Roosevelt County NM Archives History - Books .....Full Text Of The Bethel, New Mexico Story 1969
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/nm/nmfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 5, 2007, 1:17 am

Book Title: The Bethel, New Mexico Story


The Bethel, New Mexico Story
by
F. Stanley

(Limited to 400 Copies)
August, 1966



P. O. Box 11, Pep, Texas 79353



The Bethel, New Mexico Story
By F. Stanley

THE PASSAGE OF new Homestead Laws brought about the settlement of Bethel shortly
after the turn of the century. It was originally in Chavez county. A postoffice
was established on June 13, 1902. John M. Pinkerton was named first postmaster.
When Roosevelt county was established Bethel was in the new county and about ten
miles west of Portales, the county seat. Few tourists know Bethel since no main
highway goes through it. It was located as a Christian community with a private
school. Its very name is Biblical. The Land of Sunshine book published in 1906
had this to say about the community:

    "Bethel, which is nine (actually ten) miles from Portales, has a postoffice.
A school is maintained here by the Christian Church, which has erected buildings
for the accommodation of students. The land in the vicinity of Bethel for
several miles in every direction has been entered under the homestead act and is
being occupied and cultivated by Actual settlers." (o.c. p. 299). Some people
became discouraged with the prospects; many remained. There is history here. Not
like Santa Fe or Albuquerque or even Clovis or Portales, but every place with a
name has history no matter how unimportant or insignificant compared to large
towns and cities. It is important to the people born there, lo the settlers, the
county school officials, students of history and to the county. There is no
reason why places like Bethel should be overlooked simply because there are
places like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Portales and Clovis. There were no railroads
to make an "end of track" town; no saloons to step up the excitement; no dance
halls for trying out the latest fox-trots; no gambling; no movies; no race
track. There was the store, postoffice, school, church, baseball team and farm.
The pace wasn't to the moon or even to the nearest city. Settlers were at Bethel
because this is what they wanted. Yet it wasn't a dull life by any means. Rather
one would say that it was a full life. The people of Bethel knew how to be
happy. Although it seems that the pattern of their lives never varied it was
heroic, American, daring and brave the way they pioneered in what seemed a
barren wasteland.

    Although the news items of the day seem trivial and unimportant to us, they
are a record of the happenings, and the will remain the heritage of future
generations seeking a complete history of New Mexico. They will be particularly
interesting to people of the area. The PORTALES HERALD for February 13, 1904
carried these items: "Dame Rumor promises Bethel a new store soon. S. W. Smith
left this week for Mexico where he will preach and prospect. George Scott and
wife are parents of a bouncing baby boy, born last week. Frank Van Meter was
here from Lockney, Texas, this week, improving his place. We are sadly in need
of a creamery in this place, and if we go to work right we can get one. J. B.
Jones now has his grist mill in operation and you can get your corn ground into
the best meal. It is rumored that Sam Hukel has bought out Morris and daughter
here and also has charge of the postoffice. The posts are now ready to receive
the telephone wires from Portales so we will soon be able to hear the 'hello
girl' warbling in dulcet tones 'talking now.'" Later the same paper announced
"School begins on November 20th in Bethel. We hope it is a success." (o.c. Oct.
27, 1905). "George Stevenson sold a horse last week for $90. Paul Smith has been
putting in trees. Two years ago there was not a barn, to speak of, in this
vicinity; now there are six or seven good ones ranging from 20x32 to 24x60.
Newcomers say that in three years land here will be selling at twenty-five
dollars an acre. One man says that lots in some parts of Oklahoma are selling
for sixty dollars. S. W. Smith preached at the Newman school house last Sunday.
H. J. Farnham is breaking a lot of land in his school section. Paul Smith built
a tank. He will erect a windmill. Levie Anderson quit his job in the furniture
store in Portales and is working his claim. Effie Anderson and Annie Green are
home from the Portales school. Paul Smith has received his land papers and has
gone to Clovis to work for a hardware store. The school closed here Friday. We
had a successful year under F. A. Anderson. O. S. Strickland has put a coat of
paint on his residence. Will Hooper and Cas Cotton attended a picnic in Tolar on
Sunday. H. J. Farnham, the dairyman, is putting a concrete floor in his barn.
His cows brought him one hundred and sixty dollars per month for many months
last year. W. O. Hooper sold his home to Mr. Butler of Texas for $2,200. He will
go to Arizona to live. Level Anderson moved his house which he bought from Ben
Smith, and joined it to his other house. He likes plenty of room for batching.
Tom Yance was dragged to death a few days ago by a horse at Robert Lee, Texas.
Claude, oldest child of Mrs. A. Rudd, died last week and was laid to rest in the
Bethel cemetery. Bethel has organized a baseball team. Butler has bought the
Cary Cunningham place.

