What we call the old building was actually the third or fourth building, but the first one I remember. It was located at Broadway and Avenue N, where the First National Bank is now located. If you ever get the chance to visit the Union Avenue Church of Christ building in Memphis, Tennessee, do so. Union Avenue and old Broadway were almost identical buildings.

It was a grand building in its time. There was the auditorium with a wrap around balcony. The basement was one large room surrounded by long, dark hallways and many classrooms. Later the walls of the large room were taken out and it made a bigger room surrounded by classrooms. The basement served also as the fellowship hall, although there wasn't a kitchen. I remember that the northeast corner of the auditorium was referred to as the "Amen Corner" because older people sat there so they could hear better. They liked to say "Amen."

When Raleigh Martin, who served as an elder at Broadway for 56 years, first came to Lubbock, the church did not have separate Bible classes. He wanted to have classes but some people objected. Brother Martin was a peacemaker. He said, "Those who want classes start coming at 10:00 o'clock and those who don't want classes, come at 11:00 o'clock." He had made peace. And the early church had one cup (actually two.) Brother Martin wanted to have individual cups and some people objected. So he said, "We'll leave the large cup in the middle of the tray for those who want to use it and then we'll have individual cups for those who want them." Again he had made peace.

The baptistry in the old building had a river scene painted on the back wall. I could see a monkey in the painting, much like we can see images in the clouds. Often I pointed this out to others.

Harvie Pruitt

I remember the "U" shaped balcony in the building at Broadway and Avenue N. When ladies sat down on the front row of the balcony, their knees would show, so a maroon colored velvet drape about 18 inches long was placed on the rail around the edge of the balcony to solve that problem.

I remember Sister Gassaway and her cane. I remember my Dad, Gus Niblack, Sr., handing money to Mother for the collection plate. I remember John T. Smith who was always immaculately dressed and well-groomed. I remember he always lifted his pants legs at the knees before sitting down so he wouldn't ruin the crease in them. I remember Brother Rigney singing out of the side of his mouth and keeping time with the song book while leading singing. And Brother Carpenter sitting in the cane bottom chair and leaning against the northeast corner wall at Broadway and Avenue N. I remember Brother Brewer always asking for one more of Mother's rolls instead of having dessert at Sunday dinner.

Elizabeth (Niblack) Olson

I remember what a gracious and loving couple Joe and Alyce Barnett were when they opened their home each year at Christmas for the entire congregation. Their home was beautifully decorated every year.

I remember when Terry Bell called me up to the front to interview me about my past life and the book I had written. I was totally surprised. I had dedicated the sales from the book to the ministries. Even though Terry tried to discourage me from doing that, I was determined to do it. I had thought a lot about it and wanted to dedicate myself to the Lord's work and wanted my book to be dedicated to it too.

I remember when Bob Mize performed our marriage ceremony on August 14, 1976. When I was supposed to say my vows, I was so nervous, I forgot the words. Bob smiled and repeated the vows to me.

Mrs. Don (Jean) Rackler

Do You Remember?

I remember Brother Rigney leading songs by two-handing the songbook up and down to keep time.

I remember Bill Young, an associate minister, being known for his long sentences and unusual words. One day Tim, his son, asked his mother a question. She replied, "Ask your father." Tim said, "I just want a simple answer, not a dissertation." Bill was sometimes referred to as the "word doctor."

Deloy Randolph

One of the most exciting things to happen to me was going on Outer Limits. This was a three week mountain climbing trip to Colorado sponsored by Youth Reach. We spent those weeks fasting, praying and reading God's Word. It was one of the most life changing "Mountain Top" experiences of my life. I was slower than some of the others so they had me lead the bunch up the jagged mountain. When we got to the top, the whole group voted to let me sign my name first.

When I was five or six years old, I remember the announcement about the New York exodus. I decided right then to go on all the mission trips and retreats that I could. One thing that stands out in my mind is a trip with Brother Garro to Mexico during my ninth grade year. We delivered supplies to the missionaries there during Thanksgiving. I remember sleeping on benches and eating burritos for Thanksgiving dinner.

