was officially established as a religious denomination in 1784. The Methodist faith was present in Texas by 1817 and had found its way to Jefferson County by 1840.[i]
During the second half of the nineteenth century, several settlements in close proximity were forming alongside the railroad lines that ran through the northwest part of Jefferson County. Two of the most prominent areas were China, named for the groves of chinaberry trees beside the railroad, and Nashland, named for land developers Charles Nash and Howell Land.[ii]
The community of “China became a reality in 1858. Nashland came into being almost two miles east of China, October 21, 1902.”[iii]
A fire at the China depot in approximately 1905, caused the railroad to move the depot to the more populated Nashland. Nashland was later renamed China by the United States Post Office because there was already a Nashland established in the state prior to 1902.[iv]
In 1892, Mr. D. C. Turner, a Presbyterian by faith and native of Kentucky, settled in the northwestern region of Jefferson County. With no Presbyterian churches in the area, the Turners became a part of the Methodist movement that was spreading throughout the county at the time. Methodist services were being offered in this remote area by way of the traveling preachers known as “circuit riders”. The Turner family became leaders in establishing the church in China.
When no preachers were available, the people in the area held “cottage services” in the homes of various families, including the Turners. Needing a regular meeting place, permission was gained to meet in the school building known as the Hatcher School located on the land of Mr. Steve Hatcher. Soon discussions began of organizing and building a Methodist Church.[v]
II. OVERVIEW
In 1895, the ideas for a Methodist Church in China, Texas started under “a brush arbor built from poles that were erected and properly tied overhead. Upon this, piles of brush were placed to protect the folks from the weather.”[vi] It was built near the woods in the area known today as Westbury, just northeast of present-day China, and named the Kirby Chapel in honor of “Grandpa” Kirby who lived across the road. In July, 1895, the first organizational meeting was conducted by Alonzo Abney of Sour Lake, Texas, with the purpose of building and opening the first Methodist Church in China, Texas. [vii] The current sanctuary, fellowship hall, and education building are located on the original land purchased as a result of that first meeting in 1895.
In 1896, property for the first building, designated as Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Block 34 of the Sophie Dean League, was purchased from W. B. Dunlap for one dollar ($1.00).[viii] The design was a “shot-gun” style, facing east, approximately 18 feet by 40 feet., and described as “very simple in structure yet adequate for the worshippers.” Construction was supervised by Mr. O. H. Bellar. Church records indicate the materials came from a small sawmill operating in the woods nearby, and that many of the men the mill employed gave their wages in order that the church could be completed.[ix]
Church records list H. A. Abney as the first minister, serving from July, 1896 to December, 1896.[x] There were 27 charter members and many were from the Turner, Abney, Kirby, and Bellar families.[xi] Mr. Obediah Bellar was the first Recording Secretary[xii] and the trustees were S. B. Stephenson, F. E. Turner, O. H. Bellar, W. H. White, J. W. Webb, W. T. Collier, J. A. Robertson, B. Guess, and J. W. Kirby.[xiii]
Several years later, the decision was made to build a larger church. There are no known records that name a specific year. Based on dates from several copies of a photograph postcard with both the original church building and the second one in the background, the second church building is estimated to have been built about 1899 next to the original one.[xiv] It, too, faced east and was a larger wooden structure with a smaller steeple on the left side as one entered, and a larger steeple on the right. The larger steeple housed the church bell. There was a wing on the south side used for meetings and Sunday School rooms. Three additional rooms were built across the back, with the center one being the pastor’s office with a private entrance in the back. A second back entrance was on the north side of the building.
Church history recorded that “a number of the rice farmers, and other members of this area” met and “each farmer pledged sacks of rice which at that time was selling for $1.50 or less per sack (known as a barrel).”[xv]
The following people made the “rice” pledge: J. K. West, John R. Blanch, W. E. Bogan, D. C. Turner, George Turner, Finis Turner, C. O. Thompson, Major Cole, John Norton, Will Collier, and Val Collier. The construction of the second sanctuary was again overseen by O. H. Bellar.[xvi] The original building was eventually moved several blocks away from the property and used as one of the first schools in the area.[xvii]
In 1918, trustees purchased Lots 10, 11, and 12 out of Block 47 of the Sophie Dean League in China for fifty dollars ($50.00) from J. E. Broussard and J. J. Hebert to provide a home, known as the parsonage, for the use by the pastor.[xviii] The Rev. J. C. Marshall was the first residing minister.[xix] This property is still in use today, and is across the street on the north side of the sanctuary.
During most of the history of the Methodist Church in China, it has been a part of various circuits also known as charges. This is a rotating regional organizational chart of what physical churches a minister is “charged” with administering.
Minutes from a Quarterly Conference dated May 4, 1912, list the Rev. J. W. Bridges serving the Sour Lake-China Charge.[xx] The Rev. J. C. Marshall served the China-Nome Charge according to the August 27, 1916 minutes.[xxi] The February 2, 1919 minutes has the Rev. W. E. Hassler serving the China-Nome-Grayburg Charge. He writes, “At present I preach at China on First and Third Sundays and Nome on Second, Grayburg on Fourth Sunday.”[xxii]
By 1920, the charge had changed again and the March 23, 1920, minutes list the charge as China-Liberty-Hardin served by the Rev. Marion Browning. He stated, “Have held one service at Amelia and promised to hold service there on Sunday afternoon of the first and third Sundays,” indicating, actually, four communities were being served.[xxiii]
The Rev. S. W. Stokley wrote in the minutes dated April 25, 1924, for the China-Nome Charge that “at all appointments on the circuit the congregations are increasing and at Sabine the Sunday school is very rapidly increasing.”[xxiv] This statement indicates that the charge actually extended all the way to the Sabine Pass area, thus making it a three-point charge.
Church records indicate that the China Methodist Church was not a part of a circuit during the middle of the twentieth century. During that time, a Fellowship Hall and later an Education Building were built behind the sanctuary. While there are no formal records, an oral account from Ann Miller Granger and photographs indicate the Fellowship Hall was constructed between 1948-1950. Church member Bernard Wallace supervised the building project. It was a simple rectangular building with a kitchen and dining area only.[xxv]
The Education Building was built in 1960 under the supervision of Dell Short. The new structure connected to the Fellowship Hall with an adjoining roof and breezeway. The brick building housed a pastor’s study, nursery, five class rooms and two restrooms. The Rev. Billie Bonner made a sketch of “The Methodist Church Plant” from an aerial picture taken October 11, 1960, that shows all three buildings on the property.[xxvi] Church records reflect that on November 20, 1960, the dedication of the “Educational Annex” took place.
During this time, the Rev. Billie Bonner led the effort for the Omega Methodist Church of Nome to be formed to serve members who lived in Nome and who wanted their own community church. These members were currently attending the China church. In 1961 The Omega Methodist Church of Nome opened and China then became a two-point charge with Nome.[xxvii]
In 1960, Mr. John C. Blanch, Trustee, presented a notarized affidavit to The Methodist Church in China. In it he made the following three statements: 1) he names the church as the owner of the property acquired in 1896 and that he is a member and trustee; 2) he has “been shown copies of instruments of record in the office of the County Clerk of Jefferson County, Texas.” These records state “from 1896, wherein said Church was referred to variously as: The White Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Nashland; The Kirby Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in China; China Methodist Church; China Methodist Church and Parsonage; and the Methodist Church of Nashland (China)”; and, 3) the affidavit states, “Since 1896 when The White Methodist Episcopal Church, South of Nashland, first acquired a portion of the above described property, there has been but one Methodist Church in Nashland or China; the Church buildings have been continuously situated upon the above described property; and said Church, by whatever name it may have been designated upon the records, was and is one and the same Church as that presently referred to as The Methodist Church, China, Texas.”[xxviii]
In 1965, the Vice Chairman of the Administrative Board, Mr. Charles L. Wade, died suddenly from a work injury at the age of 60. The outdoor marquee located in front of the church was built and dedicated in his memory in 1966. The sign, located at the corner of Washington Street and Houston Street, received damage during Hurricane Rita in 2005 and was upgraded thereafter.
In 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church. This merger changed the name to China United Methodist Church.
During this time, the trustees oversaw the church’s decision to build a new parsonage. The minister at the time was the Rev. John P. Brown. He and his wife, Virginia, lived in Beaumont during the building process. She was employed at the time by Dallas Williams Furniture Store, and assisted with the interior design. On March 23, 1969, a beautiful, new brick home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage was dedicated at 4:00 p.m.[xxix]
On the same day, the family of John R. and Felix Blanch who joined the China church in 1905 was recognized and honored for their many years of service and dedication to the church. The bulletin on March 23, 1969, stated that “the six members of this beloved family represent 290 years of dedicated service to our Lord. Let us pay tribute to them for their unceasing loyalty.”[xxx]
Their children became full members in 1939. Two of the four children, Lenora and John C., served the church for many years. Lenora Blanch Halfacre served as the church pianist. She and her husband, E. J. Halfacre, were generous benefactors that have helped carry the church into the twenty-first century. Mr. Halfacre was an avid photographer and has preserved many members of the congregation and church activities in pictures. John C. Blanch served as a trustee as well as secretary-treasurer for many years. It is his diligence with research and information that has preserved much of the church’s history. His dedication and contributions were honored by the church with a John Cannon Blanch Day in 1967. His wife, Grace, served as President of the Women’s Society, known as the WSCS, and Adult Sunday School Teacher. In the 1970s, several of the ladies of the church put together plans for a cookbook as a fundraiser to help offset the expenses of either renovating the old sanctuary or building a new one. The Cajun and Country Cookin’ cookbook is a present day ongoing and sustaining fundraising product of that decision. The influence of the Cajun French heritage in the community and surrounding area became the nucleus of the cookbook. Raymona Wall had the initial idea and was joined by several ladies in the congregation. The group visited many of the older generation of Cajun cooks in the community that did not use recipes. They spent hours watching how they cooked, asking them to explain every detail of what they were doing and measuring so it could be written into a recipe. “It was really an ecumenical book. We had Baptist, Catholics, French, Germans—anybody we could persuade to work on it.”[xxxi] Along with the Cajun recipes, members of the congregation and community were invited to share their favorite family recipes as well. Ten thousand copies have been released in six printings since 1975. The Cajun and Country Cookin’ cookbook has been distributed nationally and internationally and the church continues to receive request.
In 1980, the Beaumont District Board of Missions, as it was known then, “recognized a need for a United Methodist Church in that area between Beaumont and Winnie which includes Hamshire, Fannett and LaBelle. A site was selected in Fannett, and Faith United Methodist Church was constituted on June 8 with 34 members.”[xxxii] Several families were attending church in China that lived in the Fannett area. These families became charter members of Faith United Methodist Church and China became a three-point charge again under the pastoral care of the Rev. Richard Burnham.
After the death of E. J. Halfacre in 1978, his financial generosity to the China church inspired discussion of building a new sanctuary. After much deliberation of whether to build a new sanctuary or preserve the old sanctuary, a congregational vote was taken and plans for a new sanctuary got underway under the leadership of Pastor Burnham. The building committee was led by Mr. H. E. Dishman, Jr. The committee worked many hours planning and visiting numerous churches to help develop the design of the new sanctuary. The design would house the sanctuary only and would be built as a rectangular brick building with a cathedral ceiling. The front would move from facing east to facing north with a covered porch. Upon entering the new building, the narthex would have a combination cry room/bride’s room to the right and a restroom. On the left would be a storage area under the stairway and a sacristy. An attic area for storage and to house the church bell would be overhead with access from an outside door.
It was important to the committee to preserve the old sanctuary by trying to relocate it such that it could be preserved for historical purposes, but the cost and upkeep were prohibitive. The decision was made to take down the old sanctuary and allow the congregation to purchase various items as a fundraiser to help defer costs of the new sanctuary. Many people, members and non-members, made memorial and honorarium contributions to help fund the project. The church bell, altar table, baptismal font and pulpit are a few of the things kept and placed in the new sanctuary. Pieces of glass from the old windows were used in the creation of stain glass windows that were designed specifically for the new sanctuary by artist Glenda Fregia.
On August 5, 1984, the new sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God and a cornerstone was set containing a time capsule with items from the church in it. The sanctuary opened its doors debt free thanks to a canceled $25,000.00 banknote from a generous private benefactor.
During the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986, the church celebrated its own 90th anniversary. Everyone was invited to wear “old time clothes” and bring “dinner on the grounds.” The children did a 90-balloon launch, there was a parsonage open house, and a service of “good ol’ Methodist singing and preaching” lead by Dr. Roger Shuemate of the Port Arthur Methodist Temple. A birthday cake was cut later by the oldest members present.[xxxiii]
During this era, China was back to a two-point charge with Nome, as Faith United Methodist Church was able to serve its communities on its own.
Ten years later in 1996, The Methodist Church in China celebrated its 100th anniversary. A year-long celebration took place with an activity highlighted each month. The theme for the year was “The Church’s One Foundation” from the hymn by Samuel J. Stone. The activities included former pastors returning to speak, a family scavenger hunt, a history presentation, a community giving activity, and The Centennial Sunday celebration on Sunday, July 28. In attendance was the bishop of the Texas Annual Conference, The Reverend J. Woodrow Hearn, and members of the community and area churches. After the worship service, everyone enjoyed dinner on the grounds, fellowship activities and musical entertainment. A highlight of the event was the many members who came dressed in period costumes dating back 100 years.[xxxiv] China, Texas has seen many challenges during the twenty-first century, including numerous catastrophic natural disasters as well as financial difficulties affecting the church. In 2002, Omega United Methodist Church of Nome closed its doors and its members transferred membership to China United Methodist Church. China was then placed in a two-point charge with First United Methodist Church in Sour Lake.
In 2005, Hurricane Rita struck China and damaged the sanctuary and education building, followed by Hurricane Ike in 2008. In 2013, China became a three-point charge with Forest Park United Methodist Church in Beaumont being added.
Tropical Storm Harvey hit China in August, 2017, creating catastrophic area-wide flooding that affected church members and the town’s population. While there was no formal organization of aid by the church during this time, many members were involved in helping the needs of others with food, clothing, shelter, and clean up. The church provided shelter, food, and bedding for several families as they waited for flood waters to subside so they could return home.
On Dec 24, 2017, First United Methodist Church of Sour Lake closed its doors and China returned to a two-point charge with Forest Park. When Tropical Depression Imelda besieged the area in September 2019, church members answered the call and served breakfast at the temporary shelter in China City Hall, distributed flood buckets, and members provided meals for the local firehouse that also houses the Emergency District Services. [xxxv]
2020 has China United Methodist Church looking to continue to serve the community and its membership as it prepares to celebrate the past with a 125th-year celebration in 2021.
III. SIGNIFICANCE
In 1896, The Methodist Church in China was the first church congregation established in the community.[xxxvi] The present house of worship was built in 1984 on the same land site as the other sanctuaries and present education facility and fellowship hall.
Throughout the church’s history, it has provided mission outreach to the community and surrounding areas. In its early history, the original sanctuary was used for an emergency school and for social gatherings. After the second sanctuary was built, the original was moved for use as a school. Fellowship has long been a part of its past and present with pancake suppers, ice cream socials, covered dish pot-luck dinners and food stand fundraising associated with the various festivals in China and other surrounding communities. The church provides annual college scholarships for members.
Many notable programs have been a part of the church, offering a variety of fellowship and worship opportunities. Some include The Methodist Men, The Women’s Society of Christian Service, Vacation Bible School, Methodist Youth Fellowship, along with Sunday school classes and Bible studies.
Ecumenical gatherings with other local churches are a part of the history of China and China United Methodist Church. The church has had an active role in the Ministerial Alliance, which is comprised of the different leaders of the denominations represented locally. The community gathers for a joint Easter outdoor Sunrise Service followed by breakfast. The Alliance also rotates the Thanksgiving Community Service and meal.
Throughout the years, the church has provided food, clothing, and financial aid to families in the area, as well as to travelers in need through its “Good Samaritan Fund.” Donations to area outreach programs are a part of the regular mission activities. The Fellowship Hall has been used as a meeting place for civic groups, such as Girls Scouts and 4-H.
The church has had many members involved with The Boy Scouts of America, Troop 10, in China and the church initially chartered the Venture Crew 10.
While the Cajun and Country Cookin’ Cookbook was initially created as a fundraiser, the work of those dedicated ladies preserved some of the rich heritage of the community, surrounding area and region.
In 1895, with humble beginnings in a brush arbor meeting site to a permanent building a year later, The Methodist Church in China was the first and only religious establishment in China, Texas at that time. The people of China Methodist Church have congregated on Sundays to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love, and offers hope through community outreach. Historically the church has strived to be a voice in the community that encourages people to find peace in its sanctuary and fulfill their spiritual lives with and through the word of God.
[i] Bulletin, Texas Methodist Sesquicentennial Beaumont District Celebration, First United Methodist Church, Beaumont, Texas, March 2, 1986.
[ii] Adams, L. I., Jr. Time and Shadows. Davis Brothers Publishing Co., Waco, Texas, 1971. p. 175.
[iii] Adams, p 175.
[iv] Adams, p. 177.
[v] Written Church History, “The History of the Methodist Church of China, Texas,” October 21, 1959, p. 2.
[vi] Adams, p. 196.
[vii] Written Church History, p. 3.
[viii] Jefferson County Deed Records, Vol. 99, p. 562.
[ix] Written Church History, p. 3.
[x] The Church Register of China, Texas, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Register of Pastors, p. 4.
[xi] The Church Register of China, Texas, Register of Members, p. 36.
[xii] Written Church History, p. 3.
[xiii] Jefferson County Deed Records, p.562.
[xiv] Written Church History, Photograph, p. 5.
[xv] Written Church History, p. 4.
[xvi] Written Church History, p. 4.
[xvii] Written Church History, photograph, p. 5.
[xviii] Jefferson County Deed Records, Vol. 170, p. 201.
[xix] Bulletin, New Parsonage Dedication, The United Methodist Church, China-Nome Charge, March 23, 1969.
[xx] Church Minutes, China Methodist Church, 1912-1924, p. 4.
[xxi] Church Minutes, p. 10.
[xxii] Church Minutes, p. 12.
[xxiii] Church Minutes, p. 14.
[xxiv] Church Minutes, p. 17.
[xxv] Oral Testimony of Member Ann Granger, 1995.
[xxvi] Written Church History, p. 7.
[xxvii] Church Minutes, China Methodist Church, 1961, p. 23.
[xxviii] Affidavit of John C. Blanch, Jefferson County Court House, September 30, 1960, # 568971.
[xxix] Bulletin, March 23, 1969.
[xxx] Bulletin, March 23, 1969.
[xxxi] “Cajuns toil over Cookbook,” Beaumont Sunday Enterprise-Journal, January 14, 1979, p. 6B.
[xxxii] “Three-point circuit still viable for productive ministry, church growth,” The United Methodist Reporter, March 1, 1985, Vol. 131, Number 39, p. 1.
[xxxiii] Written Church History, p. 6.
[xxxiv] Written Church History, “ China United Methodist Church, Centennial Celebration 1896-1996, Scrapbook.
[xxxv] Church Minutes, China United Methodist Church, 2002-2019.
[xxxvi] Adams, p. 204, p. 211.
Additions: History of The Methodist Church in China, Texas
Texas Historical Marker
In August of 2020, China United Methodist Church was granted a historical marker by The Texas Historical Commission in Austin. With the help of the local Jefferson County Historical Commission, Historian, Peggy Granger, applied for the marker in recognition and celebration in 2021 of the 125th Anniversary of the church’s founding in 1896. The above historical information is the result of this effort. Through divine intervention, the church received the financial help to fund this endeavor. Mr. David Blair, a non-member from Tomball, Texas is a descendant of the Turner Family of which some were charter members of the church. He spent time in China in his childhood visiting his grandparents and attended the church. He initially contacted the historian to inquire about the status of the church after hearing of the closing of the Nome and Sour Lake Methodist Churches. He told very fond memories of his time in China and wanted to do something for the church. He was informed of the church’s desire to apply for the historical marker. David and his wife Darlene decided to make a generous donation in memory of his mother, Mildred Bogan-Blair, a former member and descendant of the Turner family. Their memorial donation helped the church afford the cost of the historical marker as well as other memorial plaques now displayed in the church’s narthex.
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 slowed the process of receiving the marker in time for a 2021 dedication. The marker was not received by the church until September, 2022. Because of the process of disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church being under way in the life of the church (see information below), the Administrative Board decided to postpone the dedication celebration of the historical marker until 2023.
Becoming a Global Methodist Church
A dedicated group of pastors and laity in the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Confessing Movement with support from many other traditionalist within the United Methodist Church launched a new Methodist denomination on May 1, 2022 called the Global Methodist Church. This was done as a result of lack of confidence in the Council of Bishops upholding and enforcing the Doctrines and laws established in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church in 2019. There has also been a slow but growing movement for decades within the UMC away from the more traditional Wesleyan Methodist doctrine and a push for changes in the Book of Discipline to reflex modern secular society and not scriptural truths. This has caused a major division in the UMC. Traditional churches in the Texas Conference of the UMC as well as other Methodist churches in Texas, the United States and the world made the decision to leave the UMC. Many have chosen to become a Global Methodist Church. On October 4, 2022 the congregation of China United Methodist Church voted by 100% to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church denomination and join the newly formed Global Methodist Church denomination effective December 31, 2022. The name of the church was changed back to its name before 1968 and become China Methodist Church again.