    "The G. P. Smith residence burned to the ground last week (Tuesday evening).
One of the little girls was lighting a lamp and threw the match on top of a coal
oil can that had a little oil on top. Everything was lost. George will move in
with Tom Smith for the present. R. O. O'Neal bought the old O'Neal school
building and moved it to his place for a residence. G. W. Stevenson and the Mrs.
have a baby boy. Levie Anderson married Eve Morrison. F. A. Anderson is teaching
a subscription school in the public school building. Mr. Dorsett bought the Z.
W. Shackleford place. E. Boyd has moved into his new house. The rural mail route
from Portales to Bethel will start on May 1, 1909. Jim May will be the rural
route carrier. Mr. Slough has bought the Salyer place. J. R. Jones of Roswell
has been preaching at the Bethel church this week. The school trustees have
hired Adah May to teach in the Bethel school for the succeeding term. Ben Neeley
married Edna Miles. A meeting was held at the church house Monday for obtaining
subscriptions for an irrigation project. Flue Anderson called the meeting to
order. He introduced Mr. Aldredge of Portales who read the contract. Fifteen
hundred acres were subscribed and several hundred more on conditions. J. C.
Niece subscribed the most — one hundred and sixty acres. Lula Anderson is
teaching at the Bethel school."

    "Flu Anderson family, Walt Stevenson and Ben Smith have gone to Texas for a
visit. Thomas Bunn and family are awaiting the spring so that they can return to
Ohio. The Bethel school is progressing nicely."

    "There were reserved at this office (Portales newspaper August 11, 1906)
checks to the amount of $295.37 for cream sent from Bethel to Roswell during the
past month. This amount of money put in circulation at Bethel every month adds
considerable to the finances of our people, and this is all received among nine
or ten families. There are at least fifty more families living around the area
who could receive fifteen to thirty dollars per month as well as not if they
would only get a few cows and go milking. George Scott sold his four hundred
acre farm west of Bethel. The people, young and old, enjoyed a nice fruit supper
at Mrs. Butler's New Year's Eve (1910). Mr. and Mrs. Boone gave a musicale New
Year's night. Will and Emanuel Boone furnished us all with nice music. It is
about the best we have heard for some time. School closed at Bethel Friday. Mrs.
Morrison has moved into her new house on her claim. The Bethel Literary Society
will meet Saturday night and promises to give an interesting program. It will
include a debate."

    The people of Bethel were concerned with being good Christians and good
farmers. They were also regardful for each other. It was as if a large family
decided to have a reunion. It was not as if they decided on surveillance of each
other, but more of a feeling of kinship. Everybody knows what's going on and
there are no secrets. At times one may detect a note of discord, but there is
always the hope and prayer that it may soon pass like a ship in the night. This
closeness, this family spirit still predominates small communities like Rogers,
Pep, Bethel. Places like Floyd, Causey, Kenna, Dora are a little large and
seemingly outgrowing the tight bond of community life. The people of Bethel
enjoyed the way of life they had chosen. In many ways it was a tougher life than
that lived in cities. There was always something to be done. One didn't work by
the clock or punch a time card. Up with the sun, a bite to eat, and off to the
fields. If the weather proved inclement, there was enough in the barn to keep
them busy to say nothing of repair work on machinery and equipment.

    The repetition of church news week after week in the paper may prove
monotonous to many, but to the people of Bethel it was a chronicle of their
devotion that set them apart from a mixed-up world all around them. Sunday and
Wednesday evening were particularly given over to hearing the word of God. The
little world of Bethel was a wonderful, joyous one, so different from any and
many. The world of the Pilgrims revisited. Yet it was not puritanical as one
would expect such a community to be. There was a time for joy and laughter.
There was a time for school, work, sewing, cleaning, preparing for a place in
life. Sturdy stock are of such a people. World War I found them ready and
willing to do their part for the country. And they were just as ready when World
War II rolled around to be followed by the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. There
was never any hesitation when duty to one's country loomed in importance. Over
and above personal service there was always prayer. It has been stated that
living in communities like Bethel tended to narrow thinking in many ways.
Perhaps his may be true regarding religion, since they only know their own and
are not of varied denominations, .but it is not true of their outlook on many
other things like education, charity, kindness, helping someone who is down and
out, trying to better the world for their children and their children's
children. During the pioneering years the way of life was more or less set. New
farming methods, new inventions, new household appliances helped to bring the
people into more frequent contact with places like Santa Fe, Albuquerque,
Clovis, Portales. Gradually over the years one notes the change in reporting the
news. At first the only news seems to be church, farm, prayer meetings, visits
to homes, visits of preachers from out of the community. Gradually the horizon
broadens to other activities such as baseball, picnics, college life as lived by
the students from Bethel, family affairs, community affairs and such things as a
literary society, a dramatic society, and the growth of the community. The
concern of the people is not only how they fit into the way of life at Bethel,
but how they fit into it in their dealings with other people.