Pattie Anne Randolph

My earliest memories of Broadway center around four lovely ladies who along with my parents introduced me to my redeemer, Jesus Christ. It was through the diligent study and teaching of Lois Chance, Lorena Justiss, Ola Peveto, and Olive Price that the heroes of the Bible became real to me. I am indebted to these ladies for giving their time to study and bringing the Bible stories to life in my young mind and to the minds of countless other preschoolers. It is because of their commitment that I enjoy being a part of the children's ministry at Broadway.

Emily Ratcliff

As we reflect the precious memories of the years we spent in Lubbock, our thoughts naturally turn to you as our strength and joy. Our opportunities of growth and service were given through such people as Ray Fulenwider and Joe Barnett. Nine years were given in supervising the nursery program and five years in directing the Thursday School. Their encouragement always made us believe in the service as God's plan for our lives and opened many more doors for extended growth.

We are thankful beyond words for the Lubbock Children's Home and leaders such as John White and Floyd Stumbo. Our son, Steve, was adopted through the careful guidance of Inez Baucum. We will always be grateful for their constant care through the years.

You as a spiritual family will lead many more people closer to the way of Jesus. May you always feel the appreciation that is due for your constant love given through the years. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless and keep you close to him.

Jim and Glenda Ravanelli

Sherry has worshiped at Broadway for almost 40 years, and I, off and on, for almost 20. Of course Rebecca and Karen have been here all of their lives. Therefore, our Christian family and our personal family are somewhat interwoven and interlinked.

We have appreciated the flexibility to live Christian lives and worship in a manner consistent with the dictates of our conscience. The first thing that comes to mind is Rebecca's baptism. She composed her own confession and both Sherry and I were in the baptistry with her. It was non-traditional in a time when Christians are exploring traditions and customs in light of what Christ expects from our lives. It was a very special time for us and several people expressed that the experience touched them as well.

Clyde and Sherry Reams

Rebecca and Karen

Do You Remember?

In 1966 I was a student at L.C.C. and taking a homiletics course taught by Bill Banowsky. He mentioned that every seat in the Broadway auditorium is visible from the pulpit.

Our final for the course was to preach at Broadway to a collection of preachers from around Lubbock. Sure enough, every seat IS visible from the pulpit.

One other thing that rings clear in my memory is that kind hearted Horace Coffman gave me a "B" in grading my sermon.

Clyde Reams

I remember that Harvie Pruitt received his doctorate during Vacation Bible School. Conny Martin tipped the children off, so the next morning when Harvie came in, the children said in unison, "Good morning, Dr. Pruitt."

I also remember dinner on the ground in Pioneer Park with a planned menu. The park was fall. Fellowship continued until two or three o'clock!!

Mrs. Nelson (Ruth) Reinsch

I remember when Burton Coffman held gospel meetings for us. He was so short that he had difficulty seeing over the podium when he preached. Andy Olafson, our building custodian, kept one of those wooden Coca Cola boxes for him to stand on.

Nelson Reinsch

I remember one Saturday when Brother Brewer was preaching, he suddenly stopped and looked to the east side of the building. Then he said, "I see nothing has changed. Here come Mrs. Hamilton and Mary Lou, late as usual."

Brother George Stephenson was preaching and several small children were talking. He stopped, looked at them, and said, "If your parents can't correct you, I can."

Mrs. Cecil (Ima) Ricker

One morning the young married couples met in MacKenzie Park for breakfast. One of the ladies made coffee in a large bucket. Brother Brewer watched, and said, "Do you call that coffee?" He then picked up the coffee can which was still half full and dumped it all in. Everyone watched fascinated as the liquid disappeared and the coffee was one thick lump. Sue Brown was standing there with a butcher knife and asked, "Brother Brewer, shall I cut you a slice?"

I remember Brother Brewer preaching on "Is There a God?"

I also remember how much work we all did at the Children's Home the first few years it was in operation ... canning black-eyed peas, baby sitting ... doing something one day every week. Margaret Lee did so much.