A vote by the delegates of the Texas Conference to formally release the churches that fulfilled the process to disaffiliate from the UMC in 2022 took place in Houston on December 3, 2022 at a special called Annual Conference by Bishop, Scott Jones. Member, Sandra Sherman, was the delegate that represented China UMC. The churches requesting to disaffiliate were granted the privilege to leave the UMC by the conference delegates votes. China United Methodist Church officially became China Methodist Church again affective December 31, 2022 and began 2023 as a member of the Global Methodist Church denomination. China Methodist Church then became part of the Eastern Texas Conference of the Global Methodist Church.
Cookbook Printing
After several years of the Cajun and country Cookin’ Cookbook being out of print and the continued number of request the church was receiving for it, it was decided to do a seventh printing with the encouragement and help of Laura Dishman. She is one of the group of ladies that worked on the original. Our current cookbook overseers, Sandra Sherman and her daughter, Debbie Thornton took on the challenge and the next edition was printed in 2022 and sales have begun again.
Historical Marker Dedication and Celebration
The Covid-19 Pandemic and the process of disaffiliating from the United Methodist denomination caused plans for the the initial 125th anniversary of the Methodist Church in China in 2021 to be altered . The Texas Historical Commission had awarded the marker to the church in 2020 while still under the UMC umbrella but the actual marker was not cast and delivered until 2022 because of foundry issues. Being in the middle of the disaffiliation process the board decided to postpone the celebration to the fall of 2023. This would allow the the church time to transition into the GMC and still have time to plan the dedication and celebration. The date decided for the dedication was October 22, 2023.
The celebration began with fellowship time before the Sunday morning worship. October 22 was also the day chosen for Laity Sunday. The regular worship involved members of the congregation participating in various aspects of the service. After the worship, lunch was served and everyone who participated could eat inside or outside under the tent provided. Popcorn and ice cream were available for treats after lunch. The ice cream was a nod to the almost 20 years the church spent at the Texas Rice Festival. There the church had a fund raising booth called the Ice Cream Palace that served Blue Bell Ice Cream cones, sundaes, banana splits and floats. Historical displays were available for congregation and visitors to enjoy. Historical displays from the Methodist Churches in Nome and Sour Lake were included. The crowd was summoned to the front of the sanctuary at 1:45 p.m by the ringing of the church bell. The Historical Marker Dedication Service began at 2 p.m. with a representative from the Jefferson County Historical Commission present. The JCHC played a vital role in the church’s endeavors to obtain the marker. The church’s Presiding Elder, The Rev. Carol Bruse, was present also and gave the opening prayer. The marker was dedicated to the glory of the Holy Trinity and the saints that have gone on before us by the current pastor, Rev. Mark Fleming. The unveiling of the marker was done by long time member, Sandra Sherman and guest David Blair who is a descendant of the Turner family of whom had family that were charter members in 1896.
Upkeep Realities
In the mist of the transition to the Global Methodist Denomination and dedication planning, the administrative board has had to overcome quite a few capital improvements and repairs. Renovations to update the parsonage has been on going and included a new roof, and replacing interior and exterior doors including closet doors. Some painting has been done and the master bathroom has been updated. The kitchen has had some painting and the sink and faucet have been replaced. Within the past 10 years the hall bathroom was updated, all the window screens have been replaced along with repair work and painting of the eaves. New flooring and carpet were replaced and all the rooms repainted and a new HVAC put in.
The church buildings have also had their share of woes. Roof and lighting repairs on the education building, new sanctuary HVAC with an outside protective fence, outside maintenance around the sanctuary windows and doors are some of the work done. After removal of some shrubs in front to the sanctuary, damage to the front porch pillars was discovered. Some of the brick work was cracking and pulling away and damage to some of the interior support poles was found. Work was done to repair the damage. Because, the original brick color could not be replicated, the church was given a new look with a different style of brick on the front. Financially it is always a challenge, but through memorial gifts, congregational gifts, fund raisers, and unexpected generous donations the work was able to continue. God is so good…all
the time!
2025
MAINTENANCE—The old sycamore tree that has been in the parsonage yard since sometime in the first half of the twentieth century had to be remove this year after beginning to rot in the middle. Its proximity to the parsonage made it a potential threat to damage the roof or worse.
Several months later one of the oak trees in front of the parsonage showed signs of distress and rot and was also removed. The total cost for both trees was about $ 6000.00!
MEMORIAL DEDICATION—The family of former members, Nelson and Willora Laidacker, came together to place a small memorial at the base of the oak tree on the west side of the sanctuary. The tree was planted by the Laidacker family in 1943 in memory of Daniel Laidacker, Nelson and Willora’s oldest child. Dan tragically drowned at the age of three while playing with his dog near a pond in the back yard of his grandfather, Dr. N. E. Laidacker. A brief dedication ceremony was held under the oak tree after the worship service with church members and members of the Laidacker family present. Pastor Mark Fleming led the dedication and Rosemary Laidacker, oldest sister of Dan, spoke also. Afterward everyone met in the Fellowship Hall for a reception and members for the Laidacker family were gifted with tree saplings from acorns that had fallen and sprouted from the same oak tree.
COMMUNITY—One of the Global Methodist Denomination visions was to keep the church connected to the community. Mission and outreach are vital components of that, but also getting to know the people of the community whether they are part of the congregation or not and vice versa. One idea that was introduced was a series of four free make-it-take-it craft events open to the congregation and the community. It was done the first Sunday of the month from 4-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall from September through December. Various fall and Christmas crafts were offered for attendees to make and then take home.
2026
MAINTENANCE—In late 2025 a major water leak was discovered under the slab of the Education building. Fortunately it did not flood the building but it was not possible to get to the leak without major expense. The breezeway bathrooms and the Fellowship Hall were without water for several months as the board tackled the issue. This included trying to figure out where the utility lines were under the ground, which was not possible with no known information.. Fortunately the leak did not affect the sanctuary. The decisions was made to run a new water line to the Fellowship Hall from the city meter. The easiest and least expensive way was to go up into the Hall attic from the outside and tie into bathrooms across the breezeway attic. A cut off valve was placed close to the ground on the outside to have for emergencies and also in case of freezing weather. A new outside faucet was placed on the back of the Hall where the old water line and faucet had perviously been. The work was completed in March 2026.
During this process, it was discovered that there was an undetectable natural gas leak checked out by CenterPoint Energy. Since the church no longer had any working units powered by gas and everything is all electric it was decided to remove the gas meter and have the gas lines disconnected at the church. For safety reasons, a ”kill” service was done with board approval by CenterPoint Energy to remove the two above ground gas lines left from the meter. The total cost for these two utility items was $1900.00.
A map has since been drawn up to show where known underground and above ground utility lines currently are for the church buildings and will be updated as others are eventually located.
In July another tree in the parsonage years needed to be removed due to its location near overhead electrical lines by the street. Fortunately with the cutting done by Entergy and afterward a volunteer member, the tree was removed free of charge.
Another blessing to the church was an anonymous donation that covered the cost of replacing the heating and cooling unit in the Fellowship Hall. A mini-split unit was installed in August. This type of unit was chosen for economical reasons as well as being the ideal style of building to support this type of system and how it is used.
After much research and coordination between the worship committee and the family of John Lawrence Kolander, Jr. new sets of brass altar candles sticks and vases were purchased with memorial funds given in Mr. Kolander’s name. The previous ones had become dull and tarnished. The retired ones, which were memorial gifts also, were archived and placed on display with other historical and memorial items.
The Conklin House, mentioned previously in the written church history, is no longer needed to serve the community. The Hardin-Jefferson Hunger Initiative food pantry, located in China, now serves the people of the local school district. It has been donated to another food pantry in Beaumont needing a larger facility.
MISSIONS—The current chairperson of missions, Sandra Sherman, works diligently at providing information that allows the congregation to be actively involved helping local organizations and people in China and the the surrounding area. Donations and time have been and are given to the Hardin-Jefferson Hunger Initiative along with projects to help students and teachers at China Elementary. The church has been participating in the local National Night Out endeavors for the past several years. Outside our community, the church has participated in projects helping outreach programs like Some Other Place, Henry’s Place, and The HOPE Center, The H.O.W. Center and Kario’s Kitchen at First United Methodist Church in Beaumont.
Charter Members The Methodist Church in China
July 1896
Henry A. Abney Ann E. Bellar
Martha E. Abney Obediah Bellar
Timothy Kirby Finis E. Turner
Sallie E. Kirby Ida O. Turner
John W. Kirby Ethel S. Turner
Lizie Kirby Ora Hamilton
George P. Abney Herschel E Hamilton
Rachel Abney Della J. Bellar
Charles R. Price Benjamin F.. Turner
Altha Price Ruth Turner
John H. Barnes Samuel Turner
Sallie E. Barnes Vines Charipot
Grace P. Turner Mary Harris
Martha I. Butler
Pastors That Have Served The Methodist Church in China
H.A. Abney Jul 1986— Dec 1896 Roy A. Whites 1944—Dec 1945
E. J. Gates Dec 1896—Dec 1897 J. P. Watson Dec 1945—Jun 1948
K. P. Barton Dec 1897—Dec 1899 W. P. Bond Jun 1948—Jun 1953
W. S. Easterling Dec 1899—Dec 1900 Ben Allen Pierce Jun 1953—Jun 1955
M.I. Brown Dec 1900—Dec 1901 Lloyd Moreman Jun1955—Jun 1956
Smith Dec 1901—Dec 1902 R. E. Bishoff Jun 1956—Sep 1959
S.A. Humphries 1902—Dec 1903 Billie B. Bonner Sep 1959—Jun 1963
A.P. Bradford Dec 1903—Dec 1905 J. P. Adair Jun 1963-Jun 1964
J. F. Wagnon Dec 1905—Dec 1906 Richard O. Hoopes Jun 1964—Jun 1966
F. O. Favre Dec 1906—Dec 1907 James O. Bauman Jun 1966-Jun 1968
George H. Phair Dec 1907—Dec 1909 John Paul Brown Jun 1968—Jun 1969
J.W. Bridges Dec 1909—Dec 1912 William P. Raines Jun 1969—Jun 1970
W.W. Wooten Dec 1912—Dec 1915 Earl A. McIntyre, Jr. Jun 1970—Jan 1973
J.C. Marshall Dec 1915—Dec 1918 Cal H. Kelly Jan 1973—Jun 1975
W.E. Hassler Dec 1918—Dec1920 Lewis Risinger Jun 1975—Aug 1978
Marion Browning Dec 1920—Apr 1921 Noah McCain Sep 1978—Aug 1979
G.S. Bailey Apr 1921—Sep 1923 William Martin Jan 1980—Jun 1980
M.S. Taylor Sep 1923—Nov 1923 Richard A. Burnham Oct 1980—Jun 1985
Samuel W. Stokley Nov 1923—Oct 1924 Carlton S. Dyer Jun 1985—Oct 1989
W.C. Pope Jan 1925—Dec 1925 Johnny Wills Nov 1989—May 1990
A.J. Frick Jan 1926—1928 Randolph P. Carrion Jun 1990—Jan 1995
T. Walter Moore Aug 1929—Feb 1930 William Servis Jun 1995—Jun 1997
F.W. Dibble Mar 1930—1931 Sherry Q. Crenshaw Jun 1997—Jun 2000
T.P. Hendrick 1931-1932 Willard Anderson Jun 2000—Jun 2002
J. D. Wallace 1932—1933 S. Melissa Martin Jun 2002—Jul 2002
F.M. Noe 1933–1934 Douglas D. Smith Aug 2002—Jun 2003
George D. Loden 1934—1935 Gary Clark Jun 2003—Jun 2005
D.W. Moore 1935—1935 Betty A. Edwards Jun 2005—Dec 2007
L. Murchinson 1935—Dec 1935 Greg Edwards Jan 2008—Jun 2013
O.F. Zimmerman Dec 1935—Dec 1937 John Montgomery Jul 2013—Jun 2018
J.T. Campbell Dec 1937—Dec 1940 Jeff Stull Jul 2018—Dec 2019
N.F. Stephens Dec 1940—Dec 1942 Marty Boddie Jan 2020—Jul 2023
Anthony Cecil Dec 1942—1944 Mark Fleming Oct 2023—
Alverson Franks 1944–1944
Story of the Stained Glass Windows The Methodist Church in China
An original stained glass window designed for China United Methodist Church in October, 1983, by Glenda Fregia and Bonnie Welch.
A large 67” circle panel was installed in May, 1984, in the gable of the new church building. There are approximately 690 hand cut pieces of glass and about 230 hours of work in the fabrication.
From the inner circle is the 1) descending dove reminding us of the baptism of our Lord and also baptism as our entry into His Church. The dove with rays representing the Holy Spirit and the Power we as believers can receive.
In the secondary circle carved in blue cobalt/clear flashed glass are the scrolls with Roman Numerals representing the 2) Ten Commandments of God, with one of the oldest symbols from France used in church windows; the 3) Fleur-de-lys, carved in ruby/clear flashed glass.
The outer twelve petals, which represents the 4) Twelve Apostles, has inside each petal a 5) Tulip design, an old symbol of life. Within the petal is the 6) Cross, representing the crucifixion. The 7) clear glass (original from the old church) connecting the petals, represents the original church, the old with the new.
In all there are seven symbols, some from God, others from Man, God’s creation, which is mystic itself.
The windows in the Sanctuary:
“I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE” JOHN 6:35
The Wheat represents the bread as the staff of life and the Chalice reminds us of communion, together they represent Jesus as the staff of our Spiritual Life.
“I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD” JOHN 10:11
The river flowing through the valley reflects the Old Testament image of the Lord is Shepherd, found in Psalms 23. The staff and lamb represent the special relationship of Christ and His Church. He is the Good Shepherd for His flock. The rays represent His Glory and Power.
“I AM THE WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE” JOHN 14:6
In John’s gospel, Jesus tells us He is the way to Our Father. The Way of Jesus is the way of the cross. We come to know Christ through the scriptures that stands to us as the Truth. The Butterfly, which is a mysterious metamorphosis of nature, stands for the resurrection of Christ and life.
“I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD” JOHN 8:12
The candlestick represents Christ as the Light of the world. Christ draws an analogy between the sun as a physical light of the world and Himself as the Spiritual Light of the world.
“I AM THE SON OF GOD” JOHN 10:36
This panel which is the bringing together of the manger, and the star of David, stands for God’s promises fulfilled in the incarnation.
“I AM THE TRUE VINE” JOHN 15:1
Christ is the vine, we are the branches, we must abide in Him to bear good fruit and by our fruits He will be known.
‘I AM THE DOOR” JOHN 10:9
Christ is the door, anyone who enters shall be saved. The light comes from the door as an invitation, the flames surrounding the door represents judgement that stands in contrast of grace the light represents. Arching the door is the rainbow of God’s promise to man of redemption, not destruction.
‘I AM THE RESURRECTION” JOHN 11:25
The three crosses bring to us the crucifixion scene. The ascending dove represents the resurrection of Christ and comes forth from the central cross. The Power of the resurrection is from above. The rays and the Power it represents are cast not only on Christ’s cross , but the others as well.
“I AM THE ALPHA AND OMEGA” REVELATION 1:8
The A and O are the first and last of the Greek Alphabet and the cross and flames represent the beginning of salvation and the end of time. The Triangle fused in the Circle represent the Trinity connected with life, which never ends.
Nine original stained glass windows, spiritually designed through Glenda A. Fregia, surrounding the sanctuary. Each has borders and top/center matching with individual insert designs with a passage of scripture carved in cobalt/clear flashed glass, depicts the “I Am’s of Christ.”
There are approximately 3,350 individual hand cut pieces of glass in the nine windows with an estimated 800 hours of labor in designing, fabrication and installation.
The top/center section has a Cross, same as the round window, to represent the crucifixion.
Also, a Scroll and Chalice representing the Old and New Covenant respectfully.
The “I Am’s”—a reminder of the fulfillment of the Old Covenant,
“I AM WHO I AM” Exodus 3:14
Designed by: Glenda A. Fregia
Fabrication credit to: Glenda Fregia, Bonnie Welch, Joyce Moss, and Kelli Chaflin
Alphabetized Register of Members
China Methodist Church
China, Texas
1896-2023
The following information is a complete list of all the members that have been recorded in the official membership registers. There are 3 books in existence that the names were taken from. Unfortunately the registers are not considered to be entirely complete. Upon close examination it has become obvious that there were times throughout the history of the church that the records were not always kept up to date. It was also discovered that there is a page or two missing from the first register due to age. Pastors in earlier years rewrote the register on several occasions, hence the notes on the attached list saying ‘duplicated’. The books are becoming more fragile as time passes and are going to be placed in archival storage containers in the near future for preservation. The information on the attached list gives the basic information about each individual so that anyone that is interested in their own or a family members connection to the church can have access to it without the handling of the original registers.
The names are written how they were posted in the register. The first date is the date the person became a full member. Location represents which register (book) and where in the register the name is located. The pastor column indicates which pastor was serving at the time of membership. The removed date is when and why the member was removed. An explanation of initials on removal is on the last page of the list.
There are some names in the Baptism and Preparatory Members sections of the registers. These will be put into a list also and digitally preserved in the near future. Sadly the only marriages recorded are in the first book and all are around the turn of the twentieth century. A list is being complied of marriages in the church that have not been posted so they can eventually be duly recorded. The church is open to receiving information about any marriages known to have taken place at China Methodist Church. The names of the couple with maiden name of the bride, the date married and the name of the presiding pastor are what is needed.
There are many people that have passed and continue to pass through the doors of the Methodist Church in China. The people that became members or chose to be a constituent, visitors, guests, pastors, attendees/helpers of events from the community and beyond, weary travelers, people in need, etc. have all left their footprints in the sands of time here. Those here in the present do the same for that is what the church is…the people.
