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Llano Estacado
Late 1800's |
Book of
Memories
Part 2
I have many fond memories of the Broadway Church of Christ. As a
very small child I remember going to the white wooden building. I
remember the building at Broadway and Avenue N when it was just a
basement. I remember when the upper building was built a few years
later. Funeral services for my grandfather, Wm. F. Parker, were held
there. I shall never forget that day. We were living in Littlefield
at the time, and there was a terrific wind storm. The man who
brought us from Littlefield almost lost the top from his car. There
were no glassed-in cars at that time.
John T. Smith, who was preaching in Lubbock about 1919, was a
very favorite of our family. He did so much in helping get the
Church started in Littlefield. He preached the funeral for our
little brother who died when he was six years old.
Ferrell Burford
Do You Remember?
... The jail ministry that Dott Coffman, Rayma Patterson, Carole
Compton, Frances Sherrod and perhaps other women, participated in
every week?
From the Preschool Department
Do you
remember when:
-
... Goliath was
"killed" with the help of ping-pong balls?
-
... Baby Moses was
made of a jelly bean wrapped in flannel in a walnut shell
basket?
-
... The walls of
Jericho fell and Adult Class #4 (on the floor below us) could
hear the "tumbling" sounds?
-
... When one went
inside Noah's ark, the door was closed; then after 40 days and
nights of "rain" ended - one gathered around a garbage
can altar to thank God for safety?
-
... The good
Samaritan's donkey was made on a wagon (with a donkey head)?
-
... You were Jonah
and you were swallowed by a "whale?"
-
... The seven days of
creation were made from giant boxes and the live birds and
animals could be seen?
-
... You rode in a
boat with Jesus' apostles and Jesus commanded the seas to
"Be Still"?
-
... Purple Dragon
gave you a package of purple people loving pills?
-
... Jay and Dianna
Wischkaemper made bird cages for you to carry?
-
... Fauncine Horne
helped you look for the lost sheep? (It was a cotton ball)
-
... Scott Mahaney got
lost and the police found him?
-
... When we saved
money for the Children' Home and Mission specials in plastic
bags?
-
... Alex Strachan
came to visit and sang to the boys and girls?
-
... The Sunday Mitch
Morgan took a rose to his Mother?
-
... When LuCille
Simons had a traffic light in her room?
-
... When the Broadway
Education ministry teams went to A.C.U. to present the Bible
Teachers Workshop, and we ran out of books and had to mail them
to congregations throughout the U.S.?
-
... When the Sentinel
V.B.S. Workshop was at Broadway and LuCille Simons had the
visual aid class?
-
... When Timothy and
Dorcas Clubs met on Saturdays and the 8th grade girls class (Hedy
Coffman, Donna Horne, Sharla Burks, Susan Hancock and Laura
Anderson) embroidered a lap robe for Sister Niblack?
Mrs. Joe (Gayle) Burks
During the years when Broadway had services that were interpreted
for the deaf, I was interpreting one Sunday morning. Because
interpreting is just slightly delayed from what the preacher is
saying, Joe Barnett seemed to feel I was not really interpreting his
lesson because when the congregation laughed the deaf didn't.
Shortly afterward, the deaf would laugh. One Sunday Joe noticed what
appeared to be great distraction with the deaf. He just stopped and
waited until all the deaf were paying attention and then he went on.
I remember having the privilege of baptizing our daughter Sandy
and her cousin Terena Igo on the Sunday morning after the tornado on
May 11, 1970.
Joe Burks
Do You Remember?
... When James Chapman took his little boy out of services one
Sunday, and as they went out the child was screaming, 'Don't kill
me! Don't kill me"?
Lots of wonderful memories rush back into my mind when I think of
the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. It was in the late
60's or early 70's when Clarence King walked into the office to
report for his first day of work with the church. There were several
people in the office. Brother King said, "Tell me a little
about Broadway." Brother Alex McDonald was in the office, and
he said, "You must be careful what you say about the brethren
because there are lots of people who are kin to each other in this
church." Clarence turned to me and asked who I was kin to here.
Alex spoke up and said, "Marie is our oldest daughter."
Nothing else was said to let Clarence know that Alex was teasing.