Mrs. J. C. (Jewell) Rigney

I love the Broadway church. It has greatly influenced my life. The vitality, excitement and enthusiasm at Broadway gave me as a young Christian a sense of appreciation for what the church is all about.

When I was a senior at Lubbock High School in 1931, I lived just off Avenue H and 34th Street. When the weather was favorable, I walked alone to church at the old downtown location. Brother B. Sherrod taught my Bible class, and Brother John T. Smith was the preacher.

In recalling various out-of-the ordinary incidents, some seem amusing and some do not.

The most embarrassing moment of my life happened on Sunday morning the second time I attended Broadway. Brother B called on me to read Romans 13. I was shy and nervous. Verse two reads, "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:" I read, "resisteth the ignorance of God." Imagine the laughter of about 75 Tech students and high school seniors.

I remember a sermon Brother Smith preached on the evil of card playing that bothered me. He saw nothing wrong in playing dominoes. He had long thin hands, and he said that he would not dirty his hands with filthy cards.

I remember also one Sunday when Brother J. C. Rigney gave thanks for the fruit of the vine when it should have been for the bread. Brother Smith rose to his feet and said that in his mind he had given thanks for the bread and that was sufficient.

Many good things happened to me at Broadway between 1931 and 1936. I made some lasting and dear friends and married Woody Robbins. We have had 55 good years together and the foundation for our marriage began at Broadway.

Mrs. Woodward (Viola Mae West) Robbins

In 1951 Mary, my wife who grew up attending Broadway, and I moved back here. I remember the good lessons from the pulpit and also the ones taught in Adult Class Four. Mary loved little children, and liked teaching them. She died in 1988 and I miss her very much. She always made such good bread. I remember Brother Wesley Phillips sitting in the foyer when we arrived for every service. I love the people here.

Granville Roberts

While Marvin was stationed at Lubbock Army Air Field during World War II we attended Broadway, placing membership the first Sunday we were in town. Brother Brewer preached a wonderful sermon and everyone was so friendly. It was such a let down when Marvin was transferred to a base near Las Vegas, Nevada, where the church was small and not nearly as friendly.

After the war was over we went back home to Ft. Worth for two years, but we just couldn't get Lubbock and Broadway out of our minds. In 1948 we came back to stay. Norvel Young was preaching here then, and he and Helen were such an inspiration. They were always happy and enthusiastic about the Lord's work.

Some of my happiest memories are teaching teenage girls with Georgia Lee Bennett. The girls were delightful and fun to work with.

We attended the young married couples class that met in Rix Funeral Home. They were a busy, active, loving group, so we immediately got involved. Those of us in that class, as well as other Christians at Broadway, have shared many happy times as well as much heartache together. We are grateful to God for the 43 years He has given us here.

Mrs. Marvin (Margaret) Robinson

I remember in February 1955 when a group of church leaders decided to have a dinner at the Coliseum on the Texas Tech campus to spearhead the ground breaking in May of that year for the beginning of Lubbock Christian College. A committee was formed to arrange tables and seating for 2500 people. Groups of men from sister congregations were asked to help. Trucks loaded with 2 x 12's were hauled into the coliseum for temporary tables. We borrowed heavy card board boxes and a wire machine from Baldridge Bakery to make legs. Workers from other congregations brought chairs to add to the Coliseum chairs. Over 2500 were fed.

I remember the young married couples class party one year at Kattman's Steak House where Horace Coffman was asked to sing "Buttons and Bows." The women screamed and swooned as if fainting. It was framed, but Horace didn't know it. It was lots of fun.

Bill Banowsky and John White challenged Don Baldridge and me to a golf team match. We beat them badly. Bill was flying to California the next morning to preach. Don called to find out where Bill would be preaching and sent a telegram which read, "Dear Bill, if you can't preach any better than you can play golf, come on home!" No signature. Don worshiped at Greenlawn then.

I remember when Jack Paul was director of the Tech Bible Chair. It was really great to hear 400 to 500 young voices in the balcony, with Jack leading, "Shall We Gather at the River."

Before the present building was completed and before there were even any seats put in, the Deacons were asked to come and work out the best procedure to use in order to serve the communion in an orderly manner. It took us two Sundays to get organized.

I remember when I was transferred from L.A.A.F. in 1944 to Las Vegas, Nevada. We composed a song about Lubbock as we were driving along. Here 'tis:

Oh, beautiful, beautiful Lu-bbock

Where the wide open plains can be seen

We long for you in Nevada

Where the cities aren't so clean.

Oh, beautiful, beautiful Lu-bbock

We long for you each day,

And when this war is over

We'll come back there to stay.

(Yankee soldiers called Lubbock ... Lu Bock)

Marvin Robinson

I have such good memories of visiting older people and those who are confined to their homes. These sweet Christians have richly blessed my life.

I especially remember a visit to Sister Lenna Benton on one of her birthdays. I had asked Emma Mahaney to help make it a special occasion by bringing her class of little children over to put on a puppet show. While Emma was getting her props set up, Sister Benton said, "Children, I want to tell you a story about ships. There are different kinds of ships. You know there are those that sail on the waters, and if someone needs help they throw out a life line to them and draw them back into the ship, and that makes them very happy. There are also friendships that make you very happy. I want you to know that you are my 'friendships.' You are my life-line and you are making me very happy today." I will never forget that story and the loving, sweet way she told it. It really made an impression on me. After Emma presented her puppet show, we all sang "Happy Birthday," gave her hugs, and had the cake and punch I had taken. It was a wonderful day for all of us.

My eight-year-old granddaughter Lindsey, and Lee House are very fond of each other. Lee House called and wanted Lindsey to come see her. They had a good visit, and as we were leaving, Lee said, "I am so glad I have a friend like you that I can giggle with."

Brother A. E. Davies was a sweet man who lived to be 94 years old. He was stooped and it was hard for him to walk. He couldn't sing, and because he was stone deaf, could get nothing out of the sermon. One day I said to his daughter, Mrs. Earl Ince, "Your Dad is such an inspiration to me, but why does he put forth so much effort to keep coming to services? I am sure the Lord would understand if he didn't come." Mrs. Ince said she had asked him the same question and that he had replied, "I want the Lord to know that I am on His side."

Helen Robinson

I have fond memories of Broadway even though I only attended there about two and one half years. I enjoyed singing in the wedding chorus and getting to know Horace.

I remember how sweet the people were, especially the older ones who had known "Little" Bill all his life. The wonderful wedding gifts and nice parties they had for us. Some of them went to our wedding in Waco. I especially remember the John Hays, Cecil Chances and the Fraser Moores. I remember Fraser "stood in" for Bill at the rehearsal when Bill and the matron of honor had car trouble and were late. Fraser always greets me with, "And how is my second wife?"

Mrs. Bill (Janet) Rogers

Memories of Broadway:

I remember wondering for the longest time how they changed the light bulbs in the auditorium.

I remember sitting on the front row during Church and trying to sing loud enough that the floor microphone would pick it up. Horace finally began turning the microphone off until the closing prayer.

I remember learning how to lead singing with Horace Coffman. Singing in the wedding chorus. There were a number of strange weddings. The strangest was when the groom went to the wrong church and missed the wedding.

I remember being able to raise my hand on the last night of gospel meetings indicating I hadn't missed a service.

I remember sneaking back to the kitchen and eating ice cream and drinking grape juice.

I remember Sunday nights at the Bible Chair when we had sandwiches and played basketball.

I remember walking to church a lot, and many people stopped to ask if I wanted a ride.

I remember Andy Olafson and thinking he could fix anything.

I remember Bill and Ann Young asking Janet and me over for Sunday dinner. I remember Bill Young was always laughing and making jokes.

"Little" Bill Rogers

(I'm now 42 years old)

Things I remember about Broadway:

The beautiful prayers Brother DeBusk prayed.

A little kitten somehow got into the building during a worship service, walked right down the aisle, and turned into the row where Daddy (Dr. Bill Rogers) sat and went right up to him. Daddy picked it up, grinned at Mother, and got up to take the kitten out. He put it under his coat so people wouldn't notice and be distracted, but the little kitten stuck its head out from under his coat and everyone saw anyway.