    "Prayer meetings at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brown was well attended. We
were favored with a quartette by the Duggar Sisters and the Boteler Brothers.
The next prayer meeting will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Turnbough. Mrs. Edna
Brown spent several days the past week with her sister, Mrs. Joe Bohanon.
Several ladies of our community met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Little
last Friday for an all-day meeting. They quilted one quilt and nearly finished
another for Mrs. Little. Those present were Mesdames J. B. Brown, J. W. White,
J. H. Boteler, C. G. Bilderbeck, M. S. Ship, Ed Adams and Miss Vinita Brown. Mr.
A. A. Cribles is building a house on his twenty acre tract. There are ten new
residences under construction at Bethel. Some are nearly finished, and some are
just beginning. Ralph Foster has several at work making adobes for his house to
be built on the twenty acre tract he purchased. He bought the tract from Mr.
Bilderbeck (also spelled Bilderback). The work on the Herrington house is
progressing very nicely. Mr. Morrison is a carpenter. A rabbit drive will be
conducted at Bethel on March 1. The people of the community will meet at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Adams and conduct a rabbit drive. This will make two
drives within and near the community this week. E. N. Neer will have shells for
sale. The ladies of the community will serve dinner." (o.c. Feb. 27, 1930).

    "We enjoyed the splendid and instructive play given in the afternoon after
the prayer meeting. Several of our young people went into the sand hills Sunday
to have an Easter Egg dinner. They were accompanied by Mrs. C. G. Bilderbeck.
The McGowans moved in the place Ralph Foster bought from C. G. Bilderbeck. Plans
are being made for a building to be erected in the near future for a Sunday
school and for church purposes. A meeting was held in the home of Robert Little
last Friday night and a committee appointed to begin the active work." (o.c.
April 24, May 1).

    "Several young people gathered at the Turnbough home Sunday to honor the
newly-weds, Everett and Frances Turnbough, but owing to the illness of Everett's
mother, they left and went to the home of his sister, Mary Morris, and there
they were served ice cream and spent the evening socially. We learned this
evening that the home of Mr. Bryant burned at noon (Monday) but do not know the
particulars. We certainly extend sympathy to the Bryant family. Mr. and Mrs.
Menick lost their baby daughter, Frances, Sunday morning. Charles Green married
Irma Bartlett of Broncho, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Claude Overcast have a baby boy,
Richard Clinton. The Frank Robinson place has been sold to a Mr. Robinson.
School begins at Floyd next Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Zola Frehand have a fine baby
boy named Elmer James. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Cathern also
have new additions to their family." (o.c.)

    "The semi-annual election of officers of the Bethel Sunday School was held
last Sunday resulting as follows: Supt., Lex Coopey; Assistant Supt., George
Thetford; Secretary, Mrs. George Thetford; Assistant Secretary, Lawana Watson;
Pianist, Bonnie Fisher; Assistant Pianist, Mrs. J. B. The Bethel softball team
won its ball game. The Bethel 4-H Club members present at the July 6, 1936,
meeting were Ollie Mae and Naomi Little, Christine Joplin, Zelma Warington,
Stella Mae Woodburn, Larvana Watson, Kent, Anna Miller, Clytie Smith, Marjorie
Sain and Bernice Anderson. The funeral service for Mrs. T. A. Dunn were
conducted at the Christian church at Portales. Bernice Anderson was hostess at a
bunking party Saturday night. Several games were played. Supper was served at
8:30. The following were present: Hazel Tucker, Anna Miller, Rosalie Kimbell,
Lura Anderson, Mary Evelyn Sam, Wanda and Jean Anderson." (o.c.) The people of
Bethel were also very interested in the Home Makers Club and all attended
meetings regularly when able to do so. This was another means of getting
together and forming a closer bond of unity and fellowship as a fine community.
Time also brought about the consolidation of schools which accounts for the
Bethel children going to the Floyd school. It was amazing how well and readily
the people of Bethel adapted themselves to the change. The new arrangement
worked out very nicely as time brought about improved roads and buses. The early
buses were known as trucks, and it was only in recent times that they became buses.

