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The Pilgrim Presbyterian Church and Smiley United Methodist Church
held Easter Sunrise Services for the two communities. These churches worshiped in services on Good Friday in the
Smiley Church. Rev. Bob Deming of the Pilgrim Church gave the Communion meditation. The offering left on the Communion
rail was directed to "One Great Hour of Sharing."
Again we have four churches in this area, the Nixon United Methodist, the Harris Chapel United Methodist, the Pilgrim
Presbyterian, and the Smiley United Methodist, sponsoring monthly "Hymn Sings" held on Sunday afternoon
on a rotating plan.
Some noteworthy improvements on the Church plant were: W.S.C.S. purchased a new hot water heater for the
Annex kitchen. In 1981 extensive improvements in the Annex were made at an expenditure of $2,315. In April of 1982
the Hauser Studio of Stained Glass completed repair work on our stained glass windows and installed "unbreakable"
Lexan protective covering on the exterior. Total cost was $7,490. Orders were placed with the Hauser Studio for
two memorial windows to be installed on the south side of the Sanctuary on either side of the existing windows.
Rev. Riley retired from the Southwest Conference in June 1982 after years of loving and caring dedication. We wish
him well in his retirement.
With a great deal of trepidation we welcomed the Rev. C. Elaine Smith
as pastor in 1982. Having a woman pastor was certainly a new experience for the Congregation. A big question was
how to address her--as Miss Smith, Rev. Smith, Rev. Miss Smith, Preacher Smith, Bro. Smith (no, that wouldn't do,
although we did hear one or two hesitant Sister Smiths)-so she soon became "Elaine" to most of the Congregation.
From the first Sunday on we saw a changing Order of Worship. A new, to us, and innovative liturgy was used which
she said came from the third century. All was so different that the Chairman of the Board was heard to remark,
"I'm going to be here every Sunday because something new is happening and I don't want to miss any part of
it!"
Throughout Elaine's pastorate emphasis was placed on stewardship and commitment resulting in the involvement of
more people in the Church program. The children of the Church, though small in numbers, were large in deeds. Meeting
the Church World Service Program: CROP, they began by gathering blankets and seeds and continued on to an extra-mile
giving project to missions. In the Vacation Church School they shared in the Bishop's Challenge for India by purchasing
a water buffalo to be used as a draft animal in India. Sunday morning and Special Day services were enriched by
their singing. It was an inspiration and joy to see and hear these future leaders of the Church.
The United Methodist Women continued to meet monthly with an increase of five in membership. In addition to regular
studies and programs, they placed a new kitchen stove in the Annex, re-did the restroom and also replaced the cement
walk to the parsonage, adding a ramp for the handicapped.
Wednesday night Bible Studies were lead by the pastor.
The growth of the Church's stewardship was evidenced by the giving to local missions. The Nixon-Smiley Emergency
Medical Service was in danger of curtailment of services unless financial aid was forthcoming. We responded by
giving the Christmas Eve offering of over $1,100.00 to this worthy cause.
Pastor Smith was instrumental in establishing an alternative to the custom of Trick or Treating on Halloween night.
As a service to and a fellowship with the community, youngsters of all ages were invited to a social in the Annex.
Holy Week was observed by holding services in the two churches' on
alternate nights. For two years a Holy Week Communion Service was offered including the Passover Seder. We were
joined in these services, as well as in the Sunrise Service, by the Pilgrim Presbyterian pastor and members.
A new program of the Conference called Shares in Growth or "Body Builders" was presented by announcement
and brochures, Some members responded by buying a "share" in the Revitalization and Extension Program
for churches in this Conference.
