RICHLAND HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
|
History
PREFACE
The committee who compiled this information used the material in the Chaffin Historical Room. John Chaffin, our official Church Historian since 19967, has assembled and bound many books of Church Bulletins, the Church Visitor, the General Board Meetings and many, many photograph albums.
The items and events which we chose may not be what you would have selected. You may recall things you would have liked to see here, but due to space we are unable to include more.
In God’s love,
Vivian Chaffin
Barbara Fulk
Bobbie Shiro
Mariflo Stephenson
Winnie Stover
With the help of God, the Richland Hills Christian Church has accomplished what it set out to do since its birth on July 14, 1953. The purpose of the church is to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit themselves actively to the church, to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do His will, and to work for the unity of all Christians.
Making A Joyful Noise
An organizational meeting was held on July 14, 1953 under the sponsorship of the Tarrant County Board of Christian Churches. The first service was held in Kate Baker Park Civic Center Building on July 17, with the Reverend Don Baugh as organizing minister and seventy people in attendance. At the end of the service twenty people placed their names on the church roll. The Reverend Baugh served the church until May 30, 1954. From September 20, 1953 to September 19, 1954 services were held in the Richland Hills Elementary School in order to have room for Sunday School classes. On September 19 the church was moved to Glenview Elementary School (the school across the street). The first president of the board was Mr. William Trammell.
On November 1, 1953 a “Build a Church Program” was proposed to the congregation. A committee was to be made up of persons who bought one or more shares, at $10.00 per share. George Stephenson was appointed as chairman.
Groundbreaking for the original church building was held on August 14, 1954, after the Reverend Pat Henry was called in June to serve as Interim Minister until May 24, 1955. The work on this building was truly a “labor of love” as the members themselves put in many hours as carpenters, painters and helpers. The church was completed in 100 working days and the first service was held on November 7, 1954 with 170 people present. The building consisted of a sanctuary which seated 225, 11 classrooms, kitchen, and pastor’s study.
The first adult Sunday School Classes were the Pioneers and the Crusaders. The Pioneer class is still in existence today.
By September 4, 1953 the first church newsletter was being published as “The Church Mouse” twice monthly by Mrs. Colbert and the publicity committee. In October 1955 “The Church Mouse” became a weekly publication and renamed “The Church Visitor.” The new name was chosen after suggestions were placed in a box.
The Christian Women’s Fellowship of RHCC was organized in December 1953. Mariflo Stephenson was the first president and other officers were: Irene Russell, Margaret Newton, Donna St. Clair, Iva Norman, Lucille Reynolds and Nova Nevitt. The first meeting was held on January 12, 1954 in the home of Mrs. Nova Nevitt. The CWF has played a very important part in worship, fellowship and service in the church. In 1974 the CWF voted to have Secret Pals. The Prayer chain program was started in 1977. The Quadrennial Fund Category was added to the budget in 1978-79. The first Chrismon tree was decorated in 1977. Blessing Boxes and the Fellowship of the Least Coin were introduced in 1977, all are current and ongoing projects. The CWF was responsible for furnishing the kitchen during the remodeling program during the building project of 1967-68. And they still give the kitchen a thorough cleaning periodically.
The Christian Men’s Fellowship was organized in 1955. The first president was Evans Karpenko. In the early years the CMF was a very active part of the church life. During the first five years, monthly meetings were dinners (food prepared, served and cleaned up by the CWF). During the middle years the men got together to work on the building and grounds and held annual Sweetheart Banquets. An occasional retreat was pretty well attended. In the 1980’s a lack of interest resulted in virtually zero activities. In 1996 the Rev. Dr. David Jarman set out to revive what is now called the Disciples Men’s Fellowship. The meetings began to be held on one Saturday morning each month with the men rotating the preparation of breakfast. The organization now sponsors a Sweetheart Banquet on Valentine’s and an annual garage sale. The DMF contributes money and labor to many projects of the church.
Children and youth have always been an important part of RHCC. The first baby born to members of the church was Deborah Kay Fielder. The first “Blessing of the Little Children” was on May 13, 1956. The children included: David Derr, Donna Lynn Dodson, Joe Bill Estill, Deborah Kay Fielder, and Dian Frost.
