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A History of

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Roswell, New Mexico

Written on the Occasion

OF its 75th Anniversary

April 12, 1978

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FORWARD

Compiling the history of our church to celebrate our 75th Anniversary v/assuggested by Pastor Rodney E. Roberts.

It is to be regretted that the history was not v/ritten earlier since manyrecords have b^n lost. If there are errors in dates or events, it is notintentional.

Looking back through the years at the development of the church brings tomind again those flethodist members and ministers v/ho lived their faith anddevotion to God.

The writer would like to express her appreciation to Mrs. Arthur Hartman,Ray Dearholt, Louise Duvall and the many other people v/ho have helped tomake this brief history possible.

April 12, 1978 Anna Walker GillRosv/ell, New Mexico

THE GEYER FAMILY

wmmrfry

Standing L. to R.

Seated L. to R.

Edith Geyer, Sylvester Johnson, Grace Geyer (Sayre), Arthur Geyer,Maud (Mrs. Ford Geyer), Denton Geyer.Earl Geyer, Frances (Mrs, S. P. Johnson), D. L. Geyer, Mrs. D. L. Geyer(Belle Heaton), Ford Geyer.

Standing between grandparents-Sylvester Johnson, Jr.

The Geyer Family were really the M. E. North members who were the main stay ofthe church. David L. Geyer came to New Mexico about 1897 upon the receipt of anOfficial Proclamation from President McKinley designating him to head the Land Officeof the territory of New Mexico, town of Roswell. He held that position for many yearswith proclamations signed also by President Teddy Roosevelt.

Mr. D. L. Geyer was approached by A. P. Morrison, Presiding Elder, for the initial organization and he and his family were involved in choir, church managementand all phases of the affairs of the M. E. Church for the rest of the lives of thosewho remained in Roswell. ^

The youngest Geyer, Grace, married Paul Sayre and lives in Iowa. David Geyer sfather came to America from Germany when he was fourteen years of age. He was afarmer and a minister of the German Methodist Church. Sylvester Johnson was astaunch Episcopalian but when he and Frances Geyer were married he transferred toM. E. Church and was a lifelong working member.

HISTORY OF TRIfllTY UMITED METHODIST CHURCHORIGIMALLY FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HORTH

1903 "Organization of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Rosv/ell, Nevj Mexico"Written for the 25th Anniversary by David L. Geyer.

"About April 10th, 1903, a gentleman called on me at the U. S. Land Office andintroduced himself as A. P. [torrison. Presiding Elder of the Hev/ Mexico District ofthe Methodist Episcopal Church. He soon infonred me that he contemplated organizing a Methodist Episcopal Church and ivished to knovi vvhat I thought of it. I toldhim that there were but very feiv Methodists of our denomination in Roswell; notenough to justify such action; that we could not support a preacher and that I wasnot in favor of starving preachers. Later in the day he returned and told me thatSam Brown, who ms a prominent member of the ftethodist Church South, told him thatther-e v/ere twenty f^thodists of our denomination in Roswell.

I said if Sam Brown knows of twenty such r?ethodists in Roswell, he knows ofabout twice as many as I do. The next day he informed me that he had rented a roomon the second floor of a large unfurnished building on Main Street, situated wherethe new addition to the McMally-Hall Garage now stands. The Labor Union had finished this room for their ovm use. On Saturday afternoon. Dr. fbrrison had ourorgan moved from our house where vie now live to the room above described.

On Sunday morning only about tv^elve or fifteen people were present at thefirst service, and Dr. Morrison postponed the organization until the evening service, hoping there would be a better attendance.

At the evening service the following persons who were not actual members ofany church at that time, organized the First f^ethodist Episcopal Church of Roswell,H. M., to wit: D. L. Geyer, Mrs. Geyer and C. F. Geyer, Samuel Jones, Mrs. Jonesand Clifford Jones, M. J. Hartman and Mrs. Hartman, J. R. SI ease, Mrs. SI ease andMrs. Pool.

It has alvjays been rny understanding that the above named eleven persons comprised the charter members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Others present at the service v/ere Uilliam D. SI ease and v/ife, Mrs. Frances Geyer Johnson,Mrs. Maud Geyer. The last named persons iiranediately joined the nev/ church, bringing their letters at the earliest date possible, from the Methodist Church South.There v/ere several other persons present v/ho never united with our church.

Those v/ho comprised the first choir v/ere: Edith Geyer, organist, FrancesGeyer Johnson, Mrs. Maude Geyer and Ford and Arthur Geyer. Shortly after thechurch ms organized, our first pastor. Rev. J. L. Anderson, accompanied by hiswife, arrived and took charge. A few months after the church was organized, v/eentered into an agreement v/ith the ov/ner of the building stipulating that he v/ouldgive us a lease for one year on a room on the first floor, provided v/e agreed tofinish the room according to the specifications named in the lease. This v/orkcost us about $250.00 not counting the work the men of the church performed v/ith-out any compensation. We then sublet our room to the board of education for fivedays each week during the term of school. We retained the use of this room duringeach evening, and each Saturday and Sunday. At the annual conference of that year.Rev. Anderson v/as sent to Tucumcari, M. M. and Rev. William Reace of Western Kansaswas sent to Rosv/ell.

To the best of my recollection the building in which our room was situatedburned dov/n during the summer of 1904. This fire occurred at about 7:00 on Sundaymorning. We had barely time to save the organ, the desk or stand used for a pulpitand a few books. During the week following this calamity, we secured a buildingon North Main Street that had been erected for a bottling works. The buildingwas poorly located for our purposes being too far from the center of tov/n.

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Brother Reace then secured the use of an old adobe building which stood on the lotnow occupied by the Purity Bakery on South Main. After occupying this room for ashort times v/e had to give it up. I do not recall v^;hy we were required to move.This v/as an old adobe, rather dark and dingy. We then secured the I. 0. 0. F.Hall on the second floor of the Gaullieur building at the corner of Hrst and MainStreets where v/e continued to worship until \ie moved into our nei/ church in thespring or summer of 1906.

The deed for the lots on which our church stands was executed June 6, 1905.The price paid was $900.00. Our charter ms issued March 5, 1905, and providedfor a board of trustees consisting of five members, to wit: David L. Geyer, SamuelJones, Jacob R. SIease, Joseph E. Henderson and Marshall J. Hartman. This board oftrustees was also the building committee. The contract for the building of thechurch v/as let to Pearse and Bixby, August 18, 1905.

The annual conference in 1906 was held in Rosv/ell in the fall of that year atwhich time our church v/as dedicated by Bishop ftoore, whose acquaintance I had madein Ohio before v/e came to this state. The trustees found on counting up definitelythat they owed $2,100.00 when the church was dedicated. Bishop Moore said he v/ouldraise this amount in tv/enty minutes. At the end of nineteen minutes, $2,350.00had been subscribed, and of this amount v/e collected without any trouble, $2,300.00leaving only $50.00 that we could not collect.

Although v/e desired that Brother Reace be returned for another year, he declined to return, contending that his work was done, and that he felt that hisv/ork in the future was elsev/here."

Rev. Anderson was here for six months and Rev. Reace was here from 1903-1996.

1906-1907 John H. MurrayIn a 1907 report Rev. Murray listed 35 new members. Tv^felve members were dis

missed by letter and one member lost by death. The number attending mid-weekprayer meeting was 35. The pastor and his v/ife average one hundred calls eachmonth. A new organ had been purchased and almost paid for. There v/ere 140 attending Sunday School. There v/as a falling av/ay of attendance during the hot weather.

1907-1909 C. F. LucasThis was a good year for the First Methodist Episcopal Church Horth v/ith 68

new members added to the church rolls. There v/ere 6 baptisms, all adults.

1909-1914 Henry Van ValkenburghRev. Van Valkenburgh v/as an ardent temperance worker. Minutes of a board

meeting October 27, 1913 told of the need for additional room at the church. Thebudget was set at $2,600.00. It was decided to start a building fund of $10,000.00but meanwhile to build a class house for Sunday School. It v/as decided to securethe services of Rev. Runyon for evangelistic services. In the ensuing year theclass house was built, city water v/as piped to the church and parsonage lav/ns.The board borrov/ed $200.00 from the First National Bank to cover the extra expenseand when the note came due borrowed $200.00 from the Ladies Aid to pay the note.The board advised Mr. Hartman to fix the fence and build a new coal box for theparsonage. VJhen Rev. Van Valkenburgh v/as sent to Tucson the board voted to payhim $12.00 for his vacuum sweeper, rain v/ater barrel and other miscellaneous toolsthat could be used about the church.

Board members mentioned v/ere D. C. Van Home, E. M, Spencer, Secretary, A. R.Ellet, H. S. White, G. W. Zink, L. B. Boellner, Sylvester Ross, C. S. Brewster,W. B. McCoy, Roy Anmerson.

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1914-1917 E. C. AndersonFinances were better and the ministers salary was raised to $1500.00 a year.

There were 276 members in the church. A new heating stove vms purchased for thechurch at a cost of $15.00 with $2.00 trade. The class house was repaired. Rev.Anderson was interested in bringing in an evangelist but the members voted thatdown. Finally a union revival vjas held in conjunction with the other churches inRoswell. It v/as called the Brown Revival and was held in Halters Flats in 1917.It was decided by the board and voted and carried that locks be put on the doorsof the church and that no chairs or other furniture be loaned to anyone outsidethe church. The President of the Ladies Aid Society was Mrs. E. Werline.

1917-1921 Ray S. DumA Deaconess, Miss Crow, was hired at the salary of $25 per month. A revival

was sponsored for the Spanish speaking people under the direction of Rev. Garcia.There were many stars in the service flag, at the church, of members serving inWorld War I. A new furnace was installed in the church at a cost of $632.00.There v/as a union revival with the other churches in Roswell5 the tv;o Methodists,the Presbyterian and the First Christian Church. The Board paid the $200.00 borrowed from the Ladies Aid Society in 1914 with interest.

1921 Clyde KeaganUpon the resignation of Rev. Dum, Bishop Mead and District Superintendent

Rev. Alonzo Bright sent Rev. Clyde Keagan to fill the unexpired term of ministerto First M. E. Church. Pastor's salary set at $2,000.00. Parsonage roof wasrepaired. All church bills paid in full. Board paid Rev. Keagan's moving billof $108.00. A. R. Ellet, H. B. fteCoy and A. W. Woolsey were on the Pulpit Committee in the selection of a new minister. Mrs. Hartman and Mrs. Werline wereappointed to take Mrs. Dum's place as leaders of the Junior Church.

1921-1924 T. E. Thurreson . , f •The only records found of Rev. Thurreson's years at First M. E. Church is a

report to the Quarterly Conference held April 9, 1922 in Roswell with DistrictSuperintendent Alonza Bright in charge of the ti«eting of the English District.

"During the month beginning February 5 and closing Pterch 5, our church engaged with four other churches in Union Evangelistic Services under the directionof Evangelist James Rayburn. The meetings v/ere highly successful and our churchshared proportationately v/ith the other churches in the gathering of members, wereceived a total of 52 members. Our Sunday School is in good state with averageattendance of 245. Mrs. E. M. Spencer and Mrs. A. R. Ellet have consented to takeon the leadership of the Junior Congregation and v/e anticipate good results.

Rev. Thurreson later became a District Superintendent in the state. Pastorallabor: Marriages-3, Funerals-4, Baptisms-21. ^

At the last board meeting it was found that we were in debt $600.00. A committee composed of George Zinic, George Gilmore and C. 0. Thompson and the pastorwere appointed to raise the amount. The amount was raised by subscription, mostof v/hich has been paid into the treasury. Pastoral visitations have been inter-ferred with due to illness by the 'flu' of the pastor and daughter. Now we arecommencing to work again and will follow up until the whole field is properlycared for. Respectfully submitted, T. E. Thurreson «

Mack Wells was President of the Epworth League and Mrs, D. L. Geyer wasPresident of the Ladies Aid Society.

1924-1925 F. C. SagerThere are no records available of Rev. Sager's year at First M. E. Church

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but in the Uomen's Home Missionary Society Records there was a great deal of interest in Mrs. Sager's program presentation, firs. Sager was an excellent vocalist

^ and shared her musical talent u'ith all of the church organizations. She has beena Deaconess in Rock Springs5 Wyomings a mining town in southern Utah, and gavemany interesting stories of her work in that field.

Mrs. Herline v/as President of U. H. M. S. that year and Mrs. George Wellswas Secretary.

1925-1928 Dr. Eli Crouse-Wife fl^me and sons Robin and UrbanRev. Grouse was an able speaker and preacher. He gave addresses to the High

School and preached the Baccalaureate Sermon for Graduation.In a report to Quarterly Conference he gave a tribute to Dr. Thurreson, First

H. E. minister (1921-24) at the time of his death in 1925,Rev. Grouse stated that he preached two sermons each Sunday, led prayer meet

ing on Wednesday, attended Men's Meeting each time and attended the W. W. H. M.Society v^/hen he didn't forget it. He particularly recognized the Women's Societiesfor their help in the church both financially and spiritually.

His was a good era for the church v/ith the able assistance of A. R. El let,G. A. Ziegohagen, G. A. Hartman, Ralph Erwen, G. S. Brev/ster, Syl Johnson, EarlHitchcock, E. F. Butler, W. B. McCoy, A. L. Fales, I. W. Woolsey, W. F. Ogilvie,.H. S. White, Emory Huitt, J. D. Hearn, Guy Rowe, Joseph Ruhl, E. E. Patterson,Claude Simpson, L. L. Lane, 0. M. Wallace and L. H. Wells. Mrs. L. B. Perry v^asPresident of U. H. M. S. Mrs. Ralph Erwen was President of the Ladies Aid Society.

His sons, Robin and Urban, still reside in Roswell.

1928-1932 John Henry KetchumThe follovjing is from a report of flay 22, 1932."During four years of service, membership lias grown from 259 in 1928 to 353

in 1932. All of the departments are functioning well. Epworth League was notactive vjhen we came, but under the direction of Mrs. Kellahum and Miss Ruby Smitii,it continues to grow. There is now a membership of 41. The W. H. M. S., chairedduring these 4 years by Mrs. Erb (who died the middle of the year) term finishedby Vice President Mrs. 0. M. Wallace, Mrs. L. 6. Ellet and firs. H. V. Fall. TheSociety continues to meet all pledges and di its regular v/ork v/ell.

The Ladies Aid under the direction of Mrs. D. L. Geyer and Mrs. W. B. McCoyserves the church well. They bought a nev/ hot v^ater tank for the parsonage, hadthe parsonage painted and Parish Hall redecorated inside. Theirs is a beautifulspirH and should be appreciated by the entire church.

The Finance Committee has been active and efficient and the tv^o Treasurerswho have served have been efficient, faithful and accurate."

During the Pastorate, the 25th Anniversary of the church was observed. Therewas a sermon by District Superintendent George Henderson. The original choirpresented the music and many of the ladies dressed in the dresses they v/ore whenthe church was dedicated. Tvjo of the oldest charter members, D. L. ̂ er andMrs. Hartman v/ere especially honored. Mr, D. L. Geyer read a history of theorganization of the church that he had written. Letters and telegrams from theformer members were read during the afternoon party.

The official records for 1932-1938 seem to have been lost, so will write of thethree ministers and the church of that era as I, Anna Gill, remember.

1932-1935 Dr. Benjamin EitelgeorgeDr. Eitelgeorge and Mrs. (Loretta) came from Denver. He vs/as a tall man with

the ability to speak and preach in such a manner that his audience was "vdth himall of the way. Mrs. Eitelgeorge was a very attractive and talent^ lady, youngerthan Dr. Eitelgeorge, with a mind of her own and I particularly enjoyed visiting

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at the parsonage and hearing the discussions and different points of view whilethe coffee cooled.

^ Mrs. Eitelgeorge was artistic and painted and drew with colored chalk abeautiful "First fiativity" scene about 8x12 which they placed on the parsonageroof and lighted at night.

Dr. Eitelgeorge helped perfect the new organization of all the women in thechurch known as the Women's Association of the First Methodist Episcopal Church.It had three groups9 missionary, local church and welfare. Mrs. Eitelgeorgewas chosen temporiarily as President, Mrs. Syl Johnson, Vice President, Mrs.George Zink, Secretary, and Mrs. L. V. Shaw as Treasurer. Mrs. Guy Roi^e heads tthe missionary group and Mrs. W. C. Holland heads the local church group vjith thewelfare chairman to be chosen later.

The Pastor's salary was $2,100.00 ($100.00 for moving personal furniture)

1935-1936 C. S. HempsteadThe only material available is one copy of minutes of Quarterly Conference.

The names of those accredited in attendance were: J. B. Caron, L. S. Croissant,H. V. Fall, L. V. Shaw, W. D. Young, H. F. Davis, L. H. Miller, W. S. Murrell,I. W. Woolsey, L 8. Boellner, C. S. Brewster, G. W. Zink, C. A. Hartman, S. P.Johnson, E. F. Butler, E. E. Patterson, W. B. McCoy, Clause Simpson, H. C. Allison,L. G. Ellet, J. D. Hearns, Joseph Ruhl, Guy Rowe, E. VJ. Hitchcock, U. T. Simpson,0. M. Wallace, C. H. Wilson, L. L. Kurtz, Mrs. George Wells, Mrs. Mayme Crouse,Miss Alva Lee Swisher, Mrs. E. U. Hitchcock, and Mrs. C. C. Bogard.

Mr. Kurtz vjas confirmed as Church School Superintendent and fiiss Alva L.Swisher as President of the Epvjorth League, Mrs. E. W. Hitchcock vjas Presidentof Local Church Activities, Mrs. Mayme Crouse as President of the MissionaryGroup and Mrs. Bogard as Secretary of Good Literature.

Rev. Hempstead had a marvelous voice and gave everyone a spiritual upliftwhen he sang the songs of faith.

1936-1938 R. E. ScarffeThe most note worthy event during Rev. Scarffe's pastorate was the union of

the I^ethodist Churches.The union of the Methodist Churches, north and south was imminent at the

Quarterly Conference, so the conference vjas asked to vote on the question ofclosing the First Methodist Episcopal Church Worth. The results of the votewere: For closing 1

Opposed to closing 21Conditional 2

1938-1943 Roland T. SchaeferThe Schaefers had been missionaries in China and brought a new and different

outlook to us. They were a very interesting and likeable family.This was the year of the union of the Methodist Churches fJorth and South.

The name of the First Methodist Episcopal Church Worth was changed by vote ofthe congregation, affirmed by the Official Board, to Trinity Methodist Church.There v/as extensive remodeling of the Church building, remodeling and modernizingthe interior, new beams were added, a different pulpit and choir arrangementmade and nev^ lighting fixtures added. The Ladies Aid paid for a new furnace inthe parsonage. A mortgage was placed on the parsonage to pay for these improvements. The estimated budget was set at $4,000.00 with benevolances at $500.00,and pastor's salary at $2,400.00.

There were eleven of our young men in the Armed Services. Many of the^ women in the church mre helping at the Red Cross.

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1943-1946 H. H. fianceThese were the war years v/ith Walker Air Base coming into existence. Re-

^ modeled the parsonage, adding an upstairs bathroom. Me gave $500.00 to ficfkirryCollege.

A full ironth of evangelistic services were held, aided by Rev. B. L. fianceof ElPaso. Chaplains from the Base also aided in this and other services. Goodresponse.

We now have 43 young men and v/omen in the Armed Services. Service peopleare attending Trinity. Three of our young men lost their lives in service:Steven Summersgi11 and Donald Le Pell v/ere killed in action and Arden Boellnerdied while being held a prisioner of the Japanese for three years.

The Pastor's salary ms $2,700.00.

1946-1948 Henry Van ValkenburghThis was Brother Van's second time as pastor to this church, the first time

in 1909-1914. He was vjelcorned back as an old friend and a good pastor.The major improvement at the church building was the installation of an air

conditioning system. It was installed at a cost of $950.00.In the conference of 1348 report, there nrere 39.5 active menibers and ex

cellent church school participation with 351 enrolled. Budget for 1948 was$0,203.00 and the Pastor's salary was $3,000.00.

1948-1951 Lloyd HughesThe parsonage vjas redecorated and nev/ furniture v/as placed in two rooms.

The exterior v^as painted and Parish Hall ms redecorated. The Women's Societypaid for the material and the men did the labor. There was much discussion ofneeding more room in the church, the church school and more parking space.

Rev. Hughes reported to the conference that Church School was v/ell attended^ and evening services attendance averages about 50. Good co-operation among the

members. Finances are coming in well and regularly. The budget for the yearvjas set at $10,106.00. The Pastor's salary was $3,600.00. Total membershipvms 421.

1951-1953 Alfred PaceThe most outstanding note of Rev. Pace's pastorate vias the realization that

the church was losing members and that a change to a more densely populated areawas indicated. A building committee was appointed to make a survey and buy property in another area on v/hich to build a new church. Lots, 120x292, were purchasedon the corner of Chisum and Kentucky for this purpose,

itembership of the church on farch 21, 1952 ms 363.

1953-1955 R. C. CantrellRev. Cantrell found a church eager and needing to rebuild but there v/ere many

problems. A Building Committee had been appointed and land had been bought butnot completely paid for. The District Superintendent gave permission to mortgage the church for the money necessary to pay for the lots. An architect wasauthorized to submit tenative plans and then it ms discovered that due to zoningregulations there v/ould not be enough land for the necessary building and forparking, so that had to be called off at considerable expense. Rev. Cantrelldirected a campaign to raise money for a new church.

The 50th Anniversary of the church was observed and celebrated. First ̂ teth-odist Episcopal Church Morth was organized in 1903 by a minister of the ColoradoConference. The Rev. A. P. Plorrison was the presiding elder of the Hew Mexico

^ District of the Ptethodist Episcopal Church. Two of the charter members of thechurch were still living. They are C. F. Geyer of 310 PI. Washington and Pirs.Frances Geyer Johnson of 396 PP. Missouri.

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1955-1959 Clayton JohnsonRev. Johnson was sent here by Bishop Angle Smith to carry on the work started

^ by Rev. Lloyd Hughes, Rev. Alfred Pace and Rev. R. C. Cantrell which was to securean adequate location and build a new church. After three years of labor It wasdone. At the Quarterly Conference and Board Tjeetlng of February 12, 1956, It wasrroved by Karl Morgan that the Trustees be authorized to purchase a block of landfrom S. P. Johnson, Jr. at Chlsum and Union at a cost of $13,000.00 and that theTrustees be authorized to borrov/ such funds as necessary to complete the transaction. Motion seconded by Clyde Backenstoss. flotion carried. Ray Dearholtmoved that the Trustees be authorized to sell both the property at Chlsum andKentucky and the church and property at 5th and Kentucky contingent upon the completion of the nevi church. Motion carried and the fund raising began.

January of 1956 the parsonage was completed at 1507 South Pennsylvania at acost of $18,386.34. The cost of the new church v/hen completed was approximately$183,500.00. The church was duly completed and formal opening was July 20, 1958.It was a large sanctuary and although Rev. Johnson had an unusually good "preaching voice" It was difficult to hoar so Clarence Bogard ask members to contribute$10.00 each for a speaking system. He did not quit until he secured enough moneyto put In a speaker system.

Trinity Day School ms started under the direction of Martha Holland andsponsored by the church.

These were good years of difficult labor for the Lord but there was a joyIn working together. Many of our members v/ere Air Force and when one v/as transferred we lost whole families, but new ones came and worked i/lth us and the churchcontinued. The Pastor's salary v/as $6,600.00 and the membership was 600 when thechurch was built In 1958.

1959-1962 Kenneth Ford

The church bought a nevj Baldv/ln organ and made many other Improvements.I4is1c v/as highlighted. Mrs. Ford had a beautiful voice and was very generouswith her time and talent both In singing and directing the Youth Cholr.^

We paid Rev. Ford's expenses to the Denver Convention and he brought backa good report to us. He v/as Indeed a good pastor. Facilities were crowded andthe church was still talking expansion.

The membership In 1962 v/as 860.

1962-1963 Uatt Royal ^This v/as a busy tine at Trinity. Many members were from Walker Air Force

Base with a constantly changing membership. Leadership In the church v/as youngand energetic. The facilities were crowded and again there v/ere plans to buildmore room. It v/as a busy time v/lth money raising for the new project. Rev.Royal v/as a deeply religious Christian. He gave good leadership and made anImpression on many lives.

The membership In 1965 v/as 888.

1963-1968 Wishard Lemons 25th Minister at TrinityThis five year history Is told In part by exerpts from the reports of Rev.

Lemons. Very near the first part of Rev. Lemons ministry the church asked forand received from M. Burean Stev/art, the District Superintendent, permission tobuy more land and constitute a building cominlttee for the purpose of adding anev/ wing to the church to take care of the Increased membership.

Trinity made the greatest net gain In one quarter and third In total numbersgained in April, 1964. Excellent v/ork by the Coiranlsslon on Evangelism brought

^ In many new members. . .Trinity's Day School which was started by Rev. Clayton Johnson In 1964 is

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ably conducted by Mrs. John Paul Holland. Approximately 75, 4 and 5 year oldstudents are in attendance.

In December of 1964 a new wing was opened for education purposes. It wasconstructed at a cost of $96,000.00. In flay, 1966, the membership vjas 1070.

196G has been a year of assimilation of the number of people received inlast year's all church Evangelism Program. And now v/e suffer with all of Roswellin the loss of Walker Air Force Base personnel. Finances are good with all billspaid promptly. Every member canvas vjas most successful, the best we have ever had.We are gaining some members and local membership is tahng over to fill the gapsleft by our loss in membership.

April 2, 1968-The financial condition is still pretty good considering thedeparture of Walker Air Force Base and the loss of 100 to 150 people in attendancein church and church school. The local members have closed ranks and have takena bigger load upon thenselves.

Rev. Lemon's tenure at Roswell has been most significant. He spoke and listened well to the youth of our church. Many were converted. When a Liquor Storeand Bar wanted to set up within tv/o blocks of the church. Rev. Lemons led a delegation to City Hall, overflowing the Council rooms, and talked so effectivelyagainst the granting of a Liquor License that the City Council rejected that whichordinarily v;ould have been passed easily.

1968-1971 Ray LavvlerThis was a time of adjustment to our new situation of fewer members and heavy

expense on our new building addition. Many of the Air Force people in Trinity hadby now found nev^ church homes in their new locations and our finances were at avery low ebb. The reserve money from the Day School as v/ell as the rent helpeda great deal in pai'ing deliquent payments on the church.

Rev. Lawler stated that he is primarily interested in Evangelism and the SocialGospel needed in our lives. There was a revival by Dr. Robb and great stress onLay Witnessing. Many people in our church testified both in our own services andpublicly in the Lay Witness groups in other cities and toms in Mew Mexico andTexas, on their conversion and v«fhat the Holy Spirit meant to them and their families in every day life.

1971-1974 Raymond RileyRaymond Riley was a good "preacher". He told it like it was and was not at

all shy in telling us what m must tithe if we expected to pay for our church andenjoy the peace of mind that comes from serving the Lord. He was strong on Evangelism by preaching, Lay Witness, and Bible Study reminding us often of theGolden Rule.

Rev. Riley conducted several revivals and many Bible courses during his pastorate at Trinity including a class by the District Superintendent for churchofficers on achieving the best results in conducting their offices.

The offices of Church School Treasurer and Church Treasurer were combined toavoid duplicate work. A contract was signed with the custodian v/ith a raise sohe could complete his Social Security.

In 1974 we added 52 nev/ members and planned a Coiranunion Service to be ledby Bishop Carleton.

Rev. Riley was a good counselor and v/e had enough problems to keep him busy.

1974-Present Rodney E. RobertsRev. Roberts, with wife, Joan, and children, Cheryl, Eric and Kirk, Vifas

appointed to Trinity with no special assignment except to be its pastor and min-ister. In the course of his pastorate there have been some highlights. A hail

page 9

storm ruined the roof of the church in August of 1974. Since we were under-insured,getting the roof replaced and repaired was a problem. But v/e did it.

In 1975 v/e purchased a new Allen Computer Organ at a cost of $13,500.00. Manyin the church said it could not be done but v/e did it. The organ was dedicated onFebruary 15, 1976. In the fall of 1975 we also had a stewardship/spiritual emphasisthat revitalized our church spiritually and increased the giving to the churchthirty-one percent.

In January and February of 1976 the church began to study our Wesleyan heritage and traditions in light of Section II of the Disci pii ne of The Un i ted t^th-odist Church. Rev. Roberts and Professor Leroy Howe of Perkins School of Theologyled us in the study. This study began a process in v/!iich we are still engaged,namely, the development of our purpose as a United Hethodist Church around thedoctrines of Justification and Sanctlfication in the Wesleyan Spirit. This isproving exciting to a number of lay persons in the Church.

At present. Rev. Roberts is enrolled In the Doctor of riinistry degree programat Perkins School of Theology, SflU; the purpose of the degree being that of helping Trinity Church in its efforts to do the above doctrines as a Church.

page 10

THE CHOIR OF THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH MORTH AMD TRINITY

From the Historical Sketch of Edith Geyer, August 1, 1941:"Ho historical record of this church is complete without recognition of thefaithfulness through the years of the members of the church choir. Mrs. FrancesGeyer Johnson and Ford Geyer who v/ere members of the first choir are still singing in the present choir. Miss Helle Mason came into the church in 1907 and hasplayed, sung and directed this choir for 34 years and is still a member of thechoir. Many vjill remember Miss Mason's work as a director of cantatas and sacredprograms during past years. Others have given devoted service through the yearsand their faithfulness is not unremembered."

The list of people vjho have directed the Choir was supplied by Willma fiirrelland Ray Dearholt.

Mrs. SIeaseMrs. D. L. GeyerSuzie HilkensonSadie Costa

Estelle BrewsterLula Murrell

Nell MasonGuy Rov/eC. H. Wilson

Verle WilsonMrs. John C. Martens

Ernest WilsonWillma Murrell

Joyce WellsJoe CarrollHarry F. TaylorCeleste RoseGeorgia May Maione

Jacob SchmidtTina SloopJack LancePete Walter

Paul SuranersgillDon BrysonM. J. Crov/derKent ReedNancy McDonald

The C. H. Wilson family has supplied the most members as organists, directors and choir members to the church.

The Choir and the music presented by them has always contributed much tothe joy and spiritual aura of the church services.

Some of the ministers and their families who have been especially activein the music and choir \iere Rev. Dum, Roland Schaefer, C. S. Hempstead, KennethFord and our present pastor, Rodney t, Roberts.

LADIES AID

The Church Women of M. E. Church North and Trinity have alv/ays been anactive organization. Mrs. George Henderson was President of the Ladies Aid in1904. ^ . u u .

During the years there have been many reorganizations and name changes butthe spirit and energy has remained the same.

The women have united to spread the viford of God, not only to their ov/nmembers but to all with whom they come in contact.

Financially the women's groups have alvi/ays carried a tremendous load, buying most of the furnishings for the parsonage, as v/ell as the upkeep; givenscholarships and money to missions; sevjed clothing; tacked quilts and made upfood baskets for the needy; raised money for additions for the church buildings;buying paint, etc. The list could go on and on and on and the total of the moneymentioned in the treasurer's reports in the minutes of the past years would besurprising. Suffice to say that the Women's Groups have been and still are thenucleus of the church, that which holds it together in the worship of God, raisesthe money for the necessities and keeps a spirit of fellowship going on while wework. The 1973 President of the United Methodist Women is flarilyn Potter.

Mrs. Henderson, I think you would be pleased at the accomplishments of theLadies Aid and the Women of Trinity Methodist in these 75 years.

page 11

WESLEYAN SERVICE GUILDby Willma Murrell

The Wesleyan Service Guild was organized In 1942, sponsored by Mrs. RolandT. Schaefer. It was a missions group for working ivomen, under the auspices of theWomen's Society of Christian Service. For many years It held an annual Christmasbazaar and enchilada supper as money making projects. In addition to the moneygiven to missions, the Guild bought the cross on the wall above the choir. In thesanctuary, dedicating It to the memory of Mrs. Schaefer; the Melmac dishes In thekitchen; the lighted bulletin board v4i1ch stood on the church lawn; three pianos(In the Chapel, Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary); and. In conjunction with the BereanClass, placed pew cushions In the sanctuary. In August, 1973, the Wesleyan ServiceGuild had Its last meeting, and the v/omen became members of a group of the UnitedMethodist V/omen.

BEREAM BIBLE CLASSOrganized at 5th and Kentucky-Written by Ray Dearholt

The Berean Class i^fas organized on October 9, 1909. The name was chosen fromActs 17:10. In verse 11, It tells that the "Bereans searched the scriptures dally".The motto vjas: "Each for the other, and all for Christ" and the flov/er, the pinkcarnation.

I joined the class In August, 1910, when I came to Rosv/ell to attend highschool. Some of the highlights of the class activities were; paying for fouryears of college In El Paso for Anita Calderon, who then served as a missionaryIn El Paso and ftexico. We also sponsored the Chautauqua for six years, ending In1922. The class, together v/lth the Men's Class built a 2 room class house, latercalled Parish Hall. When more space was needed, the 2 classes built a 2 room housewest of the main building. One roon was used for a high school group. I organized a Boy Scout Troop, v/ho used one room. This building was moved to our newlocation, where It v;as used as a class room, and for Scouts.

During the season of 1914, the Bereans won the State Championship In basketball. Those on the team were: Tom Hall, Dixon Dysart, Roy Ford, Willis Dip, andfierie Dip. Substitutes Mere: Glen McCoy, Bill Dearholt and Ray Dearholt.

In July, 1958, we Bereans did our share In trovlng to our new location at1413 South Union. With the help of the Wesleyan Service Guild, v/e had the carpetlaid In the Sanctuary, and later added the pew cushions. This v/as done v^hen WlllmaMurrell was President of both organizations.

Berean Class members still carry a good percent of the spiritual and financialload of the church. Mo one has ever graduated from this class. I have been amember from 1910 to 1^8!

Berean Class Teachers

Mrs. Van Valkenburgh Loreen Dearholt M. L. flasonMrs. Roy Ammerman Ethyl Fales Baldvjin JonesMrs. Claude Simpson Tina Sloop W. D. CasterMrs. Guy Rowe Marie Johnson Bill BorisRay Dearholt A1 Chrlstenson

METHODIST MEM'S CLUB

In the early years of the church the Men's Bible Class v/as very active In allof the affairs of the church. Whether It v/as building the nev/ class house,painting.

page 12

tightening the metal rods that kept the back vjalls from spreading, helping toarrange for a revival, or helping to see to it that the pastor was paid on time,the Men's Bible Class was there in full force.

Their motto was "Friendship to man and fidelity to God." They lived andpracticed their slogan. Some of the early presidents were Dr. Armstrong, Mr. VanHome, I. W. Hoolsey and L. B. Boellner.

Hen's Brotherhood follov/od this organization in 1947. The President v/as BarrelSwayze. Program Chairman was Wayne Rapp.

In 1955 the Methodist Hen's Club v/as chartered and they have carried on thework of the church. The 1978 President is Hark Oracion.

"New Mexico is one of the most important Home Mission Fields, Roswell

being one of the most needy places in this great field.

Roswell is a city of 6000 people and is the commercial and educational

center of Southeastern New Mexico.

People by the hundreds come here seeking health.

New families are coming to make new homes. They are the pioneers of

this far West*

...We must plant a Methodist Church here as a soul rescuing station..."

So read an appeal for a Home Mission Church in New Mexico in 1903.

"... and his gifts were that some should be apostles, someprophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers, toequip the saints for the work of the ministry, for buildingup the body of Christ,...to the measure of the stature ofthe fulness of Christ..." Eph. 4:11

So they came, these pastors, twenty-seven of them over a period

of seventy-five years; pastor, laymen, and layv/oman, TOGETHER,

being equipped, equipping, building....

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Roswell, New Mexico

This is the second part of the History of Trinity United Methodist Church in theseventy-five years from 1903 to 1978.

This part consists principally of letters from the former pastors and their families...and from letters and histories of members of the church. These latter autobio

graphies and biographies were written as they came in and are not necessarily inalphabetical or chronological order.

It has been a pleasure to have had a hand in bringing all these together and reliving the joys and struggles of Trinity United Methodist Church.

In the excerpts from programs and newsletters» there is a listing in the 25thanniversary bulletin of the charter members which corrects the article by DavidGeyer, listing the charter members. In that article A.C. Hartman was not listedas a charter member. In the early records of the church, he is listed as a stewardand would have been a charter member to hold that office. Arthur worked contin

uously in the church for more than fifty-five years.

There is a correction also to the records on the property where the present churchis located. The property was owned by Sylvester Johnson Sr., with the Snow Companyof Albuquerque, holding an option on the land for development.

That property was in a flood area whenever the Hondo River overflowed and McGaffeyStreet was built up high enough so that it acted as a dam to hold the flood wateron the land.

Roswell city planners and Chaves County Commissioners decided to lower the roadbedon McGaffey Street and eliminate the flood problem. Rev. Clayton Johnson spentconsiderable time attending these meetings, and when the final decision was madeto lower the road bed, he was ready. He had already been talking to SP. JohnsonSr. about the property.

The day that the final decision was made, there was a radio news announcement thatSnow Company had declared bankruptcy.

Rev. Clayton Johnson talked SP Johnson Sr. into accepting a trade for the four lotsowned by the church at Chisum and Kentucky for this site at Chisum and Union, withan option to buy the adjoining land north of the church.

There was a question of inadequate security to finance the church raised by ChavesCounty Savings and Loan, Sp. Johnson moved his rather considerable savings fromanother Savings and Loan Company to Chaves County Savings and Loans with an agreement that it would remain there as security until the church was paid for. SPJohnson Sr. also helped with the building of the parsonage.

After the death of Sp Johnson Sr., his son SP Johnson Jr. honored all the commituentsof his father, althouth they were verbal, and he aided Trinity Methodist Church inmany ways. Sp Jr. was not a nenber of Trinity Methodist.

The influence of the Geyer family (Mrs. Sp Johnson was Frances Geyer) extendedthrough the third generation in the building of this church.

For their help in providing information, bulletins and material for the scrap book,THANK YOU to Ruby Hartman, Mabel Hanes, Rena Croissant, Mayme Crouse, Rev. ClaytonJohnson, and many others, and to Helen Kroll who has compiled and typed and mimeographed this section of the History.

. / -/if'

TRUTH SEEKERS' CLASS

^ March 8, 1922 the Truth Seekers' Class was organized. Officers and

teacher were elected: R. A. Walker, Pres., Ray Dearholt, Vice Pres.,

Mrs. Glenn McCoy, Sec'y, Joe Ruhl, Treas., Mr. Erwin, teacher. Rev.

Thuresson was pastor. A constitution had been studied and accepted

at next meeting. Meetings were held each month at a member's home.

At the April 1923 meeting, the building of a class house was dis

cussed, to be built west of the church, and a building fund was

started. Members of the church were asked for donations also. Feb.

1924 meeting reported class house was built the last week in Jan. {'24.)

Pledges paid for the materials...labor was donated. Mr. Hearn headed

the building project. Cost of lumber $291.20...less a discount of

$29... leaving $262.20. Hardware and paint cost $17.37...overall total

of $279.51. In a few weeks it was wired...$7.57, and plastered, this

cost not recorded. May 1926 meeting was last one recorded in Sec'y

book.

Members during the period the class existed were:Mr./Mrs. J. D. Hearn

Earl Hitchcock Walker^ Joe Ruhl Walter Austin

Glenn McCoy R.W. DrysdaleL. U. Shaw Harry ManningOscar Nell is Floyd Wallacefterritt Fales Lester McAnallyCyril Hanes Earnest BaskinFrank LePell SwisherRay Dearholt Mrs. CqzartHerbert Long McCutcheon

MiserQuaintance

Submitted by Mabel Hanes

AN OPEN LETTER OF THANKS

Members of Trinity Church, thank you for the honor given me during the 75thAnniversary activities. It was an unexpected honor...I appreciate your goodwishes.

I joined the church in 1912, but attended Sunday School several years before,have a certificate of promotion from Primary Dept. to Junior Department, datedJune 13, 1909. From then on, attending other classes to now...a Berean...andholdingi They have been happy years, working in the church. I trust Trinitywill be going strong to the 100th Anniversary.

^ "The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee andbe gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and givethee peace." , . , ,

1

Pearl Enoch ( Mrs. H. G. Enoch)I Joined Trinity Church when Rev. Alford Pace was pastor. Our son

Howard and Billie joined when Rev. Clayton Johnson was pastor. Whenwe moved to the new location, present site, their four children werechristened on July 20, 1958. They were the first children to bechristened in this new church. Their names are: William Howard, JoeGary, Janet Pay and Jeanette Kay. Mr. Enoch Joined when Rev. Lemonswas pastor.

Peggy (Margaret A.) and Jack K. NicholsI was born in Electra, Texas, and Jack was born in Paul's Valley,

Oklahoma. My family moved to Hobbs in 1931> as my father was with theTexas Company, and he was transferred there. Jack moved to Hobbs in1953 when he came to work for the CPA firm, Linder, Burk, and Stephenson.After Mr. Burk spoke to the students at Oklahoma University, I alsoworked for the firm. We married in 1956, and in 1961, Jack was transferred to Roswell.

It's so difficult to put in a few words why we Joined Trinity. I wasrecuperating from a serious automobile accident and was never so 4e- .pressed in my life. I had never found a church; even had doubts aboutGod, but thought going to church might help me. Jack was a Baptist,but he started going to Trinity with me. Rev. Roberts knew I neededhelp, and called on us. We found him to be very compassionate, understanding and loving. I had never known a minister could be like him.I was baptized on September 26, 1976, by Rev. Roberts, and Jack and IJoined Trinity on October 10. The Trinity family is so loving andfriendly, and we enjoy the fellowship. I found a home in Trinity.Jack was the Chairman of the Pony Express last year, is on the fin

ance committee, member-at-large. Administrative Board, and chairman ofthe visitation committee. I am a Communion steward, Bible Schoolteacher, member of UMW, and Secretary of the Sunshine Group. We areboth members of the Pastor's Sunday School Class, and his Bible StudyGroup.

Odessa and Bill Boris

Odessa was born in Texas, raised in New Mexico. Bill was born inNew York. Clayton Johnson was responsible for our Joining Trinity.We Joined in 1950 when'the new church was dedicated. While at Roswelldaughters Carol and Bonnie were born. Carol received her R.N. fromLA'S Cruces, iriarried Dennis Jones in 1978 and lives on a ranch northeast of Roswell. Bonnie attended McMurry in Abilene, married SamJernigan from Abilene, is a P.E. major and lives in Abilene.

Dave and Ruth CorbinUpon retirement we moved to Roswell from Iowa in Sept. 197^• After

reading an article in a Des Moines newspaper, advertising Roswell asa "Retirement Wonderland," we spent several weeks here and decided wewould like to be permanent residents. Since we did not know anyonehere, we were anxious to transfer our church memberships, partiallyhelp us become acquainted in a strange community. Then, too, we hadalways been active in church. We had originally been Methodists butfor the past 15 years had been members of the Christian Church. Weattended services in several churches and probably would have continued our search for a church home, but soon after attending Trinity,

^ Rodney visited us, and we decided this was the church for us. We havebeen very happy with our choice.

2.

The W. B, McCoy FamilyThe family came to Roswell, N. M. from Nortonville, Kansas, in 1909

and lived at 411^ South Lea Avenue. He worked at Dobbs Furniture andlater the son worked for Huff Jewelry Store. Later he established

^ his own Jewelry store in Carlsbad. Mrs. McCoy was very active in theFirst Methodist Episcopal Church at 5th and Kentucky and did a lot ofcalling on the sick. The children sang in the choir and playedinstruments.

Mrs. Mary LarkhamMrs. Larkham came to Roswell from North Kansas City, Missouri in

1935 because her sister, Mrs. McCoy lived here. Settled one year at410 West Hendricks and then lived the rest of her life at 308 W. 3rdStreet. They Joined the First Methodist Episcopal Church (laterTrinity United Methodist Church) under the term of Rev. Eitelgeorgein 1935. Mrs. Larkham sang in the choir and was active in otherplaces also. She brought two of her children to Roswell with her andthey were also members.

Austin and Eva Glynn FreemanThe Freemans moved to Roswell, February 14, 1934. Vie have two sons.

One lives in Roswell and the other one in Los Angeles, California.We Joined the Trinity United Church because it was small and a friendly church.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam AddyWe came to Roswell in 1929 from Missouri. We had two sons. Dale

and Norman. Dale was killed in a plane crash in 1968, Just a yearafter his father's death. His family resides in Redlands, Calif.Norman and his family reside in Albuquerque, N. M. We Joined Trinitywhen it was at its former location downtown and Mrs. Addy is stillan active member.

Rapp-Ely FamiJyIn August, 1925, Amos and Ruth Rapp arrived in Roswell with their

three children: Eileen, Wayne, Fern and the dog. They had traveledfrom Illinois to "sunny New Mexico" for Ruth's health. It took thema week to make the trip in a new 1925 Chevrolet touring car.The family was invited by Mrs. Sarah Lee to her church. Since there

was no congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Roswell,they accepted her invitation and Joined Trinity. Rev. Eli Crouse wasthe minister.

Two years later Amos Dean was born. All four of the Rapps" wereactive in Epworth League, Sunday School, and singing in the choir.Fern is the only member of the Rapp family now a member of Trinity.Ruth died in 1945 and Amos in 1972.Eileen married a farmer from Dexter, Rosco Fletcher. They have one

daughter and two grandchildren. Wayne married Juanita Young and bothwere active until moving to Moses Lake, Washington where they stillreside. They have two children and six grandchildren. It was whileserving in the Navy during World War II that Dean met Dolores Purcelland married her. They still live in Placentia, California and havefour children and three grandsons.

Fern attended the University of Denver on a scholarship obtainedfor her by her pastor. Dr. Benjamin Eitelgeorge. There she met andmarried Charles Ely in 1938. They have two daughters: Janet who is

^ still an active member of Trinity, and Betty whose husband is Rev.Peter Nichols of the UCC Church an Beasley, Texas. They have twodaughters. , ^

Pern, arid Janet returned to Roswell when Charles went overseas in1945. When the war was over, Charles came home and they built theirhome at 205 W. Mathews where they still live. Their past active lifeat Trinity has included Choir, teaching Sunday School, sponsors ofJr. Hi. MYP, Presidents of Wesleyan Service Guild, Women*s Societyof Christian Service and Men*s Brotherhood. Pern was one of the twowomen members of the Building Committee for the present church.

Charles is at present Chairman of the Council on Ministries and amember of the Lay Ministers Class. He is semi-retired. Pern willretire in May after 25 years of teaching in the Roswell Schools.They will celebrate their ^Oth Wedding Anniversary in June.

Trying to live a Christian life in serving the Lord through support-irig the activities of Trinity takes first place in their lives.

Youse.and Bogard, PamiliesI would like to relive for you some of the Methodist Church activi

ties of the Youse and Bogard families since early 1920*s.Pirst, the fine story of the Youse*s. Chris, Lucy and son John

arrived in Roswell in 1921 for Lucy*s health. In Indiana the Youseswere English Lutherans. The Van Buskirks, Lucy*s family, were Methodists. There were no Lutheran churches in Roswell so they joined thePirst Methodist Church North. Lucy's health improved. Since theywere homesick for Indiana,the family went back for a visit, andstayed awhile. Chris died suddenly. Lucy got sick again and Johnbrought his Mother back to Roswell to make their permanent home.John married Elizabeth Neis, a local girl. They had two children,

Linda Sue and John Robert who grew up in the Methodist Church. Lucylater taught the Gleaner Sunday School Class and was a faithful worker for programs and devotionals in the Women's Society. John remain-ed a staunch financial supporter of the church until his death, Jan.33 1977• Lucy passed away June I6, 1977 at the age of 102 years, 7months. Trinity had a big birthday dinner, "Lucy Youse Day" on her100th birthday.

As soon as the Bogards, Clarence, Grace and daughter Betty arrived,they became active in the Pirst Methodist Church North. Roger, theirson, was born and he was baptized and grew up in the church. Clarencewas on the Church Board for many years, always working on finances.Through the years when members saw Clarence knocking at the door,they knew the church needed money. Our small membership worked hardto buy ground and build a new church. We all helped to select Trinityas a name after the Pirst North and First South Methodists united.The South was the larger church, so the North changed names.

Clarence was always a salesman, and since he didn't punch a clock,he was always willing to share his time with the church. He waselected a Conference Delegate for many years. Grace always went too.She went to all the women's meetings, whether local, zone, districtor conference. Clarence and W. J. McMillen were chief ushers formany years. Grace was a nursery volunteer for three years, thentaught Sunday School classes from the beginning on through high school.She held all the offices in the Bereans except teacher. The familyalways said that Grace knew how to spell no but couldn't say it...sothe four years she was President of the Women's Society, she was onthe Church Board. One year the women, with the men's help, serveddinners at the old Pair Grounds on North Main Street. We were theonly group serving dinners. The meals were cooked in the church

kitchens, loaded into cars and delivered and served at the booth,along with chili, hamburgers and pies. Work, yes, but we made around$1200.00 that year.

Clarence and Grace were leaders of the MYP when Betty was growing^0^ up. Later we kept entertaining the youth on our patio and making

gifts for church homes. We had refreshments and a good time. Atleast they kept coming back! We had a church family, the Westovers,that had a big flower garden each summer. They furnished the churchflowers on Sundays for three summers. Grace went to the church everyMonday morning, re-arranged the flowers and took bouquets to theolder people, shut-ins or sick. They got to looking for her onMonday mornings, and this is one of her most precious memories.Maggie Mae Prentiss was a local school teacher 'who became a

missionary in Africa. When home on leave she visited our churchThe main thing she needed was soap, so several of us made home madesoap and sent to her for several years.Our daughter Betty and family worked in Trinity. I can see their

four children all dressed up, sitting in a church pew, never rattlinga paper, of course ,with their mother and dad. When the first circlewas organized, Betty was the first chairman. She had always keptworking in the church where ever they lived. Roger still claimsTrinity as his home church and attends when in Roswell. Since Rogerstayed in the Air Force, he and his family have attended chapels allover the United States and Europe. Roger has had two tours of dutyin Thailand and the Mid-East.

One by one our families have scattered or passed away. Our sincerethanks go to all present and future workers in Trinity United Methodist Church.

Dear ho It Family ^ ^ ^ r»Mother, Lula Dearholt, brother W. H. (Bill) and I came to the Pecos

Valley from Huntsville, Ark. in 1905> settling east of Dexter, whereher brothers were. She had been a Methodist since age 17 when shewas baptized in Rattle Snake Creek, near Hutchinson, Kansas. She wasa charter member of the Dexter Methodist Church, and a very activeone, teaching in Sunday School and working in Women's Society. Whenthe church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1955, she was the onlyliving charter member, 9^ years of age. 4. m ^4^4-

We moved to Roswell in 1912, and became active in First MethodistChurch which became Trinity Methodist Church after unification in1938. Bill married Inis Crow, a former Deaconess from the East.She was active in Women's work and in the choir. . « mI spent 8 years in California. Loreen and I returned to Roswell

in Nov. 1931, becoming active in Sunday School, choir. Men s andWomen's work, and served in many church offices. I served on theofficial board for over 40 years.Our five children grew up in Trinity: Ray Jr., Harley, Doris, Don,

Bill, and Rachel.

E. J. (Tug) and Mary Edythe TreatTug was born and grew up in Roswell and on the family ranch near

Picacho, New Mexico. While in the Army in El Paso, Texas,Mary Edythe Kerr. They were married in the Ysleta Methodist Churcn,Ysleta, Texas, June'4, 1943. 4.v,-4r.When the war was over, they and their baby son, Joe, moved to their

ranch on the Felix River. In 1948 the family was blessed with thebirth of their daughter, Sally. To educate the children, they lived

"V

) \

In Artesla, moving to Roswell in June of 1955. In July of that yearMary Edythe, Tug and Joe joined Trinity. ThOy chose Trinity becauseof their friendship with Esta B. Youhg and the new church was to bebuilt in the same block of S. Kentucky as their new home. Sally,who had been furious because she was too young to join the church in1955, joined Trinity on Christmas in 1957. Joe and Sally grew up inTrinity and were active in Sunday School and MYF.Mary Edythe and her family were president of the Woman's Society

for two years. She has held most of the offices of the Woman'sSociety at various times. She taught Sunday School (the first gradefor seven consecutive years.) She and Tug helped to sponsor theJunior High MYF. She served on the Day School Board from the beginning and for twelve years there after. She is now serving assecretary of that board. She has been on the Administrative Boardof Trustees.

Tug has been active in the Methodist Men. He served as districtsteward and twice was lay delegate to the Annual Conference. He hasbeen on the Waco Methodist Home Board. At the present time he is a-gain serving on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees.Joe married Nancy Reynolds of Santa Fe. They and their two young

sons live in Farmington, New Mexico. Joe works for the StateHealth Department. They belong to the First United Methodist Churchof Farmington.Sally married Ron McKay of Topeka, Kansas. They live in Albuquer

que, New Mexico. She teaches kindergarten at Whittier ElementarySchool and they belong to Christ United Methodist Church.

Guy Rowe FamilyThe Guy Rowe family lived on a small farm on East Second Street.

Mrs. Rowe taught the Gleaner's Sunday School Class. Guy Rowe alwayssang in the church choir and was always active in all church affairs.He grew watermelon and each fall had a special watermelon feed for *the choir members.

Mr. and r/Irs. Harvey F. DavisMr. and Mrs. Davis, three of their four children, George, Florence,

and Alice, came to Roswell from Wisconsin in January 1911. Soonafter, they all joined the North Methodist Church, as it was thenknown. Rev. Van Valkenburgh was the minister.They were all workers in the Church and Sunday School. George

left the church to join the Christian Church with his wife. Alicelater left the church to join the Presbyterian Church with herhusband. Florence moved to El Paso but remained a Methodist. Shelost her husband in 1962 and came back to Roswell, becoming anactive member of the Berean Class till her death in 1971. Mrs.Davis was a tireless worker in the Gleaner Class as long as healthpermitted.In 1918, Ralph Davis, wife Amanda and son Kenneth carrie to Roswell and

all joined the Methodist Church. Amanda Was a Gleaner and has been treasurerfor the class for years.

Mrs. Austin Reeves (Eula)I came to New Mexico in 1885. I grew up in Sacramento Mountains.

I married Austin Reeves in 1898. We raised our eleven children inthe Methodist Church in that area. They are all living except one.We farmed and ranched in the Elk area until my husband retired. Wemoved to Roswell in 19^7. Shortly after my husband passed away, Imoved my membership to Trinity so I could have a way to attend churchwith my daughter Eva Hendricks.

Joe and Edith Ruhl

They arrived in Roswell from Indiana, November 10, 1915. Theythought they were at the end of the world but were hoping Mrs. Ruhlwould benefit from the climate as she was suffering from TB. Soon

^ after arriving, they met the George Wells family and began attendingtheir church, the North Methodist Episcopal Church. They had attendedthe Evangelical Church in Indiana. After Mrs. Ruhl began to feelbetter, they adopted a daughter, June. A little later Dorothy andJohn came along. All the Ruhls were active in all phases of churchwork. Mr. Ruhl was on the Administrative Board for many years andMrs. Ruhl was church treasurer for six years. The children were allmembers of this church. Mr. and Mrs. Ruhl and June are deceased.

John is living in Florida and Dorothy still attends Trinity. Herchildren, Edith, Robert and Vonda were all members of Trinity. Edithand her family reside in Minnesota and attend a Free Will EvangelicalChurch. Vonda and her husband are members of Grace United MethodistChurch in Alamogordo and Robert, Sue and Trina are members of Trinity.

Mrs. Howard Hendricks (Eva)1 started attending Trinity Methodist Church in 1932, when 1 came to

Roswell to go to high school. 1 met June Ruhl in one of my classesand she asked me to go to church and Sunday School. 1 attended until1 graduated.1 moved back to the ranch with my parents for awhile, then back to

Roswell. On January 9^ 1937, I married Howard Hendricks. For severalyears 1 attended another church. 1 came back to Trinity in 19^^ or 45.We raised four children in Trinity. They were all active in church,

Sunday School, and MYF. All four were married in Trinity, Martha wasmarried to Williaim Rains in 1956 by Clayton Johnson. They and theirfamily of three live in Tucson, Arizona, where Bill works for the city.The other three were married by Ray Lawler. Lonnie married GenneanChesser in 1968. Lonnie farms here in Roswell. Larry married CheriRedmon in 1969. He farms and ranches at Tulia, Texas. They have twochildren. Sheila married James Richardson in 1970. They live atCollege Station, Texas, where James is a professor at Texas A&M.Sheila is a substitute teacher at the present time.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe G. WallJoe, Jimmy and 1 cameto Roswell from Oklahoma City, Oct. 8, 1944.

Jimmy was 7 years old and the 3 older boys were in the military service.We had relatives in Roswell. My mother lived here then and my 2

brothers, Elmer and Ernest Haley. Joe's sister Ruth Haley was a memberof Trinity so Joe and 1 took our memberships and the boys to Trinitythe first Sunday we were in Roswell.

After the war was over our sons, J. Curtis, Henry, and Hugh weredischarged from military service and left for school or found work inother places. J. Curtis and wife Billie live in Mountain Home, Ark,where Curtis is with the Corp of Engineers and is Superintendent ofRecreation Areas around Bull Shoals Lake, Ark. They have two marriedsons and three grandchildren. Henry, a doctor, and wife Betty, withtheir two sons, live in Artesia. Hugh and wife Donna are moving toLas Cruces. Hugh is retired from the Bureau of Land Management after30 years of service. They have three married children and four grandsons. Hugh served in the BLM in New Mexico, Washington, D.O., Colorado,and Wyoming, and at present is doing limited mission work. James

^ graduated from Texas Tech in I960, is an architect, and lives in LasCruces, N.M. Joe passed away Oct. 16, 1974. At Trinity he sang inthe choir and taught Sunday School classes, served on the Board andwas active until his death.