I'm sure as he worked with the church he learned that Alex was only
teasing him, but many years later in Dallas, Roy and I were at a
dinner honoring the men who had preached Christ for over 50 years.
The Clarence Kings were there too, and they came over to our table
and spoke. Clarence said, "If it isn't Alex McDonald's oldest
daughter!" We both laughed and thought of Brother Alex McDonald
and Broadway with happy memories.
Marie Burnam
One of the more amusing incidents that I remember about our days
at Broadway took place at the welcoming reception when George and
Alice Stephenson came to work with us in the 60's.
As was our custom at that time, a receiving line had been set up,
and the chairman of the elders, his wife and the Stephensons were
meeting and greeting all of the elders, deacons and wives. Marie and
I were somewhere among the first dozen or so people to go through
the line, then we moved back into the crowd to make room for the
others. For some reason that I can no longer remember, Buck Peveto
was not present and Ola Peveto was in line unaccompanied. She and I
decided that we would see how well our new preacher and his wife
remembered the people that they had met, so we got in line together
and moved forward with the group to welcome the newcomers. George
was very gracious in his greeting and immediately turned to meet the
next couple in line. However, Alice became a bit flustered and
blurted out "either you have twins in this group or there is
something very strange going on. You were through here a few minutes
ago with a shorter wife." In keeping with her nature, Alice
turned red with embarrassment, thinking maybe she had committed a
social error, before realizing that we were playing a joke on them.
On several occasions through later years when we would see the
Stephensons somewhere, Alice would ask about my other wife.
Roy Burnam
I remember John B. Steele always in the foyer smiling and
speaking to people. I especially remember that he always gave me a
hug.
I remember our wedding in the auditorium in 1960. We dressed in
the Ladies Room in the foyer, and thought we had plenty of room.
When the building was added on to later, the bride and her
attendants now have a beautifully decorated room to use just across
the hall from the chapel.
Mrs. Bob (Sue Moore) Busby
There are two special events in my life that took place at
Broadway ... my baptism and my marriage to Sue Ann Busby.
Robert F. (Bob) Busby
I remember going all around my neighborhood inviting all the
children to go to Vacation Bible School with me. We always had a
car-load, and we had great fun as well as learning about Jesus and
other Bible characters. I never missed a summer.
Susan Busby
I remember how gracious and friendly Helen and Norvel were. Homer
and I were drawn to them from the time they came here. They said
they could easily remember my name since Norvel's mother was also
"Ruby." It was my pleasure to have the baby shower in my
home for Helen before Emily was born. Every lady at Broadway was
invited because we felt that Helen belonged to all of us.
Mrs. Homer (Ruby) Cain
My family, consisting of my mother, Mrs. Enna Kelley; my
grandmother, Mrs. Laura Dougherty; my sister Mary (later Mrs.
Granville Roberts); my brother Ben; and I moved to Lubbock in 1930
and place our membership at Broadway.
When my daughter Karen was about three years old, Helen and
Norvel Young came to visit my Grandmother who had had a stroke.
Their daughter Emily was a tiny baby, so they left her on the couch
when they went in to see Grandmother. Karen asked me what her name
was; I said, "It's Emily Mattox." When Helen and Norvel
came back in Karen said, "Her name is Emily Mattox Brother
Young."
I remember all of the ministers who have been at Broadway over
the span of 60 years that I was a member there. Brother Liff Sanders
preached my Grandmother's funeral and Brother Gene Glaeser was the
preacher when I moved to Dalhart to be near Karen. I still have
special memories of Broadway, our Sunday school class in Fellowship
Hall and many wonderful friends.
Mrs. J. B. (Ruby) Calhoun
Before the time of paid youth leaders, I remember the wonderful
social we young people had – especially hay rides to Buffalo Lake.
I remember the dedication of great people like Fred and Roma
Pinkston, who spent much time with us.
Mrs. R. B. (Martha Parnel) Carter
J. D. Thomas of Ralls moved to Broadway before my family moved to
Lubbock in 1935. J. D. was Assistant Business Manager of Lubbock and
also was "Superintendent" of the Bible classes. My younger
brother and I didn't want to go to classes, so we sat in the car in
front of the building. Soon J. D. came out toward the car to exhort
us to come in. We both rolled our windows up and turned the other
way. We were somewhat rebellious.