    "The 5th Sunday singing convention was said to be the best we have had.
There was every available seat taken and dinner enough for many more than were
present at noon. The long tables were filled to overflowing with good things to
eat. The Newman and Clemens families came from Lovington bringing dinner, too.
People were present from Roswell and many places. It was really a fine day.
Brother Marshall was unable to be present on account of the illness of Mrs.
Marshall, and the playlet was given under another's supervision. The children
did well for so little practice. Dean Floyd Golden was present at the evening
service and used as his subject for a splendid talk 'On the Jerico Road.' The
audience was very attentive. Mrs. William Pickle has said he would come over
some Sunday night and we are hoping that we can announce he will be with us next
Sunday. Bethel Homemakers Club will meet with Mrs. P. E. Dutton the 2nd Tuesday
of April. Everyone come and bring your thimbles. Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Lee and
family spent Sunday with Mr. Lee's uncle, Hugh Lee, south of Elida. Mr. and Mrs.
Curtis Wright and son, of Grady, New Mexico, spent the weekend with her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Reeves at Portales, and attended the singing convention at Bethel
Sunday. They were accompanied by Katherine Underwood of Grady who with Clytie
Smith spent Saturday night with Anna Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Garnet Bush spent the
weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Z. Bush, and her father, W. T. Wright
and family. At the singing convention at Floyd, next Sunday; also of plans for a
rabbit drive to be held at Bethel in the near future. The farmers will be very
busy just at present to make good use of the splendid moisture, then they will
probably be ready for the rabbit hunt." (o.c. April 2, 1941).

    "We wish you could have been present Sunday night to have heard the splendid
talk on the 'Call to Worship' given by William Pickle of Eastern New Mexico
College. He kept the attention of everyone although he was suffering from a
throat attack. Mrs. Pickle was also present and they have promised to come back
again as have the others who have been coming to us on Sunday nights. There will
be someone to speak next Sunday night and on April 20th Mr. Moore, of the
college, will speak at the night service. Brother Hall was present at the
morning service yesterday (Sunday) and filled his appointment. Next Sunday
morning Brother Burch of Rockdale is expecting to be present. There will be an
Easter program Sunday morning and an egg hunt for the children afterwards.
Prayer Meeting Wednesday night will be in the B. F. Miller and Manuel Elkins
home. Ed Adams will be the leader. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Adams, Eula Riddle of
Portales and Kathryn Underwood of Grady were dinner guests Sunday of Mr. and
Mrs. Andrew Smith and family. Kathryn spent the weekend with relatives and
friends and was to return home Sunday evening. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Urton
will be sorry to learn of his illness and they both left last Wednesday for
Kansas hospital where he will take treatment. Bethel Church and other friends
extend sympathy to Rev. R. C. Marshall and family in the loss of Mrs. Marshall.
Rev. Marshall has an appointment with the Bethel Church every fifth Sunday of
the month." (Ibid April 8).

    In May of 1941 the floods came. In one place the home was completely covered
with water to the roof. P. E. Dutton lost his adobe building. Several pigs
belonging to B. F. Miller drowned. Mrs. Roscoe Kent lost one hundred and fifty
little chickens. Despite this disaster the little community was thrilled to
learn of the marriage of Imogene Wright to Warren Green of California. "A corner
of the Bethel church gave way, but it has been braced until it can be fixed. The
high water came into the church twice and everyone feels we are fortunate to
have the church still standing. The services will be held as usual and next
Sunday we are expecting to have Brother Thurman Harris as it was his regular day
before leaving here. He has come back to Portales and we are glad he will come
again to Bethel. The prayer meeting services will be held Wednesday evening in
the home of B. F. Miller. Several more buildings have collapsed that were built
of adobe while some remained firm against the high waters. It seems good to see
the sunshine again. Crops are being replanted and everyone is hoping for a
splendid crop." (Ibid June 9).