Wall cont*d

I still live in the family home on Alameda. I have been active inSunday School, the women's organizations in Oklisihoma and since, serving in the Wesleyan Service Guild, and have taught the Gleaner'sSunday School Class from 1953-1967• I still try to keep busy doingwhat is possible for me in the Lord's work. The Lord has been goodto our family. All are busy in one way or another in their churches.

The William H. (Bill) and Ruby Godby Family)Bill and Ruby Godby came to Roswell to visit family on June 29,

19^^, and attended Trinity Methodist Church for the first time thefollowing Sunday. They told the children to pick the church and theydecided on Trinity because the building looked friendly and similarto the home church.

The visit turned into a permanent residence and the family continuedattending Trinity, later adding their names to the membership.Members of the family at the time the Godbys moved to Roswell were:Bill and Ruby, daughters Pat, Betty, Iris, Ida Mae, LaNell, and Billie.Later,daughter Kay and son Jim were born in Roswell.In 1951, Mrs. Hollie Scott, Ruby's mother moved to Roswell from

Stonewall, Oklahoma and later joined Trinity Methodist Church.Throughout the years each of the children joined the church and havesince married; had families, and each family in turn has added theirmembership to Trinity. All of the girls were married in the MethodistChurch.

Of the later generation of the Godby family, 3 grandchildren and 1great-grand child have attended the Kindergarten School. The onegreat-grandchild was born in 1968 and for approximately one year, 1972,there were 5 generations attending Trinity Methodist Church.

Donoho

Mr. and Mrs. Everett H. Donoho (Teen) came to Roswell from Dixon,Illinois in 191*5, uniting with Trinity Methodist Church in 19^7-Mrs. Donoho served faithfully all women's functions of the church,was nursery attendant and an active member of the Berean Class untilher death in 1973* She was awarded a Life Membership pin from theWesleyan Service Guild. Mr. Donoho held many offices in the church:Chairman of the Board of Trustees, finance chairman, member of themusic committee and the Official Board, president of the MethodistMen, president of the Berean Class, headed up the building committeefor construction of the present church building. He served on manyspecial committees, including pastoral relations committee, untilhe withdrew his membership in 1971*

Lee and Mildred ReevesLee Reeves was born and raised near Elk, New Mexico. I came to

New Mexico in 1939 and married Lee. We had one son Lewis Lee. Webecame members of Trinity about 19***** Our neighbors, the W. J.McMillens brought us to church as we didn't have a car.Lewis Lee was active in MYP, thought he would like to become a

minister and did hold services in several Methodist churches. LewisLee, wife Eddie and three children Richard, Raymond, and Rosie liveon a ranch near Moriarity, New Mexico. Lee was a member of theBerean Sunday School Class until his death in 1971* 1 3-^^ activemember of the Berean Sunday School Class and the United MethodistWomen.

Roy and Dorothy PetersonWe and our five children, Greg, Kathie, Susan, Jan and John, are

originally from Nebraska. We came here in July of 1967, transferringfrom Montrose, Colo, with the Bureau of Land Management.

We joined Trinity United Methodist Church for the location, the sizeof the church, and mainly the sincere friendliness of all of the congrrgation.

Royce is and has been for the past few years a Sunday School teacherof the 7th and 8th grades. He is also active on many boards, a memberof a layman's class and the Trinity United Methodist Men's Club.

Dorothy is and has been in the Nursery (Crib to 5 years) many years.She is also a member of the Sunshine Group.

All 5 of the children have been active in Sunday School classes andthe Youth Fellowship. Pour of the children are members of the churchtodate. Greg and Kathie are in Albuquerque, Susan in Carlsbad, andJanice and John at home.

Roger and Florence CrowellRoger was a farmer and Florence a teacher and both were members of

Elmore Methodist Church, Elmore, Minnesota. They came to Roswell inthe winter of 197^, liked the people, the climate, and city, and decided to come here to live. They live at 33 Wildy Drive.

Marilyn PotterMarilyn and Lowell belonged to the church one year, coming from Logan

United Methodist Church, Logan, New Mexico. On January 3, 1978, Lowelldied. Marilyn is serving as president of the UMW.

_ Nellie Ann Morgan Smith^ I joined Shiloh Methodist Church when I was 13 years old. It was a

small country Methodist Church (Southern), organized in l8l6 in a loghouse. Piedmont, S. C.On Feb. 13, 19^1 I went into the United States Public Health Service.

While being transferred to various stations, I did not change mymembership.I was married in the Protestant Chapel, Fort StanJ;pn, New Mexico June

25, 19^8. When the Government closed the Fort, we bought a home inRoswell and I transferred to Walker Air Force Base Hospital, Feb. 195^•I decided then it was time to find a permanent church. I visited

First Methodist and Trinity Methodist. Rev. C. Johnson was pastor ofTrinity Methodist Church and after my visit there, he came to visit usin our home.

Trinity was a small church, more like the church in which I grew up,and I transferred my membership July 1955 and have never regretted it.Soon after joining Trinity, I joined the Guild. I have received manyblessings with this group, now the Candlelite Group.

Stan and Karen NelsonWe originally hail from New York State, then 6 years in Texas. We

gravitated to Roswell in the heat of June 1969. Trinity was recommended to us by Walt Fendley who sold us our present home. VJe were encouraged by the size and friendliness of Trinity and soon joined.

Our children have all joined this church. They are: Philip 175Donna I6, and Lori 13» Being involved in all the aspects of our churchhas endeared it to us and made it a vital part of our lives.

^ Stan is employed with Transwestern Pipeline and Karen sells Avonproducts. We are happy to live in the land of sunshine and be a partof Trinity United Methodist Church.

Margaret GlertzWhen my best friend and her husband came to Roswell(because they

had a friend who came to Roswell), they looked for a place for me.When they found a house they thought I*d like, I bought it "sightunseen."

Joliet, 111. had always been my home. I retired early as an elementary school principal. My friends are Presbyterians, but I had"always" been a Methodist. I was a past president of the WSCS. Ilocated Trinity Church on a map before I came and upon arrivallooked it up imm.9diately.I liked Trinity for a number of reasons-starting from the outside-

no steps to climb, good off street parking, a pleasant sanctuary, a 'wonderful spirit-filled minister and his wife (Rev. and Mrs. Riley),a choir that enunciated its words, and many friendly people. I cameto Roswell in August 1973 and joined Trinity on World Communion Day,Oct. 7> 19739 In memory of my mother whose birthday was Oct. 7th.I joined the Queen Esther Group, a group of genuine Christians who

really love the Lord and each other, and strive to do His will. Ilove everyone of them and was their leader for two years. They havetried to make me feel at home in a "strange land." I am grateful fortheir friendship.

^qhn and Plo^renc^ GriffithWe moved here" ori'March 16, 1973, from Rochester, Minnesota, because

friends thought the dry climate would be good for us. The peoplewere friendly at Trinity so we had our membership transferred fromthe Evangel United Brethren Church of Koehester several weeks later.John's church activities include chairman of Fund raising for SantaPe Dining Hall, trustees. Administrative Board, President of Men's

^ Group, Council on Ministries, Delegate to General Conference in Portland, Oregon, participant at Men's retreat at Sacramento, chairman ofthe Men's Group Crusade. Florence's chiifch .activities were QueenEsther Circle Vice President. Currently she is Group Treasurer andTrinity United Methodist Women Christian Global Concerns Chairperson.Both have served on Church calling committee (when two women and twomen went together: once just as friendly calls^ and once asking formoney.)

Billie Louise Woolsey ^ ^ 4.,^ rI was born in Quanah, Texas, and moved to New Mexico at the age 01

8 when my parents homesteaded north of Roswell. We moved into Roswellwhen I was 12 and I've lived here ever since. I was baptized in theChristian Church and attended the First Baptist in Rosv/ell as aager. I met Albert Chapman Woolsey when I was 16 and we. were marriedwhen I was 17 and he was 22. .Since his family was more active in church than mine, I decided to

join Trinity. It has been a good decision, as I've been very happyin Trinity. All four of our children were baptized in Trinity;David Chapman lives in Clovis with wife Barbara and their childrenBrian and Debbie. Dick lives in Bremerton, Washington with wife Dawnand daughter Miranda Lee. Cathy married Victor Betancur in Trinityand they live in Roswell with daughter Nadia Renee.I have been very active over the years in many capacities: choir,

Sunday School class teacher (for probably 28 years!), served on theOfficial Board (am on it now); member of the Wesleyan Service Guild^(now Candleliters), serving in several offices, including President;was church secretary for about 2 years, etc. +. m ^ ^4-The fellowship and joy and inspiration we have received at Trinity

over the years has been great.

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Clyde and Marie BackenstossMarie and I were married on December 25> 1927, in Lubbock, Texas,

by the District Superintendent of the First United Methodist Churchthere. I joined the church in Lubbock about the first Sunday in

^ January, 1925, and Marie joined about the first Sunday in January 1928,as she belonged to the Baptist Church at the time of our mahriage.We came to Roswell from Clayton, New Mexico ori October 9, 19^^, butdid not get moved down here until about Deceiftbef 30, 19^^• We joinedthe First United Methodist Church here about the first Sunday inJanuary 19^5, and were members there until about the last Sunday inAugust 1955 (shortly after Rev. Clayton Johnson came to Trinity.)The reason we joined Trinity was because Marie had a hard time climbingthe steps at First Methodist Church, whereas at that time Tfihity wasa church with a basement but you had only to go up two or three stepsto get into the sanctuary. We never had children so it is just thetwo of us who have devoted our time and service to Trinity.

Elmer Haley FamilyMr. and Mrs. Elmer Haley and three children Glen, Doris, and Wayne

moved to Roswell, December 15, 1933 from Oklahoma. We picked Trinitybecause it was a small church and the children had friends in schoolwho went to Trinity. We went to the Methodist Church in Oklahoma.We joined the church in the *30*s. The children were active in SundaySchool and young peoples' groups. I joined the Berean Class andworked in it ever since, being treasurer 6 years. I was secretary ofthe Sunday School for 5 years. Mabel Hanes and Mrs. Guy Rowe were thefirst people to visit us from Trinity.I have worked hard in the Women's Miss. Society, being treasurer

for 8 years and president for 2 years.Glen and Doris went away to college. Glen married a girl from Duluth,

Minn. They had three children and all belonged to Trinity one time.Glen and Beth and daughter Jayne still go there. Doris mai'ried aBaptist boy so she went into the Baptist church with him. They livein Roswell and go to Calvary Baptist and are active in it. Wayne wascalled to active duty while in school. After serving in Korea, hemarried and had 4 deaf children. He had to move to Santa Fe to sendthe children to the school for the deaf there. The two oldestchildren went to Sunday School at Trinity before they moved to SantaPe. The four children attended Sunday School at the Methodist Churcnin Santa Fe. for a class for deaf children is provided there. I lovemy church and friends there at'Trinity.. Mr. Elmer Haley passed awayDec. 17, 1973-

W. C. Holland Family ..The W. C. Holland family entered the fellowship of Trinity sometime

during the North-South church era. Mrs. Holland (Nell) was veryactive in the Women's Society, choir. Queen Esther Group (does thatring a bell with some of you?) and the W.C.T.U.Their children, Pauline, John Paul and Carol Louise grew up in the

church. Pauline's boys, John and Jim Poorbaugh also grew up in TrinityPauline's husband, R. B. Ezell, joined Trinity in 1947 and Paulinestill resides in Roswell.I joined Trinity in 1947 after marrying John Paul. Guess I did

about what every mother does; helped in Sunday School, Daily VacationBible School, children's choirs, MYP, Women's Society, and had the

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pleasure of being the Director of our Day School for the first 10 years.John Paul was on the Finance Committee, Chairman of the OfficialBoard and the Trustees. Our daughters^ Paula and Jan^ were in themiddle of it all,even to doing their share of painting and janitorialwork when the occasion arose. Paula Holland Grieves lives in Roswell,and Jan is working in Boston, Mass.

Murrell

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Murrell (Lulu) and their daughter, ClaraSchabacker, came to Roswell from Independence, Iowa, in January 1909,and joined the First Methodist Episcopal Church (later renamedTrinity Methodist Church) soon thereafter. Mr. Murrell played theorgan and Mrs. Murrell directed the choir. Clara played the pianofor Sunday School until she went away to college. Mrs. Murrell wasactive in the Gleaner Class, the Ladies* Aid Society, the HomeMissionary Society, and received a Life Membership pin from theWoman*s Society of Christian Service.Wilma Murrell was born in 1912, was received into the church in 1922,

and has been active ever since..directed the choir for nine years,played the piano for Sunday School and church, was active in SundaySchool, Epworth League, and Queen Esther. Also worked in the^Wesleyan Service Guild from its inception in 19^2 to its closing in19733 serving for 21 years as president or treasurer, and receivinga Life Membership pin, served on the Official Board, was active inthe Berean Class as president for six years, during which time theclass carpeted the sanctuary and in conjunction with the WesleyanService Guild, placed pew cushions in the sanctuary. Since that timeshe has been project chairman for the class and is now serving on theAdministrative Board, chair-person for the Candlelite Group and astreasurer of the United Methodist V/omen.

Nora and Pat Farrar

Nora and Pat grew up, met, and were married in Mt. Pleasants Texas.They and young son Leon came to New Mexico tb homestead in 1931» Thefamily first joined Trinity mainly because of their friendship withLeafie (Mom) Littell. In 19^0 they moved to Ruidoso and were chai'termembers of the Ruidoso Methodist Church. In 1963 they returned toRoswell to live and again joined Trinity.Pat was lay delegate to the Annual Conference for four years. He

has served as president of the Methodist Men's Club. He and Norahave both served on the Administrative Board.

Nora was chairman of the Queen Esther Circle for four years. Shehas been chairman of local church activities for seven yeears. Sheis chairman of the Prayer Chain.

Their son, Leon, and his wife Marie, have recently moved to Roswellfrom Ruidoso. Nora and Pat have two grand children and two greatgrandchildren .

W. J. McMillen _ . . ;Mr. and Mrs. W. J, McMillen joined the church in 19373 just 41 years

ago. Mr. McMillen was head usher for 25 years and Mrs. McMillen ; waschairman of fellowship in the kitchen for 25 years. Mrs. McMillen(Sally) was superintendent of the nursery and beginners departmen;tfor 12 years. Sally and Nora McWilliams organized the nursery forthe church. Mr. Mc was on the official board. Both Mc and Sall^V7ere in the Berean Sunday School Class. Sally was also secretairyfor the Gleaners Class four different times. Don was in the cho.Lr.

12

Miner and Paye HarringtonMiner and Paye Harrington and their two daughters came to Trinity

Church in February of i960. We joined Trinity without attending anyother church because a relative had been in Rev. Ford's church and

^ he was the minister at Trinity then. Our daughters loved Trinity asthey grew up. Karen especially loved MYF under the leadership of Mr.and Mrs. Jim Baker. Karen and Bob Ream, along with little Robby nowattend a Methodist church in Houston. Karen sings in the choir. Shealso enjoys the United Methodist Women's Groups. Connie and KimKenyon belong to a Methodist church in Odessa, Texas.

Mrs. Neal Brown

My parents and 5 children came to Roswell the 27th of March, 1915.We were met at the train station by Mr. Dan Wilmot, Paul, and Hinton,who found us a place to stay. Mr. Wilmot.and my mother had gone toschool together when they were children at Shelbyville, Tenn., and wecame here on Mr. Wilmot's advice for my father's health. He diedthree years later. They then had 6 children.

My mother had many hardships for several years, keeping her childrentogether, but she always managed to see that we went to Sunday Schoolevery Sunday. We went to the Church of Christ, I suppose, becauseit was closer than any other, and we copld walk for we had no car.

A few years later she married again and had ^ more children. We allwent to church regularly. In my teens I joined the First ChristianChurch. When I married, both my husband and I started attendingTrinity Methodist, where his family held their membership. We laterjoined. My husband died in 1975.

My mother's children were not anything special, but none of us wereever in any trouble. We all were church members and the 8 that arestill living still are. Four of us live in Roswell and ^ live inTexas.

My biggest and best accomplishment, I think, was in raising two sonswho were, and are, Christians and active in the churches they attend.The oldest, Howard, is a school teacher in Deming, and Neal Jr., theyoungest, lives here and is also very active and a regular attendantat church. They both started out as Methodists, but now belong toother churches. I know very little about my parents' folks; onlythat my father's father v/as a minister, possibly a Methodist. Inever knew him.

Pettit FamilyThe Pettit family (Bob, Nina, John, Mary Beth, and Sam) came to

Roswell, April 12, 1950. We attended Trinity Methodist Church inClovis, New Mexico. Moving to Roswell, we transferred our membershipto Trinity. We have enjoyed being a part of the Christian fellowship at Trinity. All remain members of Trinity except Mary Beth andher family who are members of First Christian, Roswell.

. J^vid _J.. Scott .Family" Our famiiy moved'tb"Hoswell from Port Dodge, Iowa in 1968 when myhusband, an R. N.^ took a job in St. Maryls operating room. Ourdaughter April was then 5 years old. We rented a house on W. McGaffeythe first year and chose Trinity because it was the closest Methodistchurch. Rev. Lemons was pastor. In 1969 we moved to our present home

^ In 1970 our son Jerry was born.

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Marcella ClaytonMy mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Clinton, and I moved from

Clovis, New Mexico to Roswell in 1911. My mother who became known as^ Mrs. Prances Clayton after my father*s death, joined the church which

was then called the Pirst Methodist Episcopal Church. While Rev.Dum (1917-1921) was pastor, I was baptized and joined the church.

Mother was an active member of the Gleaner Class and the women'sorganization. She received a life membership pin in the Women'sSociety of Christian Service.I belonged to the Epworth League, taught Sunday School classes,

helped with the Daily Vacation Bible School several summers and wasliterature secretary for the Sunday School. I belonged to QueenEsther. As a member of the Wesleyan Service Guild, I received alife membership pin.

Elizabeth GreeneMy mother came to Elkins from Oklahoma to stay with her aunt who

had homesteaded near Elkins. It was there she met my father who wasa cowboy. We lived on ranches part of the time and in town some.They moved into town to stay when I was 7> permitting me to startschool in the Parish Hall of Trinity Methodist Church in 1917. Istarted school in second grade. I have fond memories of Sunday Schoolprograms and church.

^f0HLs***tl3.n6S H

Mr. and Mrs. George Wells and family moved to Roswell from Iowa in1904. The children, Walter, Ployd, George, Byron, Mabel and Mackattended Roswell schools and left as they finished school. We attend-ed the North Methodist Church as it was called at first, as we werefrom the North. Mrs. Wells, Ella, and Mabel joined the church April7, 1912 when Henry Van Valkenburgh was pastor. Mrs. Wells worked inthe Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Wells died in Jan. 1943; Mrs. Wells,Dec. 1958.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Hanes and family moved here from Iowa, datenot remembered. The children Cyril, Ethel, and Bernice attendedRoswell schools and were married here. Cyril married Mabel Wells;Ethel married Ollie Durand of Dexter; Bernice married W. A. VonSchoeler. Cyril joined the church April 7a 1912. Mrs. Hanes'(Eleanor Augusta) mother (Mary Sproul) lived with the Hanes. Mrs.Hanes worked in Ladies Aid Society, and the others were activemembers. Mr. Hanes died October 1930; Mrs. Hanes, June 1953.Cyril and Mabel Hanes had two children: Myrtle Mae and Harold.

