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First Presbyterian Church of Bay City Pastors
First Presbyterian Church Website
:Photos courtesy of First
Presbyterian Church unless specified |
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Edmund C. Boaz Edmund C. Boaz was received into the Brazos Presbytery from Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston. He supplied the Brenham Church and held once a month services in a group of small churches from 1896 to 1899. He organized the Bay City and El Campo churches in 1898. He moved to Tennessee in 1900. Rev. E. C. Boaz Word was received here the latter past of last week announcing the death of Rev. E. C. Boaz in Kansas City. He was buried at Hillsdale, Kansas. Rev. Boaz was a former pastor of the Presbyterian church at this place and Narka.--The Mahaska Leader, Manaska, Kansas, October 18, 1907
Mary A. Boaz Mrs. Mary A. Boaz died at the Red Cross hospital, in Kansas City last Sunday, after an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Boaz was the widow of the late Rev. E. C. Boaz, who died in 1907. His daughter, Mrs. A. D. Morrison, died in 1908.
There are four children living—Mrs. A. J. Notestine, of Alabama, and
Mrs. J. E. Walker, Mr. John Boaz and Miss Thelma Boaz, of Kansas City.
Mrs. Boaz was a patient, loving Christian woman and left an influence
for good wherever she went and her death is a cause for mourning among
her large circle of friends around Hillsdale, where she had spent a
great deal of her time for the past ten years. She was born in Illinois
on February 7th, 1854, and was married to Rev. Boaz in 1874.
The remains were brought to Hillsdale Monday and the funeral was
conducted from the Presbyterian Church by Rev. Geo. Reynolds, pastor of
the First Presbyterian church, of Kansas City, assisted by Rev. W. H. H.
Young. The body was laid to rest beside that of her husband, in the
Hillsdale cemetery.--The Western Spirit, Paola, Kansas, December
31, 1909 |
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An Old El Campo Resident Passes Saturday, January 29, Judge by which title he was generally known, McDonald suffered a stroke of paralysis. As he, for several months, had been in delicate health, only recently being able to come down town, his friends believed from the start that this was but the beginning of the end. That but a few days, at most, must elapse before the spirit would take its departure from the feeble body that enshrouded it. The most skilled medical treatment and constant loving nursing was provided, yet all realized that nothing that could be done could stay the hand of the grim reaper more than a few days. Thursday evening, February 3rd, at 8:30, the unequal struggle ended and the spirit of a just man made perfect by the atoning blood of Christ passed into eternity to meet the maker; after years of service given to him in his life. William Graham McDonald was the son of Neil and Laura Keeler McDonald, born in Robinson County, North Carolina November 22, 1855. His parents moved to Texas at the close of the Civil war, locating near Fort Worth, his father being one of the pioneer preachers of the Presbyterian church. From here the family moved to Coryell county where the boyhood days of the deceased were spent. He received his college education in Virginia and his seminary training at Austin seminary, Texas, under Dr. Dabney, being the first graduate of that institution in 1885. September 20, 1887 he was married to Miss Sarah Ida Armour, who a few years ago preceded him in the great adventure. His first pastorate was at Lufkin, where he served for one year. He then took up the work at Homer. After a stay of four years with this church he went to Richmond, Ark., where he served for four years. In 1878 he came to this city and became the first pastor of the Presbyterian church of this city. While living here he also, for a while served the first church of Bay City. Several years ago he gave up the ministerial work and engaged in the practice of law. About 12 years ago he was elected justice of the peace in this precinct which office he held until about two years ago when he resigned on account of failing health. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. C. W. Dryden of Waller, Texas; Mrs. J. A. Blaker of Danbury, Texas; Mrs. L. C. Trousdale and Miss Myrtle McDonald of this city; two brothers, L. S. McDonald of Farmersville and Edward McDonald of Austin, and 3 grandsons. The funeral services were conducted at the Presbyterian church Friday evening, Rev. Dobbs officiating. The remains were then conveyed to the O. D. H. S. Cemetery where the ritualistic burial service of consigning dust to dust and ashes to ashes was recited by the local A. F. & A. M. of which deceased was a charter member. El Campo Citizen, February 11, 1921 [Rev. McDonald is buried at Garden of Memories in El Campo, Texas with Sarah, their four daughters and his mother.]