Register of Members of China Methodist Church
China, Texas
1896-2026
NAME DATE. Location. Pastor REMOVED
A
Abate, Joe 8-2-1928 Bk 2 # 35(3rd roll) A. J. Frick 1934 C
Abate, Joseph 8-2-1928 Bk 2 # 34(3rd roll) A. J. Frick 1934 C
Abate, Lula 7-31-1928 Bk 2 # 33(3rd roll) A. J. Frick 1934 C
Abate, Mary 8-4-1928 Bk 2 # 36(3rd roll) A. J. Frick 1934 C
Abney, Mr. H. C. 12-1939(reinstate)Bk 3 p. 24 L. 4 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Abney, Mrs. H. C. 12-1939(reinstate)Bk 3 p. 24 L. 5 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Abney, Henry A. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 1 Henry A. Abney Nov, 1898 C
Abney. Martha E. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 2 “ Nov, 1898 C
Abney, George P. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 7 “ Nov, 1898 C
Abney. Rachel 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 8 “ Nov, 1898 C
Abernathy, Tag (Fay) 11-20-1904 Bk 1 # 78 Alvin P. Bradford Mar 22,1916 C
Abernathy, Gus 7-18-1906 Bk 1 # 95 F. O.Favre Jan 30, 1916 RCC
Abernathy, Mrs. Mattie 8-4-1907 Bk 1 # 100. F. O. Favre unknown
Abshier, Mrs. A. B. reinstate 1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 33 R. E. Bishoff Nov 28, 1965 D
Abshier, Clyde Dale 6-27-1916 Bk 1 # 241 J. C. Marshall Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplIcated Bk 2 # 49 in first rewritten roll)
Abshier, Mary Lucille 6-27-1916 Bk 1 # 242 J. C. Marshall Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 50 in first rewritten roll)
Abshier, Mrs. Roma 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 225 W. Wootton Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 36 in first rewritten roll)
Adair, Barbara Jean 6-12-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 10 J. P. Adair Jun 14, 1964 CT
Adair, Bethel B. 6-12-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 9 J. P. Adair Jun 14, 1964 CT
Adair, Donnie J. 6-12-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 11 J. P. Adair Jun 14, 1964 CT
Adair, Dwight Rial 6-12-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 12 J. P. Adair Jun 14, 1964 CT
Adams, Erika Lee 6-7-1981 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 5 Richard Burnham Jul 7, 1987 CT
(Transferred back) 6-11-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 13 Carleton Dyer
Adams, Kay 6-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 32 Cal Kelly unknown T
(Transferred back) 6-11-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 12 Carleton Dyer Mar 11, 2026 D
Adams, Loither 8-29-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 29 Ben Allen Pierce 1961 OD
(Transferred back) 9-10-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 16 Carleton Dyer Oct 9, 2006 D
Adams, Mickey 6-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 31 Cal Kelly unknown T
(Transferred back) 6-11-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 11 Carleton Dyer
Alexander, Abb. 1-1904 Bk 1 # 70 Alvin P. Bradford Mar 27, 1904 C
Alexander, Mr. C. C. 7-12-1942 Bk 2 # 58(4th roll) N. F. Stephens Nov 2, 1960 T
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 32)
Alexander, Mrs C. C. 7-12-1942 Bk 2 # 59(4th roll) N. F. Stephens Nov 2, 1960 T
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 31 )
Alexander, Charles unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 33 Apr, 1967 RQC
Alvey, Eunice E.(Trey) 10-4-2022 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 26 Marty Boddie
Anderson, Reese 1-17-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 4 Billie B. Bonner May 22, 1962 T
Anderson, Mrs. Reese (Gail) 11-15-1959 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 1 Billie B. Bonner May 22, 1962 T
Apperson, Mrs. T. J. 10-29-1943 Bk 2 # 61(4th roll) Anthony Cecil unknown
Appleby, Jean 8-19-1984 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 17 Richard Burnham Dec 29, 2018 D
Armentrout, Donnell 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 24 Sherry Crenshaw Mar 22, 2021 W
Armentrout, Mary Nell 10-8-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 17 Carleton Dyer
Armentrout, Nicole 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 25 Sherry Crenshaw Apr 26, 2022 W
Ault, Mrs Edna 1-6-1918 (see West, Edna )
Ault, John Percy 1-4-1918 Bk 1 # 253 J. C. Marshall Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 57 in first rewritten roll)
(Possibly Jack Ault duplicated Bk 2 # 4 third rewritten roll)
B
Baer, Addie 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 223 W. Wootton Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Ballast, Miss Lula Ina 8-10 1930 Bk 2 # 42(3rd roll) F. W. Dibble Oct 30, 1932 RCC
Ballast, Mrs Myrtle 4-13-1930 Bk 2 # 41(3rd roll) F. W. Dibble Oct 30, 1932 RCC
Bankhead, Gina 5-22-2005 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 28 Gary Clark
Bankhead, Jonathan 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 4. Greg Edwards
Bankhead, Stacy 5-22-2005 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 27 Gary Clark
Barnes, John H. 7-5-1896. Bk 1 # 11 Henry A. Abney Sep, 1902 D
Barnes, Sallie C. 7-5-1896. Bk 1 # 12 Henry A. Abney Sep, 1905 D
Barroll. Mrs J. W, 4-28-1935 Bk 2 # 55(3rd roll) L. Murchinson Oct 19, 1941 C
Barry, Mary 7-2-1902 Bk 1 # 65 S. a. Humphreys Jul 18, 1904 C
Barry, W.O. 7-2 1902 Bk 1 # 64 S. A. Humphreys Mar, 1904 C
Barrow, Dorthea 6-1915 Bk 1 # 213 W. Wootton Apr 5, 1919 RCC
Barrow, Mrs. Susan 6-27-1915 Bk 1 # 217 W. Wootton Apr 5, 1919 RCC
Barrow, Vernon 6-1915 Bk 1 # 214 W. Wootton Apr 5, 1919 RCC
Beard, Jeremy 2-21-2010 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 13 Greg Edwards Jan 18, 2023 RQC
Beard, Melissa 2-21-2010 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 14 Greg Edwards Jan 18, 2023 RQC
Bearden, A. J. unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 22 Randopph Carrion Jul 4, 1994 D
Bearden, Mary unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 23 Randolph Carrion Sep 25, 2008 D
Beauchamp, Mary (Mrs. John) 4-7-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 10 Billie B. Bonner Sep 14, 1962 T
Belile, Robert 1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 32 R. E. Bishoff Jul 1961 D
Bellar, Ann E. 7-5 1896 Bk 1 # 14 Henry A. Abney Feb 9, 1900 D
Bellar, Charlie abt 1901 Bk 1 # 45 M. I. Brown Jun, 1905 RCC
Bellar, Mr. Charlie 2-5-1928 Bk 2 # 29 A. J. Frick unknown
Bellar, Della J. 7-5-1896. Bk 1 # 22 Henry A. Abney Sep 18, 1904 C
Bellar, Eva abt 1901 Bk 1 # 46 M. I. Brown Jun 24, 1914 C
Bellar, Miss Eva 3-28-1909 Bk 1 # 123 Geo H. Phair unknown
Bellar Obediah 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 16 Henry A. Abney Nov 17, 1919 RCC
Bennett, Mrs J. M. (Ann) 7-31-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 31 Billie B. Bonner Oct 9, 1960 T
Benoit, Deborah Marie 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 10 Earl A. McIntyre Mar 6, 1981 OD
(Transferred Back) 5-20-1984 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 16 Richard Burnham unknown CT
Benoit, Patsy (Gryder) 10-4-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 33 Billie B. Bonner Aug 13, 2000 T
Benoit, Rebecca Ann 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 11 Earl A. McIntyre unknown OD
(Transferred back) 7-31-1988 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 6 Carleton, Dyer unknown W
Benoit, Richard Lawrence 10-4-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 32 Billie B. Bonner Aug 13, 2000 T
Bibb, Barbara, J. 2-9-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 21 J. P. Adair Jun 11, 1976 D
Bibb, Jodie 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 8 Lewis Risinger Mar 18, 1989 OD
Bibb, Julie 4-2-1972 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 20 Earl A. McIntyre
Bibb, Lori 1978? Bk 3 p. 36 L. 7 Lewis Risinger
Bibb, Nathan 2-9-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 20 J. P. Adair Dec, 2016 D
Bieber, Albert 8-21-1977 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 18 Lewis Risinger
Bieber, Carl A. 8-21-1977 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 20 Lewis Risinger unknown CT
Bieber, D. George 8-21-1977 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 21 Lewis Risinger
Bieber, Marjorie 8-21-1977 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 19 Lewis Risinger Sep 24, 2020 D
Bishoff, E. R. 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 18 R. E. Bishoff unknown T
Bishoff, Mrs. R. E. 6-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 17 R. E. Bishoff unknown T
Bishoff, Robert E. Jr. 6-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 18 R. E. Bishoff unknown T
Blanch, Felix 6-4-1905. Bk 1 # 81 Alvin P. Bradford unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 7 first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 2 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 2 third rewritten roll)
(Blanch, Mrs. John R. Duplicated Bk 2 # 2 fourth written roll)
Blanch, John Cannon 6-27-1916 Bk 1 # 239 J. C. Marshall Oct 6, 1925 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 47 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 14 second written roll)
Blanch, John C. 8-27-1939 Bk 2 # 29 J. T, Campbell Oct 1972 D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 4)
Blanch, John R. 6-4-1905 Bk 1 # 80 Alvin P. Bradford Jan 16, 1939 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 6 first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 1 second written roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 1 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 1 (fourth rewritten roll)
Blanch, Miss Lenora 1912 Bk 2 # 17(1st roll)J. W, Bridges Oct 6, 1925 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 8 (second rewritten roll)
Blanch, Lenora 2-10-1939 BK 2 # 4(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Dec 8, 1977 D
(Halfacre, Mrs E. J. duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 11)
Blanch, Miss Willie 1912 Bk 2 # 18(1st roll)J. W. Bridges Oct 6, 1925 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 9 (second rewritten roll) Nov 17, 1947 D
Blanch, Virgil Richard. 6-28-1916 Bk 1 # 240 J. C. Marshall Oct 6, 1925 C
(duplicated. Bk 2 # 48 first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 15 second rewritten roll)
Blanch, Virgil R. 2-10-1939 Bk 2 # 3(4th roll) J. T, Campbell unknown
Blanch, W. E. 6-1900. Bk 1 # 31 W. A. Easterling Nov 10, 1901 RCC
Blanchard, Alice 9-25-1988 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 10 Carleton Dyer unknown OD
Blanchard, Buford unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 15 unknown May 20, 2000 CT
Blanchard, Sue unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 16 unknown May 20, 2000 CT
Blincoe, Donna—(see Bogan, Donna LaJuan)
Bogan, Donna LaJuan 6-20-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 8 Richard Hoopes Nov, 1972 CT
(Transferred back) unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 6 Randolph Carrion
Bogan, Janice Lynn 6-20-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 7 Richard Hoopes Nov, 1972 CT
Bogan, Jerry Wade 3-1970 Bk 3 p. 43 L. 5 William Raines unknown T
Bogan, Lucille 8-24-1922 Bk 2 # 78(1st roll) G. S. Bailey May, 1991 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 24 second written roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 16 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 5 fourth rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 2)
Bogan, Martha Ann 4-3-1955 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 35 Ben Allen Pierce Apr 20, 1965 T
Bogan, Mildred 6-27-1926 Bk 2 # 31(2nd roll) A. J. Frick unknown
(aka: Cupie) (duplicated Bk 2 # 15 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 6 fourth rewritten roll)
Bogan, Miriam 6-27-1926 Bk 2 # 32(2nd roll) A. J. Frick Oct 30 , 1932 RCC
(aka: Jack) (duplicated Bk 2 # 14 third rewritten roll)
(Presumed reinstated as Mrs. Dell Short Bk 3 p 18 L. 3 unknown date) Jun 1973 D
Bogan, Patsy ( Mrs. Ben) unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 30 Jan 1 1962 T
(Transferred back) 6-20-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 9 Richard Hoopes Nov, 1972 CT
(Transferred back) unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 33 Randolph Carrion unknown OD
Bond, Mrs. W. O Mar 29, 1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. W. P Bond Nov 20, 1963 ?
Bond, Ann (Mrs. Walter) 10-17-1954 Bk 3 p.20 L. 31 Ben Allen Pierce 1958/9 T
Bond, Doug 10-17-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 32 Ben Allen Pierce 1958/9 T
Bond, Walter 10-17-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 30 Ben Allen Pierce 1958/9 T
Bonner, Billie Bryan 9-27-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 26 Billie B. Bonner Dec, 1961 T
Bonner, Dauphine (Mrs. Louis) 1957 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 6 R. E. Bishoff 1961 T
(Transferred back) 3-10-2002. Bk 3 p. 44 L. 34 Willard Anderson Mar 29, 2020 D
Bonner, Jimmie (Mrs. B. B.) 9-27-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 25 Billie B. Bonner Jun 17, 1963 T
Bonner, Laquita 9-27-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L.
Borell, Corey unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 5 Sherry Crenshaw Mar, 2003 W
Borell, Nancy unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 6. Sherry Crenshaw Mar, 2003 W
Bowman, Joyce 5-11-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 23 Lewis Risinger unknown CT
Box, Chestine 4-10-1977 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 17 Lewis Risinger
Bradley, Jimmy 4-7-2013 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 16 Greg Edwards
Briggs, Robt Sylvester(Bobby) 2-23-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 5 Billie B. Bonner Mar 23, 1986 D
Brottem, Carley 5-21-2007 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 32 Betty Edwards
Brottem, Donica unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 4 Sherry Crenshaw Mar, 2021 W
Brottem, Ellie Jo 9-15-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 30 Carleton S. Dyer
Brottem, Gayla 9-15-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 31 Carleton S. Dyer
Brottem, Tamara 9-8-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 8 Douglas D. Smith
Brottem, Tim 9-8-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 9 Douglas D. Smith
Brown, Claude Bruce 9-25-1962. Bk 3 p. 28 L. 20 Billie B. Bonner Jun 18, 1969 T
Brown, Craig Alton 9-25-1962 Bk 3 p. 29 L. 22 Billie B. Bonner Jun 18, 1969 T
Brown, Mrs J. Paul 6-18-1968 Bk 3 P. 32 L. 16 J. Paul Brown unknown CT
Brown, Jo Edward 11-24 1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 13 J. P. Adair May 23, 1971 T
Brown, Michael Aaron 9-25-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 23 Billie B. Bonner Jun 18, 1969 T
Brown Ruth A. (Mrs. C. B.) 9-25-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 21 Billie B. Bonner Jun 18, 1969 T
Brown, Ruthell L. 9-25-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 24 Billie B. Bonner Jun 18, 1969 T
Browning, Juanita 7-22-1920 Bk 2 # 69(1st roll) Marion J. Browning unknown
Browning, Marion J. 3-12-1920 Bk 2 # 67(1st roll) Marion J. Browning Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Browning Mrs M. 3-12-1920 Bk 2 # 68(1st roll) Marion J. Browning Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Broussard, Carolyn 10-7-2007 Bk 3 p. 48 L.1 Betty Edwards Jan 18, 2023 RQC
Broussard, Hawthorn J. 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 35(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 21)
Broussard, Becky Ann—(see Benoit, Rebecca Ann)
Broussard, Debbie—(see Benoit, Deborah Marie)
Bryant, J. A. 8-10-1919 Bk 1 # 260 W. E. Hassler Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 61 in first rewritten roll)
Bryant, Mrs. J. A. 8-10-1919. Bk 1 # 261 W. E. Hassler Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 62 in first rewritten roll)
Bryant James A. Jr. 8-10-1919 Bk 1 # 262 W. E. Hassler Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 63 in first rewritten roll)
Budd, Debbie 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 20 Richard Burnham
Budd, Jamie 3-27-1988 Bk 3 p.40 L. 2 Carleton Dyer unknown T
Budd, Joe 10-4-2022 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 27 Marty Boddie
Budd, Julie 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 39 L. 25 Richard Burnham
Burns, Lisa 4-27-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 12 Douglas D. Smith
Butler, Edith 8-10-1907 Bk 1 # 105 F. O. Favre unknown
Butler, Martha I. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 15 Henry A. Abney Nov 17, 1919 RCC
Byrom. Gwendolyn Dianne 3-23-1961 Bk 3 p.28 L. 1 Billie B. Bonner Apr 1967 RQC
Byrom, Judy 4-30 1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 11 Billie B. Bonner 1963 OD
Byrom, Russell Wayne 3-23-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 2 Billie B. Bonner Apr 1967 RQC
C
Cabell, Emily 8-19-1984 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 18 Richard Burnham Feb, 1990 D
Campbell, Miss Ann Lou 8-21-1932 Bk 2 # 47(3rd roll) J. D. Wallace unknown
Campbell, Mrs. T. P. 7-2-1931 Bk 2 # 44(3rd roll) T. P. Hendrick unknown
Carpenter, Louise(Mrs. Bill) 5-18-1952 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 13 W. P. Bond Apr, 1967 RQC
(duplicated as reinstated 1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 35 R. E. Bishoff)
Carreon, Gabriel 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 32 Sherry Crenshaw Oct 17, 2000 CT
Carreon, Josh 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 35 Sherry Crenshaw Oct 17, 2000 CT
Carreon, Nancy 2000 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 17 Sherry Crenshaw Oct 17, 2000 CT
Carrion, Christi unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 25 Randolph Carrion unknown T
Carrion, Megan unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 26 Randolph Carrion unknown T
Carrion, Rene unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 24 Randolph Carrion unknown T
Caylor, G. T, 6-27-1915 Bk 1 # 218 W. Wootton unknown
(Possibly G. F. Caylor duplicated Bk 2 # 32 in first rewritten roll Nov 2, 1924 D)
Caylor, Mrs. G. F. 6-27-1915 Bk 2 # 33 (1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 D
Caylor, Mrs. N. L. 6-27-1915 Bk 1 # 219 W. Wootton unknown
Cervantes, Christie 8-28-1977 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 22 Lewis Risinger Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Charipot, Vines F. 7-5-1896. Bk 1 # 26 Henry A. Abney May 7, 1905 RCC
Chisum, Clyde C. 11-8-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 32 Billie B. Bonner Dec 16, 1963 T
Chisum, Mrs C. C. (Vera H. ) 11- 8-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 33 Billie B. Bonner Dec 16, 1963 T
Chisum, Lynda Lois 11-8-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 34 Billie B. Bonner Dec 16, 1963 T
Chisum, Vera Alice 11-8-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 35 Billie B. Bonner Dec 26, 1963 T
Clark, Barbara 6-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 18 Gary Clark Jun, 2005 CT
Clark, Davis 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 220 W. Wootton Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Clark, Mrs. Helen 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 221 W. Wootton Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Clarke, Mrs. N. J. 3-21-1909 Bk 1 # 118 Geo H. Phair Dec 1, 1928 W
(duplicated. Bk 2 # 14 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 6 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 23 third rewritten roll)
Coffey, Stanley 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 222 W. Wootton Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated. Bk 2 #34 in first rewritten roll
Coffey, Mrs. Finley 6-27-1915. Bk 2 # 28(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Coffey, John 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 224 W. Wootton Nov 2, 1924 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 35 in first rewritten roll)
Coffey, Mrs. John 6-27-1915. Bk 2 # 24(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 C
Cole, Mrs. Lora 7-1914 Bk 2 # 20(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Coleman, Mrs. Eva 4-1906 Bk 1 # 88 F. O. Favre Jan 17, 1916 RCC
Collier, Bessie 9-1899. Bk 1 # 30 K. P. Barton Aug, 1905 C
Collier, Claud V. 11-8-1918 Bk 1 # 259 J. C. Marshall unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 58 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 18 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 18 third written roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 9 fourth rewritten roll)
Collier, Lelia J. 5-3-1908 Bk 1 # 115 Geo H. Phair unknown
Collier, Valentine 7-1908 Bk 1 # 116 Geo H. Phair Jan 2, 1944 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 13 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 5 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 5 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated) Bk 2 # 7 fourth rewritten roll)
Collier, Mrs, Valentine 4-21-1918 Bk 2 # 19 (second rewritten roll; see Harrison, Claris B.)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 6 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 8 fourth rewritten roll) unknown
Collier, William T. 9-1899. Bk 1 # 29 K. P. Barton Aug, 1905 C
Collins, Robert 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 35 Willard Anderson unknown T
Comeaux, Carol unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 18 unknown 2007 CT
Comeaux, Greg unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 19 unknown 2007 CT
Conklin, Miss Charlene 8-25-1935 Bk 2 # 56(3rd roll) L. Murchinson Oct 16, 2011 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 10 fourth written roll)
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 6 as Charlene Sherman)
Conklin, Miss Cornelia unknown Bk 2 # 17 unknown unknown D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 11 fourth rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 20 l. 6)
Conklin, Miss Lillian 1-11-1920 Bk 2 # 66(1st roll) W. E. Hassler 1961 T
(duplicated Bk 2 # 12 fourth written roll)
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 26 L. 26—see Guedry, Miss Lillian Conklin)
Conklin, Mr. Walter 1-2-1921 Bk 2 # 73(1st roll) Marion J. Browning unknown D
Cooley, Mrs. Christina 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 13 R. E. Bishoff Jul 1967 D
Cooley, Mr. Jake 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 14 R. E. Bishoff Sep, 1976 D
Copeland, Julie Ann (Tansferred back—See Granger, Julie Ann)
Copeland, Melody 8-26-1990 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 21 Randolph Carrion unknown CT
(Transferred back) 11-6-2005 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 17 Betty Edwards
Coppock, Corley D. 12-5-1915 Bk 1 # 227 J. C. Marshall Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Corbello, Debra unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 27 Randolph Carrion
Corbello, Regan unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 28 Randolph Carrion
Cotten, Katelyn 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 23 Sherry Crenshaw 1998 CT
Cotten, Sharon unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 29 Randolph Carrion unknown CT
Courts, Alvin 10-26-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 20 Ben Allen Pierce 1963 T
Courts, Mr. Kalvin 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 12 R. E. Bishoff unknown T
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 26 L. 19 )
Courts, Shirley Faye (Mrs Alvin) 10-26-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 21 Ben Allen Pierce 1958 T
Cousins, Walter or Weldon 4-18-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 4 Richard Hoopes Apr. 1967 RQC
Cousins, Mrs. Walter(Francis) 4-18-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 5 Richard Hoopes Apr, 1967 RQC
Covington, Mrs. Effie 3-2-1917 Bk 1 # 248 J. C. Marshall Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 52 in first rewritten roll)
D
Daigle, Lorena 6-1915 Bk 1 # 216 W. Wootton Apr 5, 1919 RCC
Daily, Mr. C. C. 2-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 29 R. E. Bishoff Jun 12, 1960 T
Daily, Mrs. C. C. 2-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 30 R. E. Bishoff Jun 12, 1960 T
Daily. Louella 2-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 31 R. E. Bishoff Jun 12, 1960 T
Daniels, Miriam unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 30 Randolph Carrion Oct, 2004 CT
Denny, Mrs. Nellie 3-21-1909 Bk 1 # 119 GeoH. Phair unknown
Denton, Mrs Georgia 10-20-1906 Bk 1 # 96 F. O. Favre Jan , 1916 RCC
Dishman, Gene 1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 33 Cal Kelly
Dishman, Laura 1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 34 Cal Kelly
Doyen, Daniel 1995 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 23 Randolph Carrion Apr 11, 2009 OD