    Mr. and Mrs. Richardson lost their home. "Rev. and Mrs. C. M. Henderson and
sons Cy and Walker of Silver City, spent Sunday night and Monday in the home of
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Woodburn. They went to Clovis Monday to visit
her sister, Mrs. Willard Davis and family, and to Farwell to visit his parents.
Mr. and Mrs. O. D. McKnight and children of Sundown, Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby
Corder and children of Portales, and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Welsh and Nita spent
Christmas Day with Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Corder. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Newman of
Carlsbad spent Christmas with her, parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard King, and
relations in Portales. Our family spent Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Merrill
and son Tommy, who is in the Navy, stationed in Memphis, Tennessee. Others with
the Merrills were our son Orvil and family of Belen, our daughter and
son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Summers of Clovis. This group visited in our home
on Christmas Day. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kelt of Portales helped Cris Weems
celebrate his birthday anniversary in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Welsey Weems, on December 23. Visitors in the Weems home on Christmas Day were
Welsey's mother, Mrs. Pearl Weems, and three younger brothers, his sister, Mrs.
Lyndal Levens and family of Eastland, Texas, a brother, Gene and family, of
Seagraves, Texas, and aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Weems, another brother,
Robert and family, all of Portales, and a cousin, Neal Weems and family of Las
Cruces. The group made a telephone call to another brother, Warren and family,
who live in California. Mr. and Mrs. Lex Williams spent Christmas with their
son, Rayford Young and family at Arlington, Texas. They were accompanied by
their other son, Kenneth and family, of Tucumcari. Mrs. Wayne Welch's mother,
Mrs. R. H. Miller of Cloudy, Oklahoma, spent several days here in the Welch home
and then went to Redlands, California, to visit a son, Harold Miller and family.
Mrs. J. M. Dickson has gone to Cloudy to help care for her invalid mother while
Mrs. Miller is away from home. Mr. and Mrs. Welch spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs.
R. B. Marshall and Roxie, another daughter, Mrs. Jerry Crosby and baby of Santa
Fe." (Jan. 8, 1960, as reported by Marjorie L. Dunsworth).

    "The absence of children was noted at the services Sunday morning. Parents
are cooperating in an effort to combat the decrease in the county. There were
only five or six of them present who had not heard of the decision to keep
children away from the public places. Prayer meeting will be conducted Wednesday
night by Rev. Milton Little. We are hoping for a large attendance. Brother
Little preached on Sunday morning. Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Anderson were the Sunday
guests of Mr. and Mrs. Claud Elder. Mrs. Joe Tucker was present at the
Homemakers Club Council Saturday and brought the news to the Bethel members.
Election of officers will be held some times this month so there will probably
be a called meeting for the purpose. Mr. and Mrs. Barto Onstott drove to
Portales Sunday to meet Mrs. Onstott's grandmother, Mrs. Juanita Nix, who has
been visiting relatives in California. She is visiting now in the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Ben Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Onstott and baby were afternoon callers
in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Burl Keeling of Missouri were
dinner guests of Mrs. C. D. Bilderbeck and family Wednesday. They were here
after some of the Portales Valley products. It proves the reputation of the
Portales Valley products is spreading everywhere. Mr. and Mrs; Brady Patterson
and sons entertained a few friends at a musical Saturday evening. Those present
were Mr. and Mrs. A. Q. Smith and family and Alton Wright. Mr. and Mrs. W. E.
Bolton and several friends of Hagerman, called in on W. T. Wright Sunday. The
Boltons are owners of the place occupied by the Wright family. Mr. and Mrs. R.
E. Johnson returned from several days visit to Albuquerque. Miss Anna Miller
placed first, third and fourth in club work at the Albuquerque fair. Mr. and
Mrs. Jason Urton spent the weekend visiting relatives in Lubbock and returning
Sunday stopped at Muleshoe and were guests of Mrs. Urton's brother, Chester
Anderson and family. Mr. and Mrs. Willard Helmer and children and Mrs. R. Bush
and family were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Reed and afternoon
callers were Clytie Smith and Anna Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Sois Maness and baby of
Grady, Mrs. Vergil Kennedy visited relatives in Clovis over the weekend. Mr. and
Mrs. R. A. Ham of Roswell visited Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Miller and Anna Saturday.
The Hams were returning to Roswell after spending some time in Brookin,
Oklahoma, where Mrs. Ham held a meeting. They visited Mrs. Ham's brother, Rufus,
who has joined the Navy. Mrs. Joplin, mother of Mrs. Horn, and of Rufus Joplin,
formerly of Bethel, is spending the winter with relatives in Oklahoma. Several
farmers have had their broomcorn threshed and have sold at a good price,
receiving from 85 to 100 dollars per ton. Some have begun pulling their cotton
also, which is opening rapidly due to the dry weather. The tomatoes are fine and
will be a good yield this year although rather late. P. E. Dutton, accompanied
by Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Watson, drove to Whitesboro, Texas, Saturday to bring his
mother back for a visit. Lex Cooper returned Friday from a trip to Texas and
Oklahoma and reports the drought has been very severe, some localities having no
crops. We are fortunate in Portales Valley. Vergil Kennedy has purchased a grain
combine and is helping harvest his neighbors' crops. Everyone is very busy
trying to get their feed headed and other crops in before the frost comes. The
feed is so dry that there is no protection in case of a freeze. Mrs. G. C.
Bilderbeck took her little grandson, Jerry Dale, to a physician Saturday and
Sunday. He is having some trouble with one of his eyes and is also suffering
from a cold. Plans are already being made made for the 5th Sunday Singing
Convention at the Bethel church to be held this month. It has been announced
that it will be an old time convention and it was at first planned to use old
time songs, so bring your old song books and be ready to sing when called upon.
A dinner is to be given at the noon hour and we are hoping to have a fine time.
We also hope the epidemic will be over by them, if not the convention will be
called of. (PORTALES DAILY NEWS, Oct. 4, 1939).