Going to preschool in the basement of the old church building where Lily Smith taught us. She was the sweetest, kindest lady and we all lovingly called her "Grandma." Every afternoon she served orange juice, and it was the best orange juice I ever tasted.

In the early 60's Harvie Pruitt took some of the young people to Seattle, Washington, to conduct Vacation Bible school. He drove an old slow school bus. At one point the whole group cheered because going down a steep hill we finally made 55 m.p.h. We spent one night in Yellowstone National Park where Harvie had promised we would see lots of bears. We looked and looked but saw only one. That night Harvie slept on the hood of the bus because it was so cold he was afraid the bus motor would freeze. He taught us how to "assembly line" bologna sandwiches. He also told the girls to stand guard at the boys' bathroom so the rest of us could go before it was time to leave. We sang "You Never Mentioned Him to Me" at least a million times. It was the greatest trip I've ever taken, and the V.B.S. was a huge success.

The seniors asked the elders to buy paint for us so we could fix up a storage room at the Bible Chair for our very own special room. We didn't want to be bothered with those young, immature Sophomores and Juniors. We had to go back and ask for more paint, but we thought what we were doing was just as important as the mission work of Otis Gatewood or anybody else!

I still have the letter Gladys Shepard wrote me when I was baptized. She will never know how much that letter has meant to me.

We took communion to shut-ins every Sunday afternoon. It meant a lot to us because it made them so happy. I remember especially the Ings, the Foxes, the Niblacks and my grand parents, the Williams. Lillie Smith Johnson cried when we took communion to her husband when he was so sick.

Broadway to me means Horace Coffman and my parents, Bill and Pauline Rogers. The devotion, faith, hospitality, kindness, compassion and godliness are what Broadway is all about.

Kaye Rogers

I am blessed with many memories of Broadway. I should be since she has been my home and my life since 1923. It was there I met Bill Rogers, and fell in love, and married him. John T. Smith baptized me in 1930 and performed our wedding ceremony in 1937. I learned a lot of Bible from his preaching and from the Sunday school teachers I had. I learned not only to love God but to fear hell. John T. was a good preacher, but he called denominational names, and I didn't like that. One day I asked him why he did it. Didn't he think that just preaching the gospel would convict people? His reply was that my faith was weak.

I still don't agree. I know he never reached my Dad. It was Bill who studied with him. Dad had made the comment to Bill, "You sure do read your Bible a lot." Bill replied, "Well, Mr. Williams, I want to go to heaven more than anything in this world and I want to be sure that I am doing what the Lord wants me to do." Dad was responsive to that approach and Horace Coffman baptized him when he was 73 years old. That is a wonderful memory!

We were eating lunch one Sunday when Bill or I one said, "Norvel sure got his foot in his mouth this morning, didn't he?" "Little Bill," who was probably six years old, looked up and said, "How did Brother Young do that? I'm going to ask him!" So the saying is true that little pitchers do have big ears. I am sure he asked Norvel that night to show him how he managed to accomplish such a maneuver.

Mrs. Bill (Pauline Williams) Rogers

As a very little boy in the mid 40's, the long hot summers were punctuated by the Vacation Bible Schools in the basement of the old building. It was so hot in spite of the fans. Besides the neat Bible stories and games, the real highlight was the orange drink in the morning and the Bell Bars in the afternoons. I do not remember who the teachers were, but I do remember kindness, and they knew my name.

Because my mom often taught Sunday school at First Methodist, after her class the family would then cross the street to the old Broadway Building and climb the stairs and sit in the west balcony. The singing was enthusiastic and loud from the front. That new preacher surely did dress well and caused a lot of excitement. However, I remember that for several weeks that my being a squirmy little boy during church was often rewarded unfavorably when we got home, until I finally figured out what I was not supposed to do during church. Even so, those preachers were nice and they also knew my name.

A few years later at a Sunday afternoon open house to look at the new building under construction, my dad was letting me lead him around as we explored. It was agreed that we could climb "one" set of stairs to look around before heading home. I chose the first stairs I could find. The ones I chose led to a landing that looked out over the cavernous auditorium and no where else. The balcony was not yet built. Though I was disappointed with my choice at the time, this first elevated view of the new auditorium stuck in my mind.