Myrtle Mae joined church, April 4, 1931 and Harold, April 12, 1938.Harold died May 1972. Mabel held offices as treasurer of LadiesAid Society, financial secretary of the Church, superintendent^Beginners' department, secretary of Truthseekers' class, presidentand treasurer of Berean Class, Communion Steward.

Myrtle Mae married Howard Dull, Pebruary 1943. Howard joinedchurch in 1945 or 1946. They had two children, Patricia Ann and JudyKay. Patricia joined the church in 1953 and was removed in 1967.Pat married Mike Bellah. Judy joined the church in 1957> is nowMrs. Greg Ryback. The Dulls transferred membership as they movedfrom Roswell in 1969. , „ r.

Myrtle Mae held offices: President of MYP,1940; Wesleyan'Serv. Guild,0^ Sunday School secretary, several years; Presjd'ent W.SrC.S. 1963>*64;

helped, with'Youth department 1965» '66, and sang in choir in 1938-40.

14

Philip and Virginia WestPhilip and Virginia retired to Roswell direcvtly from Truth or Con

sequences, Nev7 Mexico, Oct. 1, 197^> hut were Ohions originally.Phil considered himself to be a Chamber of Commerce executive byprofession.Phil and Virginia came to this church at the invitation of Len and

Betti Lou Cheney, who invited them to sing in the choir where theybecame involved and subsequently joined Trinity in November 1974.Capt. and Mrs. Richard Radcliffe, members, are daughter and son-in-law of Phil and Virginia. Younger daughter, Laura, though not amember, participates in Trinity activities when on vacation fromcollege. Two sons reside elsewhere.

Duvall FamilyE. R. Duvall came to Roswell from Ark. in 1908 because of health

reasons. He married Charlotte Mae Reidel (from Iowa, 1910) on April17s 1913. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Van Valkenburgh. Choirpractice was stopped long enough for the marriage ceremony. Thecouple moved directly to East Grand Plains to the farm where thecouple lived their full lifetime. The couple, along with their twochildren, became members of the church early in the 1920*s. Untilthen the family attended worship services in the East Grand Plainsschool. C.C. Hill and Dr. Goodsell did the preaching. The reasonwe joined this church was because of my mother's strong ties with thpMethodist church in Iowa. After she came to Roswell in 1910 andnursed for awhile, we attended this church.E.R. Duvall was 90 years of age when he died in 1973 and Charlotte

was 87 when she died in 1971. Their children are Louise Duval whostill lives on the farm and Russell whose family lives in Pasadena,

^ Texas.

Kenyon FamilyThe Philip Kenyon family consisted of Philip, Vivienne, and their

three children: 14 year old Charles Thomas (Tom), 11 year old JenniferSue (Jenny) and six year old Mary Melissa (Melissa) when we moved toRoswell in July I963 from Cortez, Colo. Philip, Tom and I weremembers of the Methodist Church there. We rented a house at 902WildY (across from our present address of 909) because of ourchildren, close to Trinity Church and Valley View School. Melissastarted first grade at Valley View. We started attending Trinityshortly after moving and had our church membership transferred whenJenny was baptized and joined Trinity March 29j 1964. We foundTrinity friendly. Fern and Charles Ely and the Rev. Wishard Lemonsfamily called on us soon after we moved. Another important changein our lives came in 1967 when Philip joined the New York Life Ins.Co., our business still. Melissa was baptized and joined the churchin 1969. All three children attended church and Sunday School andreceived Bibles at the time of their respective high school graduation: Tom in 1967, Jenny in 1970, and Melissa in 1975.Jenny was active in MYF and the whole family was ministered to

lovingly by the church during her illness and death, March 1968-Sept.1970. Ray Lawler was pastor at this time. We appreciated support

15

from church members and each successive pastor..Raymond Riley andRodney Roberts' family after 1970 and presently.Philip has served the church as adult co-ordinator, chairman.

Council on Ministries, President of Methodist Men, Lay Leader,^ Chairman, Administrative Board, and is presently Chairman of Pastor-

Parish Committee and Adult Representative to N.M. Annual Conference.Philip and I also sponsored the Junior High MYP in 1967-68. I'veserved as secretary, vice-president, and President of United Methodist Women, honored by UMW with a special membership and had theprivilege of hanging a painting in the Chapel-The Cross Awaj-ts* 'Jenny and I were UMW representatives to Sacramento School of Missionsin July, 1969.Tom served in the US Air Force, attended college at ENMU, Roswell,

UNM, is now living in Alexandria, Virginia, under the sponsorship ofSen. Pete Dominici, employed by the US Senate. He also attendsCpcoran Art Institute. Melissa attended ENMU-Roswell one year and nowlives in • Albuquerque and works for Hertz Rent-a-Car.

John J. Foster FamilyThe family moved to Roswell in August of 1955. Wife Marie.

Children: Delia Marie (Prince) teacher in Denver, Colo, and herhusband Bob Prince is Recreation Director. Their two children areKelly and Tyler, aged 6 and 2. Delia was president of the SeniorHigh MYF. Rosa Mary (Carman) is manager of Beauty Supply in Farm-ington, N. M. and her husband Martin Carman is a salesman. Theyhave one son, Phillip, aged 3. James Lester Poster died May 19> i960and Sandra Ann Poster died Nov. 11, 1969• Joy Lynn (Hall) isemployed by Levi Strauss and her husband John Hall is kitchensupervisor at Hobo Joe's. John J. Poster Jr. aged 15 goes to RoswellHigh.

Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Dismukes

We lived in Carlsbad, New Mexico from 1930-1939. Raymond was thefirst city mail carrier there. In 1939 we moved to southwesternIowa where Raymond was a rural mail carrier for 23 years. Margarettaught school and later worked as a substitute in the post office.

Our son, wife and 2 children live in California, so we moved therewhen Rajrmond retired. But finally we moved back to New Mexico, thistime to Roswell. We found Trinity Church a very friendly place andhave loved being a part of it. We Joined in 1965.

Ruby Watson (Conley) ' ■I was in the home of Mrs. Austin Reeves. Eva Hendricks was there.

They invited me to come to Trinity with them. That was while Rev.Lemons was pastor. In the spring of I965 I Joined the Trinity Church.February 14, 1971 1 was married to Cliff Conley in the Chapel at

Trinity United Methodist Church by Rev. Ray Lawler. Cliff JoinedTrinity in May of 1971. We have 2 sons and 2 daughters. One sonlives in Ruidoso and the other in Albuquerque. One daughter liveshere and the other one in Napa, California.

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The L, U. Shaw Family

The dry, v/arm climate of New fiexico had been beneficial to Lawrence Shaw'shealth since the year he was 19 when he had moved to Carlsbad, New Hexico fromKansas because of tuberculosis, lihen he felt better, he moved back to Kansas.Later when TB again made him seriously ill, we left the farm near Eureka, Kansaswith our three children: Mary Ellen, four, Maurice, two, and baby daughter Wilburta.We hoped for a complete recovery from this dreaded lung disease. In December, 1919,we traveled by train to New ̂ fexico, changing trains at Enid, Oklahoma. During the14 hour wait, we noticed a male passenger whose face was completely covered withsores. VJe arrived in Rosvifell on December 23, 1919. Our first home was at 911 WestAlameda where Circle K is now. Shortly after our arrival in Roswell, Lawrencebecame ill and broke out with sores. He walked through deep snow to a doctor whotold him he had smallpox and also told him to go out the back door so the waitingpatients Would not be exposed. When our entire family became so very ill, thedoctor would not come near us. Our baby died. When Lawrence recovered enough towork, he purchased a horse-drawn peddling wagon and sold vegetables and somegroceries along the streets. In 1925 v/e purchased the store at 406 W. Second (OneHour Martinizing now leases this building from me.) We called our business Shaw'sGrocery and Mr. Shaw operated it until 1965 when he retired. He passed av/ay in 1966.When we came to Roswell, we wanted to attend a Methodist church because Mr. Shaw

had belonged tp the firee ftethodist Church in the country at Eureka. I cannot recallwhy we chose Trinity, v^hich vjas at that time called the First Methodist Church.Perhaps the name of the other church, the First Methodist Episcopal Church Southconfused us. Early recollections include v/alking 12 blocks to church, pullingi^laurice in a little red wagon. Fdr years v^e were very active in the church andmade many friends here. All of our children live in New Mexico. Two live inRoswell: Maurice who returnod after 35 years,and Elaine Howard, fiary EllenBergman lives in Las Cruces. Larry (Junior) lives in Alarrogordo, as does MarilynWhorton. Carolyn fiainzer lives in Albuquerque.

Mr. and Mrs. Warren DAvid YoungMr. and Mrs. Young (Esta Bell), their son Warren Dayton and Esta Bell s young

sister Ruby Ellen Smith moved to Roswell in June, 1923, from Palestine, WestVirginia. Mr. Young, a prominent businessman in VJest Virginia was advised to cometo the Southwest for his health. Hearing from friends about Roswell, they choseto come here. After visiting other churches and being Methodists by faith, Mr.and Mrs. Young and Ruby joined Trinity in August, 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Young werefaithful members as long as they lived. She taught a Sunday School class most ofher lifetime and was Superintendent of the Children's Department for severalyears. She was a charter member of the Wesleyan Service Guild and served as itspresident several years. She was given a life membership in the IW.S.C.S. Mr.Young was as active as his health permitted. He served on the Official Board. Mr.Young passed away Jan. 3, 1941 and Mrs. Young on Dec. 1, 1970, When they |"oved toRoswell, they purchased a home at 411 S. Richardson where they lived all of theirlives. j X'Their son. Warren Dayton, joined the church Palm Sunday, 1929. Upon graduation

from high school, he attended the University of Denver and served 5 1/2 years inthe army during World Mar II. In January, 1947, he married Josephine Solaria Conellof Galva, 111. in Trinity Church. They have one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth,born in February and baptized in Trinity the same month. The Youngs moved fromRoswell in 1954 and returned in 1975. Before leaving in 1954 the Youngs wereactive church members serving as officers in various organizations. Josephine

17

also was a Sunday School teacher and received a life membership in the W.S.C.S.They returned to Roswell upon the retirement of Warren for health reasons. Theirdaughter Sarah lives with them and is a registered nurse at Eastern New MexicoMedical Center. She» with her parentsj transferred their membership to Trinityin 1975.

Ruby Smith married Arthur Hartman, a charter member of Trinity, in November 1930.They were faithful members of Trinity. Mr. Hartman with his parents Marshall andMary Ella Hartman moved from Missouri to Roswell in 1903 and all were chartermembers of Trinity. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hartman lived at 208 North Kentucky whichis now part of the First Presbyterian church. Mr. Hartman was the only survivingcharter member when the present Trinity was built and he turned the first shovelof dirt at the ground breaking service. When the papers were moved from the oldcornerstone to the corrterstone of the new church, Mrs. Hartman was one who helpedmove and place them as Mr. Hartman was too ill to do the honor. Mr. Hartman passedaway June 29, 1959. Mrs. Hartman now resides with her brother Glen in Rosevilie, 0.She is still a member of Trinity.

Len and Bettie Lou Cheney FamilyWe joined Trinity 19 years ago and had J.P. christened the same morning. Clayton

Johnson was pastor, and Rev. Osborn assisted. Larry was christened in 1961 by KenFord on Mother's Day just before Ken was transferred.

Len and I have served on the Official Board, Administrative Board and Council ofMinistries, as well as taught and worked in the church school department in manycapacities.

Len's grandparents were also noibers of Trinity, but joined many years after wedido

Rev. Nance, an early minister of the church, made a special trip to Lovington tobaptize iny father, J.P., Beverly, and nyself one summer, so Trinity started

^ reaching out to us very early. ^^ One of the reasons that we joined Trinity, was the friendliness of Grace and

Clarence Bogard to one of their renters, who was also a college friend of ours.Our daughter Susan was married in the chapel at Trinity, and our son J.P.

received his Eagle Scout Award there also.

MR. and Mrs. A. L. Fales . mmMr. and Mrs. Fales and Merritt came to Roswell for health reasons in 1910. Mr.

Fales was a missionary for the American Sunday School Union in Philadelphia, Penn.He traveled all over New Mexico, organizing Sunday Schools, and was away fromhome a great deal, especially on Sundays. He would go on foot many miles toreach ranchers to ask them to come, bring their children and help organize theSunday Schools or help build small churches. Many times Mrs. Fales would go andplay the small organ that he would take along with him when Merritt would takethem in their car. Before cars, Mr. Fales traveled by horse and buggy or rode theSanta Fe train with the complimentary^pass the company issued him each January ,for many years. Later, he bought a PTymouth Sedan which Merrit drove,' for Mr.Fales never drove a car.He was very interested in the Gideons and worked hard for them. At one time, ne

was the oldest living Gideon in the U. S. and was honored with a Gideon pin witha diamond in it. .. . u

Mrs. Fales died at age 87, and Mr. Fales, 98 after having been members ofmany years of the Methodist'Church.

Mrs. Fales' story continues on page 19.

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I came to Roswell from Parkersburg, Iowa, on Aug. 25, 1920 to teach first-grade at East Side School. At that time people from "North of the fiason Dixoh^Line" were frowned upon.The first Sunday I attended the First Baptist Church with n\y sister, Mrs. Tom

Ayers. That was ny first big mistake. Next Sunday I tried the PresbyterianChurch but "no", that was another mistake. Then I went to the Southern MethodistChurch on Second and Penn but that was even worse. Mo one even spoke to me oroffered to shake hands. The next Monday, I opened rpy heart to Mrs. VI.S. Murrell,Vlillma's mother. She took compassion on me and invited me to attend the NorthMethodist Church (corner of 5th and Ky.) v/ith her. The next Sunday I was readyto go thirty minutes early, but Murrells were there in plenty of time. Theminister, Rev. Dum was his name I believe, said, "Good morning. Miss Warner. Weare very happy to have you here to worship with us this morning." I v/as overjoyed as I felt like I had actually found a church home, never dreaming thatafter 58 years of membership, I would still be a member and enjoying everyminute of it.

Mrs. Murrell took me to their teacher, Mrs. Roy Ammerman and about 24 members.^territt Fales was a member of the class. I met him that first Sunday. I soonfound out that the A. L. Fales family came from Creston, Iowa, a town about 100miles from n\y birth place, fterritt and I were married and lived together almost50 years before his death in September of 1971. During that time I served assuperintendent or teacher in every department of the Sunday School. Later Iserved as secretary for the official Sunday School Board for several years. Ieven taught the Bereans but always felt like each one could do a better job thanI did.We had two daughters. Betty Jo, who married Ray Summersgill, was a member of

Trinity. They live in Los Alamos, N. Hex. Their daughter, Rebecca Rae,married Kenneth Wayne Welty and they with their two daughters Leah Jeanne 4% andSonya Renee, 6 weeks, live in Albuquerque. Betty Jo and Ray are now members ofa Methodist church in Las Cruces. Audre Maxine, now Mrs. George Bowers, livesin Alamorgordo, N. Mex. Their only daughter Mellanie Kay nwrrled Philip Fikeand they with their daughter Heather Jo live in Alamogordo also. He is theassistant pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church there.

Ahlen FatnilyThe Ahlens arrived in Roswell in August of 1954. When we moved into the

neighborhood, we joined Trinity. At that time there were Jon, Connie, and Dawn withAn\y and Eric joining the family in 1957 and 1963. Dawn lives in Las Cruces.Connie and Don Boyer live in Farmington, Jon and Anne in Roswell and Arry andRalph DePauw in Socorro. Both Connie and Arny were married at Trinity in thesanctuary.

Jack is an independent petroleum geologist and Marilyn is an elementary schoolteacher. Eric is the only one still at home. Eric and Jack joined the churchin 1975.

Irving W. WoolseyGrandad Woolsey was born on a farm near Ossinig, New York. In his early years

he worked in a carpet department at Macy s in N.Y. C. Grandnrother Chapman waswith Auntie May in Kingman, Arizona around 1910. At that time, Irving Woolseywas working there. Nana (Maude) and Grandad met in a ^tethodist church in Kingman.They were married in 1911 in Canyon City, Colorado, later moving to Roswell where

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Grandad had a job with a laundry. He became involved in the activities of theFirst ̂ tethodist Church of Roswell, serving the church in many ways: treasurerjsecretary, usher...and always with much financial support. His opinions werealways respected and had a marked influence on the church in general. His life

^ was always that of a Christian gentleman. 'For a short time he ms bookkeeper for Cottingham's Steam Laundry. He soon

owned the business, then called Roswell Steam Laundry.Mr. Woolsey died in 1966 after having supported Trinity with his wife Maude in

regular attendance over the many years. His life was always that of a Christiangentleman. His daughter-in-law Billie Woolsey could say of them, "They wereespecially wonderful people!"

Auntie ^lay SpencerAuntie J4ay was Episcopalian in her youth. Her first husband, VJalter Jaggar, diedin 1918, leaving her with 2 children: Dorothy, 10, Elizabeth 8. The three ofthem went to Los Angeles soon after Walter's death where they remained for abouta year. They then moved to Roswell, living in a white house at 608 W. Third.The years passed and daughter Elizabeth in Minco, Oklahoma, v/as expecting.

Auntie May went there to be with her at the birth of Gabe (1930.)Edward Spencer had been a neighbor of Auntie May and he had lost his wife.

While in Roswell, he had served as secretary at the early Methodist church. Hehad relatives in Columbus, Kansas and moved there, feeling that there wassufficient business to maintain his real estate and insurance business, as well asprovide opportunity for his two children to attend nearby colleges. It waswhile he was in Kansas that he wrote the letter of proposal of marriage to AuntieMay in Oklahoma, which proposal was accepted.

Edmond Roy and Mintie Mary ClarkEdmonton Roy Clark was born Slsptember 20, 1897 in the Province of Ontario,

^ Canada. After the accidental death of his father in 1899, his mother and two sonsand one daughter moved to the province of Alberta, Canada where Roy grew to manhood. He served in the Canadian Arn\y during World War I in France and Belgium.In 1926 he moved from Canada to the United States and settled in ^tonterey, Calif.In 1954 he and Mintie Mary Bledsoe were married. In 1971 he moved from Calif, toPrescott, Arizona, seeking a more dry climate and less congested area than coastalCalif. However, the "Mile High"elevation of Prescott was too high for his besthealth. So in 1973, after learning of Roswell from the RCDC, he came to Roswellfor a visit, and liking what he saw, decided to make it his home. He knew no onein Roswell but knowing that the Lord is the same, no matter vjhere he lived, hewas sure to find friends. He visited churches and decided that Trinity Methodistwas a most logical choice, it being near his home, haying received a warm welcome,and observing the uncrowded pews. Roy is well satisfied with living in Roswelland his choice of a church home.

Mintie Mary Bledsoe was born in Hodaway County, Missouri, in the northv/esternpart near the borders of Iowa and Nebraska, on September 8, 1897. She livedthere until 1929 when she found employment in Kansas City, Missiouri. Kansas Cityvjas her home until 1929 when she moved to f^nterey County, Calif. There shelived until 1971. She met Edmond Roy Clark in 1950 and married him in 1954.After a fev/ years of retirement, the Lord led us to Roswell, New Mexico. Wehave found good friends here and find contentment both in Roswell and in TrinityMethodist as our church home.