    "Brother Walter of Portales was present and preached a most interesting
sermon at Bethel church Sunday, and quite a large number was present at the
evening services also. The church was wired last wek for electricity and people
have responded generously to the request for donation to meet the expenses.
There will be some other work done as soon as possible. Messers Lex Cooper, P.
E. Dutton and Elbert Turner did the work which was done during the past week.
Prayer meeting next week will be conducted by Sister Little. Services next
Sunday will include the Communion Service. We expect Brother Burch of Rocklake
to be present." (o.c. Nov. 14, 1939).

    "The attendance was eighty-eight at both morning and evening services at the
Bethel church and Brother Burch and family were present from Rocklake. Brother
Burch filled his regular appointment. Everyone enjoyed also the evening of
regular services and singing. W. T. Wright was elected president and Daffa
Wright secretary of the 5th Sunday Singing Convention for the next year. Prayer
meeting will be conducted Wednesday night by Mrs. J. V. Miller. The Bethel
Homemakers Club meets at the home of Mrs. Evert Foster. A nice collection was
taken up at the Bethel Union Church Sunday morning for the Baptist Orphans Home
at Portales. Money was also raised for the treats for Christmas. The N. G. Adams
place has been purchased and will be occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John Harper and
family of Melrose. Mr. and Mrs. Harper expect to take possession the first of
the year. John Adams accompanied his agricultural class and their instructor
from Eastern New Mexico College to Lubbock Thursday. Bethel Home Makers Club met
Tuesday with Mrs. Evert Foster in an all-day meeting. The ladies did sewing and
at noon a splendid dinner was enjoyed. Miss Aubrey Reid was present and
demonstrated Christmas decorations. Places were made for the Christmas party to
be given at the home of Mrs. A. Q. Smith, next Tuesday. Those present were
Mesdames Evert Foster, O. B. Sherman, Vergil Kennedy, R. D. Lay, R. D. Anderson,
Lucille Maness, A. C. Woodburn, Boyd Kimbell, J. V. Miller, A. Q. Smith, Ed
Adams and Miss Reid. (o.c. Dec. 15, 1939).

    "The Christmas program was given at the Bethel church Sunday night and was
greatly enjoyed. The decorations were beautiful this year. Treats were given to
everyone present. There was an unusual abundance of gifts and everyone seemed in
the Christmas mood, especially when old Santa came in. Brother Ernest Miller was
present Sunday morning to fill his regular engagement with a forceful Christmas
sermon." (o.c. Dec. 29).

    "The Bethel 4-H Club met Saturday at the home of Mrs. J. V. Miller, who is
leader, to work on the clothing projects and to make plans for the rest of the
summer. Since the clothing projects are nearing completion, the nine girls who
are enrolling for cooking made plans for the preparation of dishes for the next
meeting to combine them into a complete meal. Anna Miller, the only member
enrolled in canning in the Bethel group, learned to can asparagus at the
meeting. The latter part of the afternoon was devoted to a business meeting
which was called to order by the president, Anna Miller. The roll was called,
the minutes were read, and the girls were led in the ritual. The group is
planning to make a trip to Carlsbad Caverns in the near futre as one of their
educational trips. The following were at the meeting: Mona Baker, Roberta
Foster, Imogene Kent, Thelma Kent, Mary Evelyn Dain, Naomi Little, Ollie Mae
Little, Marine Loy, Anna Miller, Benita Sherman, Marie Turner, Lanell Watson,
Mrs. J. V. Miller, leader, and Mrs. Katie Lehman,  Home Demonstration agent." 
(Ibid, May 16, 1938).