The Christian Youth Fellowship was organized in June 1955. The first Vacation Bible School was held June 13-19, 1955, with an average attendance of 90. The supervisor of the nursery was Donna St. Clair and primary supervisor was Mary Coots. The first youth choir was organized in 1959 with 15 members. The sponsors were Faye Baker as organist, Fydella Evans, Janie Colbert, Irene Nesbitt, and Shirley McRae. In the late 70’s the Children’s Moment and the Children’s Church were established by Pat Sutherlin. The “Godly Play” program for kindergarten through fifth grade was initiated by the Rev. Dr. Ginger Jarman.
The choir was organized in 1953 with piano accompaniment shared by Mrs. William Trammell, Miss Frankie Averitt, Mrs. George Stephenson, Mrs. James Hardaway, and Miss Linda Nevitt. The first organ was given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Smith and was dedicated December 5, 1954. Mr. James Nelms was the first choir director. The first choir robes were made by the CWF in 1955. The present organ was dedicated in September 1989. Though often small, the choir has always performed in an excellent manner. Beautiful seasonal programs have been given throughout the history of the church.
Faye Baker served as organist for many years and even after her “retirement” always willingly “filled-in” any time an organist or choir director was needed. A special Linnie/Faye Day was observed on Sunday, April 24, 1983 in appreciation of a combined total of forty years that Faye and Linnie Proctor served in the music department.
In August 1955, twenty-two members of RHCC were commissioned to begin the Hurst Christian Church, where The Rev. Patrick Henry was called as the minister.
In June 1955 the sanctuary was located where our Fellowship Hall is today. It was at that time that the congregation was blessed with the calling of the Rev. Hugh Baker as senior minister. For 34 years Hugh, his wife Faye, and their children Mack, Gary, Alan, and René worked faithfully in the ministry of this church. The new parsonage, 3900 Ruth Road, was prepared for the Bakers to move into, having been completed in May, 1955. Under Hugh Baker’s guidance, the church expanded, both physically and spiritually.
In 1959, Phase Two of the building program was completed. This included the extension of the west wing, additional classrooms, a nursery, and restrooms. Glenn Elliott was chairman of the Board at that time and headed the building program. On July 11, 1962 H. E. Stephens proposed that a five-year study be conducted to determine a master plan for a new building program. As such, an active building campaign began in November 1964. This was concluded on March 20, 1965. “The Fort Worth Star Telegram” printed an article concerning the program. Phase Three of the building program was dedicated on March 24, 1968. This included the east wing, more classrooms, the present sanctuary, increased office space, and renovation of the kitchen and Fellowship Hall. Harry White and Dave Ritz were co-chairmen of the building committee. In thirteen years RHCC had grown from an infant church into adulthood.
Phase Four, a major building project, was undertaken in the spring of 1996. Offices for the staff were moved to the west side of the building, opening onto the parking lot. The library and history rooms were moved to the east side of the building. A large “Gathering Place”, using part of the courtyard near the parlor was created, and some classrooms were changed. Byron Graham chaired the Building Committee. The completion was announced to the Board on November 9, 1997.
As the building program was progressing, a number of programs for spiritual growth were taking place, too. Each year during the late 1950’s and 1960’s a Holy week of Evangelical Preaching was held. In January 1955 a Visitation Week was organized. The members of the church called on about 200 people in the neighborhood. As a result of that campaign, 41 new members were welcomed into the membership of the church at the conclusion of the Week of Intensive Calling. In October 1955, systematic visitation began. Each Thursday evening two teams would call on ill or prospective members.
In July 1960 the “Decade of Decision” program was initiated, in which members were encouraged to achieve spiritual maturity during the next ten years. This was to be done by working in the church and witnessing for God in daily life. Individual members were encouraged to gain a Biblical understanding of what it means to be the people of God. By September 1960, 122 persons had been baptized, and church membership stood at 396 people, and $4,535 had been given to missions since the birth of the church.