I remember well the total excitement of the first contribution to build the Children's Home. I was sitting in the balcony of the new building. I was taught the good feeling of giving then and there. I got to go to every ground breaking and open house it seemed. What excitement everyone seemed to experience. I never dreamed of how many life long friends I would gain both from kids that grew up there and from the wonderful folks that were brought to Broadway to administer the Home. The blessings to me personally and my family continue even today.

When I was eleven (summer of 1956), my family took me to Europe along with Harvie Pruitt and J. C. and Dot Moore. Though it was a missions trip for my Dad, it was a life long dream for my Mom. I may have added a little nightmare to the remembrance. It was awesome to see the number of bombed out buildings in London and almost everywhere in Germany. My Dad remembered best the humor of Lin Channing, a preacher from a country village near London, as he guided us around London. I remember Sunday lunch at a local preacher's house next to another bombed out building. They gave so much when they had so little. In Germany Otis Gatewood surely did drive fast on the Autobahn going from one church service to another. My brother and I nearly froze at the summer camp being run by Irene Johnson outside of Frankfort. We met with many small groups of Christians that represented the faith. We toured countless grand cathedrals that signified a great faith of a people of yesteryear.

I remember seeing the construction of the first addition to the old house that was the Tech Bible Chair on Broadway. A few years later, Broadway had a "Bible Chair" for junior and senior high kids. It was a tremendous program for those of us going through the trauma of being a teenager. We had Bob Harp at the Jr. Sr. Bible Chair and Goebel Music at the Tech Bible Chair. Besides the devotionals and volley ball games, the most vivid memories were of Sunday visits to nursing homes. Some were terrible places, but we were compelled to keep going back because we seemed to be needed. We did have fun racing from place to place in a caravan of cars. I got to be with girls that I was too young, too awkward, and too shy to date. However, it is amazing that we survived the terrible teenage drivers each Sunday afternoon.

A whole book could be written about the evolution of public prayer at Broadway. From the "season of prayer" every Wednesday night back in the 50's when everyone used Thee and Thou. It seemed almost irreverent to hear and begin using You and Yours in the 60's, especially among the college young people. However, prayers did seem to contain fewer often repeated phrases and sound more like an individual conversation from the heart. I especially remember in recent years the fervor with which my Uncle Bill (Rogers) would long to someday "be with you, Father." I suppose he is now, along with his mom and dad and brothers and sisters and so many loving friends.

It was hot and sometimes windy, but fun to go to the LCC ground breakings.

They seemed to be so very long because of all of the congratulatory telegrams that had to be read from politicians, including President Eisenhower. All the kids from church and a bunch from other churches were always there. The Katie Rogers girls dorm groundbreaking was such a surprise and an especially fond memory because "Muz," (as I knew my grandmother), had the same birthday and always seemed to be so loving. I decided that the name Katie was OK too, even though I did not know her by that name before. The College also brought lots of interesting and wonderful people to Lubbock and Broadway that continue to bless us all.

During college I lived in third floor Bledsoe Hall on the Tech campus. A good percent of the guys who attended the Tech Bible Chair had congregated there. Besides walking to class and to church, we could walk to the Bible Chair for devotionals almost every afternoon before beginning our study after a few ping pong games. Most of the kids did not have cars and were too poor to do anything else. The few of us who did have cars always had company.

During the time of international Ping Pong Diplomacy between China and the United States I remember Helen Aguilar, a little Filipino nursing student who showed up at the Bible Chair and entered the first big time ping pong tournament. After winning the girls contest, she then effortlessly "waxed" all of the "hot shot" guys. Be careful not to be taken in by this young lady who is now an elders wife.

Inez Baucum was always my number-one girl friend, that is of course until I met Peggy. Inez and I mutually agreed to be each others' "number two." I believe that all kids were number one to Inez. This subtle form of encouragement has continued for thirty years.

