The Model United Nations team from East Texas Baptist University won the Outstanding Delegation Award at the American Model United Nations Conference held in Chicago. The team was composed of seven students who represented Cambodia in the General Assembly Plenary. Yvonne RhodesThe ETBU delegation competed against 120 other schools. 

BCFS, formerly Baptist Child & Family Services, has named Yvonne Rhodes vice president for communications.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor conferred degrees on 398 students during its winter commencement ceremony. Braxton ClarkBachelor’s degrees were awarded to 306 students, 90 earned master’s degrees and two students earned doctoral degrees. 

Braxton Clark, a Howard Payne University junior from Southlake, was named the top debate speaker at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association Fall Championship tournament held in Corpus Christi. HPU won fifth place overall, competing against 23 schools from Texas and Louisiana. 

Five Howard Payne University students won awards at a Model United Nations conference held in Stockholm, Sweden. The conference simulated the United Nations, giving students opportunities to confer with peers around the globe, become aware of international issues and produce potential solutions to contemporary problems. Gavin Paul Stewart and Jason Murphy represented Italy on the Economic and Social Council, earning the best delegation award on their committee. Calder Woods Chaplain Lynn Fontenot and resident Ruth Catalano look at a Bible published in 1792. The Bible will be on display alongside other antique Bibles during Calder Woods annual “Tour of Lights” Dec. 15 in Beaumont.While representing Portugal, Peyton Cooley earned the best delegate award for the European Council. James Abbatiello and Mike McConnell earned honorable mention for their work as representatives of the People’s Republic of China on the Security Council.

Calder Woods, a Buckner Retirement Services continuing care community in Beaumont, will hold its annual “Tour of Lights” Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents will display unique decorations, antique Bibles, hand-made creations and other holiday-themed presentations. The centerpiece for the event is a display of antique Bibles collected by residents and the community’s chaplain, Lynn Fontenot. The oldest Bible, written in Norwegian, dates to the late 1700s. 

Harleigh Parrish, an Harleigh ParrishEast Texas Baptist University sophomore from Huntington, was named the novice division champion at the Mississippi College Deep South Debate Tournament. Telema Blackman, an ETBU sophomore from Alexandria, La., placed second in the novice division.

Anniversary

Bob Shirley, fifth, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Normangee.

Jacob Imam, a senior university scholar at Baylor University, has been selected as one of 32 American university students—and the only student from a Texas school—to receive the 2016 Marshall Scholarship.Jacob Imam The Marshall Scholarship was established in 1953 to express British gratitude for the European Recovery Program after World War II. The scholarship may be used for study at any university in the United Kingdom, with most Marshall Scholars choosing to earn an advanced degree during their two years of British education. Imam will pursue a master in philosophy degree in Islamic studies and history at Oxford University. He later plans to earn a master’s degree in Jewish studies from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and then return to the United Kingdom for a doctorate in comparative religion.

Rebeca Puente and Isaac Sommers of Howard Payne University, took first place at a recent moot court tournament at the University of North Texas, qualifying them to participate in the national tournament in January.

Howard Payne University students Isaac Sommers and Rebeca Puente won their first moot court tournament of the year, qualifying them to participate in the American Collegiate Moot Court Association’s national tournament to be held at California State University in Long Beach in January. 

Anniversaries

Glenn Killiam, 10th, as pastor of White Creek Baptist Church in George West.

Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in San Angelo, 25th, Nov. 22. John Cheek was the guest preacher. 

Mark Newton to First Baptist Church in Lufkin as pastor from Baylor University, where he was director of church engagement.

Mark Moore to Reagan Wells Baptist Church in Uvalde as pastor.

Justin Hamby to Cross Point Baptist Church in McKinney as minister of youth from Grape Creek Baptist Church in San Angelo.

David McKinley to Green Valley Baptist Church in Aubrey as minister of music.

Robert Mangrum, university historian and professor of history and government at Howard Payne University, has published an account of the university’s history Robert Mangrumtitled For Howard Payne My All: 125 Years of Christian Higher Education and Service, 1889-2015, An Encyclopedia.