Physical improvements to the building and grounds were: The Sanctuary received a complete refurbishing and a new
heater was installed. Also, a central heating and cooling system were put in the Annex. Two large art glass panels
were placed in the Sanctuary. These were in memory of William Hope Borrer,Jr., Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Patteson, Walter
C. Patteson, Barney Otton, Georgia Patteson, Jesse W. Patteson, Estella Patteson Manford, and were given by family
members. On the northeast lawn an oak tree was planted in loving memory of Grady Wheat Chandler by his wife and
children. The planter boxes on the south side of the Sanctuary were planted by other members of the Chandler family.
In a Sunday morning service, upon her retirement as Church School Secretary, Mrs. Eunice Wyatt was presented a
plaque expressing the gratitude of the Church for her thirty-seven years of service and her many gifts to the Church
and parsonage,
In 1984 plans began to take shape for the celebration of the 100th birthday of the Church to take place Sept. 22,
1985. In December a formal application was presented to the Texas Historical Commission for an Official Texas Historical
Marker for the Church. The application was approved and the marker was delivered early in July 1985. Dedication
ceremonies will coincide with the birthday celebration.
January 1985 found a group of enthusiastic people meeting in the home of Avis and Lamar Lessor to plan the Sept,
22nd event. Pastor Elaine led members through a worksheet of suggestions. Committees were set up and duties allocated.
Subsequent meetings revealed all plans falling into place with the promise of the fulfillment of a dream.
Using the Smiley Settlers Set-to parade as a launching pad to announce their celebration, the United Methodist
Church entered and won a first place trophy with their "Brush Arbor" float. The float depicted a typically
garbed circuit-rider preacher presiding over a singing and shouting congregation.
The good fellowship was evidenced by the many get-togethers held
during the years of Elaine's pastorate. One of special mention was the "happy landings" party hosted
by the Bill Todd's in their rec room on the eve of Elaine's departure for the Holy Land. Her gift to the Church
was a beautiful baptismal bowl from the Holy Land.
As Annual Conference drew near, we realized that Elaine would not be returning to serve the Church another year.
Also Glenn Jones, organist, lay delegate, Sunday School teacher, and supply preacher, was leaving for Lampasas.
They shared honors at a Sunday night covered-dish supper in the Annex. With both promising to remain active in
the Anniversary celebration, it made it easier to let them go.
The Rev. John Carr was appointed to serve the Nixon-Smiley Charge at the June 1985 Annual Conference, coming to
us from Mercedes.
To welcome and get acquainted with Rev. Carr, his wife, Juanita,
their daughter, Rene, and her children, Chelsie and Dusti, the Church hosted a Sunday night dinner in the Annex.
In lieu of the proverbial pounding given pastors, the Carr's were presented a money tree complete with many green
leaves. This occasion was enjoyed by some sixty or more people.
Rev. Carr, aside from getting to know the two Congregations, was faced with the task of completing the plans for
the Centennial celebration. He entered into the planning with enthusiasm and zeal, boosting our confidence in our
ability to carry the plans to fulfillment.
The Vacation Bible School was another area claiming his attention. Committees were called into action and the school
got under way in record time.
In the first weeks of his pastorate he made many hospital visits to members and friends in the Cuero and Victoria
hospitals.
As this is being written, we would predict a great and good year
ahead.
We could not close this so-called history without giving commendation and thanks to the "parsonage angels,"
the wives and children of the pastors. They gave so much to the music, the teaching, to the entire program of Church
work, and also to the community at large. They must have served as a buffer and sounding board for the frustrations
and disappointments as well as the joys of accomplishment of the clergy. To them we pay tribute in gratitude and
praise.
In these pages we have recounted some events and have named some, other than pastors, who have contributed to the
life history of our Church. We cannot name all who have given of their time and talents, their love and devotion,
to do that we would have to list all who have ever been members and are still members of the Church. There is one
other name we would mention-that of D.C. Rhodes. "Vic' has been the "keeper of the fans and furnaces"
for lo these many years, assuring us of a comfortable Sanctuary in which to worship. Thank you , Vic, so much!
As we move toward our celebration ceremonies it is with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts for the opportunities
given us to "Serve Our Lord With Gladness."
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