During the few years my dad served as an elder, he never talked much about what was discussed in their long meetings. However, I do remember one story he related with pleasure the year it was his time to be chairman. There was some sincere concern among some of the elders about additional debt to build the first education building, even though Broadway's Sunday school was bursting at the seams. In his low key manner he was so happy that he was able to obtain a unanimous vote to go forward.

The College Bible Chair library was such a great place to study in the wee hours, as well as a place to get help from the more advanced students.

What incredible life time memories and relationships were formed as we struggled to move from the trauma of teenhood to the life directing decisions of young adulthood. For those several years the students published two Bible Chair annuals and had three or four directors, all of whom left favorable impressions. Leon Crouch was so methodical in his courses and seemed most effective in reaching the serious student even if some of our other outreach programs on the campus were partially frustrated.

It has been good to travel around and meet with churches around the country that also have rich heritages and have accomplished much with the Lords help. I used to feel a little uncomfortable when a visiting preacher or missionary praised us so highly. We really did not seem to be doing that much, but then I came to realize that some at Broadway are praiseworthy. The travels put it all in some perspective and gave comfort that we are not alone. I remember a comment from my Dad after a particularly stirring Sunday morning sermon some months before his first stroke, "If what they are saying is true, there is so much to do and we are not doing enough, we can and therefore, must do more."

With the business and travel schedules over the years, it is sometimes difficult to come to the funerals of such a large extended church family. However, it is most important to make this a priority as often as possible. It is a time of deep feeling for the grieving family, a time of remembrances, a time to once again place the events of our lives in perspective, an opportunity for outreach, and the beginning of the long healing process.

The moments of encouragement among our church family and even to me personally are too numerous to recall. Every single one was needed, however, to help offset the discouragement that is ever present in the world. The very essence of leadership at Broadway seems to be manifested in encouragement. While Norvel and Helen Young continued to develop and practice the art and skill in both public and private to a level of intensity that always got results for the church (even if it sometimes resulted in some humorous situations), the real benefit of their effort was that many others also had or quietly developed their own unique version of the encouragement mission. With such a large church family this host of encouragers is ever needed.

With some notable exceptions, often the clever encouragement from the older women would be most often remembered. Gladys Shepard and her husband, when he was still alive, have never missed a chance to do so. Though it may be an insignificant example, I still remember over twenty years ago when Jewell Rigney went out of her way to notice and sincerely compliment how I looked with my new mustache. The list of encouragers I have benefited from is like skipping through each church directory from front to back.

What I believe will rank as the most memorable encouragement ever came from John White just a few months ago as he addressed the leadership group called together to help determine what our congregation goals and priorities should be in the coming decade and century. What a message of love and inspiration.

I too have learned in a small way to be an encourager. I too have learned of the blessing of encouraging others.

Bob Rogers

When I was a freshman at Texas Tech I met Bob Rogers at the Tech Bible Chair. He was in his fifth year of engineering school. A year later James Thompson, one of the Chair directors, performed our wedding ceremony on a 10 degree Saturday night in December, 1966, in the Broadway auditorium. Less than a month later Bob and I were the only adult chaperons for that year's ski trip to Red River. Fortunately there were only a couple of sprains.

We moved away for two years, but I remember how exciting it was to be back at Broadway and be a part of a new couples class, number five, that was being formed by Seymour and Kay Evans, John Hay, Jr., and Rodney and Sandra Blackwood, among others. The class grew, and we soon had to move across the street to an old house that was located where Margaret's parking lot now is. We have fond memories of the place because of the closeness that soon developed and the good things we could accomplish together. Like all of the classes before us we too began to develop traditions and memories.

I remember with gratitude the Children's Home that Broadway established several years ago. My happiest memories are when we adopted our two children, Maggie and David, through them. They have blessed us abundantly and have given so much meaning to our lives. Jane, wife of Ken Dye, planned a hurried reception for about thirty people who came on short notice when we got Maggie. Jane said it was her second adoption ever to attend. The other one was her own.