Doyen, Devon 1995 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 24 Randolph Carrion Mar, 2021 W
Dugas, Thelma 9-11-1988 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 9 Carleton Dyer Aug, 1993 D
Dunshie, M. E. abt 1900. Bk 1 # 34 Easterling or Brown Sep 1, 1905 C
Dunshie, W. E. abt 1900 Bk 1 # 35 “ Sep 1, 1905 C
Dunshie, Jas. abt 1900. Bk 1 # 36 “ Sep 1, 1905 C
Dunshie, Wilton abt 1900 Bk 1 # 37 “ Sep 1, 1905 C
Dunshie, Ray abt 1900. Bk 1 # 38 “ Sep 1, 1905 C
Durison, Othelia 11-20-1904 Bk 1 # 79 Alvin P. Bradford Mar 1906 W
Dyer, Angela 6-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 28 Carleton S. Dyer Nov, 1993 T
Dyer, Audrey 6-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 27 Carleton S. Dyer Nov, 1989 T
E
East, Mrs. John 8-1934 Bk 2 # 50(3rd roll) Geo D. Loden unknown
East, Miss Willene 8-2-1932 Bk 2 # 49(3rd roll) J. D. Wallace Oct, 1976 D
(Duplicate reinstate 1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 34 R. E. Bishoff )
Ellerbee, Herbert Sherman 4-10-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 18 Billie B. Bonner Oct 11, 1961 T
Ellerbee, Mr. L. L. (Leroy) 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 22 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Ellerbee, Mrs. L. L. (Shirley) 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 23 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Enderle, Carla Ann 8-3-2003 bk 3 p. 46 L. 19 Gary Clark
Eshliman, Frank unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 28 unknown May 21, 2003 CT
Eshliman, Karen unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 29 unknown May 21, 2003 CT
Etgen, Charlene unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 12 Sherry Crenshaw Aug, 2005 W
Etgen, Charlie unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 11 Sherry Crenshaw Aug, 2005 W
F
Finley, Pauline 10-1-1939 BK 2 # 47(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Nov 23, 1940 C
Flannegan, John D. 11-13-1918 Bk 1 # 258 J. C. Marshall Oct 13, 1919 C
Flannegan, S. R. 11-13-1918 Bk 1 # 256 J. C. Marshall Oct 13, 1919 C
Flannegan, Mrs. S. R. 11-13-1918 Bk 1 # 257 J. C. Marshall Oct 13, 1919 C
Fontenot, Larry Dale 6-8-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 25 J. Paul Brown May 7, 1981 OD
Ford, William W. 11-20-1904 Bk 1 # 77 Alvin P. Bradford
Foster, Hannah Ruth 6-12-2005 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 29 Betty Edwards May 12, 2021 W
Freeman, Kerry Lynn 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 29 Sherry Crenshaw Mar, 2003 CT
G
Gallier, Mrs. Nora abt 1900 Bk 1 # 33 Easterling or Brown May, 7, 1905 RCC
Gandell, Darthy 9-23-1934 Bk 2 # 52(3rd roll) Geo D. Loden unknown
Gandell, Jessie Lee 9-23-1934 Bk 2 # 53(3rd roll) Geo D. Loden unknown
Garrison, Cynthia Bowman 8-19-2007 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 34 Betty Edwards
Garrison, Marc 8-19-2007 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 35 Betty Edwards Feb 27, 2021 W
Gaspard, Darla unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 32 Randolph Carrion unknown CT
Gaspard, Jerry unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 31 Randolph Carrion unknown CT
Giddeon, Miss Maureen 9-27-1940 Bk 2 3 55(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Sep, 1941 C
Giese, Art 4-4-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 6 Billie B. Bonner Apr, 1967 RQC
Giese, Helen (Mrs. Art) 4-4-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 7 Billie B. Bonner Apr, 1967 RQC
Gilmore, Alex 3-29-1908 Bk 1 # 112 Geo H. Phair unknown
Granger, Ann (Mrs. Ben F.) (duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 15—see Miller, Annie Ezella)
Granger, Ben F. 4-9-1949 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 5 W. P. Bond Apr, 1992 D
Granger, Benita 5-11-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 22 J. Paul Brown 2-18-1981 CT
Granger, Mr. B. L. (Buster) 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 10 R. E. Bishoff 1999 D
Granger, Carol Ann 4-7-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 2 Billie B. Bonner
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 30 L. 19)
Granger, Helen Jane 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 8 R. E. Bishoff Jul 7, 2012 D
Granger, Joyce Lynn 4-17-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 17 Billie B. Bonner unknown T
Granger, Julie Ann 4-17-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 16 Billie B. Bonner unknown T
(Transferred back) 8-26-1990 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 20 Randolph Carrion
Granger, Martha Jane 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 11 R. E. Bishoff Jan 1, 1982 OD
Granger, Peggy 5-11-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 23 J. Paul Brown
Granger, Terry Lee 4-7-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 16 Billie B. Bonner
Granger, Thomas Scott 9-28-1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 9 R. E. Bishoff unknown T
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 32 L. 10 )
Gray, Mr. 7-22-1920 Bk 2 # 70(1st roll) Marion J. BrowningNov 2, 1924 RCC
Gray, Mrs. 7-22-1920 Bk 2 # 71(1st roll) Marion J. BrowningNov 2, 1924 RCC
Grayson, Mrs. Beulah 8-4-1928 Bk 2 # 37(3rd roll) A. J. Frick unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 13 fourth rewritten roll)
Grayson, Miss Elaine 8-1930 Bk 2 # 43(3rd roll) F. W. Dibble Jul, 1942 W
(duplicated Bk 2 # 14 fourth rewritten roll)
Gregory, Annie 8-10-1907 Bk 1 # 108/9 F. O. Favre unknown
Gregory. Miss Alexine 7-3-1931 Bk 2 # 45(3rd roll) T. P. Hendrick unknown
Guajardo, Brenda (Leger)1973 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 1 Cal Kelly Oct 30, 1991 RQC Guajardo, LeRoy 1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 35 Cal Kelly Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Guedry, Lillian Conklin (reinstated 4-30 1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 26-see Conklin, Miss Lillian)
Guidry, E. 8-24-1922 Bk 2 3 79(1st roll) G. S Bailey Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Guidry, Mrs. Floyd 2-27-1944 Bk 2 # 62(4th roll) A. Franks unknown
Gustine, Mr.. Ben R. 8-27-1939 Bk 2 # 30(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 14, 1942 C
Gustine, Mrs. Ben R. 8-27-1939 Bk 2 # 31(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 14, 1942 C
H
Halfacre, Mr. E. J. 2-26-1939 Bk 2 # 4 1/2(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Feb 5, 1978 D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 12)
Halfacre, Lenora (Mrs. E J.) (duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L.11-see Blanch, Lenora)
Hamilton, Ora 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 20 Henry A. Abney May 7, 1905 RCC
Hamilton, Herschel E. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 21 Henry A. Abney May 7, 1905 RCC
Hamlet, C. B. 8-10-1907 Bk 1 # 107 F. O. Favre unknown
Hamlet, Mrs. Pauline 7-4-1906 Bk 1 # 91 F. O. Favre Jul 6, 1919 C
Hamlet, W. R. 8-10-1907 Bk 1 # 106 F. O. Favre unknown
Hardee, Mr. S. J. 1-25-1938 Bk 2 # 15(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Hardee, Mrs. S. J. 1-25-1938 Bk 2 # 16(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Harris, Mary 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 27 Henry A. Abney Apr, 1899 C
Harrison, Arthur abt 1901 Bk 1 # 54 M. I. Brown May 7, 1905 RCC
Harrison, Mrs Claris B4-21-1918 Bk 1 # 254 J. C. Marshall unknown
(Possibly Mrs.Valentine Collier Bk 2 # 59 in first rewritten roll)
Harrison, Dollie abt 1901 Bk 1 # 53 M. I. Brown May 7, 1905 RCC
Haskett, Adam 3-20-2005 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 25 Gary Clark Jun 16, 2013 CT
Haskett, Andrea 4-4-2004 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 22 Gary Clark Jun 16, 2013 CT
Haskett, Brady 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 5. Greg Edwards Jun 16, 2013 CT
Hassler, Mrs. W. E, 2-19-1919 Bk 1 # 255 W. E. Hassler Nov 2, 1924 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 60 in first rewritten roll)
Hazelwood, Mrs. J. L. 1957 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 3 R. E. Bishoff unknown OD
Hazelwood, John William 3-18-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 16 Billie B. Bonner 1998 RQC
Hazelwood, Melissa Sue 6-6-1982 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 8 Richard Burnham 1998 RQC
Hebert, Grady unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 30 unknown Oct 10, 2004 RQC
Hebert, Jan unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 31 unknown Oct 10, 2004 RQC
Hedgepelh, Ms. Jeffie 5-1908 Bk 1 # 97 F. O. Favre June 22, 1908 C
Heitkamp, Orville Roy 3-14-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 7 Billie B. Bonner Apr, 1967 RQC
Heitkamp, Patsy Ellen 3-13-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 8 Billie B. Bonner Apr, 1967 RQC
Helms, G. W. 2-1904 Bk 1 # 71 Alvin P. Bradford 1905 W
Helms, Mrs. G. W. 2-1904 Bk 1 # 72 Alvin P. Bradford unknown D
Herrera, David 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 34 Sherry Crenshaw Oct 17, 2000 CT
Herrera, Sofia 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 33 Sherry Crenshaw Oct 17, 2000 CT
Hidalgo, Phillip J. 3-7-1982 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 6 Richard Burnham unknown OD
Higginbotham, Patsy—(see Bogan, Patsy)
Holland, J. C. 7-12-1900 Bk 1 # 32 W. A. Easterling May 7, 1905 RCC
Hood, Mrs,. Jack 1957 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 1 R. E. Bishoff 1985 D
Hood, Geraldine 2-23-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 22 J. P. Adair unknown CT
Hood, Lloyd 1957 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 2 R. E. Bishoff May 1970 D
Hood, Mrs. Lloyd (Sarah) 3-27-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 9 Billie B. Bonner Nov 17, 1962 D
Hood, Sarah Ann 5-27-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 31 Noah McCain 2017 D
Hood, Theresa 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 10 Lewis Risinger unknown CT
Hoopes, Carolyn (Mrs. Richard) 7-12-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 28 Richard Hoopes 1966 T
Huff, Barbara unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 7 Randolph Carrion Mar, 2021 W
Huff, Harold unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 8 unknown Mar, 2021 W
I
Imes, Mrs. Addie 10-15=1916 Bk 1 # 244 J. C. Marshall Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Inman, Freda 2-20-1916 Bk 1 # 235 J. C. Marshall May, 1920 C
( duplicated Bk 2 # 43 in first rewritten roll)
Inman, Katie 2-20-1916 Bk 1 # 236 J. C. Marshall unknown
Inman, Walter 2-20-1916 Bk 1 # 233 J. C, Marshall May, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 41 in first rewritten roll)
Inman, Mrs. Walter 2-20-1916 Bk 1 # 234 J. C. Marshall May, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 42 in first rewritten roll)
J
Jacobs, JoAnne 1-1976 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 6 Lewis Risinger Jul 18, 1982 CT
Jacobs, Rhonda 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 9 Lewis Risinger Sep, 1981OD
Jenkins, Arthur L. 11-4-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 32 Billie B. Bonner Sep 12, 1987 D
Johnson, Mrs Hattie 5-1907 Bk 1 # 113 F. O. Favre unknown
Johnson, Steven 1986 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 32 Carleton S. Dyer Oct 10, 2004 RQC
Johnston, Sydney 12-10-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 18 John C Wills, II 1999 D
Jones, Carrie Bell 11-20-1904 Bk 1 # 76 Alvin P. Bradford Jan 7, 1916 C
Jones, Cora Estell 11-20-1904 Bk 1 # 75 Alvin P. Bradford Nov 17, 1919 RCC
Jones, Georgie 7-17-1904 Bk 1 # 73 Alvin P. Bradford Nov 17, 1919 RCC
Jones, J. C. 1-1904 Bk 1 # 69 Alvin p. Bradford Nov 17, 1919 RCC
Jones, Mr. J. L. abt 1938 Bk 2 # 17 (4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Jones, Mrs. J. L. abt 1938 Bk 2 # 18 (4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Jones, Lyle abt1901 Bk 1 # 52 M. I. Brown Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Jones, Manta E. 6-1902 Bk 1 # 66 S. A. Humphreys unknown
(Possibly Mrs. W. W. Jones Bk 2 # 5 first rewritten roll Nov 2, 1924 RCC)
Jones, R. R 6-7-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 25 J. P. Adair Apr, 1967 RQC
Jones, Mrs. R. R. (Nola Slack-Prudhome) 6-7-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 26 J. P. Adair 20__ D Jones, Royce 6-1901 Bk 1 # 51 M. I. Brown Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 4 first rewritten roll)
Jones, Mrs. Royce 6-27-1915 Bk 2 # 25(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Jordan, Kathy Louise 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 12 Esrl A. McIntyre Oct 30 1991 RQC
K
Kelly, Kristina 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 29 Cal Kelly Jun, 1975 CT
Kennedy, Miss I. J. (Dr.) 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 24 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Key, Deborah 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 23 Cal Kelly Jun 8, 1980 T
Key, Mr. John H. 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 l. 7 Earl A. McIntyre Jun 8, 1980 T
Key, Mrs. John H. ( Ola LaNelle) 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 8 Earl A. McIntyre Jun 8, 1980 T
Key. William R. 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 24 Cal Kelly Dec 29, 1980 T
Kitchen, Miss Celeste 9-18-1932 Bk 2 # 48(3rd roll) J. D. Wallace Dec 23, 1934 C
Kirby, Timothy 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 3 Henry A. Abney unknown D
Kirby, Mrs. S. 8-18-1907 Bk 1 # 110 F. O. Favre unknown
Kirby, Sallie E. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 4 Henry A. Abney Oct, 1906 C
Kirby, John W. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 5 “ Nov. 1 1902 D
Kirby, Lizie 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 6 “ Oct, 1906 C
Kolander, Mother 9-29-1940 Bk 2 # 56(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Kolander, Mrs.(J. L.) Celia Faye 7-21-1968 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 17 J. Paul Brown Aug 7, 1981 W
Kolander, Cleffie 7-10-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 19 Billie B. Bonner
(Duplicated Bk 3 p. 36 L. 26)
Kolander, Colt 10-2-2022 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 25 Marty Boddie
Kolander, Gerald Wayne 4-17-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 15 Billie B. Bonner 2015 D
Kolander, John Lawrence 5-20-1951 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 9 W. P. Bond Jan 5, 2021 D
Kolander, Mrs. Johnny unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 10 1997 D
(Possibly Mother Kolander above ???)
Kolander, Kassie 3-24-2002 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 33 Willard Anderson
Kolander, Katrina unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 34 Randolph Carrion
Kolander, Lillian Marie 6-6-1982 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 9 Richard Burnham
Kolander, Mollie Sue 3-29-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 15 W. P. Bond unknown CT
Kolander, Ronald 3-29-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 14 W. P. Bond May 13, 2021 D
Kolander, Rowland Brett 8-24-1980 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 3 ??
Kolander, Stacey 3-24-2002 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 32 Willard Anderson
Kolander, Sue (Mrs. Gerald) 1974 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 2 Cal Kelly Mar 4, 1987 CT
Kolander, Todd unknown Bk 3 p. 40 L. 35 Randolph Carrion
Koons, Barbara 5-20-1984 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 15 Richard Burnham 1999 CT
Kotz, LillIan Webb (Mrs. Zerel) 12-19-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 33 Billie B. Bonner Jul ,1961 T
(Transferred back) 11-12-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 13 Billie B. Bonner Apr, 1967 RQC
Kotz, Zerel Richard 2-20-1961 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 34 Billie B. Bonner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 11-12- 1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 12 Billie B. Bonner Apr. 1967 RQC
Kuebodeaux, Andre’ 4-2-1972 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 21 Earl A. McIntyre
Kuebodeaux, Renee 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 9 Earl A. McIntyre
Kuebodeaux, Ronald 8-30-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 35 Earl A. McIntyre Dec 10, 2021 D
Kuebodeaux, Dean 8-30-1970 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 1 Earl A. McIntyre Jan 17, 2022 D
L
Laidacker, Ada 6-4-1905 Bk 1 # 82 Alvin P. Bradford Oct 21, 1918 D
Laidacker, Annie 11-15, 1950 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 8 W. P. Bond unknown D
Laidacker, Miss Blanch 7-1929 Bk 2 # 39(3rd roll) Walter Moore Jul, 1961 T
(duplicated Bk 2 # 19 fourth rewritten roll)
(Seaburg, Blanch (Mrs. Ivan) duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 16)
Laidacker, David Burrell 4-1-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 11 L. F. Moorman Sep 3, 1963 T
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 30 L. 8)
Laidacker, Gary Wayne 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 13 Earl A. McIntyre Oct 5, 1978 W
Laidacker, Jolene 3-22-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 24 J. P. Adair Sep. 1990 T
Laidacker, Michael 6-1948 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 1 W. P. Bond Oct 31, 1991 RQC
Laidacker, Nelson 7-1941 Bk 2 # 57(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Apr 21, 1988 D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 14 )
Laidacker, Rosemary 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 21 R. E. Bishoff Oct 30 , 1991 RQC
Laidacker, Ruth 7-20-1917 Bk 1 # 252 J. C. Marshall Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 56 in first rewritten roll)
Laidacker, Ruth, (possibly reinstated abt 1938) Bk 2 # 19 1/2(4th roll) J. T. Campbell 2000 D
(Listed Mackan, Ruth (Mrs. Blake) duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 9)
Laidacker, Willora (Mrs. Nelson) unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 13 Sep 28, 1980 OD
Laird, Flora 6-25-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 27 Noah McCain Mar 1, 1989 W
Lawson, Jake 10-19-2014 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 20 John Montgomery Jan 18, 2023 RQC
Lawson, Julie 10-19-2014 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 21 John Montgomery Jan 18, 2023 RQC
LeDoux, Dana Ann 7-31-1988 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 8 Carleton Dyer unknown OD
Lee, Billie 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 1 Willard Anderson. Jul 15, 2024 D
Lee, Jack 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 2 Willard Anderson Apr 20, 2023 D
Leger, Brenda 4-18-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 3 Richard Hoopes unknown C
(See Guajuardo, Brenda Bk 3 p. 36 L. 1)
Leger, Mrs. Harry (reinstate 1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 34 R. E. Bishoff—see East, Miss Willene)
Lemons, Henrietta 5-18-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 14 Douglas D. Smith unknown W
Lemons, Steve 5-18-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 13 Douglas D. Smith unknown W
Linscomb, Mrs. Joan 6-1915 Bk 1 # 215 W. Wootton unknown
(Possibly Mrs. John Linscomb Bk 2 # 31 in first rewritten roll Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Lisle, Clyde 3-20-2005 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 26 Gary Clark Dec. 2005 CT
Lisle, Deanna 10-13-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 11 Douglas D. Smith Dec, 2005 CT
Lisle, Keith 10-13-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 10 Douglas D. Smith Dec, 2005 CT
Loeb, Jolynda 11-23-1986 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 33 Carleton S. Dyer unknown OD
Loeb, Kristen 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 22 Sherry Crenshaw unknown W
Long, Beatrice 7-1-1979 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 1 Noah McCain 2000 D
Long, Cecile 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 3 Willard Anderon May, 2003 W
Long, Cynthia 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 11 Lewis Risinger 20?? D
Long, Jay unknown Bk 3 p. 32 L. 14 James Bauman Mar 18, 1989 CT
Long, Jay, Jr. 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 12 Lewis Risinger Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Long, Mrs. Jay unknown Bk 3 p. 32 L. 15 James Bauman Mar 18, 1989 CT
Lucas, Carlos Neil 4-18-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 2 Richard Hoopes Apr 25 1989 W
Lucas, Deborah Marie 4-18-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 1 Richard Hoopes Mar 8, 2021 W
Lucas, Jane (Mrs. Tommy) 7-12-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 30 Richard Hoopes Mar 8, 2021 W
Lucas, Jeri 5-11-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 24 J. Paul Brown Mar, 2004 W
Lucas, Linda Kay 4-18-1965 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 35 Richard Hoopes Mar 8, 2021 W
Lucas, Tommy R. 7-12-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 29 Richard Hoopes unknown D
Lynch, Mr. John N. 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 42(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 7, 1940 C
Lynch, Mrs John N. 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 43(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 7, 1940 C
Lynch, John N., Jr. 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 44(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 7, 1940 C
Lynch, Robert Albert 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 45(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 7, 1940 C
Lynch, Turney 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 46(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 7, 1940 C
Lyon. Mrs. Effie 8-4-1907 Bk 1 # 101 F. O. Favre unknown
M
MacDougal, Robert “Mac” 5-21-2007 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 33 Betty Edwards Jan 18, 2023 RQC
Mackan, Betty Anna 3-29-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 16 W. P. Bond Dec 4, 2019 D
Mackan, Brandon 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 22 Richard Burnham May, 2003 OD
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 42 L. 1)
Mackan, Dana 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 13 Lewis Risinger Mar, 2003 OD
Mackan, Deanie 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 21 Richard Burnham 2014 D
Mackan, Richard 3-29-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 17 W. P. Bond
Mackan , Ruth (Mrs. Blake-duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 9—See Laidacker, Ruth)
Marcantel, David Lee 10-4-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 34 Billie B. Bonner Feb 6, 1964 T
Marcantel, Virginia Ann (Dawson) Bk 3 p. 28 L. 35 Billie B. Bonner Feb 6, 1964 T
Marshall, Deba 1-17-1916 Bk 1 # 230 J. C. Marshall Dec 1, 1916 C
Martin, Betty Ann 2-13-1980 Bk 3 p. 38 L. William W. Martin Jun 15, 1980 CT
McCain, John M. 9-17-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 25 Noah McCain Aug 31, 1980 CT
McCain, Thelma 9-17-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 24 Noah McCain Oct 14, 1979 C
McClammy, James H. 3-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 7 L. F. Moorman abt 1957/8 T
McClammy, Jean(Mrs. J. ) 3-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 8 L. F. Moorman abt 1957/8 T
McCowan, E. S. 8-10-1924 Bk 2 # 83(1st roll) S. W. Stokely Nov 6, 1962 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 27 second rewritten roll)
(spelled McCowen duplicated Bk 2 # 21 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 22 fourth rewritten roll)
( spelled McCown duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 7)
McCowan, Nannie Belle 8-10-1924 Bk 2 # 84(1st roll( S. W. Stokely Mar 12, 1951 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 28 second rewritten roll)
(Spelled McCowen duplicated Bk 2 # 22 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 23 fourth rewritten roll)
McCown, Alfred 8-25-1935 Bk 2 # 57(3rd roll) L. Murchinson Sep. 1983 D
(Spelled McCowan duplicated Bk 2 # 24 fourth rewritten roll)
(Spelled McCown duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 8)
McCown, Allen 7-21-1968 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 18 J. Paul Brown Jun 8, 1980 CT
McCown, Billie (Mrs. Ward) unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 22 unknown D
McCown, Celia Mae(Mrs. L.A. ) 1-24-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 23 Ben Allen Pierce Oct 7, 2006 D
McCown, Dana 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 26 Cal Kelly Jun 8, 1980 CT
McCown, Melvin 1-24-1954 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 22 Ben Allen Pierce Oct 31, 1991 RQC
McCown, Leslie 7-21 1939 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 23 Ben Allen Pierce ? 2015 D
(possibly reinstated 4-20-1960 ?)