Brother G. C. Brewer preached strongly against Catholicism, both
in the pulpit and on a radio program. Someone was really after him
because one day a brick came sailing through his study window. It
didn't strike its intended goal, and it didn't deter his strong
preaching.
Edgar Chance
Most of my memories of Broadway include the precious pre-schoolers
I have taught here continuously since 1935. I remember when my
little niece, Sally Chance, was about three years old and wanted to
come to my class since we did not have one specifically for her age
at that time. I decided it would be all right, so I let her come.
Each Lord's Day those who were present got gold stars pasted by
their name on the attendance chart that hung on the wall. Sally
never missed and had all gold stars by her name. Those that were
absent had a red star put by their names. One Sunday morning she
told her mother she wasn't going to Sunday school that day. When her
mother asked why she didn't want to go, she said, "I want a red
star." She got another gold star that day too!
Lois Chance
Do You Remember?
... The Sunday morning when Brother Stephenson was preaching on
"Faint Not" and just at that point in his sermon when he
repeated 'faint not" that Mary Roberts fainted in her seat
right down at the front and had to be carried out?
I remember many good things that happened to us during the years
that we attended Broadway. Cecil was baptized when we were in the
building at Broadway and Avenue N. Our friends, Bill and Pauline
Rogers, encouraged us to come to Sunday school, and they always gave
us support in doing good.
I remember our girls, Sally and Joann, being baptized and later
being married in the building at Broadway and Avenue T. The day
Joann was baptized was the Sunday when there were 35 or more
baptisms, and I remember men going to the Pioneer Park Church of
Christ to borrow more baptismal clothing. Norvel Young stayed in the
baptistry so long he took a cold.
Mrs. Cecil (Winifred) Chance
The summer before we moved to Lubbock from Sudan, Texas, my
parents saw to it that we were able to attend V.B.S. at Broadway.
All the kids were grouped by grades in the general assembly. I was
always one of the youngest and smallest in my grade. I remember this
really tall fifth grader leaning over and asking me if I was real
sure that I was a fifth grader! That person was Claude Tatum. We
have been close friends now for 30 years.
Sid Chance
I will always remember with gratitude Wayne Townsend and Otis
Maner. They both were so dependable and willing to help during the
years that Chick, my husband, was sick. We looked forward to their
visits and to their beautiful prayers. They always seemed to know
just what to do to help the most. I thank God for them.
I have such warm memories of the young people who came from Youth
Reach, along with their director, to paint the exterior of our
house. It was a joy just having them around ... I can still hear
their happy voices in my mind. Chick was able to go out on the porch
and watch them. He loved doing that.
Mrs. V. R. (Fern) Chick
As I have typed these memories the recurring theme has been the
relationships people have had with each other and the impact those
relationships have had on their lives.
My memories are the same. They revolve around people. We have
been at Broadway for nearly 30 years and there have been so many
people who have had an influence on my life. I think of the many
women in Wednesday morning Ladies Bible class who helped me in my
everyday life. Ladies like Jewell Rigney, Norma Hancock, Conny
Martin and Dott Coffman along with friends my own age. They helped
me be a better wife and mother.
Bill Banowsky was the preacher when we came to Broadway, and I
remember the Sunday that he didn't wake up. I also remember after
church seeing his car parked up on the curb as he was in a hurry and
that was the closest place to the building.
Big Don was and still is one of my favorite people. His love for
people is great. I remember the Sunday night that he was making the
closing announcements and said, "Those not able to partake of
communion this morning will please pass out during the singing of
the last song." He was most puzzled by the giggles from the
congregation.
I feel my life has been enriched by the great sermons from Joe
Barnett. He and Alyce and their boys have a special place in my
memories.
I will always remember the night Inez Baucum brought a scared
looking teenager to our house. He needed a place to live for just
two or three months. Warren stayed with us for three years as a
foster child. We had many difficulties and joys because of this
relationship, but people like Don Williams and Floyd Stumbo helped.
Jim Moss saw us through the time we had David in our home as a
foster child.
We have been involved with young people for many years and I feel
the kids have been more of a blessing to us than the other way
around. I know you aren't supposed to have favorites but there were
some kids who were special to me. Mark Holt and Bruce Carter were
two of the boys that Stu had in scouts that were special to me.