A year later Bob and I flew to El Paso to pick up a little four-pound four-ounce boy whom we named David. Though we didn't have all our friends with us, we were equally excited and grateful for him. When we returned home, we received many visits. Both sets of grandparents have continued to dote over those grandchildren.

Mrs. Bob (Peggy) Rogers

Do You Remember?

There are several ways to learn about foreign missions: be a missionary, visit a missionary, and contribute to missions.

In 1954 the elders at Broadway sent Harvie Pruitt to Germany to teach and preach. Harvie preached his first sermon in the German language only three months after he started language school. J. C. Moore was also sent to complete some business transactions concerning church buildings erected during his and Dorothy's previous four-year stay in Germany. That was the year my husband, T. A., was chairman of the elders German committee.

Our family had always planned to "do" Europe, possibly with a tour group, but by persuading Dot to go along as our guide, we were able to plan our own itinerary as well as allow T.A. to report to the elders on mission progress. The Moore and Rogers families barely knew each other before we left Lubbock, but the patience exhibited by Dot and J.C. gave us two lifelong friends. They had to deal with two naive Texans, and our seemingly bored 18-year-old son and the 11 year-old that wanted to climb or ride everything that had height or mobility.

In England Len Channing helped us find a rent car, a Vaux Hall, license number DUD 656, luggage on top. We drove it 3,300 miles on the Continent. The DUD was a four-passenger car with a right hand steering wheel.

In Frankfurt were Otis and Alma Gatewood and others. Lovely Irene Johnson was teaching children and holding encampments. One Sunday we went to church four times: an early service at Mannheim, eleven o’clock at Heidleberg where a group of soldiers from nearby Kaiserslauten attended and the congregation served lunch in the churchyard flower garden; at two o'clock at Heppenheim, and back to Senckenberg at night, where a young convert, Rene Chenaux, responded.

On our family's plane trip to Denmark we visited the Weldon Bennetts in Hamburg. Before leaving the Frankfurt area we visited the Colliers in Wiesbaden. One of my sharpest memories is that the missionary wives endured much hard physical work. Those five story buildings had no elevators. If a family lived on the top floor with part of the kitchen equipment on the ground floor, no special exercise was needed by anybody. In Munich we attended prayer meeting. In Rome we went to church with the Gerald Paden's and then with the Harold Paden's in Milan. Everywhere the missionaries seemed enthusiastic about their work. The only low part of the trip was Paris, beautiful but dirty Paris. We greatly admired the Maurice Halls for their efforts there. Our arrival in the States did not end this nine-week trip. For T.A. and J.C. there were reports to make. Dot and I spent days writing notes and selecting gifts to send back to these families, especially for the children.

Many Churches of Christ were and are supporting missionaries in this area and elsewhere.

Mrs. T. A. (Willie Mae) Rogers

Do You Remember?

I was scared to death of Broadway when we moved to Lubbock. I felt it was so big I would never be anything more than a number. When communion was served it was like an army. I had never seen such precision. Our son Jason was an infant at the time. I got lost on the way to the nursery. I cried more than Jason did when I finally got to the nursery.

By the next year we had made a lot of good friends. We were part of the family and we loved the chance to visit. One Wednesday night before services I was gathering materials for my Bible class while Rodney visited with a friend. When I got back, I asked where Jason, our two year old, was. About that time I heard, "Mommy." When I looked up, my heart sank as I watched my toddler balanced on his tummy on the rail of the balcony. Moments later Ken Hancock snuck up behind Jason and snatched our teetering toddler. How very thankful we were that this shepherd was watching out for our little lamb.

Mrs. Rodney (Debra) Rogers

One memory that comes to my mind happened in September of 1989. Terry Bell had just been working at Broadway for only a week when I left on vacation for two weeks. There is a closet that adjoins our offices where Terry had placed a group of filing cabinets. During my absence he was in there working and putting away things in those cabinets and closed the door. Much to his surprise, when he was ready to leave, he found the door was not only closed, but securely locked. He beat on the doors and yelled and screamed for help for at least 30 or 45 minutes before someone finally came into the adjoining office to rescue him. Terry claims until this day that the closet is sound proof.

Mrs. Ron (Patsy) Rogers