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Anna D'Arcy Walker GinI am a native of the Territory of New Ptexico, Born Sept. 18, 1908 at Seven

Rivers near Lakewood. % father John D'Arcy came to Roswell from Kansas in 1894.% mother, Rena Ferris, came from Texas. She drove a covered wagon into Roswellin 1900. They were married in 1902 and joined the Ptethodist Episcopal ChurchSouth in 1903.

In 1904 the family moved down the Pecos Valley to Artesia, Seven Rivers, RockyArroyo and back to Artesia ifil919, where I attended high school. I married LeeWalker in 1924 and we moved to Roswell in 1927 with our daughter Annabel. A sonLee Roy Jr. was born in 1928.

I joined the Ptethodist Church in 1918 at Rocky Arroya when Rev. J. D. Terry, acircuit riding minister was pastor there.When we moved to Roswell, we lived next door to the Amos Rapps. Eileen Rapp

(now Mrs. Roscoe Fletcher, Fern Ely's sister) invited me to attend church andSunday School. I joined h'rst Methodist Episcopal North in 1932 when Rev.Ketchum was pastor.Annabel and Lee Roy grew up in Trinity. When Annabel married Ralph Burnworth,

she transferred her membership to First ftethodist with him. Lee Roy marriedMary Ellen Hartal and they both worked in the church. Their three children,Debra, Jerry, and John, were baptized in Trinity.Lee Roy installed lights for the choir, built a speaker stand for the Joy

Sunday School Class and built the up and down stairway, still used by the DaySchool Kindergarten in 1957-58.% husband. Lee Walker, died in 1955 and my son Lee Roy, Jr. in 1964.I married Ivan Gill in 1958. He is a member of First Methodist.In the 60 years since I joined the P^ethodist Church, 46 in Trinity, I have worked

in many areas of the church program, Sunday School, Woman's Society, Fund Raising, Membership, and Evangelistic campaigns. Building Committee, Trustees, .Missions, and now Historian. One finds that the work one does for the Lord

^ carries its own reward.

Harry and Myrtle ThorneHarry Thorne came to Roswell from Kansas in 1896- He worked on ranches and

met Plyrtle White who had moved from Kansas to El kins. Both had filed on claims.They were married in 1909, and lived on ranches for several years. They movedto Roswell to put the children in school. The children, Elizabeth, David, andHenry, were all active in Trinity church. Mary Ellen was ill so could notattend much.

^|yrtle was most faithful to her Gleaner Sunday School Class and church, andattended whenever P4ary Ellen was well enough. Mary Ellen died in 1927. Elizabethwas still very active in Trinity after she married Oscar Greene, as was herdaughter Betty Ruth, until they moved av/ay.

Elizabeth and Oscar now live in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada.David works for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. Henry was killed in action in

World War li.

The children of Oscar and Elizabeth Greene, Richard, Elizabeth Ruth, and Charleshosted a 50th anniversary celebration for their parents at Trinity in 1978 and weat Trinity enjoyed meeting the Thornes and Greenes again.

We acknowledge the source of this information to be from the family genealogicalbook "That Thy Days May Be Long" and from Jeannette Smith, great granddaughter ofHarry and Myrtle Thorne.

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April 2-78Las Cruces

Dear Mrs. 6111

I should have written you sooner but I am not good at writing any more so Idread to attempt It.

I suspect that rny parents Mr. and Mrs. Ogilvle united with the church In thelatter part of 1910 because they came to spend Christmas with us that year andthey were never very long In a town before uniting with the church.

I can tell you more definitely about iny own family. Mrs. L. S. Croissantunited with the church In Sept. 1910. Mr. L. S. Croissant united with the churchIn Oct. 1917. Our son L. W. Croissant united with the church In 1925.

I am sorry not to be more definite, but I could tell you of many wonderfulthings that happened that first year to a country gal fresh from the backwoodsof Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Rena Croissant

Estelle B. RoblnsoriCharles S. Brewster, Wife Hattle, and children, Kenneth 15, Estelle 11» and

Lois 1 year and 3 months came to Roswell from Minnesota In June of 1907. We movedInto the little hopse at 507 fl. Missouri Where Mr. and Mrs. B. lived for the restof their lives. I remember very well our first Sunday. We attended what had beentold us was the Methodist church, { to find that It was the Methodist church South).Next Sunday we attended our own little church on 5th and Kentucky. Rev. JohnMcMurray was the pastor then. Dad was soon busy In the Men's activities, as wasMama In the Missionary Society, Sunday School, WCTU, church suppers, chicken pie,and tamale feedsl Mr. Brewster passed away In 1950, Mrs. B In 1958, Kenneth In0958?) In Cooperstown, N. Y., and Lois In (1926 or 27) In White Plains, N. Y.

I am In a retirement home In Los Altos, California busy with my music, helpingIn our office, making afghans, and helping folks older than my own 82 years.

23.

CHARLES AND BIRDIE WILSON FAMILY

Charles and Birdie Wilson moved to Roswell In 1918 and joined Trinity (thenthe First Methodist Episcopal Church, North) about 1922 or 1923. Soon afterward, they both started singing In the choir. They were followed by each oftheir three younger sons In tliae, and still later, by Alva's two boys, Royceand Kenneth.

In addition to singing, the Wilson family provided two accompanists andtwo directors at various times as well as occasional violin solos. For atleast forty years, there was no phase of the musical life of the church thatdid not Include one or more of the Wilson, family.

One amusing Incident stands out - In the forties or fifties (Wlllma Murrellwas then choir director), Charlie Wilson, who had always been completely bald,was vested and waiting In line with the rest of the choir for the processional.He turned to Wlllma and said with an anxious look on his face, "Wlllma, Is wyhair parted straight?" The choir barely made It to their seats.

Sons of Charles and Birdie were; Ernest, Alva, Charles, John, and Roy.

RAY LAWLER

Since writing the brief article regarding former pastor Ray Lawler, additionalInformation has been received.

An alto-relief sculpture of the late Rev. Ray Lawler was presented to theLawler Library of Kingsland. Many of the books donated to the library havebeen given in memory of the late pastor and many books from Ray Lawler'sprivate library have also been donated to the library. Other items givento the Library include tapes of sermons and songs.

Ray and Verba's son. Art Lawler, has been xd.th the Reporter News for almost9 years and has served as sports editor since last June. He and his wife Kayhave two children; Shari 14 and Brien 7.

Verba Lawler has remarried. She's now Verba Kleuh and continues to live in

Kingsland. We at Trinity extend to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Kleuh our best wishes.

THE GERALD ORR FAMILY

Carol, Gerald, and their three children, Jenny (14), Krissy (13), and John(9) moved to Roswell in 1971 from Craig, Colo. Gerald is with the Bureau ofLand Management, and Carol is Director of Trinity Methodist Day School. Sheassumed the Director's job in 1978 after having taught in the shcool for threeyears. Both Gerald and Carol grew up in a farming community in western Kansa^<

Rev. Lawler heard from Roy Peterson, who worked with Gerald that we wereMethodists, so he came to visit and we later transferred our membership.

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L E T. T , E R -S

F ROM / AB O U T

P A S T - P R E S E N T P AS T O .R S

1925 - 1928 ELI GROUSE, Dec.

Trinity United Methodist Church, please accept my thanks for acopy of the History of Trinity United Methodist Church 1903-1978. .

It was good to see the picture of the Geyer family. Ford andMrs. Geyer and Mrs. Johnson were singing In the choir still when wecame, I joined them. Mr. Sylvester Johnson was speechmaker for thechurch when It came to taking up extra collections, etc. He was alsopresident of the Men's Bible Class when It grew to be one hundred andhad to meet In a room down town. That figure Is from memory, but Isnear, I am sure.

Urban graduated from high school In Roswell, then drove an oiltruck for Sylvester Gr. which was In business by that time.

Mrs. Werllne was sitting In a rocking chair on the front porch,awaiting us when we arrived at the parsonnage.

I always wanted to go West, and I thoroughly enjoyed our pastorate of three years at Trinity Methodist which was then the FirstMethodist Episcopal Church. Sincerely, Mayme Crouse.

A memory of the Ell Crouse Family from the _Guy Rowe f^i^:The Eli\Crous^^^ family would come to visit iis'often while he was

minister of the church. We had many good times together, and afterRev. Crouse's death, we saw Mrs. Crouse often. Rev. Crouse went deerhunting with my father and several other men, and from their report,

^ It was a high light In Rev. Crouse's life. He enjoyed that outingvery much. Mayme lives In Tucson, Arizona and still supports TrinityChurch with a contribution each month.

1928 -1932 JOHN HENRY KETCHUM

Under John Ketchum, membership of First Methodist went from 259 in 1928 to353 in 1932. Epworth League was reactivated and grew.

A new hot water tank for the parsonage was purchcsed and the parsonage painted.The Parish House was redecorated inside.

During Mr. Ketchum's pastorate the 25th anniversary was observed : Music fromthe original choir, dresses worn by the ladies that were first worn at the dedicationof the church., truly a peek at the past.

In Methodist circles in New Mexico, First Methodist Episcopal Church v/aswell known for the work of its Ladies. The church also had a well organizedSunday School and even an orchestra, all a part of its ongoing ministry.

1932 - 1935 Dr. EITEL6ECRGE

After leaving Roswell, Dr. Benjamin Eitelgeorne went to Northern New Mexico,and from there to Denver. Upon retirement he continued to preach and teach. InDenver he was pastor and associate professor at the University. His ministry ex-tended over a period of 50 years. ^ ^

Dr. Eitelgeorge died about 5 years Mrs. Eitelgeorge and one daughter,engaged in research, remain in Denver. The other daughter married and lives inPueblo. 24

1935 - 1936 CHARLES S. HEMPSTEAD

^ Mrs. Ivan GillChurch HistorianTrinity United ffethodist ChurchRoswell, Hew Mexico 88201

Dear Mrs. Gill:

I have been remiss in Writing to thank you for sending me a copy of the history ofTrinity f4ethodist Church. I had been on a trip to Israel, and have not yet caughtup on accumulated correspondence. I do appreciate being included among thoseprivileged to receive a copy of the history.

In answer to your request for a statement about our family and the doings of ourchildren, I offer the following:

Mrs. Hempstead and I will celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary on June 13, 1978.

Our son. Dr. Charles F. Hempstead, is a physicist for the Bell Telephone Laboratories in Lawrence, Mass. He and his wife Rosemary have three children: BarbaraLouise is a medical student at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis,^to; David has just finished his junior year at Renssaelar Polytechnical Institute,Troy, New York; Paul is finishing his junior year at Andover High School, Andover,Mass.

Our daughter Martha is head of the English Department, and Coordinator of the^ English, Psychology and Sociology Departments of Pacific High School, San Bernardino,

California, and also teaches at Valley College in San Bernardino.

Since leaving Roswell, I have served the following pastorates:First Methodist Church, Loveland, ColoradoFirst Methodist Church, Rapid City, South DakotaSt. Luke's Methodist Church, Dubuque, IowaFirst Methodist Church, Clinton, IowaFirst Methodist Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa

I have served as District Superintendent of:The Western District, South Dakota ConferenceThe Waterloo District, North Iowa ConferenceThe Cedar Rapids District, North Iowa Conference

I concluded my active ministry as Assistant to the President of Cornell College,Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Since retiring in 1965, I served as Associate Minister in:The First Methodist Church, Mesa, ArizonaSt. Paul's United Methodist Church, San Bernardino, Calif.

I also served for four and one-half years since I retired as Assistant to thePresident of Cornell College. I have been completely retired since 1974.

As far as the General Church is concerned:I served as delegate to the General Conferences of 1952, 56, 60.I served as delegate to the North Central Jurisdictional Conferences of 1952,56, 60.I was a member of the General Conference Conmiission on Worship from 1952-64.

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Continued: C.S. Hempstead

I served on the Hymnal Committee from 1960-64.

I was a delegate to the World Methodist Conference which met In Oslo, Norway In 1961.

I served on the following Conference and Area Boards and Commissions:President of the Board of EducationChairman of the Iowa Strategy ConmltteeMember of Executive Committees of Cornell College and St. Luke's HospitalFriendship Haven and Methwick Manor Boards of DirectorChairman of the Conference Board of Ministerial TrainingMember of North Iowa Pensions Board

P.S. I was given a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Cornell College, and served asGrand Chaplain of the Masonic Lodge of Iowa.

Sincerely,

Charles S. Hempstead

1936 - 1938 ROBERT E. SCARFFE

April 28, 1978

Mrs. Ivan Gill, Church HistorianTrinity United Methodist ChurchRoswell, New Mexico 88201

Dear Mrs. Gill:

Yes, I am the son of Rev. Robert E. Scarffe, who served your church from June 1936to June 1938. At that time the church was at Its old location close to the dov;n-town section. My mother helped with choir and the Epworth League (Youth Fellowship)In the evening. Fly brother Robert was In high school and graduated there. I wasIn 6th and 7th grade and attended the Junior High School.

Dad Is now deceased, having passed away In 1955. Mother (Mrs. L.L. Scarffe) Isstill living and Is located at the Colorado Lutheran Home, 8001 W. 71st Ave.,Arvada, Colorado 80004. % brother Is also deceased since 1972.

I am certain that Mother would be glad to hear from you. I v\fould be Interested Inyour history also If you could spare an extra copy. I have been In the ministrynow for 31 years. Dad put In about 35, but had a later start than I did. Weenjoyed our stay In Roswell.

We were glad to hear from you and thank you for your Interest and remembering. Wewish you all well and send our prayers for the continued success of your church there.

Cordially,

Albert W. Scarffe

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1938 - 1943 ROLAND T. SCHAEFER

Mrs. Ivan Gill, Church HistorianTrinity United Methodist ChurchRoswell, New Mexico 88201

Dear Mrs. Gill:

This is the occasion for congratulations to all members, and especially to thosefamilies who through more than one generation have faithfully served the f^jsterfor the past seventy-five years through Trinity United Methodist Church. Thank youfor sending me the history. It is an attractive and well planned production. Iregret nw delay in replying. It came while I was in the hospital. I had majorsurgery on April 11. Consequently only the most urgent matters were taken careof iirane diatdy. Even after coming home from the hospital on May 3, I was too weakto give nw attention to outside demands. We are living in a retirement rcsidenceaffiliated with the Methodist Home in Ossining. This is the first week that Ihave been able to go to the dining room for my meals. I thank God that I am gettingalong well now and am looking forward to a happy ninetieth birthday in a couple orweeks.

I look back to our five years in Roswell with a feeling of special warmth andaffection. As you indicated in your write-up, it was during my pastorate thatFirst Methodist Episcopal Church became Trinity Methodist Church. We found acongregation of hard working devoted members who accepted responsibpities witnjoy and effectiveness. Those were war years. The meipries of .Pearl Harbor are vivid. Likewise the pleasure of having many men from Walker AirForce Base in attendance at our services but also frequent visitors in our homeand to be able to provide them with a good home cooked meal, une of the joyswas to become acquainted with a unit of Chinese officers who had been sent to theBase for training in the use of bombers. Since they came from various parts ofChina and some years had passed since our return from China,not always easy. Friendly interchange of ideas was possible even without completesentences, especially over an authentic but home-cooked Chinese dinner.

Our daughter, Ruth Lois, was a Senior in high school when we moved to ̂ ^o^well. Sheand I spent a good deal of time opening a gathering place for serviceWoman's Club across the street from the church. The USD replaced this ̂ 'fort.Ruth Lois went on to college and received her B.A. degree from hdaLp inUniversity. At Northwestern University she earned her Master of Arts degree inhistory and political Science. Later she went to the University of IllinoisLibrary School, earning her ilaster's degree in Library Science., She now holds aresponsible position as*Assistant Chief Librarian of the Federal Reserve Bank ofNew York.

In 1945, two years after leaving Roswell, while serving as Pastor of the FortBoulevard Methodist Church in El Paso, I lost my wife Esther who had been so veryactive and was so much loved in Roswell. At the 1946 Annual Conference I wasappointed Executive Secretary of the Conference Board of Education of the NewMexico Conference. In this position I was in touch with the educational programsof all of the churches of the Conference. In 1947 I married Esther's sister Ruthwho had visited us frequently in Roswell; so does not feel a complete stranger toTrinity.

27

continued: R. T. Schaefsr

In 1948 both of us were appointed to teachinc; positions at HcMurry College, ourMethodist College in Abilene. Texas. I became Associate Professor of Religionand Ruth of French and German. He had eight very happy years there and thenretired to Chula Vista in the Greater San Diego area of Calif. For the sixteenand a half years m lived there, I taught an Adult Bible Class in First I'ethodistChurch. Thus I continued oy much loved Bible study and teaching, and vjg mademany fine friends.

In 1973 v;e decided the time had come for us to be nearer Ruth Lois. The threethousand mile trips were getting difficult and expensive and somehow inadequate.Rot v/ishing to live in New York City, we looked elsewhere and found a comfortableapartment within easy Vifalking distance of Christ United f!ethodist Church. In1976 after I had gone through a lengthy illness, I began to look for a way ofshedding more v/ork and responsibilities. In March 1977 we moved to BethelSpringvale Inn, Croton-on the Hudson, New York. It is about an hour's ride byConrail for Ruth L. She comes very frequently and we are finding it a verysatisfQi:(:ory Qfi-angemont.

Liy best wishes for the continued groi/th and opportunities for Christian influenceand service in Roswell of Trinity United iiethodist Church for the next seventy-five years. God bless you one and all.

Yours in Christ,

Roland T. Schaefer

1943 - 1946 H. H. NANCE

These were the war years, and it was H. H. Nance who ministered to the families ofStephen Sununersgil1, Donald Le Pell, and Arden Boellner, young men lost in action.

194G - 1943 HENRY VAN VALKENBUR6H, Dec. Jan. 0, 1367

This was Brother Van's second time as pastor of Trinity. Curing these years therewere improvements made in the church building, such as the installation of an airconditioning system.

1948 - 1951 LLOYD HUGHES

After leaving Trinity, we moved to Gallup where we spent two years, lie thenmoved to Fort Stockton, Texas where v/e spent four of the happiest years of ourlives, making friends that we have been close to ever since.

We then moved to Portales, spent three years; then to Trinity, Albuquerque whereVie stayed five years, during which time we worked on building the Landsun Home inCarlsbad.

From Albuquerque we moved to Carlsbad as the District Superintendent of theCarlsbad District and stayed for the full six years, enjoying the v/ork very much.

From there v/e v/ent to St. Paul's, Las Cruces, and then to First Church, Clovis.lie stayed only two years and three months in Clovis, at v/hich time Bishop Carletonasked us to transfer to the NorthwQst Texas Conference and take the Big SpringDistrict, which v/e are enjoying very, very much.

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1951 - 1953 ALFRED PACE

Mrs. Ivan Gill

Trinity United Methodist Church1413 South Union Ave.Roswell, N. M.

Dear Mrs. Gill:

I did receive a copy of the history of Trinity Church and I thank you.

Since leaving Trinity Church rny appointments have all been to churches in SouthernNew Mexico and west Texas. My last appointment was to Silver City where I servedfor five years and retired in 1974.

We have continued to make our home in Silver City and expect to remain here forsome time to come.

Sincerely,

Alfred C. Pace

1953-1955 R. C. CANTRELL, Dec.

Under Pastor Cantrell there was a financial campaign so that a new buildingcould be erected. The fiftieth -anniversary of the church was observed andeelebrated.