Jim Moss is one of the most creative persons I have ever known,
and it was he who came up with the idea for Outer Limits, a three
week back packing trip in Colorado. Jim knew of Stu's experience in
the mountains and so we came to be involved. This program, along
with the shorter version, has given a lot of kids the opportunity to
discover they are capable of a lot of things they never dreamed they
could do. There was a girl who went one year that really surprised
me. She didn't like camping or being dirty or the thought of wearing
the same clothes for a week at a time, or carrying a back pack. SHE
LOVED IT and could hardly wait to go again. This girl is my daughter
Connie. She is so convinced of the benefits of this program that she
has taken charge of buying and packing all of the food for the
trips. Our sons, Charles and Craig, are also involved in getting
tents and gear ready.
I will always remember going on the mission trip to Cedar City,
Utah, one summer. It was a tremendous experience. I learned a lot,
met people who are Christians that I came to feel were missionaries
in a foreign land, and had a lot of fun. Ragan Holt and Tracy Mack
planned a good Chinese Fire Drill while going down long flat boring
roads.
When I think of Broadway, I think of the many friends and of the
young people it has been our privilege to know. There have been so
many that have blessed my life and I am so very thankful for all of
those relationships.
Judy Childre
My first experiences at Broadway came while I was at Lubbock
Christian College in 1958-60. The Sunday morning worship was
uplifting, but the Wednesday night prayer meetings stand out in my
mind. The "Seasons of Prayer" in which three men took us
to God's throne were quite lengthy but at the "Amen," I
was filled with the peace that passes understanding. It was
especially awesome being in that huge auditorium while a hush filled
the room. On those Wednesday nights I was impressed with the young
boys participating. That is where I first remember seeing Little
Bill Rogers as he led the congregation in singing. I was impressed
that the Broadway leadership was preparing for the future of the
kingdom as well as nurturing the kingdom of today.
My second significant experience at Broadway came when I began
teaching in Lubbock in 1962. Pauline and Bill Rogers began what we
now know as the "Singles Ministry." Our Sunday morning
class provided us with a core group, and the Rogers provided us with
the most precious gift of hospitality. Their example has served as a
role model for so many of us.
May God continue to use the hearts of His people at Broadway to
provide growth for His Kingdom.
Brenda Henderson Chrane
My best memory of Broadway is my late wife Lucille McCreary, who
introduced me to Christianity and to Broadway. I had a wonderful
Christian wife for forty-six years, and we spent many precious hours
at Broadway.
Tom Clinton
I remember having "dinner on the ground" in the new
building being built at Broadway and Avenue T. The auditorium still
had a dirt floor.
I also remember the meeting with Brother Batsell Barrett Baxter
as the evangelist. On the last Sunday he presented such a dynamic
sermon that over 100 responded. Many were baptized, including me.
Mrs. Don (Joann Chance) Cockrum
Oh my goodness! What do I remember about Broadway? My family
became members when I was two years old. Don and I moved away when I
was 52. Fifty years!
I remember:
Lucy Behrns in her scarf, gloves, and shawl.
Mrs. Wallace dressed up in hat, gloves, and corset.
The old Church - all those stairs in front, the dark halls in
the basement, the balcony, and "Amen" corner. Mother had
so many children to keep up with, she left me one Sunday morning.
Mrs. Tatum found me and kept me until Mother realized she was short
one child and came back and got me. The young peoples' meetings in
the annex.
The new Church - the long aisles. On the second Sunday in the
new building Sally Chance and I walked down the left aisle to be
baptized. The center aisle brings the most memories. On my Daddy's
arm I walked in as Sue Hufstedler. I walked out as Mrs. Don Conder.
I've seen both my sisters and their children walk down as brides and
grooms. I've walked behind the coffins of loved ones. Our greatest
joy was watching our four sons walk down the aisles to be baptized.
Add to them most of our nieces and nephews. Friends, weddings,
babies, funerals. Joy, hurts, tears. Coffmans, Youngs (Norvel and
Bill), Rigneys, Kerrs, Dicky Burnam, Lawrence Green, Bills, Evans,
Baxters, Burks, and on and on. Gospel meetings two weeks long. V.B.S.