    "Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Tucker of Artesia spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs.
Victor Lietson and family. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Terry entertained a group of
relatives and friends with a fish fry Friday evening at their home. They
recently returned from a fishing trip on the Gulf coast of Texas. Present to
enjoy the occasion were Mr. and Mrs. Bill Terry and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn
Terry and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Weems and family, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Rains
and family and Ray Terry of the home. The local 4-H Club met Monday evening in
the home of George Calton in Portales with nine members present. The members
voted to sponsor Joanna Lee in the Dairy Princess contest. Roll was answered
with 'the number of pounds of rusty nails I have picked up for the safety
contest.' Some of the members are really working at this project. The contest
will close during National Farm Safety Week in July. Garry Dietson was in charge
of the safety program and was assisted by Joanna Lee and Dwayne Disney in
presenting the program. Barry Dietson was assisted by Joanna Lee, Sharon Calton
and Mike Riley in giving the Health program for the evening. Dory Morrison is
doing fine after having injured himself when he fell from a tractor. He spent
one day and a night in the Miller hospital. The local Homemakers Club met for an
all-day meeting in the home of Glen Willoughby. Mrs. E. H. Bulls was present to
give a demonstration on 'Plaster Plaques.' A short business meeting was held and
the members voted to sponsor Carolyn Adams as their Dairy Princess. Three
visitors, Mesdames Blonnie Rea, Lee Miller and F. O. Lyon, joined the members.
Mesdames L. J. Sanders, T. Cavener, P. E. Dutton, A. C. Woodburn, Gus Burson, A.
L. Wooten, John Morgan, Ben McAlister, R. B. Padon, Mitchell Bennett, and the
hostess for the day enjoyed the all-day affair. The next meeting will be held at
the home of A. C. Woodburn on March 23. W. G. Vinzant will be present to give a
program on Civil Defense. Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Dutton returned Friday from Wichita
Falls, Texas, where they visited relatives. Our congratulations go to Billy
Dietson who was the winner of a scholarship given by the Clovis Production
Credit Association." (o.c. May 11, 1961, Marjorie L. Dunsworth, reporter).

    "Some of the girls and boys in our community are already out of school. They
are the ones that attend the Floyd school. They went to school Monday, May 15,
to get their report cards. Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon Stephens and children and Judy
Thetford spent Sunday with Mrs. Stephens, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson at Elida. The
Golden Circle Sunday School class of the Bethel church met Thursday at the
church for their regular meeting. Mrs. Ed Williams, president, led the
devotional. During the social hour the students honored their teacher, Mrs.
Clarence Littlefield, with a handkerchief shower. The class and their families
will have an ice cream social at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Estel Roberts on May
26. They do not plan to have any more meetings until August. Mr. and Mrs. Clyde
Roberts and family were in Dimmit, Texas, Friday, to get Mrs. Roberts'
grandfather, Mr. Trainer, and while there they attended the Revival Services
which Rev. Lewis was conducting. Rev. Johnson was pastor of the local church for
several years before he and his family moved to Washington. They plan to move
back in this vicinity in August. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were dinner guests in the
Wayne Welch home. Mrs. Skeets Creamer and baby daughter of Tucumcari spent the
weekend here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh
Nesbitt of Albuquerque are visiting in the home of Mrs. Nesbitt's sister, Mrs.
P. E. Dutton and Mr. Dutton. Mrs. George Smith of Clayton spent the weekend in
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Victor Dietson and family. Her mother, Mrs. Mary
Mathis, returned home with her. The man at our house (i.e. the home of Marjorie
L. Dunsworth, reporter), spent Monday and Tuesday at Santa Fe where he
accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Austin Morrow and their son C. S. and Eddie Dunsworth,
all of Portales. Eddie and C. S. were taking their exams at the barber school.
Sunday visitors in our home were Mr. and Mrs. Bob Russell of Roswell, and Mr.
and Mrs. Terry Summers and their daughter, Laurie, of Oklahoma City. Our son,
Orvil, of Oklahoma City, called on the telephone to wish us a Happy Mother's
Day." (Ibid May 18, 1961).

    "Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Miller have another new granddaughter. She is the first
child born to Mr. and Mrs. Skeets Creamer of Tucumcari. Mr. and Mrs. Miller will
spend a few days at Tucumcari getting acquainted with the young lady. Mr. and
Mrs. Lex Williams spent Saturday night and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth
Young and children at Tucumcari. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Newman of Artesia spent
Saturday and Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard King and Mr. and Mrs.
D. C. Newman of Portales. Doyle is employed with the American National Insurance
Company and is being transferred to Clovis about April 1st where he will be
assistant general manager. Mr. and Mrs. Gene King and daughter of Roswell
visited in the King home, Sunday afternoon. Our family was in Hobbs Sunday,
where we visited in the homes of Mrs. Ann Saylor and Escar, and Mr. and Mrs.
Shirley Blakley and family. Others visiting there were Mrs. Ed Jones of
Bakersfield, California, Mrs. Annie Barber, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Coynn and family
of Hobbs, Mrs. E. M. Drake and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Russell of Roswell. Mr. and Mrs.
J. D. Cooper of Tuba City, Colorado, are proud parents of a baby girl who was
born to them February 4 and has been named Karen Ann. J. D. is a nephew of Mrs.
P. E. Dutton and is the son of Mrs. Lola Cooper of Portales. The Coopers lived
in this community for several years. The local 4-H Club met in the Chester
Barnett home, Monday evening. Four new members — Vana Longbothan, Sharon Calton,
Ronnie and Mike Riley, were added to the roll. Fifteen members and several
guests were present. Mrs. Barnett and Mary Jane served refreshments of coffee
and cake. The next meeting will be March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Owen Disney home.
Jimmy Ellison of the telephone company will be present to show a film." (o.c.
Feb. 23, 1961).