1955 - 1959 Clayton Johnson

Clayton Johnson was the pastor when this church 'was built. He came to us from^Bel en by v/ay of the Texas Conference v^here he was born, reared, and received hiseducation. He, his vnfe flarie, son Johnny and daughter Sandra moved into theold parsonage.3 which was still down town. He had built and completed two otherchurches before coming to us with orders to "Build a church vnth the congregationor close the doors of the old church and go to the high school for Sunday services.'Several pastors before him had been sent to build but v/ere unsuccessful. BishopAngie Smith ms then Bishop of the area and he v/as determined to get this churchout of the shadow of First Methodist Church. Clayton traded the city lots we hadfor the present acreage and a parsonage lot, With the help of most of the congregation who stayed viith the church, and hard work to add several hundred the firstyear to the membership, the church was on its way.

First things first. The property on Fifth and Kentucky had to be sold. Since theparsonage v^as on the land, it was necessary to build the parsonage first. Withthe help of many talented people, it was designed and completed in a short timeand furnished by the Sunday School classes and United Methodist Homen. (Boy, v/erethere alot of box suppers, bake sales, large dinners, you name it, to raise moneyI)It was completed and furnished. The church was then started and furnished. Whatan experience!

29

After five years the Johnsons were transferred to the Oklahoma Conference. Holden-ville In central Oklahoma was their first appointment. Work was done on theexisting building and some major improvements made. Holdenville was not large

^ in numbers, but long on hospitality. Clayton worked hard there and we had awonderful four years.

Johnny went to Mcfiurry College in Abilene, Texas, and graduated from there. Heserved the school two years after graduation as Alumni organizer. The year hegraduated, he married lovely Janie Mi liken from Dallas, Texas. After two yearsat McMurry as part of the staff, he went into Chamber of Commerce work where hedid local directing and then on to the U.S. Chamber for several years. He andJanie have two children; a boy (Jeffrey, 14) and a girl (Julie, 11). They nowreside in Leaky, Tx. Johnny works out of San Antonio as a representative for achemical cleaning company and Janie teaches school.

From Holdenville we went to Capitol Hill Church in southwest Oklahoma City. Itwas the largest church he had pastored up to that time. He had a staff of abouteight members. Capitol Hill Church was located in downtown Capitol Hill and hadabout 1600 members. It was in an older part of the area but had a beautiful newsanctuary. It was badly in need of extra Sunday School space so ground work waslaid for a new education building. We only remained there three years as theBishop and Cabinet felt we could serve another church which needed us.

We went to Shawnee, Okla. which is only 25 miles from Okla. City. There we had abeautiful time also. We were there five years. We had a new education building,but the sanctuary was badly in need of rebuilding. Again this was a larger churchof about 2300 members. Clayton worked hard five years and was able to get theplans drawn and money in the building fund. In October of the fifth year we had abad tornado that destroyed the sanctuary. The Government made loans at 3% to re-

^ build the disaster area. Clayton arranged for the church loan so the buildingcould begin.

Clayton had had several health problems for quite some time. He had serious surgery and was getting over one at the time the tornado struck. He was not physicallyable to build the building, so he asked the Bishop to relieve him and send someoneelse to build. He did, and we went to Altus, Oklahoma where we had our shortestministry. We were there only eighteen months. The church and town are great andthose were 18 memorable months. That, too, was a church of about 23-25 hundredmembers. A minister in a "connectional" job was in trouble and had to be moved.He had served a number of places where they could have opened but not for a secondtime. They asked Clayton to make a place for him there by Clayton's moving toWickline Church, Midwest City. He did and we went on to Midwest City which is partof Greater Oklahoma City. It is where the Tinker Air Base is located. Wicklinestarted soon after Tinker was opened. The church had about 2500 members scatteredall over Okla. City. Wickline had started four other churches in their area. Itwas a good church, large staff and hard work for Clayton. His health really worsened under the load of so much responsibility. So before Conference, and afterfinishing our third year, Clayton asked for a smaller church. We went to Claremore,Okla. for two years and then back to Okla. City. There, at Lakeside, he wasforced to give up his work and take "sick leave" because his health again worsened.In July of 1978, he asked to be relieved but was not until Sept. 1. The churchdid not want him to leave, but he was unable to give a struggling church the leadership it needed and refused their offer. V/e moved to our ov/n home Sept. 1. BetweenJune 15 and Dec. 7, he had two major surgeries, bringing to 18 the number of majorsurgeriesl At present he is on Disability Leave. If his condition becomes better,he can ask for another church. It would have to be a small part-time one. Thedoctors say he'll never be able to, but he's trying. He will not be eligible forretirement until 1980 when he'll be 62. His heart is still in the ministry and ifhe cannot take the responsibility of a congregation, he may eventually be able todo church related work.

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1959 - 1962 KENNETH FORD

Mrs. Ivan Gill1413 S. Union Ave.Roswell, N. M. 88201

Dear Ann:

I'm sorry I'm late in getting this letter to you. We are just now gettingstraightened out from moving.

I'll try to give you the information that you want. Mike is married to the formerJean Dixon. They are now living in Ranger, Texas where he owns the Sears Roebuckstore. He entered this business June 5, 1978 after five years as a band director.They are expecting their first child around July 1. Nida is a senior at McMurryand is working at the Citizens National Bank in Abilene, Texas. Terri will be asophomore at Las Cruces High School. She plays the piano and oboe and has beenvery active in sports.

Since we left Trinity, we served three years in Silver City; five years in Kermit,Texas, where we paid off the church debt and built a new parsonage; then weserved three years in Fort Stockton, Texas, and five years in Lovington, NewMexico. While in Lovington, we paid off the church debt and also while inLovington, in 1976, I had two heart attacks. The doctor says I have made anexcellent recovery and I have been working full time since about January of '77.We are now serving the University Methodist Church in Las Cruces, having beenappointed here June K I hope this is the information you wanted.

Give our love to everyone.

Sincerely,

Kenneth E. Ford

1962 - 1963 WATT ROYAL, Dec. Nov. 11, 1972

Mrs. Ann Gill, Church HistorianTrinity United Methodist Church1413 S. Union,Roswell, New Mexico 88201

Dear Mrs. Gill:

I am indeed sorry that I failed to acknowledge a copy of the history of the TrinityUnited Methodist Church. I have been ill—that is v/hen one is inclined to procrastinate.

Piy husband made his transition to his heavenly home in November.

Our oldest son, Philip and his two sons live in El Paso. Philip is pastor of FirstMethodist Church. Phil is director of Red Cross in El Paso and Dick works for GoodYear in El Paso. Nicki, whose husband works for First National Bank, lives inAlamagordo. Rudolph lives in Fort Worth and works for Oancie Co. Rudy has workedfor Merchants Bank in Dallas for four years; some in the church there remember him.David, the youngest, will graduate from high school next year.

Love to all our Christian friends at Trinity. Bertha S. Royal30/4

1963 - 1968 WISHARD LEMONS

The decision was made to add a new wing to the church to take care of increasingmembership through the work of the Commission on Evangelism.

There was growth in the Trinity Day School, approximately 75 four and five yearolds.

Then came the loss of Walker Air Force Base personnel and the necessary adjustment to changes on Boards, Councils, classrooms, budget.

Pastor and people successfully fought the establishment of a liquor store withinblocks of the church.

Today, 1978, (Wish) Lemons is an associate minister at First UMC, Tulsa, Okla.,but his real office has been in the hallways, mess halls, and recreation rooms ofoil rigs in such places as the North Sea, Peru, Borneo and East Africa. Byinvitation he works with Phillips Petroleum and Parker Drilling Company, thelatter being the largest land based oil drilling firm in the world. His congregation is made up of young men with families who have followed them to these remoteplaces. His ministry is listening, creating an atmosphere of love and letting theHoly Spirit do the rest.

1968 - 1971 RAY LAI/JLER, Dec. Nov. 6, 1976

Some excerpts from a column in the Abilene Reporter News by his sportswriter son;"I never heard him put down anybody, except maybe Satan. He liked to believe

everyone in his congregation was sincere. He recognized good and bad for what itwas and convinced himself that nobody was immune to either. For his own peace ot

^ mind he focused his energy and attention on the positive.He won thousands of lifelong friends in a suitcase career covering 14 commun

ities in four states.

He was born in poverty and lived for a time in a box car. Though he managedto acquire an extensive education, he never knew the ease of financial wealth.

He had a way of counting people, not dollars, and because of it, some of usare substantially richer today." Art Lawler.

1971 - 1974 RAYMOND RILEY

Dear Ann:

You cannot imagine how sorry we are that you had to send us a reminding note. Iintended to send you this information as soon as I got home ffo*" the ChurchAnniversary Celebration. We did get a copy of the Trinity United Methodlscelebration.

This is our second appointment since we moved from Roswell in June 1974. Weserved one year in Las Vegas, New Mexico, moved from Las Vegas to Permit, Tx., June6, 1975. We were appointed back to Kermit for our fourth year at the 1978 AnnualConference. The highlight of our ministry in Las Vegas was our work with theWesley Foundation at Highland University and the Crisis Center.Since we have been at First United Methodist Church in Kermit, the greatest highlight has been to watch the spiritual growth of the congregation.They have had the 35th Anniversary celebration, and dedicated a beautiful

31

Continuedi, Raymond Rlley

parsonage that was built in 1970.

^ The most recent highlight is watching the plans materialize to install a SsajBO.OOpipe organ in 1978.

Raymond and I have one daughter^ Joyce Elaine (now Mrs. Bill Bridvjell.) Twogranddaughters9 Denise Raylene, 11» and Donna Kay^ 8. They live at 619 li. 16th<,Portal es 9 fJew Hexico.

Joyce Elaine is vn'th Eastern New ftexico University while Bill is employed withRoosevelt County Rural Electric Co.

Sincerely9

Mrs. Raymond Riley

Sept. 1978 - Dec. I978 DR. DALLAS DENISON

Dallas D. Denlson, born on a farm In Woodland Red River County, Tx.;met Gladys Condron while a student in Clarendon College, and twoyears later, Dec. 25th, 1924, they were married in Elgin, Texas, andcame to Plaska, Texas, a five point circuit, his first appointment.After two years, he was appointed to Texico-Parwell in the New MexicoConference. It was in this conference at Gallup, New Mexico that hewas ordained Elder and was transferred back to the Northwest TexasConference.

Every church he served, he helped to build, paid debts or. startedplans for new property. He served 13 different appointments and aterm as District Superintendent of the Brownfield District. He hasserved as an officer on the Boards of Education, Missions, andsecretary as well as chairman of the Conference Board of Evangelism.He served 8 years as Vice Chairman of the Jurisdictional Board ofEvangelism. He has held preaching missions and revivals from Cubato the Pacific Northwest and in India.

To this union one son was born James Dickey (Jim) Denison who ischairman of the New Mexico State Hi-Way Commission and also chairmanof the 16 Western States Hi-Way Commissioners. He and his men atStructures Incorporated, build very large antennas that are placedon the Sandia Plains for the National and eight Ivy League Universities Science Foundations. He and his wife Jo Beth live in Hobbs,New Mexico.

Dallas and Gladys retired from active service June 1st, 19693 after45 years of very happy and active service in the Master's service.He still fills in every so often to help pastors and churches intheir needs for someone to preach for them. He has served TrinityUnited Methodist Church as interim pastor from Sept. 1st to Dec.1st, 1978.

1974 - RODNEY E. ROBERTS

A brief sketch of our family history includes the following.

Joan was born and raised in South Texas9 spending most of her childhood andyouth in what is known as "The Valley". During this time she and her family weredeeply involved in the life and work of the church. Joan atted Southwestern University in Georgetown9 Texas9 from which she received a Bachelor of Arts degree inChristian Education and English. Ten years after graduation from college shebecar^ a certified teacher in the State of New Mexico, teaching at Aztec and atNavajo Methodist Mission School. Presently she has exchanged teaching for workingwith the Corrauunity Counseling and Resource Center of Roswell as its AdministrativeAssistant. Significantlys she is also a ivife and mother and an active lay womanin the church.

Rodney is a native El Pasoan who spent his childhood and youth in El Paso. He,too, attended Southwestern University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree inSociology. Graduate study was done at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, resulting in the receiving of the Bachelor of Divinity degree. In1957 he joined the New Mexico Annual Conference of the iMethodist Church. His firstappointment after Seminary was to start a new church in the Eastwood area of ElPaso. This church is now known as St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Subsequentappointments have been Fabens, Texas; Aztec, New Mexico; Superintendent of NavajoMethodist Mission School, Farmington, New Mexico; Iraan, Texas; and Trinity, Roswell,New Mexico. Rodney has worked with the General Board of Education of the MethodistChurch as a field representative in the area of young adult ministries. He hasoften been involved in working with human resource agencies in the communities inwhich he has served, presently serving as a board member of the Area VI MentalHealth Board. He is immediate past vice-chairman of the Coiranunity Counseling andResource Center Board and past Chairman of the Chaves County Drug Abuse Board.He is on the Salvation Army Board also.

Joan and Rodney met while at Southwestern and were married in 1956. To thismarriage were born three children.

Cheryl Lynn is the first born. She graduated with honors from Roswell HighSchool and is now married to Stephen Alison, a Navy man assigned to a nuclearsubmarine. They are stationed at Charleston, South Carolina.

Eric John is the second born. He is a sophomore at Roswell High and verymuch the outdoor person. He is a member of the Roswell High Advanced Mixed Chorusand the Men's Chorus. He is also a past member of the Roswell High Big Red Band.

Kirk Edward is the last born. A freshman at Roswell High, he is a member ofthe Big Red Band, the Men's Chorus, and the Beginning Mixed Chorus. He likes toact somewhat and is now in his second high school musical. He is also a memberof the Roswell High gymnastics team.

All three children were born in El Paso, Texas. Even though you can neverreally get the Texan out of one born in Texas, v^e are enjoying living in Roswell,serving Trinity, and working in the Land of Enchantment.

33

Excerpts from the church bulletin. First Hethodlst Episcopal Church, Sunday,Sept. 26, 1920, Ray S. Dum, Pastor. Church, Fifth and Kentucky. MusicalDirector, Miss Welle G. Mason, Parsonage, 308 11. Fifth. S. Alonzo Bright, D.D.,District Supt.

SPECIAL NOTICES

The Gleaners will meet with Mrs. S. E. Ross, on Tuesday afternoon at two-thirty.The Woman's Missionary Society meets in Parish Hall on next Friday afternoon

at two-thirty o'clock. The women of the church are most cordially invited to attend.The choir held a most enjoyable rehearsal and social at the home of Brother

Manning on last Thursday evening.The new furnace has been installed and we are now prepared for the first cold

weather of the season. We anticipate a very comfortable church for the servicesof the coming winter.

Some Centenary pledges remain unpaid. Our calculations v/ere based on the payment of every last pledge. If you have not paid yours, remember we are counting onyou. . ^

The pastor wishes to call a meeting of the Official Board for Monday evening ofthis week. It is very necessary that we get the ivork of our church outlined forthe coming year. Let there be a full attendance.

Mr. Claude Simpson has been appointed a Steward on the Official Board.On next Wednesday evening the work of our mid-week service for Bible study vnll

be resumed for the new Conference year. We will begin with the First Book of Kings,hastily reviewing the few chapters of this book which we covered last year. Eachperson should bring a Bible. The class will meet in Parish Hall promptly at seven-thirty o'clock. The first fifteen minutes will be spent in praise and prayer.The balance of the time, until nine o'clock, V7ill be spent in Bible study. It isnot too much to expect that our attendance this year shall reach at least seventy-five persons. Join the class the first session, be regular in attendance, and youwill be surprised how much good you will get out of the vnnter's work.

Notice that our Sunday School is growing rapidly. Vie shall soon reach the 250mark. Is it too much to expect an attendance of 300 before next spring? We cando it if we set our hearts on such a goal.

Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Kenny expect to leave us soon for Las Vegas. We regret theirgoing from us very much, and hasten to assure them that we shall all miss them.Since they must leave us, we wish for them every good thing in their new home.

On behalf of the members and friends of this church we extend congratulationsand very best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Hanes.

Mrs. C. 0. Thompson and two daughters arrived home from Trenton, Mo., on lastTuesday v/here they were attending the funeral of Mrs. Thompson's father. Thesympathy of all goes out to these friends.

The pastor appreciated his vacation, and returned home renewed in body and mind.

35

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Sunday, November 2.1st, 1920, Ray S. Dum, Pastor.SPECIAL NOTICES

The most interesting session of the Bible Class yet held was that of last^ Wednesday evening. On next Wednesday evening we begin the Second Book of Kings.

Come promptly at seven o'clock.The Gleaners held a splendid meeting last week at the home of Mrs. Spencer, with

an attendance of more than fifty.A number of the Bereans surprised Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Hanes in their new cozy

home on East Fifth on last Tuesday evening, carrying to them a token of esteemfrom the class. They report a delightful evening.

On Friday evening the League held its "Win-f^-Chum" social. Between fortyand fifty young people were present and all enjoyed the splendid program provided.

On next Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in Parish Hall the Ladies' Aid Societywill hold its regular monthly meeting. A full attendance is desired.

Remember the next Sunday is "Home-coming Thanksgiving Day" for this church. Dr.Bright will be with us throughout the day. A treat is in store for all who can bepresent at the various services. Let us see to it that each of us is in his or herplace at the services of this day. Dr. Bright will appreciate a crowded house,and we will enjoy the day better if we go to church. Try and bring some one whohas not been very regular in attending church this fall.

The hrst Quarterly Conference for the ensiling Conference Year will be heldiiwnediately at the close of the evening service onjhext Sunday^ „

Tonight the pastor will deliver ah illustrated lecture on "The Pipneer Trail.This will be the first in a series of lectures for this winter covering the work ofour Board of Home Missions and Church Extension. This lecture has mostly to dowith the settlement of our great North-west. We v/ill have this evening the song,"America" illustrated by a number of beautifully colored slides.

On next Thursday we celebrate our "Thanksgiving Day". No other people on theface of the earth has so much to be thankful for as the American people. Let usmake this "Thanksgiving Day" one of spiritual feasting and close personal scrutiny,'lest we forget'. Never had we as a people such an opportunity to lose our selvesand find our souls as we have in these after-war days. We must not barter awaythis golden opportunity.

Excerpts from the church bulletin. First Methodist Episcopal Church, somewherebetween 1921-1924, T. E. Thuresson, Pastor. (May 20).

NOTES AND NOTICES

There will be no services in this Mr. and Mrs. Byron Wells are spending achurch this evening. We will join with sunmer vacation with his Parents, Mr.other churches in the union meeting to and Mrs. George Wells, on West McGaffeybe held in the Armory. The Rev. C. C. Avenue.Jarrell, D. D., of Atlanta, learn that Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dearholtpreach the sermon. Dr. Jarrell is Secre- getting ready to leave Roswell fortary of the General Hospital Board of the gome point in California. Of course weM. E. Church South, and comes to but if it must be so,Roswell in the interests of our Sanitar- a j^appy residence andium. The Coiranunity Chorus will furnish prosperous career wherever they maymusic at this service, and everybody is ,• • • t vv* •invited.

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Excerpts from the church bulletin , May 20, somewhere between 1921-24, continued.

The Gleaners Class had an unusuallypleasant gathering for their May meeting,last Tuesday afternoon at the home ofMrs. George Wells on McGaffey Avenue.The business session was presided overby Mrs. dagger. Mrs. S. E. Ross gave avery interesting talk of "The Early Daysin Chaves County and Roswell." MissGladys Mell rendered a piaho solo, andNeva Palmer gave a reading. Deliciousrefreshments of ice cream and angel foodcake were served by the hostesses, ffes-dames Ralph Davis, Connell, Oliver andMulroy.

