Posted: 8/05/05
| Willis Whitfield, a 1952 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, watches a tape of himself entering a prototype clean room at Sandia Labs. Whitfield developed the method to move filtered air through a room, removing particles with contaminate micro-electronic components. Prior to his inspiration, so-called clean rooms relied on gowns, masks and janitorial services to limit contamination. In an effort to make sure Whitfield's contributions are not forgotten, Sandia Labs has commissioned a statue of him to be the prominent feature of the new Microsystems and Engineering Science Applications Laboratory courtyard. Whitfield is married to the former Belva Wiggins, also a Hardin-Simmons University graduate. They are active in Hoffmantown Church in Albuquerque, N.M. |
Around the State
Howard Payne University presented service pins to several staff and faculty members to mark their terms of service. Robert Mangrum, professor of history and political science, was honored for his 25 years with the school. Mary Dunham, head of technical services and assistant professor of library science, was recognized for 20 years of employment. Recognized for 15 years of service were Brenda Brittain, executive secretary to the vice president for academic affairs; Gerry Clarkson, associate professor of physical science; Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies; Peter James, professor of modern languages; and Patsy Weeks, outreach director of the Heart of Texas Literature Center. Marking 10 years were Wendy Grooms, associate professor of mathematics; John Nickols, assistant professor of history and political science; Cathy Sneed, assistant professor of social work; and Rob Tucker, associate professor of music and band director.
Michael Goodman has been named Baptist Student Ministry director at East Texas Baptist University. He had been serving as university student minister and city strategist for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Margie Williamson, head women's basketball coach at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for the last five years, has resigned. She plans to pursue a doctorate in sports administration.
Melissa Wiseman, associate professor of economics at Houston Baptist University, has received an outstanding advising certificate of merit from the National Academic Advising Association.
Eight Howard Payne University students graduated with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages. Each received a plaque along with a diploma to commemorate the acheivement. Recipients were Jennifer Hurst of Cedar Park; Joanna Jordan of Art; Lanny Kirk of El Paso; Rebekah Lawson of Newberg, Ore.; Rebecca Montoya of Mineral Wells; Brian Potter of Georgetown; Justin Woodard of Brownwood; and Brandi Wright of Eastland.
Retiring
Howard Harper, as pastor of First Church in Markham, after 18 years of service. He was in the ministry 36 years, including 13 years at La Belle Church in Beaumont. He is available for supply preaching at (979) 843-5442.
Bob Campbell, as pastor of Westbury Church in Houston, effective Aug. 31. A dinner and roast will be held in his honor Aug. 28. He has served the church 14 years and has been in the ministry 47 years. For information, contact Becky Brown, 10425 Hillcroft St., Houston 77096; (713) 723-6428, ext. 20.
 |
| Marsha Birdsong of South Garland Church in Garland illustrates a point in the missions lesson to fourth graders during the church's Vacation Bible School. She donned the Cubs jersey to talk about the work of a missionary in Chicago. After catching the ball, each child told something he or she was thankful for. |
Jere Wilson, as pastor of First Church in Henderson, effective Jan. 15, 2006. He has served the Henderson church 10 years and has been in the ministry 37 years.
Anniversaries
Thomas Edwards, 30th, as pastor of Clear Creek Church in Kempner, June 26.
Belle Plain Church in Brownwood, 90th, July 31.
Karen Martin, fifth, as chidren's minister at Westbury Church in Houston.
Victory Church in Marshall, 35th, Aug. 14. Special guests will include Lynn Eckeberger of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and musician David Sam-mons, both former members of the church. A meal will follow the morning service. A golf tournament also is being organized. For more information, go to victorybaptist. marshalltx.com. Ron Segers is pastor.
Forest Avenue Church in Sherman, 90th, Aug. 28. Scott Jones is pastor.
College Heights Church in Plainview, 75th, Sept. 10-11. A fellowship time will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday. Members and former members are encouraged to bring photos and other memorabilia that document the history of the church. Former Pastor Bud Traylor will preach in the Sunday morning service. A meal will follow. A program featuring music from past and present members will begin at 1:30 p.m. Former pastors Toby Irwin and Cecil Golden will participate. For more information, call (806) 293-3644. Don Robertson is pastor.
Posey Church in Sulphur Springs, 100th, Sept. 11. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Former Pastor John Morgan will preach in the morning service. An afternoon service will feature testimonies and remembrances. Jim Poe is pastor.
Turkey Creek Church in Hughes Springs, 125th, Sept. 11. Charles Russell is pastor.
Second Church in Galena Park, 50th, Sept. 18. Former members and staff are asked to call the church at (713) 672-9232 so that personal invitations may be sent. Chester Poston is pastor.
Death
Carlene McGregor, 76, July 28 in Dallas. Her husband, Don, was editor of the Mississippi Baptist Record and a founding director of Assoc-iated Baptist Press. She enjoyed music, singing and gardening. She is survived by her husband of 58 years; daughter, Alice Tyrone; sons, Bob and Wayne; mother, Lucille Barnhill; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Events
Albert Reyes, president of Baptist General Convention of Texas and Baptist University of the Americas, will preach at the Aug. 14 building dedication of the newly relocated Primera Iglesia in Plano. Reyes will speak in the morning service of First Church in Plano, Primera's sponsoring church, and tour the facilities after the service. Moises Rios is pastor of Primera, and Jerry Carlisle is pastor of First Church.
The Heights Church in Richardson will host a women's ministry event Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Author and speaker Sue Bohlin will lead the program on “How to Handle the Things You Hate, but Can't Change.” The program seeks to help women improve their relationship with God, their husbands and families, and within their community. Tickets are $9 and include dinner. Free childcare is available by reservation. Ticket and child care reservations must be made by Aug. 14 by calling (972) 238-7243, ext. 434.
Ordained
Byron McAllister and Craig Ayers as deacons at First Church in Caldwell.
Revivals
Oak Hills Church, Kempner; Aug. 14-19; evangelist, Glynn Tyson; pastor, Andy Papson.
First Church, Santo; Aug. 21-24; evangelist, David Forshee; pastor, Bart Poole.
New Deliverance Mis-sionary Worship Center, Waco; Aug. 22-26; evangelist, Willie Clark; pastor, Stanley Adams.
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.