Monthly Fellowship Dinners, ice cream socials, baseball games, annual church picnics, and other activities have been enjoyed throughout the life of the church. Bake sales have been a popular money-making activity by the CWF.
Each year during Lent various activities have taken place. The Pastor’s Class for prospective members has been offered during the Lenten Season since the beginning. In March 1960, after an Intensive Evangelism Campaign, the first Twenty-four Hour Prayer Vigil was held. This practice continues today. The Week of Preaching or Spring Renewals were done during Lent for a number of years. Upper Room Services were conducted by the women of the church for several years. Maundy Thursday Services, Tenebrae Services, Agape Meals, and Easter Vigils have taken place during Holy Week. A Lay Witness Mission was held during the Lenten Season in 1973 and Venture in Discipleship was in 1976.
On November 29, 1964 the tenth anniversary of the church was celebrated with a Fellowship Turkey Dinner. Approximately 275 people attended the affair. Throughout the years Thanksgiving has been celebrated in other ways. The Union Thanksgiving Service was held for many years. Other churches that participated in this were Richland Hills United Methodist Church, Richland Hills Baptist Church, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Paul Presbyterian Church, and St. Michael Episcopal Church. Another activity at Thanksgiving was the Three-C program. The C’s stood for “Cards” to thank friends for nice things they have done, “Cans” for NEED, and “Cash” for the special Thanksgiving offering.
A “Mortgage-burning” ceremony was celebrated as part of the Thanksgiving Service on November 20, 1988. All groups of the church were represented, as well as the Trinity Brazos Area. 211 people attended that service. In recent years Thanksgiving has been celebrated with Fellowship Dinners and the Special Thanksgiving Offering.
The twentieth anniversary was observed on May 20, 1973. At the close of the service the Church History and Pictorial Directory, written by John Chaffin, was presented to all the families of the church. Immediately following the morning worship there was a meal in the Fellowship Hall, when the charter members were recognized. Highlights of the church history were presented in song and verse, written by Faye Baker, under the direction of the membership department, chaired by Winnie Stover. The twenty-fifth anniversary of RHCC was celebrated on May 21, 1978. The attendance for that occasion was 310.
RHCC participated in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for several years when the ministers of Richland Hills United Methodist Church, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Paul Presbyterian Church and RHCC exchanged pulpits for one Sunday a year in January. This was known as “Pulpit Exchange Sunday”.
The Kerygma Bible Study began January 14, 1985. There were thirty-three sessions, each of which lasted one and a half hours. It was an adult Bible study which emphasized a thematic approach to Bible Study. It taught the Scriptures to be the sacred writings.
On Good Friday, April 5, 1985 twenty men and women presented a two-and-half hour version of the seven hour “Passionespiele Oberammergau.” The version was shortened by John Chaffin into a beautiful presentation of beautiful music and dialogue portraying Christ’s Passion. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Rev. Jerry Kirkpatrick introduced us to Epiphany—a day of celebration recognizing the Kingship of Jesus Christ. He also introduced us to the Easter Vigil 11:30 Saturday night before Easter with breakfast following.
On May 16, 1994 the elders, recognizing the need for spiritual renewal and Christian growth in the church, appointed a committee of six to implement the program of “Taking the Name of Jesus.” These six people, chaired by Dean and Winnie Stover, completed the “Renovare Study Guide” in preparation for the implementation of “Taking the Name of Jesus.” The Rev. Judy Turner came from Homeland Ministries in Indianapolis to inspire the members as we began the program. On Spiritual Emphasis Sunday over one hundred people celebrated their completion of the program. The programs which followed immediately were the “Serendipity” in August, 1995 and “Adventures In Spiritual Living” in October, 1995. In 2001 the “Companions in Christ” spiritual renewal program, was offered. Approximately twenty people participated in this series of weekly studies for six months. The follow-up to that was a study on forgiveness led by Pam Messick.
