Around the State: Patriot Day in Pasadena; Baylor seeks input on presidential search

South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena observed Patriot Day Sept. 11 by honoring local first responders. Featured guests included M.W. Thaler, chief of the Pasadena Police Department; Lanny Armstrong, chief of the Pasadena Fire Department; and Phil Sandlin, constable in the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Precinct 8, along with many of their officers. Pastor Ron Lyles presented donations from the church to each of their departments in appreciation for their service. Thaler indicated his department would use the contribution to upgrade officers’ body armor, and Sandlin said the gift will provide riot gear for some of his officers. The Pasadena Fire Department—staffed entirely by volunteers—will apply its gift toward its annual toy collection for children in need.

Baylor University is seeking input from Texas Baptists and others regarding the professional and personal characteristics the university’s next president should possess, as well as soliciting names of candidates for the position. Baylor created a website for faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends of Baylor to provide input and receive updates on the search process.  “In addition to any input you would like to share, we ask for your ongoing prayers throughout this process—prayers that our university will continue to be on mission to shape the lives of our students for leadership and service; prayers for this search committee, that we will seek the candidate God intends for Baylor; and prayers for our next president, that he or she will recognize the call to serve Baylor University,” said Bob Brewton, chair of the search committee.  To access the input form, click here. The form will remain available online through Nov. 18.

Howard Payne University promoted three professors who had been serving as interim deans to permanent posts, effective at the beginning of the fall semester. HPU named Robert Bicknell, accreditation liaison, as dean of extended education;  Millard Kimery, professor of English and chair of the department of English, as dean of the School of Humanities; and Brad Lemler, professor of accounting, as dean of the School of Business. Also, Matthew McNiece, chair of the history department and assistant director of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, was named director of the academy.

Ellis Baptist Association will install Richard Cody as executive director at the association’s 111th annual meeting at 6:45 p.m., Oct. 10, at Southlake Baptist Church in Waxahachie. Guest speakers are Bruce Prindle, pastor of First Baptist Church in Midlothian, and Bob Dean, executive director of Dallas Baptist Association.

Anniversaries

First Baptist Church in Wilmer will mark its 100th anniversary with a celebration service at 10 a.m., Oct. 16. Jerry Mayfield, former pastor, is the guest speaker. A meal will follow the worship service. No reservations are required. David Bugg is pastor.

Trinity Baptist Church in Houston will celebrate its 100th anniversary at a 3 p.m. service Oct. 16. For more information, contact John Carranza, chair of the church’s centennial committee, at (713) 228-2301 or (210) 535-8941. Antonio Estrada is pastor.

Kevin J. Moore, fifth, as pastor of Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington.