More than 1,500 community leaders are expected to gather Jan. 23 for Greater Dallas Movement Day, a one-day event that will include leaders in the areas of business, eduction, healthcare, nonprofits, government and the church from a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Albert Reyes, president of Buckner International, and Bryan Carter, pastor of Concord Baptist Church in Dallas, will be among the speakers.

One hundred sixty-seven students received degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s winter commencement exercises. That number included 16 undergraduate degrees, 136 master’s degrees and 17 doctoral degrees. Students from 43 states and 41 countries are enrolled at Southwestern Seminary.

Two hundred fifty-three Hardin-Simmons University students received degrees during winter commencement ceremonies. One hundred forty-eight earned bachelor’s degrees, 76 received master’s degrees, one doctor of ministry degree and 28 physical therapy students earned doctorates.

Seventy-three Wayland Baptist University students received degrees during the school’s winter commencement ceremony. Charles Carr of Petersburg, Rebekah Brown of Aurora, Colo., and Christopher Kirby of Plano were recognized for maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade-point average throughout their undergraduate studies.

Howard Payne University students Kerrie Ford of Houston and Erik Swenson of Carrollton received the outstanding delegation award for the security council at the Stockholm, Sweden, Model United Nations Conference. Other HPU students who participated were Ashley Chapman, Caleb McConnell, Kendyl Moore, Jason Murphy, Ivy Nichols, Adrianna Perez, Cody Perrin and Jessica Ramirez.

Dallas Baptist University announced the addition of Karen Alexander to its faculty as assistant professor of English and Spanish. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Duncanville.

Ordained

Kirby Shelton and Neil Morris as deacons at Macedonia-Hix Baptist Church in Caldwell, Dec. 8.

In photo above, Hardin-Simmons University President Lanny Hall joined many friends and colleagues to greet Texas Baptist philanthropist Virginia Connally during her 101st birthday celebration, Dec. 4 in Abilene.

Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers responded to needs across North Texas after a devastating ice storm paralyzed the region. Texas Baptist Men chainsaw crews help elderly residents by cutting and removing fallen tree limbs that resulted from ice storms in North Texas.Chainsaw crews received more than 100 work requests from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Volunteer chainsaw teams from Collin and Denton Baptist associations and from the Rockwall area went to work in the days immediately after the ice storm, and a team from Kerrville was scheduled to start work around Dec. 14. TBM volunteer chaplains also worked with the crews to offer spiritual counsel and comfort, and TBM provided a generator for a warming station at First Baptist Church in Farmersville. Teams are scheduled to work until Dec. 20.

Bob Buford received Dallas Baptist University’s 2013 Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott was the keynote speaker. The award honors leaders whose lives are testimonies of achievement in free enterprise and service to the community. Over the past 25 years, the awards dinner has raised more than $4 million in scholarship funds for almost 1,800 DBU students.

George Gaston received the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio’s Spirit of Health Award. The award honors individuals whose leadership and service have improved the health of their community. A longtime pastor, he was the regional vice president of mission and ministry at Baptist Health System 10 years. He retired in August.

Howard Payne University honored Leonard Underwood, a member of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy board of directors, for attending his 50th board meeting. HPU President Bill Ellis presented him the Douglas MacArthur Freedom Medal, given by the academy to individuals who promote Judeo-Christian values, western heritage and the free enterprise system.

The East Texas Baptist University debate team won the second-place sweepstakes trophy at the Mississippi College Deep South Debate Tournament. Dakota Hiltzman of Gladewater was the top-ranked speaker in the varsity division.

Retiring

Paul Johnson as minister of business administration at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Dec. 31. He served the church eight years. He previously served churches in Iowa in a similar capacity, and he is a former president of the National Association of Church Business Administration.

Members of Oak View Baptist Church in Irving provided 2,600 Thanksgiving meals to apartment residents and also donated meals to the homeless as a part of Serving Irving, a ministry nearly two decades old. The cooking team, shown above sporting ‘fowl’ headwear, prepared turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, rolls and pie. Along with the meals, volunteers distributed Bibles and gospel tracts and received prayer requests. Members served on a variety of teams including promotion, baking, packaging, cooking and serving.

Two teams of Howard Payne University debaters traveled to Members of HPU’s student debate team who traveled to Oxford, England, are Kim Bryant, associate professor of communication; Marcos Corley, a junior from Corpus Christi; Catherine Mullaney, a senior from Boylston, Mass.; Dorie Walton, a junior from Lolita; Kaleigh Tankersley, a junior from Iraan; Jared Russell, a junior from Hillsboro; and Julie Welker, chair of the communication department, professor of communication and team coach.Oxford, England, to compete in the Oxford Inter-Varsity International Debate Tournament. Debaters included Jared Russell from Hillsboro, Kaleigh Tankersley from Iraan, Marcos Corley from Corpus Christi and Catherine Mullaney from Boylston, Mass. Dorie Walton from Lolita served as a judge for the competition. Faculty members traveling with the team were Julie Welker and Kim Bryant.

Buckner Children and Family Services will present a free foster care and adoption information meeting Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at 5200 Buckner Boulevard, Dallas. Participants will receive an overview of foster care and adoption options in Texas, including foster-to-adopt, Waiting Texas Children and domestic infant adoption programs. Discussion will include international adoption options through Buckner’s affiliate, Dillon International. For information or a reservation to attend, email sscott@buckner.org.

Ordained

Matt Farmer to the ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Brenham, Dec. 8.

Robert Rodriguez as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Odem, Nov. 24.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  The “Serving Irving” item was edited after it orginally was posted.

In the photo above, Kim Gilstrap (right) is the 2013 winner of the East Texas Baptist University Bennett Speech Contest. Second place in the contest went to Spencer Hill (left). The Howard C. Bennett Award is an annual public speaking contest for graduating seniors endowed by Susan Bennett Livingston in memory of her father. (PHOTO: ETBU Department of Communications Studies)

Howard Payne University’s symphonic band and concert choir will perform “A Christmas Celebration” Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the university’s Mims Auditorium. The event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation.

Hardin-Simmons University will hold a come-and-go reception in hVirginia Connallyonor of Virginia Connally’s 101st birthday Dec. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the university’s Connally Missions Center. A glass-enclosed case containing many of her awards and honors for her work in medicine, the community and missions will be unveiled during the event.

Bertrain Bailey, pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, was honored as Dallas Baptist University’s distinguished alumnus during the university’s homecoming activities. Maxine Day, a retired executive assistant to the DBU president, was presented the 2013 Honorary Alumna Award.

Kim Gilstrap, a senior from Republic, Mo., is the winner of East Texas Baptist University’s Bennett Speech Contest. She spoke on the importance of sharing a family mealtime and received $100 as winner. Spencer Hill, a senior from La Porte, was the second place speaker.

Carey Hendrickson, Phil Wedemeyer and John Thompson will begin serving as directors of the Baptist Foundation of Texas in January.

The Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary School of Music will present “Keyboards at Christmas” featuring “more Steinway pianos than you can imagine” Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the MacGorman Performing Arts Center. Click here to obtain complimentary tickets.

Howard Payne University will hold its 30th annual community Thanksgiving feast Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mabee University Center. Last year, more than 2,000 meals were served on campus and through the home delivery program.

The Heart of Texas Baptist Camp in Brownwood will present a dinner theater production, “A Big Ol’ Country Carol,” Dec. 2 and 3 at 6:30 p.m. The play is written and directed by Nick Ewen, assistant professor of theater at Howard Payne University. The evening of music and drama includes a smoked brisket/sausage buffet dinner. Preregister by calling (325) 784-5821 by Nov. 27. A minimum $15 per person donation will be received at the door. All proceeds go toward completion of the camp recreation pavilion.

East Texas Baptist University will hold Shadow Days Dec. 5-6. Prospective students will spend the night in a dorm, socialize with current students, visit with professors at breakfast and attend classes. It begins at Thursday at 6 p.m. and will feature admission to a Tiger basketball game that night. A $20 nonrefundable fee is required to register for the event, but the $25 application for admission fee will be waived for applications submitted during the event. For more information or to register, click here. 

Hardin-Simmons University announced plans Hardin-Simmons University is planning a new tennis facility.for two improvements to its athletic facilities. A $1 million tennis facility featuring eight lighted courts will be built, and synthetic turf will be added to Shelton Stadium and half of one practice field. The 137,161 square feet of turf will cost about $1 million. The improvements are part of HSU’s Transformation 2020 campaign.

Wayland Baptist University honored two students for their missions involvement during its fall global missions chapel service. Matthew Evans, a junior religion major from Marble Falls was named the male missionary of the year. He is active in a mentoring program at Plainview High School, a program in which Wayland students provide backpacks of food to needy children at two elementary schools, and he has participated in Wayland’s work in Brazil. Ashley Price, a junior from Allison majoring in business and religion, was named the female missionary of the year. She has participated in two Wayland trips to Kenya, the high school mentor program and a program that ministers in two lower-income neighborhoods.

Anniversary

Andy Davis, 25th, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Belton, Nov. 13.

Nicole Adams, a junior psychology major from Amarillo, has been crowned Miss Wayland. She will represent Wayland Baptist University throughout 2014. Katelyn Johnson of Plainview was first runner-up.

Christian rock band The Digital Age, along with guest artists Luke Hicks and Manifest Music Company, will perform at 8 p.m. The Digital Age will perform Nov. 22 at Baylor University.Nov. 22 in Waco Hall at Baylor University. All four members of The Digital Age are from Waco and formerly were part of the Dave Crowder Band. For tickets, click here, or go to the Bill Daniel Student Center ticket office on the Baylor campus. Student tickets are $10, and general public tickets are $13. Tickets bought the day of the show are $15. For more information, call (254) 710-3210.

Jackson Berkey, keyboardist for Mannheim Steamroller for 39 years, will perform with members of Howard Payne University’s concert choir Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the university’s Mims Auditorium. Berkey’s wife, Almeda, also a touring musician, will perform as well. The concert is free and open to the public.

Joe Matos, Dallas Baptist University professor of biblical studies, has been named DBU faculty member of the year. He joined the faculty in 2001.

Jessie Ramos, a Hardin-Simmons University freshman from Stamford, has received a $2,400 UPS scholarship provided through the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas Foundation.

East Texas Baptist University has added two new employees. Trent Hayes will be the regional development officer for the Houston area, and Teri McKinley will work as a community relations associate.

Christopher Hudgens and Lucy Elston received East Texas Baptist University’s Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Awards. The award annually honors two students who exhibit exceptional servant leadership. Students are nominated by their peers, faculty and staff and invited to apply for the award. The Rileys presented each winner with a miniature replica of Max Greiner’s sculpture of Jesus washing the feet of Simon Peter and a scholarship award.

Abilene Baptist Association elected leaders and presented awards during its annual meeting, held at North Park Baptist Church in Abilene. Ben Richardson, pastor of Tye Baptist Church in Tye, is moderator. Other officers include Donny Harbers, pastor of Wylie Baptist Church in Abilene, first vice moderator; Kenneth Jordan, pastor of Lawn Baptist Church in Lawn, second vice moderator; Carolyn Williams, a member of North Park Baptist Church in Abilene, clerk; Bobby Weeks, a member of Southwest Park Baptist Church in Abilene, treasurer and stewardship team leader; Dave Douglas, retired pastor, evangelism/missions leader; Mike Woodard, pastor of Southwest Park Baptist Church, strengthening existing churches leader; and Charles Richardson, a member of First Baptist Church in Abilene, communications director. Pioneer Drive Baptist Church was named church of the year, and Larry Tarver, pastor of Clearfork Baptist Church in Hawley, was named pastor of the year. Karin Richardson, who retired after 30 years as librarian at First Baptist Church in Abilene, was named staff member of the year. Glen Estes, a member of Clearfork Baptist Church, was named layperson of the year. Janice Hargrove, a member of Faith Baptist Church in Abilene, was the first recipient of the Jim Griggs Social Ministries Layperson of the Year Award. She has served as a volunteer 11 years.

Doug Lawson, chief operating officer for Baylor University Medical Center, was the keynote speaker at the Dallas Baptist University College of Business’ fall business luncheon and seminar. He told students about the state of the American health care system and provided insight into how organizations can adapt to changes within their industry. In addition to being willing to change, businesses must maintain a focus on their mission, he insisted.

Anniversary

Moises Gonzales, 20th, as pastor of Berclair Mission in Berclair, Nov. 1.

Ordained

Brett Cook to the ministry at First Baptist Church in Paducah, Oct. 27. He serves the church as youth pastor.

Betty Burtis, Chris Carrier, Tom Conley, Mark DeLeon, Charlotte Evans, Lee Festervan, Nova Festervan, Jim Hadley, Casi Helbig, Charles Johnson, Mike Rhoades, Bonnie Salles, Nancy Smith, Sue Thompson and Darryl White as deacons at First Baptist Church in San Marcos, Oct. 13.

Aliou Niang was the featured speaker for the George Knight Lectures, sponsored by Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology. The two-day event is designed to promote biblical scholarship and brings theologians to speak to students and discuss theological world issues. Niang is assistant professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Buckner Children and Family Services  and Dillon International will present two free foster care and adoption meetings at 5200 Buckner Boulevard, Dallas. On Nov. 4 at 6 p.m., a Dillon representative will present information on adoption from China, Korea, Haiti, India, Hong Kong, Ghana and Colombia. A domestic adoption program for Texas families and adoption programs in Russia, Ethiopia and Honduras, available through Buckner, also will be discussed. To make a reservation, click here. On Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., a Buckner representative will give an overview of foster care and adoption options in Texas, including foster-to-adopt, Waiting Texas Children and domestic infant adoption programs. International adoption programs through Dillon also will be discussed. To make a reservation, click here. 

Donnie De La Cruz and Arissa Hatcher were crowned king Donnie De La Cruz and Arissa Hatcherand queen during East Texas Baptist University homecoming festivities. De La Cruz is a religion major from Modesto, Calif. Hatcher is a business major from Omaha, Tx.

Richard Jackson has been elected to the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute board of governors. Jackson is a longtime Baptist minister and president of the Jackson Center for Evangelism and Encouragement in Brownwood.

Anniversary

Leslie Adams, 15th, as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Rockdale.

First Baptist Church in Thrall, 100th, Nov. 10. A meal will follow the morning service. Glenn Scruggs is pastor.

Ordained

Austin Almaguer to the ministry at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Oct. 27.

Events

The Sammy Glass Family will present a concert at Bethel Baptist Church in College Station Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. A potluck dinner will be held prior to the event at 6 p.m. Clyde Strong is pastor.

Trinity Baptist Church in College Station will hold its annual homecoming service Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. Former pastor Dwight Reagan will preach. A meal will follow. Henry Stovall is pastor.

Brad Lomenick, executive director of Catalyst Conference and author The Catalyst Leader, will be the featured speaker at “Engage at ETBU: Leading the Church in the 21st Century,” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 18, on the East Texas Baptist University campus in Marshall. Cost is $40, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. To register online, click here, or contact Scott Bryant, ETBU chaplain and vice president for spiritual development, at (903) 923-2178. 

Baylor University regents selected eight individuals and two couples as the recipients of accolades awarded during a dinner held as a part of homecoming actitivities. The Baylor Meritorious Achievement Award honorees are: Godfrey Sullivan, president and CEO of Splunk Inc., alumnus of the year; Robert Griffin III received the Baylor Distinguished Achievement Award.Michele Perry, CEO and executive coach, Edge Creative Consulting, young alumna of the year; Bill Glass, minister, founder and CEO, Champions for Life, Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service; Thomas Phillips, former Texas Supreme Court chief justice, Pro Texana Medal of Service; Vinnie Johnson, The Piston Group, Business Leadership Medal of Service; Maj. Gen. (Ret) David Rubenstein, former Deputy Surgeon General of the Army, clinical associate professor of health administration at Texas State University, Contributions to the Professions-Healthcare Medal of Service; Bob Simpson, founder of XTO Energy, co-chairman of Rangers Baseball Express and a majority owner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, Baylor Legacy Award; Jim and Julie Turner, principal of JLT Beverages, Baylor Legacy Award; Harold and Ann Cunningham, retired from Arthur Andersen, former Baylor vice president for finance and administration/chief financial officer and vice president for special projects, Baylor Founders Medal; Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins quarterback, Distinguished Achievement Award.

The B.H. Carroll Theological Institute will hold it fall colloquy Nov. 11 and 12 in the Wade Building of First Baptist Church at 301 South Center Street in Arlington. Gerald BorchertGerald Borchert, senior adjunct professor of New Testament at Carson-Newman College, will speak. He is the author of Worship in the New Testament. The colloquy will begin at 1:45 p.m. Monday and conclude with a meal at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The colloquy is free and open to the public, but there is a $10 charge for the meal. For more information or to register, click here.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will hold its missions emphasis week Oct. 20-24. The theme of the week is “No Reserves. No Retreats. No Regrets.” More than 40 missionaries from 19 agencies and five continents will explain their work and inspire students. The missionaries will give seminars, speak to classes, participate in events and activities, and set up booths to share their calling.

East Texas Baptist University will hold Tiger Day Nov. 2. The free event is for high school and prospective transfer students and their families. Participants will tour the campus, meet faculty and students, receive admissions and financial aid information, and visit academic departments. Lunch is provided. Participants also will receive tickets for the football game at 2 p.m. For more information or to register, click here. 

Dallas Baptist University will hold a Patriot Preview for prospective students and their parents Nov. 2. A tour of the campus, meetings with faculty and administrators, and information concerning admissions, financial aid and campus life are planned for the event. The event is free for the student and up to two guests. For more information, click here. 

Breckenridge Village in Tyler will hold its annual Christmas in the Village celebration Nov. 23 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visitors can purchase gifts handmade by residents of the Village. The event also includes outdoor entertainment, games for children and a live nativity featuring Breckenridge Village residents. Breckenridge Village is a ministry of Baptist Child & Family Services for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Elso Garcia of Houston, a 1962 Howard Payne University graduate, received the José Rivas Distinguished Service Award during the university’s homecoming weekend. He was pastor of churches in Austin and Houston.

More than 180 men attended the fifth annual Robert L. Breckenridge men’s breakfast at Baptist Child & Family Services’ assisted living community in Tyler, Breckenridge Village. More than $50,000 in scholarship assistance was raised for Breckenridge Village residents.

Baylor University will begin its homecoming activities Oct. 16 with a 7 p.m. worship service in Waco Hall. Included in the numerous activities will be Singspiration, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at Seventh and James Baptist Church; homecoming parade, 8:30 a.m. Saturday; and the football game versus Iowa State University at 6 p.m. A full schedule of events is available here.

Buckner International will celebrate the opening of a new cottage at Buckner Family Pathways with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Oct. 18 at the Buckner campus at 5200 South Buckner Boulevard in Dallas. Kosmos Energy donated $250,000 to fund the construction of the new duplex home that will provide a safe haven for single-parent families seeking higher education in the Dallas area. Since it began in 2004, Buckner Family Pathways has supported more than 110 single-parent families in the Dallas area.

The last installment in a lecture series called “Faith and Freedom in the Lone Star State: Exploring the Religious History of Texas” will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Palladium, 729 Austin Avenue in Waco. The free lectures are sponsored by Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion. The lectures will be titled “The Fight is on in Texas: African-Americans in the Church of Christ,” presented by Edward Robinson, assistant professor of Bible and history at Abilene Christian University; and “Slavery, Civil War and Freedom: Texas Baptists in the Civil War Era, focusing on Baylor University and Waco University,” given by Michael Parrish, professor of American church history at Baylor University.

Hardin-Simmons University honored several alumni at homecoming events. Melinda Stricklin received the John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award. Sue Conley, Ivan Smith Jr. and Louanne Stephens were named distinguished alumni. Inducted into the HSU Athletics Hall of Fame were Todd Baumann, Jan Briggs, Kendra Hassell and the 2010 women’s soccer team.

The East Texas Baptist University debate team placed third at a debate tournament held at the University of Arkansas-Monticello. Competing against 10 other teams, it was ETBU’s second consecutive top-three finish.

Anniversary

Basilio Montez, 10th, as pastor of Iglesia Tierra Santa in Cameron.

Licensed

Carson Choy to the ministry at Belmore Baptist Church in San Angelo.

Revival

Blanconia Baptist Church, Blanconia; Oct. 20-23; evangelist, David Parks; pastor, David Mundine.

JAIL—Jesus Acts in Inmates Lives—will commemorate its 25th anniversary with a banquet at the Bell County Expo Center Oct. 24 at 6:15 p.m. Bill Glass, former National Football League player and founder of Champions for Life Ministries, will be the guest speaker. The banquet will honor Chaplain Harold Ellis, founding executive director of the Bell County JAIL ministry who died in 2002. JAIL volunteers provide ministry to Bell County prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims and their families. Steve Cannon is executive director. The banquet is open to the public, but reservations are required. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, call (254) 933-7569.

Buckner Child and Family Services will present a free foster care and adoption information meeting Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Buckner’s offices at 5200 Buckner Boulevard in Dallas. A Buckner representative will give an overview of foster care and adoption options in Texas, including foster-to-adopt, Waiting Texas Children and domestic infant adoption programs. International adoption options, through Buckner’s affiliate Dillon International, also will be discussed.  Email for information or a reservation to attend the meeting. 

The East Texas Christian Writers’ Conference will be held at East Texas Baptist University Oct. 25-26. Sponsored by the university’s School of Humanities, the conference will feature more than 20 presenters from a broad range of writing experiences. Don Piper, author of 90 Minutes in HeavenDon Piper, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, is the keynote speaker at the Friday evening banquet. The cost to attend Saturday’s conference sessions is $90 if registered by Oct. 18. Saturday’s sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. Late registration is $100, and the banquet will not be included. Saturday’s noon meal is not provided. Friday’s preconference workshops cost an additional $45 and begin at 3 p.m. Late preconference registration is $50. Student registration prior to Oct. 15 is $60. A juried writing contest for registered conference participants will be held with a $10 entry fee for each submission. Entries must be received by Oct. 15. For more information or to register, click here. 

Wayland Baptist University will hold Gold Rush, its preview day for high school and transfer students, Nov. 1-2. Activities include information sessions with the financial aid and admissions offices, as well as a volleyball match, pep rally and football game. Cost to attend is $15 per person and includes meals and admission to athletic events. For more information, click here. 

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s School of Music will present Handel’s Messiah Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Truett Auditorium. For free tickets, click here. 

A regional senior adult conference will be held Nov. 11 at First Baptist Church in Onalaska from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Baptist General Convention of Texas, Unity Baptist Association and Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association sponsor the event. Phil Lineberger, pastor of First Baptist Church in Sugarland is the guest speaker. Breakout sessions include creative ideas for senior adult ministry, bridging the gap between the needs of homebound adults and the ministry of the church, and end of life and Christian ethics. The cost is $5 and includes lunch.

Six Howard Payne University alumni will be honored during homecoming festivities Oct. 4-6. William Bates and Walter Haynie will be named distinguished alumni; S.L. Harris will serve as grand marshal; Robert Green II and Clifford McGuire will be named outstanding young graduates; and Leona Williams will be crowned Coming Home Queen.

Carol Woodfin, associate professor history at Hardin-Simmons University, has written An Experiment in Christian Internationalism: A History of the European Baptist Seminary.

Anniversaries

David Lowe, 30th, as associate minister of music/organist at First Baptist Church in Amarillo.

Mike Bryant, fifth, as youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Beeville, Oct. 16.

Ordination

Jackey Ferrell as a deacon at Peerless Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Oct. 6.

Event

The Southern Plainsmen will sing in concert at Waller Baptist Church in Waller Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken. Allen McClure is pastor.