- I started teaching when I was 12 years old. Bulletin boards. The
pain and joys of being an elder's wife. Our youngest son, Dan,
working with the young people. Family - Friends - Jesus; Yes, Jesus
- people at Broadway helped me and mine find Jesus. Thank you!
Mrs. Don (Sue) Conder
Do You Remember?
... When the young college men in the 1930's went to small
communities around Lubbock and conducted services on
Sunday nights? Of course the girls went along too.
I remember the time during the Jail Ministry that the jailer, Mr.
Lindsey, accidentally locked me in with the women prisoners. The
women thought it was funny, and they invited me to have dinner with
them later. We usually went two at a time, but that Tuesday I had
gone alone. Horace dropped me off and was to pick me up later. The
cells faced Main Street, and there were windows on the front so I
could see out. When it was time for Horace to pick me up, he arrived
and got out of the car. I yelled, "Come get me out of
here." He told the jailer what had happened, and he let me out
immediately. Mr. Lindsey thought it was hilarious and never grew
tired of kidding me about it.
We had been at Broadway only a short time when Eunice and Richard
Walter invited us to a party at his Mother's home. During the
evening someone asked Horace to sing a solo. After he finished
Archie Jackson said, "Have you ever considered taking up hog
calling?"
George and Alice Stephenson were new at Broadway. She was sitting
very near the front and overheard a lady behind her say, "The
back of her head doesn't look like a preacher's wife." Alice
let her know she had overheard and asked what a preacher's wife's
head was supposed to look like. Understandably she was embarrassed
and apologized to Alice.
Mrs. Horace (Dott) Coffman
When Marybelle Morgan and J. L. Sanders married, they asked J.
L.'s grandfather, Liff Sanders, to read the ceremony. The wedding
chorus and I were there to sing. When all of the songs were
completed and the processional "Bridal Chorus" began,
nothing happened. The singers continued to sing while the bride and
her father thought that Brother Liff might have suffered a stroke.
Finally, Donnie Sanders, the best man, burst through the door, ran
up the side aisle and told me that J. L. had forgotten to bring the
marriage license and that Grandpa would not proceed without it. The
singing stopped as Donnie dashed home for the license. The florist
said, "What are we gonna do? What are we gonna do?" I
answered, "I'll say a word to the guests." So I said,
"There has been a short delay, just remain seated and the
wedding will resume in a few minutes." Donnie returned soon,
the singers began the processional, and everything proceeded as
planned. This wedding has been listed as one of the unusual in some
respects, but it was reported that Brother Liff, who had performed
hundreds of ceremonies during his long ministry, said that he had
never done one without the license in his hand.
Horace Coffman
Do You Remember?
... How Norvel and the visiting preacher visited the
non-Christians and those out of duty during a gospel meeting?
I remember working with Dott Coffman and Rayma Patterson in the
jail ministry. Frances Sherrod was also part of this ministry.
During the weeks that I taught the women there, Frances would
baby-sit my two daughters who were very young at the time. One week
while I was teaching, Frances said that the phone rang and my
daughter, Tanna, answered it. Frances heard her say that I was not
there, that I had gone to jail. Frances quickly responded by taking
the phone and trying to explain why I
was at the jail.
I remember my first Sunday as a member at Broadway. As I was
looking around the auditorium I remember thinking to myself,
"This building would seat every person in my home town!"
As a little girl visiting here I can remember being so impressed
by seeing Olive Price, teaching a Bible class on television.
I also remember visiting here the first Sunday Bill Banowsky
preached, and, as a teenager, I thought he was the best looking
preacher I had ever seen. I felt like I had seen a movie star!
Mrs. Tony (Carole) Compton
One of our favorite memories is when our son Mac was two years
old. He liked to lead the singing along with Brother Joe Roper. Mac
would use a pencil for his tuning fork, and he mimicked Joe right
down to smiling at his wife before beginning the song. One Sunday
morning Brother Joe Barnett began his lesson by saying,
"Brother Tony Compton's son is doing a good job leading the
singing with Brother Roper today."