The church has always been cognizant of the needs of others. We have actively participated in community service, such as NEED, Meals on Wheels, Thanksgiving Baskets, Care Corps, the Blood Bank, Women’s Haven Open Arms, Glenview Elementary
School, an Interfaith Health Fair, and many other organizations and projects. Outside the immediate community, we have also participated in the Trinity Brazos Area, the Disciples Mission Fund and CROP. The church facilities have also been used for many outside activities, such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts, Community Orchestra rehearsals, Weight Watchers, Birdville Independent School Special Programs, and a meeting place for other denominations.
Three refugee families have been sponsored during the life of RHCC. In late summer of 1957 Sam Beniqued, a minister from Manila Philippines, arrived in Forth Worth. He had come to Fort Worth for more ministerial education. He had very little money, and it was learned that sometimes he went two or three days without food. He was associated with RHCC for about a year while attending Brite Divinity School. The church gave financial aid and friendship to him. And in return he gave the church work with the youth, service as a Sunday School teacher, and on occasion, a Sunday Worship Service speaker. After he returned to Manila he continued to correspond with some members until his death.
In November 1962 the Luis Mata family was brought to Fort Worth by RHCC. They were Cuban refugees who had been living in Florida. Mr. Mata was an Agricultural Engineer and Mrs. Mata was a teacher. The church furnished their house, helped them with rent as well as helping them find jobs. Soon they were able to support themselves.
In November 1999 the Rusic family (Luka, Andja, and Marko) came here from Bosnia, through Church World Service and the North Texas Refugee Center. RHCC sponsored them, furnishing their apartment, their food for a short time, rent for a month, transportation, and helped Marko find a job. One member even gave them a car. They are still members of the church.
A Memorial Fund was established in the early years of the church. The fund is used to this day to honor members who have passed on for specific amenities within the church. A few of the memorial gifts have been the H. E. Stephens Library, the Luke Lair Garden, The Chaffin Historical Room, the stained glass windows, and the paraments. The hand bells were dedicated in April 1992 in memory of Mack Baker. The pulpit was given in memory of David Stoughton, and the lectern in memory of Ruford Manning.
Stained glass windows were originally planned for the new sanctuary (1967), but were considered too expensive and tinted blue glass windows were substituted. But in the late 80’s the Memorial Gift Committee and the Building and Planning Department decided it was time to explore the possibility of acquiring stained glass windows for the sanctuary and the narthex. Glazier Galleries Stained Glass Company was chosen to make the windows. Because of the small size of our windows, the committee was limited to symbols rather than pictures. There was quite a lot of discussion and compromise involved in selecting the designs.
The windows on the west side in the sanctuary are symbols depicting the Old Testament. The windows on the east side signify events and ideas from the New Testament. The windows in the narthex (now the Gathering Place) represent the 12 Apostles. There are a total of 48 stained glass windows. Small plaques were placed on the wall beneath each window to help us identify with the symbols.
In 2002 two additional stained glass windows were placed in the glass wall of the Gathering Place. These are memorials honoring the late Rev. Hugh Baker as well as his departed sons Mack and Gary. These windows were made by Derrell C. Little, a Granbury artist.
The “Evergreens” ministry for older adults met for the first time on November 4, 1981 with an attendance of 36. They came together for a time of fellowship and sharing at a noon meal. They played games, had many fascinating programs and excursions to interesting places. Jimmy Lebel was a tremendous “shepherd” of this ministry. The membership was not limited to members of RHCC, as they were encouraged to bring friends and neighbors.
As church secretary since 1978, except for one year, Laura Pickard has had an important role in the church. She is faithful in her service, always being willing to give her assistance whenever needed.
We’ve Only Just Begun
It is our hope that some of these are “memory joggers” that may evoke reminders of both struggles and triumphs that may have slipped into the dormant levels of your mind. But we know that for some readers there are no memories to awaken, as they are new to Richland Hills Christian Church. However, it is our hope that our history will give all of our members, both young and old, new and charter a sense of what has been and what is yet to come. Although 50 years have come and gone, we know that through Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit RHCC’s best years are ahead of us as a growing, vibrant part of the body of Christ. In God’s time and under the leadership of our new pastor, the Rev. Jeff Maison, it is our prayer that RHCC will continue to grow spiritually and in number.