McCown, Leslie Alvin 1-24-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 22 Ben Allen Pierce 1999 D
McCown, Perry Lynn 1-24-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 24 Ben Allen Pierce
McCown, Russell 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 25 Cal Kelly Jun 8, 1980 T
McCown, Ward unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 23 Aug 20, 1987 D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 30 L. 1)
McDonald, Katie Mackan1-31-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 25 Ben Allen Pierce Jun, 1963 D
McGill, Ruth 3-27-1988 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 3 Carleton Dyer Jun, 1989 OD
McIntyre, Bonnie Jean ^-14-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 28 Earl A. McIntyre Jan 21, 1973 CT
McIntyre, Mrs. Earl A. (Shirley) 6-14-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 27 Earl A McIntyre Jan 21, 1973 CT
McIntyre, Linda Kay 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 14 Earl A. McIntyre Jan 21, 1973 CT
McIntyre, Pamela Ann 6-14-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 29 Earl A. McIntyre Jan 21, 1973 CT
Melton, Mary Ann 1987 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 35 Carleton S. Dyer Oct, 1990 T
Melton, Tiffany 5-3-1987 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 1 Carleton Dyer Oct, 1990 T
Miller, Annie Ezella abt 1938 Bk 2 # 21(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Oct 5, 2014 D
(Granger, Ann (Mrs Ben F.) duplicate Bk 3 p. 18 L. 15 )
Miller, Bobby 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 26 R. E. Bishoff
Miller, Bonnie Jo 3-29-1953 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 18 W. P. Bond Sep 3, 1971 T
Miller, Brenda Jean 5-8-1960 Bk 3 p. 27 L. 28 Billie B. Bonner Jan 6, 1980 CT
Miller, Brian Wesley 5-8-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 27 Billie B. Bonner Oct 31, 1991 RQC
Miller, Brooks 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 27 R. E. Bishoff unknownT
Miller, George abt 1938 Bk 2 # 20(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Apr, 2004 D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 34)
Miller, Mrs. George (Doris E.) 1-3-1965 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 31 Richard Hoopes Sep, 1990 OD
Miller, Jimmy 4-8-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 13 L. F. Moorman Ap 12, 1964 T
Miller, Louise (Mrs. George) unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 35 Nov 1, 1956 D
Miller, Lucille V. Cotten 3-23-1961. Bk 3 p. 28 L. 3 Billie B. Bonner 1963 OD
Minter, John M. III 2-23-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 19 J. Paul Brown Sep 28, 1980 OD
Minter, Mrs. John M. III 2-23-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 20 J. Paul Brown Sep 28, 1980 OD
Mitchell, Brian G. 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 15 Earl A. McIntyre Jan 18, 1987 W
Mitchell, Loucille C. (Mrs. Tobe) 4-7-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 5 Billie B. Bonner Mar 16, 1971 T
Mitchell, Sue (Mrs. Tommie) 3-25-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 17 Billie B. Bonner 0ct 3. 1976 T
Mitchell, Tommie Sue 4-7-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 3 Billie B. Bonner
Mitchum, Irene Marie 8-3-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 20 Gary Clark unknown D
Mobley, Richard 4-1990 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 19 Randolph Carrion unknown CT
Moore, Mr. O. P. 1928 Bk 2 # 7(3rd roll) A. J. Frick Oct 30, 1832 C
Moore, Mrs. O. P. 1928 Bk 2 # 8(3rd roll) A. J. Frick Oct 30, 1932 C
Moore, O. P., Jr. 7-31-1931 Bk 2 # 46(3rd roll) T. P. Hendrick Oct 30, 1932 C
Moorman, Lloyd 6-1955 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 1 L. F. Moorman 1956 T
Moorman, Mrs. Lloyd 6-1955 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 2 L. F. Moorman 1956 T
Morgan, Chris 5-15-1988 Bk 3 P. 40 L. 4 Carleton Dyer Jun, 2003 OD
Morgan, Jayne 1995 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 25 Randolph Carrion Jun, 2003 OD
Morgan, JoAnna 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 21 Sherry Crenshaw Jun, 2003 OD
Morgan, Patti 5-15-1988 Bk 3 P. 40 L. 5 Carleton Dyer Jun, 2003 OD
Morris, Kristi unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 7 Sherry Crenshaw Oct 10, 2004 RQC
Mounier, Mrs. Carol Lynn 8-2-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 l. 34 Earl A. McIntyre unknown CT
N
Neff, Blanche Elizabeth 1-30-1916 Bk 1 # 231 J. C. Marshall Jan 28, 1919 C
Neff, Henry S. 7-20-1917 Bk 1 # 249 J. C. Marsahll Apr 1, 1925 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 53 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 16 second rewritten roll)
Neff, Mrs. J. S. 8-10-1919 Bk 1 # 263 W. E. Hassler 1925 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 65 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 20 second written roll)
Nickell, Bernita 6-8-2008 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 2 Greg Edwards 20?? D
Nobles, Mattye (Mrs. M. A.) 4-1952 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 10 W. P. Bond 1958 T
Nolte, Mrs E. S(Zadie) 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 41(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 1961 T
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 20 )
Norcross, Frank 1902 Bk 1 # 90 S. A. Humphreys Jan 17, 1916 RCC
Norcross, Mrs. Lucy 3-28-1909. Bk 1 # 122/124 Geo H. Phair unknown
Norcross, Orceneth 3-28-1909. Bk 1 # 121/125 Geo H. Phair unknown
Norman, Arthur 6-4-1905 Bk 1 # 83 Alvin P. Bradford Jan, 1907 W
Norseen, Carry 11-1-1901 Bk 1 3 58 M. I. Brown Jan 17, 1916 RCC
Norseen, John 11-1-1901 Bk 1 # 56 M. I. Brown Jan 17, 1916 RCC
Norseen, Mary 11-1-1901 Bk 1 # 57 M. I. Brown Jan 17, 1916 RCC
Norton. Mrs Ethel S. 1-19-1908 Bk 1 #111 Geo H. Phair unknown
Nunn. Bob 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 30 Sherry Crenshaw Nov 18, 2020 D
Nunn, Jeannie 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 31 Sherry Crenshaw Jun, 2015 D
O
Obrecht, A. J. 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 36(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jul 1961 T
(Arthur J. duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 17)
Obrecht, Mrs. A. J. 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 37(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Obrecht, Alice 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 39(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Obrecht, Bertha 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 38(4th roll J. T. Campbell unknown
Odom, Matthew 12-3-1916 Bk 1 # 245 J. C. Marshall Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Odom, John 6-27-1915 Bk 2 # 27(1st roll) W. Wootten May 10, 1922 C
Ogden, Casey 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 26 Sherry Crenshaw Apr 25, 2022 W
Ogden, Cindy 1998 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 1 Sherry Crenshaw
Ogden, Kelly 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 27 Sherry Crenshaw Apr 25, 2022 W
Orrenmaa, Austin 4-9-2006 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 31 Betty Edwards
Orrenmaa, Dylan 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 6 Greg Edwards
Orrenmaa, Monique unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 28 unknown
Orrenmaa, Scott unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 26 unknown
Orrenmaa, Summer 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 7 Greg Edwards
P
Park, Marion G. 6-8-2008 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 3 Greg Edwards 20?? D
Petry, Gregory 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 27 Cal Kelly 1985 D
Petry, Mr. Henry Lawrence 6-28-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 32 Earl A. McIntyre unknown T
Petry, Jeffery 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 28 Cal Kelly Mar 18, 1989 CT
Petry, Mrs. Lucy Mildred 6-28-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 l. 33 Earl A. McIntyre unknown T
Perkins, ? abt 1902 Bk 1 # 59/60 M. I. Brown Aug 7, 1905 C
Perkins, Lillian abt 1901 Bk 1 # 44 M. I. Brown Aug, 1902 C
Perkins, Lillian 7-17-1904 Bk 1 # 74 Alvin P. Bradford Mar 1905 C
Perkins, M. E. abt 1902 Bk 1 # 61 S.A. Humphreys Aug 7, 1905 C
Perkins, Mae abt 1902 Bk 1 # 62 S.A, Humphreys Aug 7, 1905 C
Perkins, Roy abt 1902 Bk 1 # 63 S.A. Humphreys Aug 7, 1905 C
Pickle, Mrs. C. D. 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 19 R. E. Bishoff Jul 1961 T
Pierce, Mary unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 8 Sherry Crenshaw Jan 18, 2023 RQC
Pope, Fred A. 2-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 3 L. F. Moorman Apr, 1967 D
Pope, Mrs. Fred A. 2-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 4 L. F. Moorman Apr, 1967 W
Ponge, Dorothy 7-1-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 35 Noah McCain Nov, 1979 CT
Ponge, H. William 7-1-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 34 Noah McCain Nov, 1979 CT
Preston,Mrs.Maud Price 6-13-1909 Bk 2 # 16(1st roll) G. H. Phair Nov 2, 1924 W
Price, Altha 9-13-1896 Bk 1 # 10 Henry A. Abney Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 2 in first rewritten roll)
Price, Alvin 6-27, 1915 Bk 2 # 26(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Price, Bessie 11-19-1905 Bk 1 # 87 Alvin P. Bradford Jan 17, 1916 RCC
Price, Charles R. 9-13-1896 Bk 1 # 9 Henry A. Abney Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 #1 in first rewritten roll)
Price, Eva 1-1904 Bk 1 # 68 Alvin P. Bradford Jan 30, 1916 RCC
Price, Lillian abt 1901 Bk 1 # 55 M. I. Brown 1906 W
Price, Oscar abt 1901 Bk 1 # 43 M. I. Brown unknown
Price, Ruby 7-1914 Bk 2 # 21(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Price, Ruth 6-27-1915 Bk 2 # 30(1st roll) W. Wootten Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Q
Quibodeaux. Gilbert 4-19-1965 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 6 Richard Hoopes Apr 20, 1965 CT
R
Raines, Mrs. Marianna 9-28-1969 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 26 William H. Raines Jul 3, 1970 CT
Randell, Mrs Ella 8-5-1928 Bk 2 # 38(3rd roll) A. J. Frick Dec 18, 1935 D
Rawlinson, Deborah Ann 11-22-1959 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 2 Billie B. Bonner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 4 Willard Anderson 2018 D
Rawlinson, Mishel 11-22-1959 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 3 Billie B. Boner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 5. Willard Anderson Mar 26, 2021 CT
Revia, Charlotte 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 23 Richard Burnham Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Rhymes, Miss Kay 4-18–1965 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 34 Richard Hoopes Mar 15, 1971 OD
Rhymes, Sam 1-3-1965 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 32 Richard Hoopes Apr, 1967 RQC
Rhymes, Mrs. Sam (Lynell) 1-3-1965 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 33 Richard Hoopes Apr, 1967 RQC
Ridley, Earl unknown Bk 3 p. 32 L. 11 James Bauman Unknown CT
Transferred back) 1974 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 3 Cal Kelly 2014 D
Ridley, Jennifer Suzan 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 26 Richard Burnham
Ridley Mollie Sue (Kolander) 1974 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 4 Cal Kelly Mar 29, 2022 D
Ridley, Rhonda Rachelle 6-6-1982 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 7 Richard Burnham
Risinger, Grace 6-8-1975 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 5 Lewis Risinger Sep 3, 1978 C
Ritter, Rhonda LeDoux 7-31-1988 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 7 Carleton Dyer Jan, 2006 OD
Robinson, Barry Neil 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 24 R. E. Bishoff Dec 25, 1989 T
Robinson, Bernice 8-24-1922 Bk 2 # 77(1st roll) G. S. Bailey Nov 2, 1924 RCC
Robinson, Dannie Lynn 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 25 R. E. Bishoff 1970 OD
Robinson, Jacquelyn 3-2-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 7 Billie B. Bonner Feb 22, 1989 T
Robinson, Joan 4-3-1955 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 34 Ben Allen Pierce Jun, 1980 CT
Robinson, John Lloyd 3-27-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 10 Billie B. Bonner 1969 CT
(Transferred back 6-14-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 l. 30 Earl A. McIntyre Jun, 1974 CT
Robinson, Mrs. J.L. (Elaine) 6-14-1970 Bk 3 p. 32 L. 31 Earl A. McIntyre jun , 1974 CT
Robinson, Johnnie 8-24-1922 Bk 2 # 76(1st roll) G. S, Bailey Nov 2, 1924 RQC
Robinson, Larry 4-7-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 4 Billie B. Bonner Oct 30 1991 RQC
Robinson, Lloyd Russell 3-3-1961 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 35 Billie B. Bonner Mar 18, 2005 D
Robinson, Martin Ray 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 23 R E. Bishoff unknown OD
Rodriguez, Paul 5-18-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 16 Douglas D. Smith
Rogers, Miss Cay 8-26-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 15 R. E. Bishoff Jan 4, 1961 OD
Rogers, Mr. Don 8-26-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 16 R. E. Bishoff Jan 4, 1961 OD
Rogers, Gary 1995 bk 3 p. 44 L. 21 Randolph Carrion
Rogers, Nada 1995 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 20 Randolph Carrion
Rogers, Ross 1998 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 28 Sherry Crenshaw Feb 27, 2021 W
Rogers, Ryan 5-18-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 15 Douglas D. Smith Sep 1, 2022 W
Rollins, Susie V. 1-21-1917 Bk 1 # 247 J. C. Marshall Apr 25, 1919 C
Romig, A. O. 3-7-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 26 Ben Allen Pierce Feb, 1992 D
Romig, Mrs. A. O.(Lilith) 3-7-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 27 Ben Allen Pierce after 1992 T
Romig, Keith 4-21-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 22 R. E. Bishoff May 7, 1981 OD
Rose, Laura unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 3 Sherry Crenshaw Feb 1, 2019 W
Rose, Robert Jr. 1995 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 17 Randolph Carrion
Rose, Robert Sr. unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 10 unknown
Rose, Vicki unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 9 unknown
Rothenberger, Jerry 9-30-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 31 Billie B. Bonner Sep 3. 1971 T
Rothenberger, Michael Ray 3-2-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 8 Billie B. Bonner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 9-30-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 30 Billie B. Bonner unknown T
Rothenberger, Nita Lou 4-3-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 14 Billie B. Bonner unknown T
(Transferred back) 9-30-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 28 Billie B. Bonner Feb 26, 1971 OD
Rothenberger, R. F(Buster) 4-1-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 11 Billie B. Bonner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 9-30-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 25 Billie B. Bonner Sep 3, 1971 OD
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 32 L. 21)
(Transferred back 7-1-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 32 Noah McCain Oct 14, 1979 OD
Rothenberger, Mrs. R. F.(Francis) 4-1-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 12 Billie Bonner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 9-30-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 26 Billie B. Bonner Sep 3, 1971 T
(Transferred back) 7-1-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 33 Noah McCain Sep 28. 1980 OD
Rothenberger, Richard Duane 4-3-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 13 Billie B. Bonner Dec, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 9-30-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 27 Billie B. Bonner unknown T
Rothenberger, Roger Kent 3-2-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 9 Billie B. Bonner Jul, 1961 T
(Transferred back) 9-340-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 29 Billie B. Bonner Apr 1. 1989 T
S
Sanders, Colleen 6-24-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 15 Carleton Dyer Sep, 1993 OD
Sanders, Darrell 6-24-1989 Bk 3 p. 40 L. 14 Carleton Dyer Sep, 1993 OD
Schlottman, Helen 4-7-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 24 Richard Burnham Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Schroeder, Kay 9-5-1982 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 10 Richard Burnham 1997 W
Schroeder, Leigh Ann 9-2018 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 23 Jeff Stull
Schroeder, Mrs Lena Kay 5-9-1976 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 16 Lewis Risinger unknown CT
Schroeder, Richard 5-9-1976 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 15 Lewis Risinger unknown CT
Schroeder, Ronnie 11-14-1982 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 11 Richard Burnham Jan 14, 2004 CT
(Transferred back) 9-2018 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 22 Jeff Stull May, 17, 2021 D
Schroeder, Scott 4-3-1983 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 12 Richard Burnham 1998 RQC
Schroeder, Susan Carole 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 16 Earl A. McIntyre 1998 RQC
Schultz, Mrs. Etta 8-4-1907 Bk 1 # 103 F. O. Favre unknown
Scott, Danielle 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 8. Greg Edwards Mar, 2021 T
Scott, Denise 2000 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 16 Sherry Crenshaw 200? CT
(Transferred back) 10-2004 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 23 Gary Clark Mar, 2021 OD
Scott, Jayce 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 9 Greg Edwards Mar, 2021 W
Scott, Kevin 2000 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 15 Sherry Crenshaw Mar, 2021 OD
Scott, Michael 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 10 Greg Edwards Mar, 2021 W
Scott, Victoria 3-20-2005 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 24 Gary Clark Mar, 2021 OD
Seaburg, Charlotte 6-1948 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 2 W. P. Bond Sep 3, 1963 T
Seaburg, Blanch (Mrs. Ivan) (duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 16—see Laidacker, Blanch)
Seaburg, Charles E. 4-28-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 25 Billie B. Bonner unknown T
Seaburg, Ivan unknown Bk 3 p. 20 L. 4 W. P. Bond Sep 3, 1963 T
Seaburg, John Ivan 6-1948 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 3 W. P. Bond Sep 3, 1963 T
Seaburg, Laidacker 4-1-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 12 L. F. Moorman Sep 3, 1963 T
Seaman, Brittnie unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 3 Randolph Carrion Jun, 2003 T
Seaman, Felicia 3-2021 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 24 Marty Boddie
Seaman, Rebekah unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 2 Randolph Carrion
Self, A. L. unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 25 unknown D
Self, Mrs. A. L. 10-29-1943 Bk 2 # 60(4th roll) Anthony Cecil Dec , 1969 D
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 24)
Self, Lucious unknown Bk 3 p.18 L. 26 Apr, 1967 RQC
Servis, Derrick 1995 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 20 William Servis 1997 CT
Servis, Johnny 1995 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 19 William Servis 1997 CT
Setliff, Earnest C. 1-11-1916 Bk 1 # 228 J. C. Marshall Jan 26, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 38 in first rewritten roll)
Setliff, Mrs, Earnest C 1-11-1916 Bk 1 # 229 J. C. Marshal Jan 26, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 39 in first rewritten roll)
Setliff, F. L. 6-26-1916 Bk 1 # 238 J. C. Marshall Jan 26, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 46 in first rewritten roll)
Setliff, Guy 7-18-1915 Bk 1 # 226 W. Wootten Jan 26, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 37 in first rewritten roll)
Setliff, Rob Roy 6-27-1916 Bk 1 # 243 J. C. Marshall Jan 26, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 51 in first rewritten roll)
Shelp, Mrs. Ida 8-3-1908 Bk 1 #117 Geo H. Phair unknown
Shepherd, Mrs, J. R. 7-10-1925 Bk 2 #29(2nd roll) W. C. Pope Oct 30, 1932 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 26 third rewritten roll)
Shepherd, Warren 7-10-1925 Bk 2 # 30(2nd roll0 W. C. Pope Oct 30, 1932 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 27 third written roll)
Sherman, Charlene(Mrs Lloyd) (duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 6—See Conklin, Charlene)
Sherman, Mr. Dalton 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 7 R. E. Bishoff Feb 28, 1962 D
Sherman, Debra 4-2-1972 Bk 3 p.34 L. 22 Earl A. McIntyre
Sherman, Emmett Dekator 5-30-1981 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 4 Richard Burnham unknown D
Sherman, Jesse Ervin 3-4-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 14 Billie B. Bonner 2016, D
Sherman, Sandra C. Kiker 3-4-1962 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 15 Billie B. Bonner
Sherman, Shelle 1987 Bk 3p. 38 L. 34 Carleton S. Dyer 1998 CT
Short, Mr. Dell 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 15 R. E. Bishoff Apr 9, 1980 D
Short, Jack Lee 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 17 R. E. Bishoff 1974 T
Short, Miriam (Mrs. Dell) (duplicate Bk 3, p. 18 L. 3—See Bogan, Miriam)
(Duplicated 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 16 R. E. Bishoff—See Bogan, Miriam)
Simmons, C. E. 4-29-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 28 Noah McCain unknown W
Simmons, Sandra 4-29-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 29 Noah McCain unknown T
Slack, Cecil 6-7-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 27 J. P. Adair Oct 31, 1991 RQC
Smhidt, Miss 4-1906 Bk 1 # 89 F. O. Favre Mar 2, 1908 RCC
Smith, Carol 3-24-2013 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 15 Greg Edwards 2016 D
Smith, Katie abt 1900 Bk 1 # 40 Easterling or Brown Sep 1, 1905 C
Smith, Manassey abt 1900 Bk 1 # 39 Easterling or Brown Sep 1, 1905 C
Smith, Deneille (Mrs. R. R.) 2-2-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 18 J. P. Adair Apr, 1967 RQC
Smith, Robert R. 2-2-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 17 J. P. Adair Apr. 1967 RQC
Smith, Vanette 8-1985 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 29 Carleton S. Dyer Apr 6, 2022 W
Sorsby, Barbara 3-22-1964 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 23 J. P. Adair Apr. 1967 RQC
Sorsby , Edgar A. 3-6-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 6 Billie B. Bonner Nov 20, 1983 RQC
Sorsby, Mrs. E. A. (Billie) 5-12-1957 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 28 R. E. Bishoff Nov 11, 1983 RQC
Stagner, R. T. 8-1902 Bk 1 # 67 S. A. Humphreys May 29, 1904 W
Stallman, Olga Mae 10-1-1939 Bk 2 # 48(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Jun, 1941 C
Stanley, Gina 5-20-1979 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 30 Noah McCain Jan 1, 2023 RQC
Stephens, Mrs Elinor 2-25-1940 Bk 2 # 40(4th roll)J. T. Campbell unknown
Stockholm, G. W. 12-17-1916 Bk 1 # 246 J. C. Marshall 1918 C
Studdert, Angie Mar, 2002 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 18 Willard Anderson
Studdert, David 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 6 Willard Anderson
Studdert, Kari 3-2002 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 19 Willard Anderson Jun 9, 2022 OD
Studdert, Sheila 3-10-2002 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 7. Willard Anderson
Sulser, Nettie 10-1-1905 Bk 1 # 84 Alvin P. Bradford unknown
(duplicated as Nettie McWilliams Bk 2 # 8 in first rewritten roll Nov 2, 1924 RCC)
Swindall, C. C. 8-10-1924 Bk 1 # 265 S. W, Stokely unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 81in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 25 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 28 third rewritten roll)
Sykes, Cathleen (Kathy) 10-18-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 29 Billie B. Bonner 1999 T
Sykes, Douglas 4-18-1978 Bk 3 p. 36 L. 14 Lewis Risinger Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Sykes, Lowell 3-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 5 L. F. Moorman 1999 CT
Sykes, Mrs. Lowell 3-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 6 L. F. Moorman Apr 18, 1960 W
Sykes, Sondra 4-1973 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 30 Cal Kelly Sep 1981 OD
T
Taylor, Hannah 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 11 Greg Edwards Feb, 2021 W
Taylor, Melody —(See Copeland, Melody Ann)
Taylor, Salena 4-9-2006 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 30 Betty Edwards
Thallman, Mrs. Maggie 10-13-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 28 Billie B. Bonner unknown D
Theriot, Phyllis, Willene Leger 5-22-1960 Bk 3 l p. 26 L. 30 Billie B. Bonner 1968 T
Theriot, Robert E. 5-22-1960 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 29 Billie B. Bonner 1968 T
Thomas, Eileen 10-29-1996 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 13 William Servis Jul, 2022 T
Thomas, Katherine 2000 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 14 Sherry Crenshaw Jul, 2022 W
Thomas, Ryan 5-31-2009 Bk 3 p. 48 L. 12 Greg Edwards Jul, 2022 W
Thomas, Scott 10-29-1996 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 12 William Servis Jul, 2022 T
Thompson, Miss Alice 6-27-1915 Bk 2 # 29(1st roll) W. Wootten Mar, 1939 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 11 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 20 third rewritten roll)
Thompson, Chas Oscar Jr. 9-23-1934 Bk 2 # 51(3rd roll) Geo D. Loden Mar, 1939 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 27 fourth written roll)
Thompson, Mrs. Elizabeth8-4-1907 Bk 1 # 102 F. O, Favre Jan 29, 1939 C
(Mrs. C. O. Thompson duplicated Bk 2 # 12 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 4 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 19 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 26 fourth rewritten roll)
Thompson, Miss Susie 7-1914 Bk 2 # 22(1st roll) W. Wootten Aug 23, 1922 C
Todd, Ben M. 7-14-1940 Bk 2 # 49(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Dec 30, 1942 C
Todd, Mrs B. M. 7-14-1940 Bk 2 # 50(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Dec 30, 1942 C
Todd, Ben, Jr. 7-14-1940 Bk 2 # 52(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Dec 30, 1942 C
Todd, George 7-14-1940 Bk 2 # 51(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Dec 30, 1942 C
Trahan, Donna unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 11 unknown unknown W
Trahan, Jennifer unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 5 Randolph Carrion unknown W
Trahan, Madice 2-5-1928 Bk 2 # 31(3rd roll) A. J. Frick Oct 30, 1932 RCC
Trahan, Una 2-5 1928 Bk 2 # 32(3rd roll) A. J. Frick Oct 30, 1932 RCC
Trammell, Mrs H. J. (Carolyn) 10-31-1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 31 Billie B. Bonner Apr 24, 1963 T
Trammell, Harold Jerry 10- 31- 1959 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 30 Billie B. Bonner Apr 24, 1963 T
Treat, Anita Louise 5-29-1953 Bk 3 p. 26 L. 24 W. P. Bond Apr 28 1960 T
Tremont, Gina Ann 4-4-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 17 Earl A McIntyre unknown OD
Tremont, James Larry 3-1970 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 6 William Raines Oct 30, 1991 RQC
Tremont. Mrs. Jim (Betty) 10-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 19 R. E. Bishoff unknown T
Turner, Annie Laura 11-19-1905 Bk 1 # 86 Alvin P. Bradford Nov 16, 1919 C
Turner, Benjamin F. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 23 Henry A. Abney Jan 13, 1904 C
Turner. Mr. B. F. 2-17-1907 Bk 1 # 98 F. O. Favre unknown
Turner, Mrs. B. F. 2-17-1907 Bk 1 # 99 F. O. Favre unknown
Turner, Carlie H. 6-27, 1815 Bk 2 # 23(1st roll) W. Wootten unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 10 second rewritten roll)
Turner, D. C. abt 1901 Bk 1 # 41 M. I. Brown Sep 1, 1905 C
Turner, Delia abt 1901 Bk 1 # 42 M. I. Brown Sep 1, 1905 C
Turner, Edward Everett 5-16-1909 Bk 1 # 129 Geo H. Phair unknown
Turner, Mrs. Eliza 3-27, 1909 Bk 1 # 120 Geo H. Phair unknown
Turner, Ella abt 1901 Bk 1 # 47 M. I. Brown Nov 16, 1919 RCC
Turner, Ethel S. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 19 Henry A. Abney Jul, 1907 C
Turner. Mrs. Ethel 5-16-1909 Bk 1 # 19 Geo H. Phair unknown
Turner, Everett abt 1901 Bk 1 # 49 M. I. Brown 1915 C
Turner, Finis E. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 17 Henry A. Abney Nov 17, 1919 RCC
Turner, Florence J. 7-22-1917 Bk 1 # 251 J. C. Marshall unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 55 in first written roll)
Turner, Glenn A. unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 17 unknown 1998 CT
Turner, Grace P. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 13 Henry A. Abney Jan, 1898 C
Turner, Mrs.Grace Pearl 5-16-1909 Bk 1 # 127 Geo H. Phair unknown
Turner, Ida O. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 18 Henry A. Abney Nov 18, 1916 D
Turner, Mrs. Irene 5-3-1908 Bk 1 # 114 Geo H. Phair unknown
Turner, James Oliver 5-16-1909 Bk 1 # 126 Geo H. Phair 1926 W
(Duplicated as J. Ollie Bk 2 # 15 in first rewritten roll)
(Duplicated as J. Ollie Bk 2 # 7 second written roll)
Turner, Marvin E. 8-10-1919 Bk 1 # 264 W. E. Hassler Jul 20, 1920 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 64 in first rewritten roll)
Turner, Mrs, Marvin E. 2-20-916 Bk 2 # 44 (1st roll) J. C. Marshall May, 1920 C
Turner, Ruth 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 24 Henry A. Abney Jan 13, 1904 C
Turner, Sam 9-5-1922 Bk 2 # 80(1st roll) G. S. Bailey Oct 30, 1932 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 #13 third rewritten roll)
Turner. Samuel L. 7-5-1896 Bk 1 # 25 Henry A. Abney Mar 22, 1916 C
Turner, Miss Stella 11-19-1905 Bk 1 # 85 Alvin P. Bradford 1958 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 9 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 3 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 12 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 23 fourth rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 3 p.18 L. 1)
Turner, Susan M. 2-7 1897 Bk 1 # 28 Henry A, Abney Dec 17, 1919 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 3 in first rewritten roll)
Turner, Tricia unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 18 unknown 1998 CT
Turner, Vera abt 1901 Bk 1 # 48 M. I. Brown Mar 22, 1916 C
Turner, Wesley abt 1901 Bk 1 # 50 M. I. Brown Sep 29, 1918 C
W
Wade, C. L. (Charlie) unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 28 Oct 25, 1965 D
Wade, Charlene unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 29 unknown D
Wade, Pearl (Mrs. C. L.)unknown Bk 3 p. 18 L. 27 1999 D
Walker, Sandy 10-19-2003 Bk 3 p. 46 L. 21 Gary Clark 200? W
Wall, James Charles (Buddy) 9-21-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 18 Earl A. McIntyre Feb 22. 1981 CT
Wall, Miss Lavell 2-26-1939 Bk 2 # 6 1/2(4th roll) J. T. Campbell unknown
Wall, Raymona 9-21-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 19 Earl A. McIntyre Feb 22, 1981 CT
Wallace, Bernard 7-22-1917 Bk 1 # 250 J. C. Marshall Aug 8, 1982 D
(duplicated Bk 2 # 54 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 17 second written roll)
(duplicated Bk 3 p. 18 L. 5)
Wallace, Elfin (Mrs. Bernard) 5-23-1954 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 28 Ben Allen Pierce 1983 CT
Wallace, Mrs J. D 7-22-1920 Bk 2 # 72(1st roll) Marion J. Browning Nov 22, 1937 W
(duplicated Bk 2 # 21 second rewritten roll)
(Possibly Grace (duplicated Bk 2 # 10 third rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 32 fourth rewritten roll)
Wallace, James 8-10-1924 Bk 2 # 82(1st roll) S. W. Stokely Nov 22, 1937 W
(duplicated Bk 2 # 26 second rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 11 third written roll)
Wallace, Kathlene 9-23-1934 Bk 2 # 54(3rd roll) Geo D. Loden Nov 22, 1937 W
(duplicated Bk 2 # 33 fourth rewritten roll)
Wallace, Miss Mary 7-1929 Bk 2 # 40(3rd roll) Walter Moore Nov 22, 1937 W
(duplicated Bk 2 # 34 fourth rewritten roll)
Walston, Alice (Mrs. Wayne) 12-1939 Bk 3 p. 18 L. 19 J. T. Campbell 1958 T
Walston, Eleanore (Mrs. Ray) 12-1939 Bk 3 p.18 L. 18 J. T. Campbell Jul 1961 T
Watson, Witt Wayne 4-3-1955 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 33 Ben Allen Pierce 1958 T
Way, Gertrude 1912 Bk 2 # 19(1st roll) J. W. Bridges unknown
Weaver, Lindsey unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 2 Sherry Crrenshaw
Weaver, Scott 1995 Bk 3 p. 44 L. 22 Randolph Carrion
Weaver, Sharra 3-25-1984 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 13 Richard Burnham
Weaver, Ken 3-25-1984 Bk 3 p. 38 L. 14 Richard Burnham Sep 10, 2021 D
Webb, Mrs. D. M.(Nealie King) 3-2-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 4 Billie B. Bonner Mar 2, 1961 D
Webb Joseph Thomas 3-2-1961 Bk 3 p. 28 L. 5 Billie B. Bonner Sep 14, 1962 T
Webb, Mrs. J. T. (Malissa) 3-2-1961 Bk 3. p. 28 L. 6 Billie B. Bonner Sep 14, 1962T
Webb, Ronny unknown Bk 3 p. 32 L. 12 James Bauman Mar 18, 1989 W
Webb, Mrs. Ronny (Jessie) unknown Bk 3 p. 32 L. 13 James Bauman Mar, 1989 T
Weber, David Nobles 4-1-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 9 L. F. Moorman Apr, 1967 RQC
Weber, Lester E. 5-11-1952 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 11 W. P. Bond unknown T
Weber, Mrs. Lester E. 5-18-1952 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 12 W. P. Bond unknown T
Weber, Richard Douglas 4-1-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 10 L. F. Moorman Apr, 1967 RQC
Wedge, Kevin 2-7-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 4 Earl A. McIntyre unknown OD
Wedge, Mr. Larry 2-7-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 2 Earl A. McIntyre Sep 29, 1989 W
Wedge, Mrs. Larry (Connie) 2-7-1971 Bk 3 p. 34 L. 3 Earl A. McIntyre Sep 25, 1985 CT
West, Blakely unknown Bk 3 p. 42 L. 4 Randolph Carrion
West, Mrs. Della 7-2-1922 Bk 2 # 74(1st roll) G.S. Bailey Dec, 1924 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 22 second written roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 24 third written roll)
West, Earl A. 6-26-1916 Bk 1 # 237 J. C. Marshall Oct 30 , 1932 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 45 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 13 second written roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 25 third rewritten roll)
West, Edna 8-10-1907 Bk 1 # 104 F. O. Favre unknown
(Possibly Mrs J. P. Ault Bk 2 # 11 in first rewritten roll Nov 2, 1924 RCC)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 3 in third rewritten roll)
West, Mrs. Fanny 7-4-1906 Bk 1 # 93 F. O. Favre Jul 6, 1919 C
West Mrs J.K (Fanny?) Bk 2 # 9 Mar 30 unknown yr. C
West, James K. 7-4-1906 Bk 1 # 92 F. O. Favre Jul 6, 1919 C
West, Miss Mary 8-23-1923 Bk 2 # 75(1st roll) G. S Bailey Dec, 1924 C
(duplicated Bk 2 # 23 second written roll)
West, Willie Kent 1-30-1916 Bk 1 # 232 J. C, Marshall unknown
(duplicated Bk 2 # 40 in first re written roll)
Wharton, David unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 13 Sherry Crenshaw Aug, 2003 W
Wharton, Evelyn unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 9. Sherry Crenshaw Nov 1, 1999 D
Wharton, Roscoe unknown Bk 3 p. 44 L. 10 Sherry Crenshaw Apr 15, 2003 D
Whitten, Glendale 11-24-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 15 J. P. Adair Apr. 1967 RQC
Whitten. Rex 11-24-1963 Bk 3 p. 30 L. 14 J. P. Adair Apr, 1967 RQC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 12 second rewritten roll)
Winters, Billy Boyd 7-15-1950 Bk 3 p. 20 L. 7 W. P. Bond unknown CT
Winters, Douglas 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 20 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Winters, Mrs. Douglas (Bea) 1958 Bk 3 p. 24 L. 21 R. E. Bishoff Jul, 1961 T
Wittge, Mr. 9-27-1940 Bk 2 # 53(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Feb 23, 1943 C
Wittge, Mrs. 9-27-1940 Bk 2 # 43(4th roll) J. T. Campbell Feb 23, 1943 C
Wulgalter, Stephanie 2-25-1996 Bk 3 p. 42 L. 14 William Servis Oct 10, 2004 RQC
Y
Yancy, Jessie B. 7-11-1906 Bk 1 # 94 F. O. Favre Nov 2, 1924 RCC
(duplicated Bk 2 # 10 in first rewritten roll)
(duplicated Bk 2 # 30 third rewritten roll—listed as died/no date)
(Possibly reinstated at some point duplicated Bk 2 # 28 fourth rewritten roll)
Yett, Mr. Ernest 11-4-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 20 R. E. Bishoff Jan 4, 1961 OD
Yett, Mrs. Maurine 8-26-1956 Bk 3 p. 22 L. 14 R. E. Bishoff Jan 4, 1961 OD
Explanation of initials on removal
D— Death
C or CT or T—Transferred
OD—Transferred to other denomination
RQC or RCC—Removed by quarterly conf or charge conf
W—Withdrew membership
Stories of the People of China Methodist Church
Wow! Where do you begin when you attended a church your entire infancy, youth and well into your adulthood.
Our little church family always had the best Sunday School programs and teachers that dedicated their talents to us children each and every Sunday. Once roll and collection was taken up in our Sunday School Classrooms we would then all meet in the fellowship hall where an old upright piano was stationed. Mrs. Helen Granger played the hymns while Mrs. Ann Granger directed “The Choir”. While we climbed up Jacob’s Ladder and felt the heavenly breezes blow we knew always that the Holy Spirit was there!
Our Vacation Bible Schools were epic! From Mrs. Laura Dishman having Mr. Gene build a sandbox inside the Fellowship Hall and filling it will pounds and pounds of sand so that we could all pour our very own handmade sand candles during the art portion of our days! We rarely had “bought cookies” as so many organized programs do. Our moms, aunts and grandmothers baked fresh daily cookies and brownies and of course there was always the Borden’s bought juices that we loved!
I do believe that our yearly held Easter Egg Hunts were a favorite for the entire community.
You could look around when it was time to collect everyone’s egg contribution to the hunt and you might see 15-20 extra attendees that might have attended the Baptist Church, the Catholic Church or were friends and family members of our church members.
Rice Festival fund raiser memories always held a special place in our hearts! From first joining our parents to work in the booths to finally being old enough to actually work in the booths over that beloved four day affair! Serving ice cream, making ice cream floats, praying someone would order a banana split so you could “decorate ” it to their liking! Even the year we cleaned hundreds of Jason’s Deli sized potatoes, oiled them up and wrapped them in foil, so they were ready for Mr. Gene to put on the BBQ pit to cook!
It is also burned into my memory the printing of the first Cajun County Cookbook. Our mother was ill during that time and I remember Kay Adams and Dean Kuebodeaux, and Chestine Box bringing the inaugural print cookbook (the jacket cover was gold) and presenting it to our mother!
Christmas Live Nativity scenes were always special too! I can remember Uncle J.E. and our dad Nathan Bibb gathering up the animals that would be used in the nativity while Mom and others Ms. Ann Granger, Aunt Sandra Sherman, Ms. Laura Dishman, Mrs. Patsy Benoit would dilegently work on the beautiful costumes that were worn during those special nights as we told the town of China how special our Lord is!!
Easter time was always so very special from the Palm Sunday Services where the children and sometimes entire congregation participated by parading the freshly cut palm branches to the front of the sanctuary to the Sunrise Services at the tennis court. The piano was quite often brought to the park on a lowboy trailer. As we all joined our community of Christian neighbors in singing Up From The Grave He Arose and other beloved hymns.
Sunrise Service Pancake breakfasts were always “the bomb”! Once we arrived at the hosting fellowship hall we would find Mr. Ben Granger, Mr. Buster Granger, Nathan Bibb, Uncle J.E. Sherman, Ronnie Kuebodeaux, Mickey Adams and so many other beloved men of our congregation along with men from the community churches who as early as 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. had started preparing pounds and pounds of bacon, delicious buttermilk pancakes, milk, coffee, juice, butter and Maple Syrup along with as Daddy use to say Steen’s “your heritage” syrup!
Once your tummy was full from the pancake breakfast you the went home and put your Easter attire on so that you could make it to Sunday School on time. Once leaving Sunday School you hurried into the sanctuary to hopefully “run” through the Easter Cantata we were about to sing! Ms. Ann Granger directed these Easter Cantatas until her precious daughter Peggy Granger started helping direct them! What special memories!
In the original sanctuary that we worshiped in as children, our church had 2 pianos and an organ! I hold such fond memories of Ms. Helen Granger lovingly playing the piano weekly while Mr. Lowell Sykes played the other piano and then the “new organ!!! We sat on the side of the sanctuary where Mr. Sykes played the organ so I would always watch for him to slip his shoes off and once you saw his socks you just knew it was time for the service to begin!
I vividly remember when our mother Barbara Bibb was still alive and we would go to Johnson’s Wholesale Florist and obtain fresh greens and berries and poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for the Hanging of the Greens. Taking pre orders for Easter lilies for the Lenten Season. Mom would prepare corsages for the ladies in the congregation for Mother’s Day.
Our church luncheons were always perfect! Even if there were times such as the “Loaves and Fishes’ were you might have had a core of people who diligently prepared enough for 20 people we always had an abundance! Ms. Ann Granger’s Mile High Coconut cakes, Jane Lucas’ homemade cheese enchiladas, Debbie Sherman Thornton’s Black Eyed Pea Casserole, Ms. Jean Appleby’s Hashbrown Casserole, Sandra Sherman bringing three, four or sometime five sheet cakes in order for us to have plenty!!!! This of course is just a few of the wonderful cooks at China Methodist Church.
Ok…I am weeping now so I will bring this to a close! In short my beloved memories of China Methodist Church are full of perfectly beautiful remembrances!!
Lovingly,
Julie Bibb West Mead
(Member)
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Our Church…beautiful memories. Friend I could never write all of them.
Some are from our “new church” and mostly from the “old church.” My mind reflects on the beautiful Sundays where we gathered after Sunday school and played with crickets before going to church service! I remember the beautiful voice that would sing her hymns with love, that of course is Mrs. Ann Granger. Her voice was like an angel!
I also had the best of times at VBS! See the fun any child would love!
After church service, every child attending would anxiously wait to have their turn at the long rope that pulled our beautiful bell! Probably ringing it too much!
I remember the front porch. See the men gather to “shoot the bull.’ Talking about everything from cows to how someone’s garden was doing.
Our family always sat together. I’ll always remember my mom’s cologne. I remember how much love the church gave to my momma!
Our live nativity scenes were so perfect! The costumes, the animals, everything was perfect!
And the food! Our covered dish Sundays were the best! Always too much food, but so much fun!