Tony Compton
One of the funniest things I remember at Broadway happened when
we used to have most of the communion trays up front. The man in the
middle was serving for the first time. He gave the first three men
one tray each and to the fourth man he gave about 12 trays. The
fourth man had to balance all of these trays (which rose above his
head) and walk down the steep steps at the same time. We all held
our breath hoping he would not fall. I still think of that poor guy.
Some of the most tender and inspiring moments I remember came
from our Adult No. 5 retreats. We built a bond of love for each
other that will last a lifetime. I will never forget singing and
praying around the campfire.
Rob Core
I remember one Sunday when Darrel Rickard was telling of Horace
and Dott Coffman's anniversary of work with the Broadway Church.
Instead of saying "Horace and Dott", he called them
"Doris and Hott." I don't think he has ever lived that
down.
Mrs. Rob (Sandy) Core
I have fond memories of Broadway because that is where I obeyed
the gospel. Brother John T. Smith baptized me in 1930 while a
meeting was in progress. I remember a family who had a small boy who
ate crackers all during church services; Brother Smith made the
remark that you could always tell where they sat because of all the
cracker crumbs on the floor. I remember one day in class that
Brother G. C. Brewer mentioned that Sister Brewer was always taking
clothes to the clothing room in the basement. One day she had taken
his favorite hat. He wanted that hat, so he went down stairs and
retrieved it.
I have often thought of that long flight of steps that had to be
climbed to reach the auditorium in the old building. I wondered at
Sister Nordyke's determination to climb those steps even though she
was so crippled. When I had my first baby, I found out how difficult
it was to carry a baby up those steps!
Mrs. H. C. (Opal Rogers) Cox
When I came to Broadway in 1940, 1 thought it was the largest
church anywhere, and couldn't believe you had to have an extra
little house to have Bible classes in. I was also intrigued by the
fact that Broadway broadcast their Sunday morning sermons on the
radio. I was glad to worship with a church that did that.
While visiting with a friend in the hospital one day, we were
talking about the Church when his nurse came in to check him over.
The nurse was a male, and he asked my friend if he smoked. He said
no but that he had at one time. The nurse said that he did not smoke
or drink until he was 27 years old. I asked, "What made you
start at that age?" He said, "I was on my seventh year
studying to be a priest when I found out I had cancer. I blamed God
and started drinking and smoking. In a year or so I decided I was
the only one being hurt, so I quit and started studying to be a
nurse." He told us he was from the Boston area and that he saw
very few Churches of Christ. He had been told the only music in the
Church was just singing with no instruments. "When I came to
Lubbock I saw the big Church of Christ on Broadway. I wanted to know
what it would be like, so one Sunday morning I sneaked in and heard
some of the most beautiful singing I had ever heard, and then I
slipped out." I told him we would be happy to welcome him any
time and that he did not need to slip in or out. I believe our
singing is one thing we can be proud of at all of our services.
Mrs. Ned (Maselle) Craig
One of my most memorable and fondest days will always be May 29,
1991. It was my 44th birthday and the day I actually was born again
as God's child. Through my husband's love, guidance and
understanding I was led back to the path of our Lord. What made this
day even more memorable was the fact that my husband, Bill,
performed the baptism which has helped to unite our family and lives
in Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Bill (Gabriel) Croom
A few comments about memories from Broadway. Our family
appreciated the dedication and love shown by Mrs. Ira Millwee in
keeping the children in the nursery in the 1960's. She was a great
servant in her loving care to all those entrusted to her.
We remember most of the children, especially those on the west
side of the building, rushing to speak to Brother J. C. Rigney. Of
course, they were certain that he would provide them with a piece of
gum, and he taught them to say, "Thank you."
When our family left Lubbock for Liverpool, England, Eddie who
was four years old at the time, said he would miss Brother Rigney
because he always was friendly and gave the children gum.
Another memory is the friendship and training given our children
by Olive Price and Mrs. Quincey. The experience of going to school
was a great one and helped the children all the way through.
We want to express thanks for Dr. McCorkle, Alex and Lola
McDonald, Bill and Pauline Rogers for their interest in the work in
Liverpool. We appreciated, and still do, the great interest shown in
giving time and money to help and encourage us while we attempted to
spread the gospel in that great city. There is no way we can tell
how much they meant to us and to the Raymond Hill family in those
early years.
