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

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Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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Used with the permission of Dr. Michael Massar, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Tyler, TX
Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
8 March 2001
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                               YOUTH RALLIES

The post war period of World War II is marked with unusual interest 
in spintual activity among the young people. Particularly is this true 
of those indentified with the First Baptist Church. With the 
cooperation of Dr. Bailes, arrangements were made for a Youth Revival 
during the summer of 1946.  Seivices were held in a tent on the T. 0. 
Wright lot at South Broadway Avenue and Charnwood Street.  The 
preaching and singing were led by Odom Dyess, Glenn Norris, John 
Turner, James Mur­ray, Kenneth Green, and other young men who had 
recognized the call to the ministry or a definite call for spiritual 
service.

During the summer of 1947 the young people held another tent meeting. 
Because of the success of the proceeding year, there were added workers 
to the movement and added zeal to the undertaking. The young people's 
religious fervor has continued through the months.  Mrs. Jessie E. 
Jeffers is iden­tified with the group and has been untiring in her work.
Weekly Saturday night Youth Rallies are held in the auditorium of the 
Educational building the preaching is done by the young men who have 
received a call to preach. The attendance has been good; the results 
reveal nearly fifty conversions, many surrendered lives for special 
service, and a great number of rededications to the Lord.
 
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                               VOLUNTEER Band

Attending the August 1947 assembly at pineywoods Encampment, a group of 
young people from the First Baptist Church of Tyler experienced a 
definite urge for special work in the Master's vineyard. Since its 
organization the VOLUNTEER BAND has met weekly, with spirit and 
devotion for further evangelism.  Mrs. J. Frank Robertson is the
sponsor. The president is Jerry Moore. The membership has grown to 
twenty-five young people.

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                           BAPTIST STUDENT UNION

The Baptist Student Union was organized in 1947 to foster Christian 
fellowship of the Baptist students enrolled in Tyler Junior College. 
The sponsors are faculty memhers of Tyler Junior College, Mesdames 
Russell Flaherty and A. C. Gentry. The twenty-five members meet each 
Thursday morning at 10 o'clock at the First Baptist Church and have a 
watch hour at 7 A. M. each week-day with the president Bobby Talkington. 
Because of the activity of the B. S. U., the Methodist students have 
undertaken a similar organization.

The Church Had a part in the Smith County Baptist Association recently 
acquiring property for a Baptist Student Center adjoining the new 
Junior College, on the Henderson highway.  The plan is to establish a 
Bible Chair in the college.

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                       YOUTH CENTER SCOUT ACTIVITIES

Since 1930, the church has sponsored and supported Scout Troop No. 334. 
There have been from time to time Cub Scout packs.  The present scout 
master is Buddy Hutchins, who came up through the troop.  Since the 
organization, Arthur Squyres has been identified and connected in many 
ways with the scouts.  At present A. E. McCain is the institutional 
representative. The Chairman of the Troop com­mitzee is B. J. Alfred. 
The scouts have received many camping an4 Eagle &out Awards. Two of 
the original workers, Col. C. E. Parker and Fred Williams, are holders 
of the Silver Beaver Awards. A brick building is being erected on the 
Church Annex property to house scout and other youth activities.