[Hustlin' Heritage 75] Page: 12
[137] p. : ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH
The Pentecastal Message (called Charismatic today) was brought to Hereford, Texas around
1924 by three sisters, Eva, Bess and May Morton. They held meetings in the Deaf Smith County
Court House and prayer meetings in local homes. The congregation worshiped under the
guidance of a Mr. Hickman and a Mr. Crane. John Hull, owner of a shoe shop, was elected
Sunday School Superintendent.
The Assembly of God Church was organized in 1927 and E. M. Rice was selected as temporary
pastor. Later Rev. Chamless was elected as pastor. The congregation met in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Rice until 1928 when Mr. S. J. Rice, father of E. M. Rice, gave the Church
three lots on the corner of Union and Avenue G.
Those who signed the roster as charter members on January 27, 1927 were: Mrs. Florence McConnell,
Harvey McConnell, Charles Rice, Henard East, Mrs. Ruby Hatcher, A. C. Hatcher,
Miss Jewel Thompson, Miss Hazel Thompson, Miss Francis Thompson, Mrs. J. O. Miller, Miss
Ludia Cottrell, J. C. Hull, Mrs. J. C. Hull, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Hagar, Mrs. A. J. Morrison, Mr.
and Mrs. J. C. Copeland, Mr. Ted Miles, Miss Willie Miles, Mr. E. E. Morrison, Mr. Ed East, Mrs.
Edgar East, Mrs. Ola F. Rice, Mr. E. M. Rice, Mr. E. J. Miles, Mamie Morton, and Stella Morton.
Late in 1927 the congregation voted to build a Tabernacle type building on the lots at Union
and Avenue G. S. J. Rice and his son, Ernest, had purchased the old Christian College building
which stood where the High School now stands. They donated materials from the old building
to construct the 32' x 60' building for the church.
The congregation held their first service in the unfinished building on April 1, 1928. The building
was warmed by a potbellied coal stove and kerosene lights were hung from the rafters.
Later electric lights and gas heating was installed. The R. R. Jacksons, still residing in Hereford,
purchased oak pews for the sanctuary. The pews are still used in the new church building
located at Fifteenth and Avenue F.
In 1929 a basement was dug under the building, and in 1950 the Church was enlarged again.
The building is still owned by the Assembly of God Church but is presently used by a Negro
Church under the direction of Rev. L. V. Mays.
In 1970 the congregation voted to purchase property at Fifteenth and Avenue F. A fine brick
building was constructed at the site and was dedicated on Easter Sunday 1972. Rev. H. T.
Goodwin has served the Church as pastor since July 1967.
An interesting note in the minutes of July 1, 1929 - "Fern Hagar (Bernice Jones) was retained
as janitor for the Church on a salary of $1.00 per week. Appreciation for her services were
extended."
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
The Jubilee Book Committee. [Hustlin' Heritage 75], book, 1973; Hereford, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth46554/m1/14/: accessed May 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Deaf Smith County Library.