Our family has had continuing friendship with many of the folks
who were college students when we were at Broadway as well as a
number of the elders and their wives who were more directly involved
in the Bible Chair work. We mention especially the help and
spiritual guidance given by Jimmy Kerr, Lennon Hill and Durwood
Sanders. Of course, many others were actively involved as well.
Peggy remembers the time Alan Bryan was introducing Brother and
Sister Ruel Lemmons and then asked Sister Lemmons to come and lead a
prayer. Later he apologized for his ignorance and then said,
"Now will Brother Ignorance come and lead the prayer." She
also remembers the time that Kay Evans had a birthday party for the
preachers Banowsky and Young. She baked an angel food cake and a
devil's food cake and announced: "They can decide which cake is
for which preacher."
I was very impressed with Brother Raleigh Martin who continued to
be active in matters concerning the church even at 90. As a family
we have many memories of our time at Broadway and we continue to
maintain an active interest in what happens there. We pray the
Lord's blessings on the congregation as it continues to serve Him.
Leon and Peggy Crouch
When Liff Sanders led in prayer, he started each prayer with the
8th Psalm in adoration to our God. "Oh Lord our Lord how
excellent is thy name in all the earth."
When G. C. Brewer preached with all the power of the Word, he did
not have to have notes, nor did he ever read a sermon.
Floyd Crume
C. P. Collier always had a word of encouragement. He always
seemed to know when we, as a young married couple, didn't make it to
Bible study. He was always loving, but he showed that he cared and
expressed that care.
Mrs. Floyd (Lauwanna) Crume
Do You Remember?
... How Norvel would walk down the middle aisle during the
invitation song eagerly searching out those who needed to respond?
How he would stop Horace almost between every verse and plead again
with sinners to "come to Jesus"?
My memories of the church at Broadway are so very precious to me.
The memories are tied to both buildings -- Broadway at Avenue N and
the present building at Broadway and Avenue T.
One of the first memories I have is from the old building in
1945. We were new to Lubbock, from a very small town in West Texas,
and we were awed by the huge auditorium in the old red brick
building. It was war-time, and we had to walk several blocks to
church. Many times we were late enough that we had to sit in the
balcony. As a 9th grader from a small church, the balcony alone was
an adventure for me. On one particular Sunday when we got to our
seats, there was a large red thermometer above the baptistry. The
first thought that came to me was, "Is that the temperature of
the water in that baptistry?" The thermometer showed a mark
somewhat over halfway up. It didn't take long however for me to
realize that this was a "progress thermometer" showing the
money the church had already collected toward the new building that
was to come! I have laughed to myself many times when I remember
that visual aid and the amazement it struck in my young mind.
Another memory is of the same building about two years later. It
was Easter Sunday, the war was over, and things had eased a bit in
regard to our ability to buy new clothes. My mother, Willie Norman,
had found a job at Hanna-Pope and Co., a very nice department store
located on Broadway next door to the old Kress building. Mom had
really sacrificed that year to buy me and my sister, Dorothy, new
outfits for Easter. I had a new suit, complete with a pink hat and
nylon stockings. My first pair, ever! When we arrived at the
building, I was in such a hurry to get in and show off my new
clothes that I rushed ahead of the family and up the many, many
steps leading to the front doors. My mother called to me to wait for
everyone else, so I stopped on the next to the top step of that
great entrance to the old building. I turned to wait for them, but
something happened and I began falling and continued to fall until I
reached the bottom. At the time I figured I had fallen about 1000
feet. I had ruined my outfit -- my stockings torn, my knees skinned,
my hat dusty and crushed, and the hem out of my new suit. I was
crying and felt very humiliated, but my Mom cleaned me up somehow
and we proceeded on to worship. It was a hard way to learn humility,
but one not soon forgotten.
The Broadway family is so dear to me. I was married there, buried
my father from that building, enrolled my children in the nursery,
watched them grow into fine young men there. What a wonderful thing
it is to be so blessed!
I know the building is not the church ... but it will always
remind me of the love and the hope that I have found within its
walls.
Beth Norman Crumpler
Do You Remember?
... Norvel's philosophy, "No telling how much good could be
done if you didn't care who got the credit"?
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