I remember Sunrise breakfast! Uncle J., Mr. Granger, Mr. Allen McCown and so many more. And of course my dad, Nathan Bibb. Mr. Gene Dishman, Mr. Ronnie Kuebodeaux and so many more. The best pancakes and bacon ever!
Lots of Sundays were created in the Sunday school class. It was a creative space to worship our Lord. Our crafts were so much fun. We always knew our classmates and we were all friends!
Our Santa would come at Christmas! The presents and joy were so full, everyone loved this party!
I know the fellowship of our church from the people that were here, then and now. Family forever! Our memories are so many, but that is what is so perfect! Beautiful memories!
I remember Mrs. Halfacre!! She would come to my mom’s shop and she taught me how to draw! I fell in love with art because of her beautiful soul! We would also have lunch with them, often, after church on Sundays!
I remember my mom being sick and the church ladies bringing her the first printed cookbook, after each one of them had signed it with love! She loved them, too!
I have beautiful memories of marrying the love of my life in our church! And also the love that was given to me when he got hurt. I will never forget! And way more than this…my beautiful mom!…our church blessed us with prayers and comfort. The love from a family that was a true blessing!…
I have so many beautiful memories!! I could never forget the comfortable felling the church has always blessed me with!
A never ending love through Jesus Christ our Lord! Every beautiful memory will stay in my heart forever!
I remember the love my dad had for our church…all of my life! He was raised Baptist but when he married mom he became Methodist!! He moved us out here in 1963, the same year I was born, and this has been my church my entire life! I believe he knew the right family was right here at China Methodist Church. After losing momma, my dad still continued to bring us to our church family every Sunday. He always said “he felt he was missing something” if he couldn’t attend church for some reason. He always made sure we each had money to put in the offering!
I’m here because of my momma and my daddy! But I stayed because of my church family!
I remember singing with the choir! We practiced until every note was perfect! Then on Sunday we’d all take our places, with our white robes on, and sing our hearts out! We made beautiful music!
Our yearly fund raiser at the Texas rice Festival! We would all shared in the opportunity to help with the booth! It was so much fun! This fellowship brought many long hours, days, but so much fun! We had baked potatoes with bbq, ice cream w/ fresh blueberries, fresh sweet tea, and so much fun! We were proud to be represent China Untied Methodist Church!
Lori Bibb Giles-Sanders
(Member)
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My Memories of China Methodist Church
My very first memory of the China Methodist Church was in the late 50’s during my high school days. I had been a member of the Winnie-Stowell Methodist Church my entire life. My grandparents were charter members of that church. I was a member and officer in the MYF group at that church. We had district meetings together at different churches that were hosted by that church’s MYF groups. China Methodist was in our district, so I knew persons in that group. At the time I didn’t know it, but I had met my future brother-in-law during one of these district meetings. He was the one that set up the blind date for us. We went bowling with him and his date. Thus, it began!! 60+ years of marriage.
My future husband was a member of the China Baptist Church. He was not attending during his college days. When we started dating, he would sometimes come to church in Winnie with me. After we were engaged, he attended every Sunday with me. We were married in the Winnie Stowell Methodist Church.
As soon as we were married, we joined the China Methodist Church. When I look back, there wasn’t really any big discussion about where we were going to go to church, it just seemed that it was what we would do together. I moved my membership by transfer of letter, and he joined by profession of faith.
We attended with our daughters. They attended Sunday School and enjoyed Vacation Bible School every summer. Both were baptized as babies and joined the church as full-fledged members during their youth. My husband and I joined a young members Sunday School.
Our family participated in all the many activities that were held in our church during these past years. We both served in different capacities on the church council. He served for many years as the treasurer and a trustee, and I worked during Vacation Bible School.
Our oldest daughter was married in the China Church. It was the very first service performed in our new sanctuary. The next morning was the first Sunday service to be held in that new church.
My husband’s funeral was held in this church.
As I think back over the last 60+ years that I have been a member of the China Methodist Church, many memories come to my mind; some wonderful and some so sorrowful it is hard to think about them. Even during all the many ups and downs in this church and with all the changes that have come over the years in the Methodist denomination, this church has always had a tremendous influence in my life, mainly because of the wonderful, loving, Christian members that are members/part of this church. They will always be in my memories when I think of China Methodist Church.
By: Sandra Sherman
(Member)
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Memories
It is hard to put into words all the memories I have of China Methodist church because there are so many. I have been a member here all my life. I was baptized, confirmed and married here. I guess the best memory would have to be my wedding. This was during the time that they were building the new church building. As we started looking at dates, I checked with the building committee to see what the completion date might be. We had a backup plan to go to the Methodist church in Winnie where Mom grew up and my grandparents were still very active members. As planning continued, I found out that the building would be complete and the carpet would be down but that was all by our wedding date, so plans were made for chairs and more decorations to fill in some of the empty spaces. Then wonder of wonders the church furniture began showing up on that Thursday and the men were bolting down the pews on Friday just prior to the rehearsal. Then on Saturday July 14, 1984, before we even had a church service in the new church, Jerry and I got married. The church was beautiful, and the wedding was everything I had hoped for. We even had our wedding announcement placed in the cornerstone in the wall with the other memorabilia for the time capsule. What an honor.
But the memories continue with Vacation Bible School, covered dishes, Easter programs, Christmas programs and the many, many fund raisers that I helped with throughout the years. The hamburgers we made at the Chinaberry Festival, desserts from the cookbook made for the Old Timers Day in Sour Lake, fish frys, Bar-B-Ques and the biggie, The Texas Rice Festival in Winnie. This particular fund raiser went on for many, many years and was a main fund raiser for our church. We had the Ice Cream Palace and served hand dipped Blue Bell ice cream, sundaes, banana splits and floats and some years we also had baked potatoes with all the trimmings. This was a 4-day weekend in October and it was long, hard, sometimes cold, sometimes hot, sometimes wet but always a blast. We all had so much fun working hard, laughing, playing and eating great food from the many local booths. This was the best way to get to know your church friends outside of the church setting and really see who had the ice cream scooping talent and who didn’t. There are so many wonderful people in our church, many that have passed and many that are still here that I would not have had the pleasure to get to know on a much more personal level if I had not had the opportunity to participate in this wonderful event. Nothing makes a lasting friendship like 14 hours straight in an 8 x 20 building, yelling out ice cream orders, making sundaes, splits, floats and potatoes. It was a BLAST.
by Debbie Thornton
(Member)
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My memories of our church are pretty early compared to many of the members now. I remember seeing Bro. Bond standing at the pulpit, but that’s all I remember.
The furniture was black. The altar railing, pulpit, and altar table were all black. The pews were two different kinds. On the right , the pews were like the ones taken out when it was torn down. The pews on the left looked like park benches.
When a person walked in the front door into a foyer, the restrooms were in a room on the left. I think it was a store room also.
You then entered the sanctuary. No carpet so it was clomp, clomp, clomp on the old wooden floor. I think the lighted cross hung above a door behind the altar. That door opened to the Pastor’s Study.
The first classroom on the left was the Sunbeams. The next room was the God’s Helpers. The room in the left corner behind the pulpit area was the older ladies’ class. I think their class name had “Grace” in it, but I don’t remember all of it. The preacher’s study was in the center room behind the altar. The room in the far right corner was used by older kids and the choir. A door going outside was in that room. I don’t remember where the teenagers met for class. I’m guessing it was in the Fellowship Hall. The room in the back on the right side of the foyer was the older men’s class. This room could be opened for more seating if needed for church.
The window’s were on the right side in the sanctuary. They didn’t go up very far so it was pretty hot in the summer. There were fans in the hymnal holders.
In the winter there were three space heaters in the front and two heaters hanging from the ceiling that blew warm air. There were no ceiling fans. Fluorescent lights hung from the ceiling.
In the early 1960s, air conditioning was installed. All the black furniture was replaced with pews of a lighter colored wood. A maroon curtain was hung over the Pastor’s Study door and the lighted cross was lowered and hung in front of the curtain. The pulpit, altar table and railings are changed to match the pews. Green carpet was put on the altar floor and down the center aisle. It looked very nice.
About this time the educational building was being built. The children’s classrooms in the sanctuary were never used for Sunday school again. The adult classes were still in the sanctuary. The room that is now the Pastor’s Study was an assembly room. I remember older kids gathering in there for singing on Sunday nights. It had benches and chairs. I don’t remember a piano but there might have been one. Sometime after Bro. Bonner left, the Study was moved from the room behind the altar to the assembly room in the education building.
At Christmas we always had a Christmas program on the Sunday night before Christmas. For a couple of years Keith Romig and I were Mary and Joseph. We would walk down the aisle to the manger on the altar. I was about 6 and Keith was two years older. I used my baby doll for Baby Jesus. Other kids were wise men and shepherds. My cousins, Brooks and Brian Miller, were shepherds in their plaid bathrobes. Always programs had lots of singing. Afterward, Santa Claus came and brought us an apple, orange and a candy cane. We used to exchange gifts during Sunday school that morning.
Bible School was always fun. We made things in class to go with the lesson, learned songs and had crafts.
Mrs. Lenora Halfacre played the piano during church. We sang hymns peppy back then.
In the 1960s, Lowell Sykes bought an organ for the church and played it every Sunday with the piano. Helen Granger played the piano after Mrs. Halfacre.
The church was always full of people on Sundays; usually around 70 people. The reason I knew how many is because I sang in the choir in high school and I would count heads during the sermon.
During my teenage years we had a good MYF group. Most of the time we didn’t have an adult sponsor, but we still met. We had a devotional, had refreshments, and played games. We raised money for a trip to Houston. We went to an Astro game in the Astrodome.
I was christened, baptized and married in the old church. I moved away for a number of years. When I heard it was to be torn down, I was disappointed. Nothing on this earth lasts forever and you have to look to the future. Being part of a church family growing up and as an adult has been a great blessing.
Julie Ann (Granger) Copeland
(Member)
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Memories of China Methodist Church
It is such a wonderful occasion to be a part of the unveiling of the historical marker for China Methodist Church. I give thanks to God and my family as they are responsible for my upbringing in the Christian faith. My parents, Ben and Ann Granger, were devoted to this church and my sisters (Julie Ann, Benita, and Peggy) and I spent every Sunday morning and Sunday evenings attending services and activities here. It was a place for worship as well as social gatherings.
Many memories come to mind:
Church picnics down in the woods on North China Road. Everybody would bring potluck and we ate together and the children played. All of the kids went to school together as well as church. I remember thinking I should marry Tommy Granger because then I would not have to change my last name. That didn’t work out. God had another great guy for me in mind. Once, the preacher’s kid, Dwight Adair, was always bothering me. I think he secretly liked me, but I wasn’t interested in him. He sat in front of me in class and always turned around and annoyed me. I then took my ink pen and scribbled all over his jacket on the back of the chair. I was in real trouble.
We went to MYF. Church camps, had fund raisers of all kinds, always working together. Jackie Robinson and I liked to sit in the back pew during church and we giggled about everything.
I was baptized and married in the old church. Lowell Sykes played the organ and my husband told me there were a lot of little green frogs in the back room before the wedding. I remember my mom was mad at Bro. Kelly because he forgot to sign and mail in the marriage certificate and she was afraid we weren’t legally married.
I enjoyed the old hymns like “Bringing in the Sheaves,” “Church in the Wildwood,” “Onward Christian Soldiers,” “Standing on the Promises of God.” Mr. Rothenberger would lead the songs and sometimes when they were desperate for a piano player, they would say,”Joyce, can you come on down and play.” All I could play was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” So many great memories!
I researched a little about Historical Markers and it mentioned first about people who were celebrated commemorated or remembered, not so much a building. I thought immediately of the song “We Are The Church.”
The church is not a building. The church is not a steeple.
The church is not a resting place. The church is the people.
I am the church, You are the church.
We are the church together!
We are all a part, past and present, of the history that has sustained China Methodist Church. Continue to stand on God’s truth and promises and march onward to spread the Word of God.
Joyce (Granger) Ewing
(Former Member)
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1. As a child, Mrs. Halfacre was our craft teacher during VBS. She always had the best crafts. We sewed cloth on bottle caps and sewed the bottle caps together to make a trivet. We glued tiny sea shells on felt and covered it with a glass dome to make a paper weight.
2. I remember Bro Bonner asking each week for an object from anyone during children’s Sunday School assembly and preaching a devotion on it without preparation.
3. I remember Terry Granger and I teaching children’s SS together and organizing the live activity. He brought a baby calf in the back seat of his car from Meeker Rd and by the time he arrived, it had messed all in his car.
3. I remember the choir cantatas, children’s SS classes called Sunbeams and God’s Helpers and looking forward to getting promoted each year, MYF. learning the books of the New Testament through a song which I can still sing today, getting dressed up each Sunday in our finest, especially Easter.
4. I still know many hymns today because we sang them so much as I grew up, the words never left me. I remember how communion went from a tiny cracker to a wafer one Sunday and we didn’t know what to do with it.
This is just a few.
Benita (Granger) Sebesta
(Former Member)
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As time as passed I feel so blessed to be a third generation member of this church. My maternal grandparents, Joe, Sr. and Mary Miller were our original connection to the church.
The China Methodist Church family has been as much a part of my life as my personal family.
My parents, Benny and Ann Granger, were very influential in my Christian walk. They led by example for my sisters and me. Mama and Daddy served as Sunday School teachers as well as participating church activities and serving in various positions, Late hours on Saturday night were no excuse to miss church on Sunday morning!
One of my earliest memories is attending a church picnic in the woods at the Laidacker windmill on the North China Rd. I only remember the windmill and playing among the trees. Another of my earliest memories is sitting in a little chair in one of the side rooms of the old sanctuary. I had to be around 3 years old at the most. Those rooms served as Sunday school rooms before the education building was built. The room seemed so large to me. My next earliest memory along that line was being in the education building in my mother’s class. We learned finger plays, like folding your hands and raising your pointing fingers to make a steeple and then turning your hands inside out to show the people. There were Bible verses, songs, Bible stories and of course the fun crafts. One of my favorite parts of Sunday school was the assembly before we went to our individual rooms. Mama led the singing and Mrs. Helen Granger played the piano. Sometimes Mrs. Granger’s daughter, Carol, and I would sing duets, While our families shared the same last name we were not related although there were people that assumed so. My sister, Benita, was usually in the same class as me being just a year older unless it was the year her grade level got promoted to the next class. In my teen years Daddy was one of my teachers. He had the best class and I remember learning so much about how all those little Bible stories I heard as a child were connected. That is when things began to come together for me about the Bible as a whole. Having him around the supper table in the evenings was certainly a plus, too!
My family always sat together during worship except the times there was a church choir or until my two older sisters, Julie Ann and Joyce became involved in the MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship). That group usually sat on the back row and passed notes. Ha! If I did go sit with a friend elsewhere in my childhood I could always feel my mother’s eyes watching me so there was no real “cutting up” in church especially during the sermon. As a child, when I was bored during the sermon I was allowed to draw in the bulletin, make it into a fan or play with Mama’s handkerchief and make twin babies in a rocker. Sometimes I would count the ceiling tiles, or use my imagination to make shapes out of the water stains up on the ceiling. I also like to look down at the knot hole in the floor board of the old sanctuary because you could see the ground below. There was a clock that hung over one of the side doors that was watched a lot because as soon as church was over, it was time to run (definitely not inside the sanctuary) outside as we balanced and walked on the car parking pipes, hop up and down the front steps or played a quick game of chase before we were called to the car. There were also times we had to stop for picture taking by Mr. Halfacre on the front steps or church yard. There was always a little time to play because the grown ups usually stood around outside talking after worship unless we were going to Wyatt’s cafeteria in Beaumont for Sunday lunch. Mama and Daddy were quicker to the car to get to town before Beaumont church goers got out so we’d beat the crowd.
Even early in my life I recognized that there were people in the church that you’d probably call the pillars. They were always there. I remember Mr. Hawthorne Broussard sitting on the back row and when Benita and I would turn around and look at him, he always made the same funny face. Any time I saw those “pillars” around town during the week I always waved at them or said hello and it made me feel special that they returned the greeting. I will always remember the time Mr. John Blanch was asked to say a few words on a milestone birthday. He stood up and said “Well, not many people can say they were born in Moscow and raised in China.” He was referring to another small community in Texas. Everyone got a huge laugh out of it. Seeing my grade school teachers, Glendale Whitten and Sandra Sherman as members of the church also made a huge impression on me as a child. Of course, Mr. Lowell Sykes and Mrs. Lenora Halfacre were the musicians early on and eventually the other Mrs. Granger took Mrs. Half’s place. I remember my parents telling me that Mr. Sykes’ family donated the organ in the old sanctuary. He took lessons to learn to play so the church would have a musician. He apparently must have been a good student because he played beautifully.
The church was the social center of our family. It seemed there were always pancake suppers, homemade ice cream suppers, and covered dished dinners going on whether as a fund raiser of just a social event. We kids loved to head outside after quickly eating to play hide and seek and chase in the dark!
Bible School, VBS as its called now, was a highlight every summer. Everything about it was great, The assembly, the singing, the story telling, the game time, the snack time, but mostly the crafts! I could hardly wait to be old enough to do the big kid crafts! They seemed the best, especially when Mrs. Halfacre planned them. Mrs. Bea Winters was another fun craft person in the younger years.
Christmas was special. We didn’t have a Chrismon tree until I was grown, but there was always a Christmas tree in the Fellowship Hall where we went after Christmas programs. The kids always got a sack with an apple, orange and candy cane. I can remember how excited I got as youngster the year I got be Mary and use my Tiny Tears doll for Baby Jesus.
The community Sunrise services on Easter morning was special, too. As a very young child I remember the men hauling our church organ over to the football field on those early dewy mornings and sitting up in the stands with my sisters while Mama and Daddy sang in the choir. Also going to which ever church’s fellowship hall hosted the pancake breakfast.
The earliest preacher I recall is Bro. Bonner. All the preachers were called “Brother” until the first female was appointed. After that, the term “Pastor” was used and has been used pretty much since. I remember Mama saying that if you weren’t in church Sunday morning, Bro. Bonner was at your door Monday morning. During my college years I remember Bro. Risinger doing a Christmas sermon using a small Christmas tree. He had the tree standing up by the pulpit and he decorated it throughout his sermon. It was the most comical thing I have ever seen the way he did it. Benita and I were in stitches laughing and almost rolling out of the pews. It had meaning as he talked about the ornaments he used, but he was so funny the way he did it. You really had to be there to appreciate it! Sadly, I also remember preachers that ultimately caused division or were harsh, but thankful that God replaced them with one having a more positive impact.
I remember confirmation and being baptized with Benita and Jeri Lucas by Bro. Brown. I thought it was so strange still being in elementary school but being told I could vote at church meetings with the grownups.
My family wanted to preserve and renovate the old sanctuary when the issue came up. There was a lot of back and forth about building new or renovating the old until a congregational vote was taken. The vote passed to build. My parents accepted it and were not going to let any hard feelings develop and interfere with the life of the church so they climbed on board and helped out. While not directly involved in the building process, we participated in fundraisers, workdays, etc. I was asked to be in charge of the items chosen to go into the “cornerstone “ as a time capsule. The new sanctuary continues to be an impressive but not stuffy little sanctuary. Compliments are still given about how beautiful it is. My favorite stain glass window is “I am the Door.” I find the sanctuary to be a place of comfort and joy still.
What can I say about the Rice Festivals and Chinaberry Festivals…Thanks to the dedication of Gene Dishman and Debbie Thornton and all the people that volunteered to work in the Ice Cream Palace/Potato Booth/Hamburger Booth for all those years it was always deemed a success. Long hours of fun and fellowship and some extra funds for the church were the rewards. There was the time hair, eyebrows and eyelashes got singed when the gas grilled balked at firing up then suddenly it didn’t balk anymore; about the time there was a row of styrofoam cups stuck to floor with duck tape to catch the water leaking through the booth roof during a storm: the wind changing and blowing the smoke from the grill back into the booth. I’m sure Debbie’s husband, Jerry, would not always say it was fun after all the flats, patching, and general grunt work he did. Hopefully it earned him some stars in his crown!
During my late teen years I helped with the proof reading of the original cookbook. That was a great time in fellowship and getting to know the ladies of the church. I was a Sunday school teacher for many years and had such wonderful little students and an experience that continued to educate me in the Bible as well. When I was asked to be treasurer over 20 years ago, it was a scary thought to have that kind of responsibility. Gene Dishman was serving as financial chairman at the time. Gene was a very well known and respected gentleman not only at church but in the the community and beyond. I was told by a member of the nominating committee that Gene (Mr. D as I sometimes called him) really wanted me to take the position. That spoke volumes to me as a sign of trust and respect from someone I trusted and respected and I accepted the nomination. That trust and respect is one of the best gifts that I have received. The times I sang in the choir when one was organized is special, too. Working with organist/pianist, Marge Bieber and later Debbie Budd was always fun. I really appreciate them sharing their talent with the church. Kay Adams was full of ideas and gave her time with the movie nights, the children’s musicals, the Advent activities, to name a few. Vicki Rose has given a lot of loving hours to the children’s ministry of the church also. Her VBS’, Christmas and Easter Programs and Sunday school were always filled with love for the children.
Upon the deaths of my parents, the church was a huge support. Sitting in the sanctuary first without Daddy and later without Mama has caused some tears to be shed, but now there are way more smiles than tears when I think of them. To this day when certain hymns are played I still hear their voices in my ear and heart—Daddy sometimes off-key and Mama with her angelic soprano.