The book, which took 17 years to write, is available for $30 on DVD or USB flash drive. To purchase, click here. Proceeds from the book will be used to establish an academic scholarship. 

Retiring

Roy Marshall, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Hewitt after 40 years of service. A reception will be held Dec. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Baylor Club, located inside McLane Stadium.

Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing hosted “Salute to Scholarships” in recognition of endowed scholarship donors and “Going for the Gold Gala” sponsors. More than 150 people attended the event that launched preparations for the scholarship fund-raising gala to be held Feb. 27.  

Howard Payne University is exhibiting the photography of Scott Strickland through Dec. 4.Howard Payne University’s art department is hosting an exhibition “iPhonography,” through Dec. 4. The exhibition, housed in the Dorothy and Wendell Mayes Gallery of HPU’s Doakie Day Art Center, features the photography and digital imagery of Scott Strickland—all taken solely on an iPhone. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will present “Keyboards and Carols at Christmas” Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the MacGorman Performing Arts Center. For complimentary tickets, click here. (www.swbts.edu/keyboards) 

BCFS, formerly Baptist Child & Family Services, has named Ashley Krimmel vice president for philanthropy. She joined BCFS more than 11 years ago, and most recently she served as assistant vice president of program development and was director of the annual fund development and marketing.

Retiring

James Scirratt, after 19 years as associate pastor for pastoral care at First Baptist Church in Arlington.

Ordained

Willie Cromer to the ministry at Bridgepoint Fellowship in Robinson, where he serves as associate pastor.

East Texas Baptist University presented the seventh annual Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award to Jermaca Brown of Fairfield and Caleb Dorsey of Palestine. The annual award goes to two students who exhibit exceptional servant leadership. Each recipient received a miniature replica of Max Greiner’s sculpture of Jesus washing the feet of Simon Peter titled “The Divine Servant” and a scholarship award. 

Dallas Baptist UniversityMore than 1,700 American flags lined the campus of Dallas Baptist University in honor of the service of U.S. veterans. The university also held a reception in honor of DBU faculty, staff and students who served in the military.

Howard Payne University raised $2,065 through its 10th annual Brenda Newbury Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-a-Thon. HPU donated the money to the patient fund at Walker Cancer Center to assist breast cancer patients with medication, travel expenses, utilities and other necessities. 

Karon Chapa garnered the title of Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor 2016 during the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s annual pageant. The sophomore music major from Arlington advocated serving special needs families. Katie Stringer was first runner-up and also recognized with the Miss Congeniality Award.

Wayland Baptist University alumnus Katrinka Park created an endowed scholarship at her alma mater. Interest from the scholarship will be used to help students in need.

Howard Payne University will be the site for the Brownwood area’s 32nd annual community Thanksgiving feast. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 26 at HPU’s Mabee University Center. Last year, more than 2,000 meals were served on campus and through the home-delivery program. Howard Payne’s food service staff members devote their holiday to preparing the meals, and volunteers from the university and community make deliveries. Volunteers can arrive at 10:30 a.m. for assignments.

East Texas Baptist University will hold its fourth annual Tiger Invitational Debate Tournament, Nov. 13-14. About 150 debaters from a six-state region are expected to compete.

Operation Christmas Child’s national collection week is Nov. 16-23. Anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child oversees. The Samaritan’s Purse ministry global goal for 2015 is to reach 11 million children in need. To find a nearby drop-off location, click here.

Twelve current and former Hardin-Simmons University graduate and undergraduate students from Logsdon Seminary and School of Theology programs attended the Parliament of World Religions during an international gathering in Salt Lake City attended by more than 10,000 people from 80 nations and 50 faiths.

Abilene-Callahan Baptist Association presented awards at its annual meeting. Bill and June Dent, members of First Baptist Church in Abilene, were named volunteers of the year for their work with the association’s social ministries. Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene was named church of the year. Richard Darden of Shining Star Fellowship in Abilene was named pastor of the year, and Jimmy Gilbreath of Builders Baptist Church in Merkel was named bivocational pastor of the year. Dennis Byram, music minister at First Baptist Church in Baird, was named staff member of the year.

Anniversaries

T. Wayne Price, fifth, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Refugio, Nov. 7.

Cockrell Hill Baptist Church in Dallas, 100th, Nov. 15. Former pastor Steven Leatherwood will be the guest preacher. Music featuring the choir, the Hispanic praise band and Carol West on the harp. A luncheon requiring reservations will follow. The cost is $15 per person or a maximum of $45 per family. To make reservations, call (214) 384-8253. Ed Cole is pastor.

Moses Vaca, 10th, as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Cameron.

Randy Tumlinson, fifth, as pastor of McDade Baptist Church in McDade.

Phil Hassel, fifth, as pastor of Independence Baptist Church in Brenham.

Retiring

Clif Abshier, after 46 years of ministry, the last 20 as pastor of First Baptist Church in Bishop. He previously served at South Texas Children’s Home, First Baptist Church in Mathis, First Baptist Church in Uvalde, High Plains Baptist Hospital in Amarillo, Parker Baptist Association in Weatherford and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He began preaching 52 years ago at Amelia Baptist Church in Beaumont.

Ordained

Caleb Park to the ministry at the Korean Church of Waco.

Baylor University honored six individuals and six couples with meritorious achievement awards. Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, were named alumni of the year. Victor Boutros, a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice human trafficking prosecution unit, was named young alumnus of the year. Billy and Dawn Ray received the Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service and Sue Mayborn the Pro Texana Medal of Service. Michael Attas was honored for his contributions to the medical profession and Fred Tibbals for his work in scientific research. Grant and Donell Teaff were recognized as Baylor Legendary Mentors. More than 1,000 alumni, community members, faculty, staff and students participated in Howard Payne University’s homecoming festivities. Yellowjacket mascot Buzzsaw even made a few new friends as well. The Baylor Legacy award was presented to David and Shirley Lake, George and Martha Chandler, Winston Wolfe, and Matt and Dot Miller. Louise Herrington Ornelas received the Baylor Founders Medal.

Howard Payne University’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy presented the Douglas MacArthur Freedom Medal to George Aldridge, a 1975 HPU graduate. The award is presented to individuals who share Newman’s vision of promoting Judeo-Christian values, Western heritage and the free enterprise system. Aldridge has served as a U.S. Foreign Service officer in Jamaica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Belize, Morocco, Kenya, Tunisia and Sudan. He then became director of the Middle East Partnership office in Beirut. 

Anniversaries

Fred Smith, fifth, as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler, Nov. 5.

Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort Worth, 100th, Nov. 13-15. The church’s history room will open at 6 p.m. Friday, and former pastor Joel Gregory will preach at 7 p.m. Former pastor Lloyd Elder will speak during a catered meal at 2 p.m. Saturday. Former pastor Frank Page will speak at 6 p.m. that evening. A continental breakfast will be provided at 9 a.m. Sunday. Pastor Jim Spivey will preach at 10:30 a.m. Clyde Glazener is pastor emeritus.

The 13th East Texas Christian Writers’ Conference will be held at East Texas Baptist University Oct. 30-31. The conference is for beginning and experienced writers. More than 30 presenters will lead conference sessions. Don Piper, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, is the keynote speaker for the Friday night banquet. The cost of attending the Saturday workshop sessions is $100. The Friday pre-conference sessions cost $50. For more information or to register online, click here. (www.etbu.edu/writersconference)

B.H. Carroll Theological Institute will hold its fall colloquy Nov. 16-17. Linda Cannell, adjunct professor of Christian formation at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, will be the featured speaker. Cost of the colloquy for guests is $40. Guests who want to participate in the Carroll Fellowship Meal on Monday evening must make their reservations by Nov. 2. There is an additional $10 cost for the meal. For more information, click here. 

Wayland Baptist University raised $95,000 at a scholarship luncheon with former First Lady Laura Bush held in conjunction with the university’s Willson Lecture Series. Wayland awarded her an honorary doctorate. More than 450 people attended the luncheon. Proceeds benefit the university’s general scholarship fund. 

Howard Payne University’s alumni association has announced its board of directors. Board members include Bobbette Bell, Shane Blackshear, L.J. Clayton, Melanie Clonts, Jane Collette, Dan Crawford, Gene Deason, Kollin Fields, Kathy Garza, Matthew Haynie, Autumn Hendon, Kristi Hyatt, Brandon Ireton, Marilynn Jackson, Kenna Jordy, Robert Morrison, Chelsea Murphree, Debbie Prude, Danny Quintanilla, Jarod Root and Robin Sellman.

Dallas Baptist University graduate and author Marcus Goodloe returned to his alma mater to discuss his book King Maker: Applying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Leadership Lessons in Working with Athletes and Entertainers. The book explores how King recognized public figures held a unique role of influence in society and developed relationships with them for the purpose of bettering the world.

Anniversary

Cheryl Kimble, 15th, as pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin.

Dallas Baptist University held a special chapel service to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary of holding classes at its Dallas location. Founded in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College in Wise County, it relocated to Dallas in 1965. DBU President Gary Cook spoke of God’s faithfulness across a half-century during the anniversary chapel.

East Texas Baptist University’s homecoming activities include the Tiger Family Carnival Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.East Texas Baptist University will hold homecoming activities Oct. 23-25. The Tiger Family Carnival will be held Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The ETBU Tigers will play Belhaven University at 6 p.m. and the homecoming king and queen will be announced at halftime. For a full list of events, click here. 

Evelyn RomigHoward Payne University named Evelyn Romig its first distinguished professor of literature. She has served the school as head of the Department of English, dean of the School of Humanities, president of the Faculty Assembly and since 1988 as professor of English. In her new role, she will continue to teach on a limited basis.

BCFS, formerly Baptist Child and Family Services, named Gary Sicard vice president of logistics and resource management. He is responsible for agency resources and procurement. Gary SicardHe also will serve as the organization’s emergency management logistics chief, overseeing disaster preparedness, capacity building, vendor management, packaging, pricing and deployment of resources nationally and internationally. 

Anniversaries

Lake View Baptist Church in San Angelo, 75th, Sept. 15. Joe Hodges is pastor.

First Baptist Church in Moody, 160th, Oct. 18. Tom Shelton is pastor.

Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in San Angelo, Oct. 18. John Lacy is pastor.

David Mundine, 20th, as pastor of Blanconia Baptist Church in Beeville.

Jack Allen, 10th, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Tuleta.

Dee Blasingame, fifth, as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Aransas Pass.

Samuel Estrada, fifth, as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Aransas Pass.

Lyn Means, fifth, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Three Rivers, Oct. 17.

Chris Walker, fifth, as pastor of Grace Fellowship in Three Rivers.

Ordained

Floyd Wolff and Buddy Orsak as deacons at First Baptist Church in Three Rivers, Sept. 27.

Students at East Texas Baptist University participated in the second annual Centennial Hall 2K Color Run/Walk.  The course went through the campus for this colored-powder race that celebrated healthy living while challenging students to participate in campus community.

Howard Payne University will hold homecoming festivities Oct. 16-17. This year’s theme is “Timeless Traditions.” Ten individuals will be honored during the celebration. Honorees include Dan Crawford and Sally Kozoll, distinguished alumni; Jeff Mitchell, outstanding young graduate; Melba Barger, coming home queen; Betty Broome and Gene Deason, medals of service; Mitzi Lehrer, grand marshal; Joe Cardenas, distinguished service award; and Tim Brasher and Don Kelso, sports hall of fame. To find a complete list of events, click here. Events will culminate in the 2 p.m. football game between HPU’s Yellow Jackets and the Tigers of East Texas Baptist University.

BCFS, formerly Baptist Child & Family Services, named Celeste Garcia executive director of its Community Services Division. She will oversee the organization’s community-based operations, which offers services in every Texas county that include case management and counseling, life skills training, parenting classes, college and vocational tuition vouchers for youth in foster care, and shelter for young adults struggling with homelessness.