The Truth Seekers Class met on Thursdayevening at the home of Mr. and Mrs.Herbert Long, with Mr. and Mrs. ByronWells as guests. An enjoyable time wasspent in playing progressive games,after which refreshments of egg salad,cheese sandwiches, tarts and iced teawere served by the committee.

The men of the church will be sure toremember that the Brotherhood Club willhold its May meeting on Monday evening.May 28th. This is postponed to that

^ date on account of the Chautauqua. Itwill be a good time, v/ith refreshnrentsand program.

Parish Hall is all complete, and presents a very neat, clean and invitingappearance. The renovating of theserooms was money well expended. TheBereans, the Epworth League and the Men'sclass provided the funds. The classwill meet in their regular rooms today.

Mr. Roy Walker, of Angelica, N. Y., ason of Mrs. Thurfeson, who has beenspending the winter in California, isat the parsonage for a few days on hisreturn to his home in New York.

The Prayer Meeting, Wednesday evening,at 7:45, at Parish Hall.

The following is from Warren G. Harding,President of the United States:

"I strongly feel that every goodparent cares for his child's body, thatthe child may have a normal and healthylife and growth; cares for his child'smind, that the child may take his properplace in the world of thinking people;and such a parent must also train hischild's character religiously, that theworld may become morally fit. Unlessthis is done, trained bodies and trainedminds may simply add to the destructiveforces of the world."

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Sunday, Dec. 7, 1930, Twenty-fifth Anniversaryprogram, John Henry Ketchum, minister, phone 452.

PLATFORM MEETING 3:00 P.M.

The nteeting this afternoon will be one of the most unique meetings of this specialprogram. Hear the original choir of this church, still alive and singing. Seehow they dressed when this church was organized. Special musical numbers andspeeches by charter members of the church. Hear the reaction of present dayyouth. Letters and telegrams from former pastors will be read.

A Great Service for Everybody

The following was taken from the official records;CHARTER MEr4BERS

Annie V. Anderson, Ida M. Franks, David L. Geyer, Mrs. Belle Geyer, C. FordyceGeyer, Mrs. fiaud Geyer, M. J. Hartman, Mrs. Ella Hartman, C. A. Hartman, Mrs. E.Pool9 Jacob R. Slease, Mrs. Lucy C. Slease, William D. Slease, Mrs. Nannie Slease.

MEMBERS WHEN BUILDING WAS COMPLETED, FALL 1905(In addition to those listed above)

R. T. Allison, Mrs. R. T. Allison, Geo. H. Buss, Mrs. Ann V. Buss, John C. Brough-ton, Mrs. Barbara Broughton, L. B. Boellner, Mrs. Grace Boellner, Mrs. E. A. Beemis,Emma Curtis, Daisy M. Craig, Mrs. Ann Chapman, Noah S. Craig, J. H. Clarkson, Carl

37

December 7, 1930 continued:

E. De Weese, Mrs. Carl E. De Weese, Lee Dungan, Lilly Dungan, W. H. Furguson,James 0. Gifford, Pearl Gifford, E. S. Georges ^tery E. Hodgson, Mabel Hodgson,

^ Esther Hodgson, Mrs. Gertie Higday, J. E. Henderson, F. M. Henderson, Geo. Henderson, Arthelda Henderson, F. L. Hill, Millie Hill, Fred Hill, Charles Hill, L. V.Humphry, F. E. Humphry, Eva Hanny, Albert F. Huffman, Mattie Huffman, FrancesJohnson, Samuel Jones, Mary Jones, Clifford Jones, Bernice Eugene Jones, F. A.Kyle, Mrs, A. A. Kyle, Miss Olive Leach, John P. Lundberg, David E. Miller, HelenM. Miller, Miss Lena Marvel, Mrs. Ellen Patterson, Gertrude Pugh, Nellie Pugh,A. F. Persons, Mary E, Reace, Willie T. Reace, Mrs. Mabel Reid, Li Hie Ella Shrout,Ethel Tate, D. D, Temple, Albert Thompson, W. J. Wilson, Mrs. Mary G. Wilson,Hattie Wilson, H. K. Wilson, Ella Wilson, Mrs. Emma Wilson, H. S. White, Mary E.Wilson.

MEMBERS WHEN CHURCH WAS DEDICATED, FALL 1906(Plus two previous lists)

Miss Ella Allison, Miss Ugra Allison, Miss Nellid Allison, Ben Allison, Mrs. EmmaJ. Blakely, Bertha Broacher, Mrs. Mary D. Costa, Sada Costa, Mary Crouswell, A. E.Day, Mrs. A. E. Day, Edith Day, Ethel Day, Mrs. Lillis Fisher, C. Figge, Mrs. C.Figge, S. H. Fairchilds, Margaret Fairchilds, Eda Fairchilds, Sadee Fairchilds, G.G. Gilmore, Mrs. B. Hurst, Stella Hall, Mrs. f-lary King, J. M. King, Romius Lauder-milk, William Lindstrom, Maybelle Lindstrom, VJalter Lindstrom, W. K. Maxwell,Mary C. Maxwell, Roy A. Maxwell, Rev. W. W. McMeekin, Litto McMeekin, Frank A.Mendenhall, Mrs. Sarah Sexton, Mrs. Eliza Spencer, Charles Spencer, R. Spencer, N.P. Selden, Centius Selden, Maria Theresa Wilson, Sallee Wilson, Roxie Wilson, J.J. Williamson, Mrs. J. J. Williamson, G. W. Zink, Mrs. G. W. Zink,

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Sunday, December 21, 1930, John H. Ketchum,pastor.

New Notes

THANKS TO THE LADIES AID for the fine new dining room suite and other furniturefor the parsonage.

MR. AND MRS. G. A ZIEGENHAGEN have returned from Glendale, Arizona, and we aremighty glad to have them back.

THE EPWORTH LEAGUE is planning to sing Christmas carols again this year. Listenfor them about 4 or 5 o'clock Christmas morning.

THE LADIES AID just installed two fine new gas stoves in Parish Hall. Goodbyeashes and dirt.I Everybody using those rooms are for the Ladies Aid. May theykeep up the good work.

THIRTY-SIX were present last Sunday evening in the Epworth League meeting when Mr.C. Simpson spoke on "Civic Forces That Make The World Better." The address wasvery forceful and the speaker was pleased with our live bunch of youth.

NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED

T. H. Moen, 502 East Fifth October 5Mrs. T. H. Moen, 502 East Fifth October 5Ruby Moen, 502 East Fifth October 5Thelma Moen, 502 East Fifth ..October 5Wallace Harpst, 1010 East Second "December 7Mrs. Wallace Harpst, 1010 East Second.... December 7Elizabeth Harpst, 1010 East Second December 7

^ Wallace Harpst, Jr., 1010 East Second December 7Le Roy 0. Smith, 1303 N. Richardson December 7Mrs. Le Roy 0. Smith, 1305 N. Richardson..December 7Ralph Davis, 309 West Til den December 7Mrs. Ralph Davis, 309 West Til den December 7Lorece Garrett, 912 N. Richardson December 7

38

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Sunday, January 25, 1931, John Henry Ketchum,minister; Rev. A. L. Fales, Rev. S. A. tanning, local preachers.

NEWS NOTES

THIS BULLETIN is made possible each Sunday by those who are interested to pay forits publication. See the pastor about one issue for yourself.

THIS ISSUE OF THE BULLETIN IS PRESENTED BYMR. AND MRS. J. B. CARON

TODAY is the last Sunday of the first one-third of this conference year. That isto say that one third of the year is gone. Wonder if the treasurer's book showsthat we have given one third of our pledge for the year. It is difficult for thetreasurer to pay the bills if we fail. See Bro. E. F. Butler about it today.

THE RUfW\6E SALE to be held all day Saturday, January 31, in the vacant storenorth of the Roswell Seed Co. is under the direction of the High School Girls Classand the Qiieen Esthers. Help these young people by contributing your rummage tothem for this sale. Speak to Mrs. Holland or Mrs. Simpson or any of the girls inthese organizations.

THE PENNY CAFETERIA SUPPER next Wednesday evening, January 28, in Parish Hall willbe in charge of the Epworth League. This is an annual affair of our young peopleand will help them to raise their money for a standing as a 24 HOUR DAY LEAGUE.Let every one help the young people in this worthy effort. Supper 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.Everybody welcome.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Sunday, November 20, 1932, Benjamin Eitelgeorge,D.D. minister.

Next Sunday night the pastor will speak on the subject, "God—and Democrats."Don't miss thisl

Someone seeing the large figures on the Bulletin Board for some time past-anywherefrom $35,00 to $60.00 per week—jumped at the conclusion that our Church has plentyof money. Don't make that mistake. It costs $75.00 per week to run this Church,and the Church is worth every cent of that amount. Bring in YOUR offering, anddo it regularly. The Church needs it. Thank you!

Because of the Union Thanksgiving Service Wednesday night at the Junior HighSchool there will be no Bible Study this week. But remember that Bible Study willbe resumed one week from Wednesday, November 30. It was a bit cold last Wednesdaynight, yet our attendance numbered 78. Let's make it 100 on November 30.The Dramatic Club announces an entertainment to be given in the Parish Hall oneweek from Tuesday, November 29. This will consist of two short plays and music.Particulars later; but save that date. Admission will be fifteen cents for adultsand ten cents for children. The proceeds will be given to the Institute Club ..a very worthy cause.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Sunday, December 18, 1932, Benjamin Eitel-george, D. D. Minister

Personnel participating in the Christmas Adoration by Carrie Adams; Sopranos:Mrs. Estelle Robinson, Mrs. Sylvester Johnson, Mrs. W. C. Holland, Mrs. BenjaminEitelgeorge, Mrs. Anne Wilson, Esther Lane, Fern Rapp, Alice Til ton, Marion Hearn,Marcella Clayton. Altos: Nell G. ̂ !ason, Mrs. Bruce Lane, Mrs. C. H. Wilson, Mrs.E. Crouse, Elizabeth Surranersgill, June Rhule, Sylva Jones, Eileen RaPP«Verl Wilson, S. Ray Dearholt, Guy M. Rowe, C. H. Wilson. Bassos: Hugh M. Ellett,J. Ed Birney, Bill Dearr, Wayne Rapp, L. J. Kurtz, W. J. Ogilvie, J. D. Hearn,Benjamin Eitelgeorge, Max Littell

39

Excerpts from church bulletin, Sunday, Dec. 18, 1932 continued:The Annual Fruit Shower for our Hospital at Albuquerque is now on. This will besent away next Tuesday. Anyone having a jar of fruit, or more, for this worthycause is asked to bring it to the Parish Hall tomorrow.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, Friday, March 3, 1933, Benjamin Eitelgeorge, D.D., Minister:

Bishop Ralph S. Cushman of the Denver area was the first Bishop to spend the nightin our parsonage.

Miss Jeanette Van Valkenburg comes to our church one week from next Wednesday,March 15th, for an Evening of Entertainment—Music and Readings. This will besponsored by the Institute Club, and will be given in Parish Hall. Admissionwill be 25 cents.

Excerpts from church bulletin, Sunday, April 5, 1936, Charles Stockdale Hempstead.Minister. Palm Sunday.

Through the courtesy of the First Baptist Church, we are happy to welcome to ourmorning service the Male Quartet of the Hardin-Simmons College of Abilene, Texas.The musical organizations of this College present a sacred concert at the FirstBaptist Church this evening.

Notices: Sunday, 6:30 P.M. The Elizabeth Garrett Sextet presents, "Servant,Master and Lord" at the First M.E. Church, South. 7:30 P.M. The Choir of theFirst Christian Church presents the sacred cantata,'The Crucifixion", by JohnStainer. There will be no evening service in our church.

Excerpts from church bulletin, Sunday, October 22nd, 1944, H. H. Nance, Pastor.

The pastor and Family at the parsonage, are all very happy to be returned to thischurch. We really are, and can prove that. Ask Mrs. W. D. Young, Mrs. Guy Roweand Mr. Fales. They attended the Annual Conference, know what happened, and whatcould have happened.The little poem given herewith expresses our very sincere feelings. May God helpus to work together in love and cooperation, that God may bless both people andpastor, and through us, these in the town and coiranunity around us.

A PASTOR TO HIS PEOPLE

You are my people, given me to love.To serve, to shepherd through the days ahead;I pray God that I may be worthy ofThis honor; I am glad that I was ledTo come to you, that through God's gentle grace% lines have fallen in this pleasant place.

I would be strong to work where there is need;I would be true to serve you as I should;And I would give the Bread of Life to feedEach hungry soul who comes to me for food;And I would honor with my every wordThe blessed Saviour-Jesus Christ our Lord.

I plead with you for patience. Should I makeAn error, I would gladly make amends.Or if some unintentional mistakeBe mine, I crave your understanding, friends.As pastor and as people may we beBuilders together for God and EternityI

Sincerely, Your Pastor, H. H. Nance

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Excerpts from church bullstin. Trinity Methodist Church, Kentucky and Fifth,Sunday, April 4^ 1948, Henry Van Valkenburgh, Pastor.

WELCOME—New Members: Mrs. Ruth R. Arnold—Mr. Howard Dull Total Easter Offeringswere between $500 "O ̂ ^nd 600.00. In absence of our Treasurer, we do not havethe rvict amount.

THE NEW ALTAR SET in the sanctuary adds so much to the beauty and reverence of theworship services. We felt the people of Trinity would be interested in how it cameabout, now that it is complete.

In November of 1956 the Berean Sunday School Class gave the vases as the firstgift to start the new set. These were given in memory of Mrs. Alva Westover, aswell as in appreciation to Alva and Jason Westover for the flowers they gave overthe years to beautify the sanctuary. The Berean Class then gave the candlesticksto add to the set; they were presented in October of 1957.

The beautiful cross was given by Mrs. W. D. Young and her son and family, Mr. andMrs. Warren Young and Sarah of Orion, Illinois, in memory of Mr. W. D. Young whopassed away January 3, 1941.

The Bible stand was presented by Mrs. Lee R. Walker as a memoriam to her brother,John E. D'Arcy, Jr., who died in 1930 at Norman, Oklahoma while attending collegein training for the ministry.

Each of the above pieces is created from solid brass and has a three-tier squarebase.

To complete the set, Mrs. Merritt Pales presented the Heirloom Bible in memory ofher aunt. Miss Effie Jane Warner, who was a Methodist Sunday School teacher inHooker, Oklahoma. The Book is bound in rich red Rexine and has Trinity MethodistChurch stamped in 24-ka.rat gold on the front cover.

Sincere appreciation to the Berean Class and to these individuals for presentingthese gifts.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, March 10, 1959, Clayton Johnson, pastor, W. F.Osborn, Associate Pastor

Saturday, March 14, 7:30, Nancy Teague-Curtis Jensen wedding in the sanctuary. Theyoung couple issue this invitation to all friends to be present.

By the time another Sunday rolls around, Nancy Teague, one of the young people inour church—and one who has done so much for the church, with her music and helpingin every way—will cease to be Miss and will be a Mrs. Her wedding will take placeon Saturday evening at the church. I know that all of you wish Nancy and Curt thegreatest happiness that God can give. We pray that their home v;ill be a Christ-centered home, that Christ will be blest by this union, as the union v^ill be blestby Christ.

We hope to see you in church next SundayIYours in Christ, Clayton Johnson

THANKS, TOO, TO Mrs. Art Brosius for helping in the church office, and to JimWagner and David Woolsey for folding the Sunday bulletins each week.

EXTRA, March 10, 1959

SOMETHING NEW IS SLOWLY BEING ADDED TO THE CHURCH KITCHENi Mrs. W. J. McMillenreports another shipment of silverware arrived recently, making a total of 59pieces the W. S. C. S. has received. Mrs. W. D. Young reports 14 pieces were added

^ from the Guild. If you have the Queen Bess or the Twin Star coupons, please givethem to Mrs. McMillen, Mrs. Young or place them in the box in the vestibule.

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Excerpts from EXTRA, f^arch 10, 1959 continued:

CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. OSBORN, Associate Pastor, on the many calls he has madesince his arrival here on June 4, 1958. Through December 31, 1958, he made 1058calls; 178 calls were made in January and 140 in February. This would seem to besomething of a record and means a great deal to Trinity.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, March 17, 1959, Clayton Johnson, Pastor.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Cheney, Jr., 1207 West Mathews, werereceived by transfer from the First Methodist Church, Roswell. The Cheneys havea daughter, Susan Elaine, born April 25, 1957, and a son James Phillip, bornOctober 6, 1958. James Phillip was presented in Holy Baptism.

Excerpts from church bulletin, March 30, 1960, Kenneth E. Ford, pastor.

Word has been received by Willma Murrell of the death of Mr. Charles 6. Hanes,^January 24th, in Ocala, Florida, one day after his 81st birthday. Mr. Manes willbe remembered as the congenial and well-liked custodian of old Trinity MethodistChurch. Death was sudden and unexpected, caused by cerebral hemorrhage. Interment was at Mansfield, Ark.

Excerpts from church bulletin, August 31, 1960, Kenneth E. Ford, pastor.

Infants presented for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism Sunday, August 28, were: LindaJean Poorbaugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Poorbaugh. Linda Jean is the granddaughter of Mrs. Ezell, and the great grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Holland,[tonald Alan Sunmiersgill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Summersgill. Donald is a grandson of Mrs. John Summersgill and also of Mr. and Mrs.LeRoy Rudolph of Hobbs.Donice fiargaret Graves, daughter of the late Donald Graves and Mrs. Juanita Graves.Donice is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weeks.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, September 14, 1960, Kenneth E. Ford, Pastor.

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Jensen (Nancy Teague) on the birth of adaughter in New Mexico Medical Center last Tuesday. Also to Mr. and Mrs. JoePosz, who have just received word of the birth of a granddaughter in Germany.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, September 28, 1960, Kenneth E. Ford, Pastor.

ROSEBUDS ON THE ALTAR: Mary Frances Witt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Witt waspresented at the altar for Holy Baptism, Sept. 18. Polly Dee Hanson, daughter ofMr. and Mrs. John Hanson was presented at the altar for Holy Baptism, Sept. 25.

Excerpts from the church bulletin, August 15, 1961, Kenneth E. Ford, Pastor.HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MRS. LULA DEARHOLT, WHO WILL BE 100 YEARS OLD ON AUGUST 20^TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH JOINS ALL HER MANY RELATIVES IN WISHING HER MANY MORE.

IN MEMORIAM: Mrs. Ora Fisk was the sister of our Mrs. Pat Farrar. We extend oursincere sympathy to her and her family.

THE PERFECT CHURCH

I think that I shall never seeA Church that's all it ought to be:A Church whose members never strayBeyond the Strait and Narrow Way:A Church that has no empty pews,

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Whose Pastor never has the blues.A Church whose Deacons always deak.And none is proud9 and all are meek;Where gossips never peddle lies9Or make complaints or criticise;Where all are always sweet and kind.And all to others* faults are blind.Such perfect Churches there may beBut none of them are known to me.But still, we'll work, and pray and planTo make our own the best we can.

Excerpts from church bulletin, January 2, 1962, Kenneth E. Ford, Pastor.,

We are happy to v/elcome Mr. Lee Reeves as nevj custodian of our Church. Pop Davisis progressing slowly, but is able to be out. We were glad to see Lewis Lee Reevesback in Church Sunday. Lewis has completed his military service and is now backhome to stay.

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