    "Rev and Mrs. Ed Williams and baby are spending a few days in and around
Fort Worth, Texas, where they are visiting relatives. Their school age daughter
and son are staying in the Doyle Black home while they are gone. Judy Thetford
and Sheila Black spent Sunday with Martha and Cynthia Stephens. The Estil
Roberts family has moved to South Floyd highway. The Bill Boyd family has moved
to their place where the O. B. Owings family lived the past year, and the Owings
have moved to Portales. The local 4-H Club will meet Monday in the Owen Disney
home. Mrs. Ada Johnson of Portales is spending a few days in the home of Mr. and
Mrs. P. E. Dutton. The local Homemakers Club met Tuesday evening in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Woodburn in Portales. Mrs. R. B. Padon, president, presided
over the business meeting. A very interesting program on fabrics was given.
Members present were Mesdames P. E. Dutton, R. B. Padon, T. D. Cavener, Frank
Harper, J. W. Selby, L. J. Sanders, Sherwin Selby, Tony Isa-bell, Gus Burson,
Mitchell Bennett, and the hostess, Mrs. Woodburn. The next meeting will be in
the home of Mrs. Tony Isabell on March 14. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Bennett were in
Midland, Texas, recently where they visited Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Bennett, Sr. Our
family was in Roswell where we visited Mr. and Mrs. Bob Russell and where we
took our son, Leroy, to an ear specialist. Mrs. E. M. Drake, our mother, who has
been visiting in the Russell home, returned with us, and we took her to
Planiview, Texas, Saturday, where she will make her home." (Ibid March 2).

    "The people of the Bethel Baptist Church are looking forward to June 25.
when they will celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the church. An all-day
meeting is planned with everyone who has ever been interested in the church
invited. The June date was selected as a more suitable time than the October
date on which the church was actually started. The Bethel Baptist Church came
into being when the Baptist people of Bethel community recognized the need for a
church and called a meeting on October 9, 1936, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clay
Jones to discuss the possibility of organizing a Baptist church. Rev. R. C.
Hallman of Tatum acted as moderator. On October 19, 1936, another meeting was
called in the Clay Jones home to organize a Baptist church. Serving as
councilmen at this organization service were Rev. Grant of Portales, moderator;
Tollos Tolliver, Floyd, Secretary; Rev. Morgan of the Calvary Baptist Church of
Portales gave the charge to the church. Rev. Hallman of Tatum led in prayer and
Bro. S. M. Lufter from Bluit was also a member of the council. At this meeting
letters of twenty-six Baptist people were presented to the council for
examination; an invitation was extended and three others came on the promise of
letters, making a total of twenty-nine charter members. Rev. Morgan preached for
the new church on the following Sunday. One acre of land was purchased, for the
church site, a school building at Mt. Vernon was purchased, dismantled, hauled
to a new location, and a church building was erected. Mrs. W. C. Hartwig gave a
piano. Rev. R. C. Hallman was called as first pastor. Other pastors have been
Dr. C. R. Barrick, Rev. Harris T. Roy, Dr. George C. Humphrey, Rev. Claude J.
Williams, Rev. C. F. Booth, Rev. Autry Brown, Rev. J. H. Winters, Rev. George
Newman, Rev. Lewis Johnson and the present pastor, Rev. Edward H. Williams. Dr.
Herbert Bergstrom, now pastor of the First Baptist Church in Clovis, came from
Bethel, as did Rev. I. A. Leonard, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in
Portales. A new auditorium, in association with the church, was built in 1956."
(Ibid March 15, 1961).

    Bethel has ever remained a community. Even in the census report it is listed
with Floyd as a rule so that very few visitors to the State are aware of its
existence. But it is there ... a part of Roosevelt county and of New Mexico.



File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nm/roosevelt/history/1969/bethelne/fulltext206gms.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/nmfiles/

File size: 40.5 Kb