My position as church historian started off serving ‘in name only’ a number of years ago, but has turned into a privilege beyond compare. The things I have learned and the people I have met, many through what I would call “Divine Intervention,” have given me a much greater appreciation and sense of what being a part of a church family is. I now see not only the people that I have grown up with, but all the people linked to this church throughout the past 127 ears as huge influence in my Christian walk. For without them, China Methodist Church would not exist.
I think about those that have shared their faith in the Lord with not only me but many others; through their teachings, sharing of faith and involvement in the life of the church and beyond. My parents, sisters, Marge Bieber, Dean Kuebodeaux, Mrs. Connie Carreon, Chestine Box are just a few that pop in my mind. I am going to name one dear church friend that I have leaned on heavily throughout my adult service in the church. That person is Debbie Sherman Thornton. We have developed a trusting friendship that says if I’m involved you’re involved. We have spent many, many hours working together with some late nights and early mornings thrown in. I always enjoy my time with her. She is a blessing beyond compare to me and the church!
When I really stop and reminisce about all the wonderful times, people and events, my memories could fill a set of encyclopedias. All the years teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, serving on the administrative board, planning celebrations, restoring and maintaining church history, working at the Rice Festival, Chinaberry Festival, other fundraisers, cleaning, mowing, building, decorating and decision making have all been labors of love. I can’t imagine doing any of it without the support of the church family and friends of the church of whom I am eternally thankful. China Methodist Church and friends there will always be an important part of my life. God is so good…all the time! AMEN and AMEN!
Peggy Granger 🙂
(Member)
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One of the VBS craft projects in the early 70s was candle making.
So that it would be safer for the little ones (my ‘surrogate mom’) Laura Dishman teamed up with my Dad, Ronnie Kuebodeaux, (‘Mr’ Community as my mother referred to him) to build a giant sand box for the fellowship hall. I believe it was 30 x 30 feet! Aunt Laura gave instructions and I believe Peggy Granger helped along with myself to help and even make our own sand candles. There were some very creative ones and the kids were all quite proud of their original work. Even some of the adults participated in making their own.
The hardest part I think was dismantling the box and hauling every bit of the sand off! Lol.
The project was very fun and loved by all even though it was truly a job for the adults to set it up and take it down. Sand bags are heavy! Lol!
Renee Kuebodeaux
(Member)
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We moved to China in 1992. I had attended the Baptist Church in Nome growing up and my husband was raised Catholic. My Aunt Lilith Romig was a longtime member of the China Methodist Church and invited us. We agreed that we could become Methodists, and it quickly became our church home. We liked the caring, friendly people, and Rev. Randy Carrion.
There have been many good times spent with the members of the church, as well as working to help the church. The Winnie Rice Festival not only raised funds for the church, but was a great opportunity for fellowship and team work. Everyone worked hard and had fun too! The very best thing about our booth was the best baked potatoes and ice cream sundaes in the world! The Dishman’s homemade blueberry topping was amazing!
We have participated in community events. The China Berry Festival was making hamburgers and serving ice cream . We made desserts from our church cookbook, and sold them at Old Timer’s Day in Sour Lake. I think this helped in selling more cookbooks that day. Our cookbook has some very good recipes from many local community members, it is one of my favorites. You need one!
Our members pitch in when needed. We were almost out of cookbooks and my husband volunteered his office copiers and conference room to make more. I think almost half of the church members got involved in copying, sorting, proofing, and binding them over many days. We also put them together in our fellowship hall over several weeks.
Some of the most fun, was making popcorn balls for Halloween. Timing is everything in making them right. Dean Kuebodeaux liked Karo syrup and Ann Granger liked molasses in theirs so we made both. It was fun with everyone making them, especially Jack Lee. We had a great group that helped. We served punch, hot chocolate, candy, and popcorn balls on Halloween.
Christmas is always special at church. My favorite memory is of Nathan Bibb in a Santa suit for our Christmas party. The children were so excited and crowded around him. All the great food and fellowship. The Christmas children’s programs were a big hit every year. I can still remember all our children in their angel costumes singing. What a blessing! The very best program was “Mayhem in Bethlehem”. There were so many kids that wanted to be in the program, I had to write in extra parts. It was pure joy to watch them.
Easter time was very special for the kids, wearing their Easter clothes, cute hats, and dress shoes. They loved the Easter egg hunts. We all enjoyed watching them rush around looking for Easter eggs.
Not long after joining the church, I was asked to teach a children’s Sunday school class. What! Who me!?! They assured me that I could do it. It was a great way to get to know the kids. This also included helping at Vacation Bible school. We had children from all over the community coming to our church. Many volunteered to help, even some who were not members of the church. For many years I was the director for VBS. Our decorations got more elaborate over the years. We painted scenes on shower curtains, and used refrigerator boxes. Some of the themes included outer space, farms animals, weird animals, Everest, medieval castles and river rafting. All teaching about Jesus and God’s love, the Bible, and Bible stories. Our VBS was later in the summer, so that we did not compete with the other churches. So that all the kids in the community could come. A lot of time and work was done by many to make these VBS’s special. We even had a great group of teenagers helping! It was a lot of work but totally worth it especially when we heard, “This was my favorite VBS” from several kids.
The church was full with families at the end of VBS. The kids enjoyed showing their crafts, pictures, sharing what they learned and seeing the video of pictures from the week. We loved seeing them perform the songs they learned. The celebration and food after the program was great.
The very best decoration of all was the kids hand prints on the wall and foot prints on the floor in the Sunday school room hallway. We used neon paint and turned on a black lights. The lesson was Jesus washing the disciples feet. It was a messy job! VBS was a lot of work but who knows how God will touch each one of them, because we took the time to care and the parents shared them with us.
The support during good and bad times, joy and grief has been awesome. This church has been a blessing. Everyone should have a church family and Pastor who cares about you, offers prayers, and praises God when prayers are answered. Thank you God for the blessing of this church and its people.
Vicki (Wharton) Rose
(Member)
Introduction to the Histories of the Methodist Churches In Nome and Sour Lake
The decision to include the history of the Methodist Churches in Nome and Sour Lake was easy. Both churches have had a connection with China when served as a part of a two, three or four point charge and even sharing some of the same preachers. When the three communities voted to form a consolidated school district in the early 1960s, hence Hardin-Jefferson ISD, the ties that bind into one grew stronger. After the Omega Methodist Church in Nome closed in 2002, the membership was transferred to China Methodist Church. In 2017, after the First Methodist Church of Sour Lake closed, some of the members chose to attend in China. These changes have created a community of faith that continues to reach beyond the walls of the churches and city limit signs of the towns.
The history of the Omega Methodist Church in Nome is limited to memories, a few oral stories with a few records to gather information on. Therefore, it is not very extensive but still important to preserve what information that has been recorded. The research is still ongoing and as new information comes to light, it too will be added and kept. The pastors that served China Methodist Church from 1961- 2002 also served the Omega Methodist Church of Nome.
The history of the First Methodist Church of Sour Lake is taken from various information gathered from some of its former members now attending in China. The majority of the information is from a history written by Ann Smith. Additions were made from the time of Ms. Smith’s writings to the time of the church’s closure as written by other church members. There is not a list of pastors that served the First Methodist Church of Sour Lake in the information received for this booklet. It is hopeful a list can be located to include with these records in the near future.
The Methodist Church in Nome, Texas
1961-2002
The early history of the Methodist in Nome is difficult to pinpoint. There are references of it being part of a two, three, and/or 4 point charge off and on throughout the twentieth century with the China and/or Sour Lake churches. In the China history there is a reference to being in a charge with China in 1916 and then again in 1919 with China and Grayburg. It is not listed in 1920 with China, Liberty and Hardin, it is again listed in a charge with just China in 1924. Another source in the China histories indicate that there was a Methodist Church in Nome in the late 1930s as well. There is also a mention in the Sour Lake history that Nome was part of a four-point charge with Grayburg, Sour Lake and China as early as the late 1890s. Mr. Doug Winters, a former member of the Omega Methodist Church, gave an oral account of his experiences with the church in Nome during his time of living in Nome from about the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. He remembered a pastor, possibly from China trying to get a congregation together in Nome around 1958, but it didn’t last.
The above information and the oral account leads one to speculate that there was not a long standing Methodist congregation in Nome until 1961.
In 1959, the Rev. Billie B. Bonner was appointed to China Methodist Church. At the time of his appointment there were a number of families and individuals from Nome who were active members of the China church. With his encouragement the members of China Methodist that lived in Nome agreed to start a Methodist congregation again in Nome. A small Baptist church had been erected in Nome and whatever the reasons had closed its doors. The building was purchased by the group and the name of the church became Omega Methodist Church of Nome. It was put in a two point charge with China beginning in mid 1961 under the pastoral care of Bro. Bonner. The names of those members choosing to become a member of the Omega Church were transferred from the roll in the China register.
In the very early years the two churches helped each other with Bible Schools and took turns holding Sunday night services together. There is also a record of minutes from a joint administrative board meeting in July of 1961. As time went by, the two churches began to focus on their own activities and those that had been shared began to wane but a friendly air was maintained. In 1968, with the merging of the United Brethren and Methodist Churches, Nome became Omega United Methodist Church of Nome. Familiarity with the name Omega was not widely known as the church was mostly known by locals as Nome Methodist.
As with many small rural churches in close proximity to larger cities, connections to what the larger churches have to offer to young busy families and those that have left the city to move to more quiet surroundings but have kept their city connections can affect attendance. That can lead to financial hardships for a small congregation. After serving the Nome community and surrounding area those realities caused the small congregation to close its doors in 2002.
A deconsecration service was held by the District Superintendent, Rev. Richard Burnham who had served as one of the pastors in the 1980s. He was assisted by the serving pastor, Willard Anderson. The members in attendance were offered the chance to share memories of their time and service in the church. The congregation voted to return its current membership back to China United Methodist unless someone requested otherwise. Those names were then transferred to the China register with several being ones who were members before 1961.
Below is a list of the known families or individuals that can be considered possIble charter members of the Omega Methodist Church of Nome.
Mrs. Ivan (Blanch) Seaburg Arthur J. Obrecht
Mrs, Wayne (Alice ) Watson Mrs. E.S. (Zadie) Nolte
Mr. & Mrs. H.C. Abney Mrs. Dauphine Bonner
Mrs. C. D. Pickle The Doug Winters family
The Leroy Ellerbee family Dr. I. J. Kennedy
Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Rawlinson The Buster Rothenberger family
Mr. & Mrs. Zeral Kotz The Jack Lee family
The Methodist Church in Sour Lake, Texas
1871-2017
The East Texas Methodist Conference Records show that the Sour Lake Methodist Church was a mission church in 1871. By late 1890s it was part of the China, Nome, Grayburg and Sour Lake Circuit . Expressed by some older long-term residents, it may have evolved from worship begun by visitors to The Springs Hotel and Spa which existed between 1851 and 1909.
In 1903 during the first oil boom, a school house in the oilfield became too small for the growing number of students. It then served as the first building occupied by the Methodist congregation. During this time the Methodist and the Baptist shared the building with the Methodist meeting in the morning. In late 1903, Rev. A. P. Bradford was sent to serve only Sour Lake and China. The following year, “The Little Church on the Hill” was built at the southeast corner of Hartel and Mowbray Streets. The white frame building had arched windows, a belfry and a steeple. The largest window at the front bore the date June 4, 1904.
Brother Bradford married during his tenure and the first parsonage was built at 313 Hartel beside the chapel.
By 1908 the Methodist congregation was served by its first full time pastor, The Rev. G. H, Phair.
By 1913 Sunday school rooms and a larger parsonage were needed. A new parsonage was built on the southeast corner of Mowbray and Hooks Streets facing west to the Ed Hardie home across the street. The old parsonage was made into Sunday school rooms.
As the oil business developed, Sour Lake grew as did the church congregation. In 1916 under the leadership of Bro. H. V. Watts the church grew rapidly and he began plans for a much larger building. His uncle, Rev. W.M. Watts, designed plans for the present structure which is located on six lots at the corner of Ann and First Streets.
Because of the Church Conference Tenure Rule, Bro. Watts did not get to be present during the building of the church. The Rev. C.W. Hughes gave able leadership with the necessary money raised to began construction in 1921. In November 1922, the new building was dedicated with Bro. Watts returning to preach the first sermon. The church was built at a cost of $80,000. The beautiful window in the front was given in honor of Mr. S. W. Yount and the concrete steps were built by Mr. Arthur Wicks. The cornerstone was donated by the Epworth League.
The Rev. Hughes was a unique minister in that he was also a sheriff’s deputy. (Many deputies were needed in those wild and hectic years.) He wore his gun to church. As he began his sermon, he removed the gun, placed it on the side of the pulpit and went about preaching. That done, it went back in the holster and he went about his business.
During the time of “The Little Church on the Hill” and before, people arrived by wagon, buggy, horseback or walked. Annie Bell Lowery Brogdon tells about going to church from about two miles away sometimes in the wagon and sometimes walking. At night a lantern was carried, When the roads were muddy, as was often the case, she carried a pair of clean shoes. On arriving at the church, she and others like her would sit on the church steps, change shoes, tuck the dirty ones under the steps and then enter the beautiful new church. After services the routine was reversed before they left for home.
Years later, Annie Bell became pianist for the children’s Sunday school and later gave about twenty years of dedicated and talented service as church organist.
“The Church on the Hill” building was used later by the Episcopal congregation which in 1936 had services about twice a year.
In 1922, the parsonage was moved from Mowbray Street to 118 E. Hartel on lots given by Mr. and Mrs. Paul White. Hartel was a hard surface street; Mowbray was not.
During the late forties and through the mid-sixties, the congregation grew to 270 members. Many classrooms were added: two in the balcony area and others in the ceiling-fan cooled basement. The new rooms prevented the cross ventilation from the open windows and fans began to be used inside the class rooms. With the coming of Rev. Grady Earls, other changes took place. He and Mr. T.E. White built the present pulpit and lectern replacing the pulpit which sat directly in front of the altar.
The church received its first organ, a Hammond organ and Chimes, given by the Harold and Frank Carpenter families, J.O. Scott, H.E. Dishman, and Earl Hankamer. The Norton Chimes were due largely to a gift from Harold Carpenter. The beauty of the hymns played morning and evening covered the community like a blessing. The Rev. Earl’s ministry was a reverent and caring one.
The Rev. Hassler served the church through most of the fifties and did wonderful work with children. With the wonders of his first electric saw, children gathered to watch him cut out the pieces for stools and plant stands that they eagerly hammered together. Bro. Hassler did hugh work in building tables, blackboards and cabinets for classrooms. During his tenure, pews were revarnished and the floors of the longleaf pine refinished. Active in this endeavor were Mr. Carney Phelps. Wallace Neel, Sr., and Stanley Ray.
In 1968, The Methodist Church became The First United Methodist Church. This came about with the uniting of the Evangelical United Brethren and The Methodist Church at a conference in Dallas in April of that year.
During the sixties, the ugly, but wonderful old windows that would be lowered from the top and raised to give air movement were in such bad shape that they had to be replaced. Church members quickly responded with memorial gifts and the money was raised for the stain glass windows. To blend the colors in the new windows with those behind the choir loft was needed and requested but some of those colors are no longer in existence; hence the present design. Of necessity, air conditioning followed and soon the ceiling was dropped in order for cooling and heating to be affordable. Sadly, the new ceiling had to cover the brass chandeliers with their lights and much of the good lighting as well as the elegance of the sanctuary was lost.
In 1986 the church bought a newer and much needed parsonage which was located at 145 E. Barfleld Street. This came about largely through a gift of property left to the church by Clyde and Ruth Vawter.
Also, 1986, through the efforts of E. C. Guidry, an elevator was installed in the church. During this time era others who were very active in caring for church needs were Milton (Bubba) Lane, Pat Morris, Wallace Neel, Sr., Jack Bennett, Carney Phelps, and Jim Rippetoe.
From 1970 until 1992 the Sour Lake congregation dwindled to a little more than 125 and it and the Saratoga church were served by the same pastor.
There was a Women’s Missionary Society from the earliest days doing such things as raising money for the pastor’s salary to caring for the parsonage and missionary needs. One continued to recent times under the leadership of Clara Barnes. Each year they would have a garage sale with the money giving a boost to conference claims. Other missionary and worship activities were carried on.
The Wesleyan Sunday School Class that existed since the early forties continued to modern times. Teachers have been Mrs. T.E. White, Mrs. Nettie Mae Earls, Mrs. Frances Allen. Mrs. Mabel Johnson, Mrs. Agnes Wicks, Mrs. Ann Smith, and Mrs. Dorothy Lowe.
From early years talented and trained personnel assisted the service with music. During the thirties and into the fifties church cantatas were usually a yearly event, as well as community cantatas.
Around 1958, tile was laid on the entire concrete basement floor. This was a gift of labor and of love by Mr. Carney Phelps with some assistance from others. Mr. Phelps also built the cabinets in the kitchen, replacing the open shelves.
Beginning in the sixties and into the early nineties membership dwindled to around 127 and about one-fifth of those were non-residents. Church attendance was rarely over forty and often less. There was one adult Sunday school class and one young children’s class.
Bro. Victor Garoutte came in 1982. Soon he painted, paneled and carpeted the entrance stairwell, greatly improving the appearance. Carpet was also laid at the entrances on the main floor. Twice while he was here, the basement severely flooded during heavy rains. A concrete barrier was built across the front to hold back surface water from flowing in. With the barrier, entrance doors downstairs were replaced by those which Bro. Garoutte built. The painted main entrance doors were refinished. Jack Bennett and Wallace Neel had a whopper of a job taking the doors down and an even bigger one putting them up. It was during his tenure that the new and much needed parsonage was obtained and also the elevator installed. A financial boost came to the church in 1984 through a generous and yearly bequest from the Harold and Carrie Carpenter Estate made in appreciation of Rev. Grady Earle.
In January 1990, the church was privileged to welcome its first woman pastor, The Rev. Fredda Minick. However, as a few thought that a pastor should always be a man, to them “privileged” was a point of view. The problems she met with were numerous. Among them were:
—being accepted as a woman pastor
—a dwarf membership and church attendance
—a leaking roof
—inadequate finances
—disposing of the old parsonage
—groundwater seepage in the basement
—drab uninviting Sunday school rooms
—poor organization for service in a small church
Her first contacts and sermons brought acceptance as she preached and loved us into being a church. Changes began with a liturgist assisting in the service and with youth making their announcements. In cleaning and renovation, she led the way with mop and bucket and later with paintbrush in hand. She and volunteers met day after day cleaning and painting. Gradually carpet was donated for classrooms. She made her study a warm and inviting place. New members came lending support and initiating work with youth and children, extending children’s classes to five. The growth brought a further need; more classrooms. Two on the main floor were cleaned, painted, fitted with blinds, carpeted and light fixtures with fans were installed. Some of those who could be seen on ladders and with paintbrushes were Dean Adams, Pat Morris, Fred Sanders, E.C. Guidry, Fred Jackson, Gary Sanders, and Larry Guidry. Also, E.C. Guidry provided a painter who painted the pin marked dirty wall in the back of the sanctuary.
Worship was inspiring. Gradually the pews filled and the membership rose to 168 by November 1993.
With the approval of the administrative board, Fredda organized the church into the Administrative Council which provides for ministry groups and gives opportunity for greater membership involvement. It was her goal to have each member who would serve to be included in a work area.
Soon under the leadership of Lynda Minick and Dorothea Raiford the children’s Sunday school had a class for each age level. A youth class and MYF was started with Dean Adams and Terri Adams as leaders. This was the first in many years as was the Vacation Bible School under the direction of Delise Sanders. With the increase in children and youth the decision was made to purchase a building across the street at 165 Hwy 105 for an annex to house the active youth group and other activities.
Fredda met with the choir for choir practice and goaded reluctant members into learning some of the newer and profoundly beautiful hymns with enriched the group and the service. A children’s sermon was added to the service also.
In June of 1994, Fredda moved on leaving the church with a membership of 197 and most of the goals accomplished and the church in a spirit of love and cooperation. A church reborn.
Bro. Eddi Hillyer’s service as pastor was a homecoming for him. He was born in Sour Lake, however, his family moved when he was a child. Bro. Ed found joy in returning and getting to know the people. Soon he was active in the community as well. He and his wife Fayrene beautifully enriched the music as well. He served until 2001.
Over time the membership dwindled. Some was due to job transfers, and some to the close proximity of Beaumont and what larger churches had to offer for busy younger families.
The population of Sour Lake in the second half of the twentieth century declined from about 1800 to about 1500 with only the most essential businesses left. This led the town to become largely a bedroom community with weaken community ties.
In the years that followed, the membership continued to fluctuate and became more of an aging congregation with a building too expensive to operate and maintain. The sanctuary was sold in 2013 and the congregation moved to the annex on Highway 105. Judy Kelfstrom served as a lay minister from 2013 until December, 2017.
While under the leadership of Ms. Kelfstrom, there were numerous Bible Studies and fellowship times after worship. Each summer a fund raiser was held to help pay for church camp for interested youth.
The funds that the church had been given in the past were being depleted with upkeep cost and higher cost of operation. With a very small and mostly older congregation, everyone realized that they would not be able to keep the doors of the church open. After several meetings with the District Superintendent of the Southeast District of the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. The congregation voted unanimously to close. On December 24, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. the Christmas Eve service became the deconsecrating service for The First Methodist Church of Sour Lake and the doors were closed.