CENTENNIAL STORY, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, TYLER, SMITH CO, TEXAS, 1848-1948

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Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

Used with the permission of Dr. Michael Massar, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Tyler, TX
Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
11 February 2001
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GREETINGS

Dear Members:

Celebrating one hundred years of church history is a gLrious occasion! 
All the high and holy emotions of the human heart are called forth---
gratitude, joy, peace, love, kindness, praise and devotion---all the 
fruit of the spirit should be found in great abundance in our hearts.

How grateful we are to be pastor these last nine­teen years of the 
hundred. We have built during these years upon the foundation laid by 
others, faithful and true, who labored so effectively in years gone by. 
All the trials and hardships have been more than compen­sated by the 
joys and fellowship with those who have been our faithful fellow-
workers. Others have sown, we have watered and God has given the 
increase.

As we rejoice in the blessings of God during these hundred years, let 
this mind be in us, "which was also in Christ Jesus, who existing in 
the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God to be 
grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made 
in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He 
humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, Yea! the death of 
the cross.

"Wherefore, also, God highly exalted Him, and gave unto Him the name 
which is above every other name; that in the name of Jesus every knee 
should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under 
the earth, and that every tongue should con­fess that Jesus is Lord to 
the glory of God the Father."

As we serve our fellowrnen, so shall each one of us become great in 
the eyes of God. Jesus came not to be ministerd unto but to minister 
and give His life a ransom for many.

Sincerely yours,

PORTER M. BAILES
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FOREWARD

The compilation of the history of the First Baptist Church of Tyler, 
Texas has been a labor of love and inspiration to those associated in 
the task.

It is difficult to express full ap­preciation to each who has done his 
share.  The encouragement of the pastor, and the enthusiasm and suPport 
of the deacons and the mem­bers, have made this undertaking possible.

The photography, which has contributed to the interest of the book, is 
the work of the Henry Allen Studio of Tyler.  Mr. Allen has given 
generously of his time, photographic equipment, and his talent in rhis 
field.

To all who have had a part, we are grateful.  The history is a 
procession of Christian workers and zealous pastors.  We hope it will 
stimulate and bless the church in her second century of ministry. Any 
omission is without intent, any error may be traced to human frailty. 
We are humbly conscious of the great strides made for God through the 
work of this church.  We are looking forward to the future with 
confidence, for truly we see evi­dence that the hand of God is with us.

CENTENNIAL BOOK COMMITTEE

Mrs. T. H. Lawrence, Chairman and Editor-In-Chief
Edward M. Potter	
J. R. Pierce
Mrs. Jessie E. Jeffers	
John D. Matthews