Around the State: Historical journal editor steps down; CLC elects officers

Mike Williams, professor of history at Dallas Baptist University, is stepping down as editor of Texas Baptist History, the journal of the Texas Baptist Historical Society. Williams began his editorial role in 2007, after the officers of the Texas Baptist Historical Society selected DBU to assume publication of the journal. At the time, the journal had been about seven years behind in production. Williams, with the help of Alan Lefever and Naomi Taplin at the Texas Baptist Historical Collection and financial support from DBU, brought the journal up to date. The journal’s future is uncertain at this time, Lefever said. Williams has been a full-time DBU faculty member since 1995, serving 15 years as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and is author of four books. The Baptist History and Heritage Society presented him with the Meritorious Service Award in 2006 and the W.O. Carver Distinguished Service Award in 2013. He and his family are members of the First Baptist Church of Willow Park.

The Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission elected 2017-18 officers during its spring meeting in Dallas May 22. Commissioners chose Jacob West, pastor of First Baptist Church in Stamford, as chair, and Brenda Rincones, a member of Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, as vice chair.

Ralph Newlan (2nd from right), chair of the Marshall Landmark Preservation Board, presented an award of recognition and certificate of appreciation to East Texas Baptist University and its Neighborhood Renewal Initiative. Accepting the award are (left to right) Chris Crawford, director of university operations; ETBU President Blair Blackburn; and Cameron Burger, director of construction.East Texas Baptist University and its Neighborhood Renewal Initiative received a recognition award and certificate of appreciation from the Marshall Historic Landmark Preservation Board. The board recognized the work of ETBU students and staff to preserve the city’s historic character. As part of the university’s emphasis on renewing neighborhoods in Marshall, ETBU students have restored 13 homes in the last year and a half. Later this year, ETBU leaders hope to begin construction on a home for a low- to moderate-income family in Marshall.

Dallas Baptist University has launched an executive master of arts degree program, designed for working professionals to advance their leadership skills. The four-semester, 32-hour degree allows students to use the knowledge already gained from previous leadership experience and integrates executive-level critical thinking and skills development over 16 courses. For more information, contact Jeremy Vickers at [email protected].

Ordinations

Daniel Headrick to the gospel ministry by Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco.

Retirement

Howard Chapman as minister of pastoral care at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, where he served on staff 47 years. Chapman began his service at the congregation as minister of recreation and later transitioned into ministry to senior adults. In that role, he established the Glory Choir for seniors and the congregation’s homebound ministry and 24-hour prayer ministry.  Since the mid-1980s, he and his wife, Dorcas, have taught the televised “Word of Truth” Bible study class. The congregation will recognize the Chapmans for their service at all three morning worship services June 4 at the downtown campus and at a reception in the church’s fellowship hall beginning at 11:45 a.m., with a special presentation at 12:10 p.m.