Sara Ida Armour McDonald Mrs. W. G. McDonald was born in Columbia, Brazoria county Texas on March 28, 1869, and died in the sanitarium at San Antonio, Texas April 15, 1914, at 7:45 A. M. Her maiden name was Sara Ida Armour and was the daughter of H. D. Armour. She was married September 20, 1887, to W. G. McDonald by Rev. E. D. Junkin of the First Presbyterian church in Houston. They lived a short time in Comanche, Texas, from there moving to Homer, Texas. Removing to Arkansas where they lived six years, they took up their residence in El Campo, Texas in the fall of 1898. Mrs. McDonald is survived by her husband and four daughters as follows: Mrs. L. C. Trousdale, Mrs. C. W. Dryden, and Misses Myrtle and Bessie McDonald. The El Campo Citizen, April 24, 1914 Rev. W. G. McDonald began on last Sunday night a series of Sunday night sermons on the study of the scripture.—Matagorda County Tribune, May 27, 1899
Rev. W. G. McDonald met his appointment here last Sunday and stated that
he would preach here again on the third Sunday of next month.—Matagorda
County Tribune, December 23, 1899 |
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George Wallace Story Wallace Story was born in New York, educated in California, and ordained Elder in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Los Angeles, California in 1883. He served the Hardy Street Presbyterian Church in Houston from 1894 until 1898. Rev. Story supplied Angleton and other churches in 1900 until 1904. And among those churches he was supplying were Bay City and El Campo, but in 1904, El Campo called him to be their pastor and he died there in 1914.
FUNERAL OF REV. G. W. STORY
TO BE HELD
TODAY The remains of the late Rev. G. W. Story, who died suddenly in Eagle Lake last Sunday, will arrive in Houston Thursday afternoon at 5:45 from his late home in El Campo, and will be removed immediately to the Westheimer Undertaking parlors, where a short service will be held, after which the body will be committed to the company vault to await preparation for final interment in Brooklyn, N. W., the former home of the deceased. Members of the Odd Fellows lodges of Houston will meet the remains at the Grand Central Depot and will accompany it to the undertaking rooms, where they will take the most prominent part in the services. The pallbearers will be as follows: A. T. Goodrich, D. M. Moody, J. H Rothwell, W. H. Ward, E. R. Parker and C. W. Heck. Short services will be held over the body at El Campo before it begins the journey to Houston. Dr. William States Jacob, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, will represent the Presbyterian Church at the service in Houston. A large number of other ministers and friends of the late minister are expected to be present. Owing to sickness in the family of the daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Alpha Leonard, of Freeport, Ill., she will not be able to attend the funeral, and only the widow and one son will be in attendance. Rev. Mr. Story was one of the best known ministers of Houston, having resided in this city for about twenty years, until two years ago, when he removed to El Campo. He was the founder of Hardy Street Presbyterian Church, and for eight years was its pastor. He was known as an energetic, vigorous and wise church worker and he built numerous Presbyterian churches in Brazoria, Matagorda, Wharton and Harris Counties. He took especial delight in this pioneer work, and was one of the moving forces in establishing the Presbyterian Church in South Texas counties. He was building a new church in Eagle Lake when suddenly stricken with death. The late minister was born in Brooklyn and at the time of his death was in the neighborhood of 80 years of age. In his earlier years he went to California and gave his ministry to the church in that State, after which he came to Houston and located.—Houston Post.
The Matagorda County Tribune, March 27, 1914 |
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Lawrence Elmer Selfridge was born in Missouri on a farm in 1871. At an early age, he moved to Texas. He attended Austin College in Sherman, and after graduation he moved to Victoria, Texas, and became a law clerk. While there, he met and married Emily Carlisle Stoner. Prior to this, he had decided to enter the ministry and as bride and groom they went to Clarksville, Tennessee, to the seminary. The seminary was later moved and became Columbia Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, he graduated there in 1898 and was ordained in Victoria, Texas. Rev. Selfridge accepted the call to this church in 1906 and it was during his ministry the church changed its direction (with the help of the 1909 hurricane. In 1910, a new manse was built at the corner of Fifth Street and Avenue I. The house is still there. A Manual of the First Presbyterian Church of Bay City was printed in 1914 listing 244 members . In December 1914, A. D. Thompson moved to Oklahoma, and in January 1915, the exodus of elders started — Mr. Hensley to Llano,Mr. McCullough to Mulvan, Kansas, Mr. Robbins to Freeport, Mr. J. W. Magill to Laramie, Wyoming. This left Mr. Mearns as the only elder. On May 30, 1915, the four new elders installed were W.C. Foulks, W. B. Martin, George B. Robertson and T. J. Poole, Sr. Rev. Selfridge moved to Temple, Texas in June 1917, and to San Antonio in January 1922. Here he became the Superintendent of Home Missions for Western Texas Presbytery. He passed away on Thanksgiving Day 1933 at the age of 62. He was buried in Victoria, Texas. Burial Rites For Dr. Selfridge To Be Here Saturday The last rites for Rev. Lawrence E. Selfridge, D. D., widely known Presbyterian minister of San Antonio and former Victoria, who died in San Antonio at 9 o’clock Thursday night, will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in this city at 2:30 o’clock Saturday afternoon. The funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio at 10 o’clock Saturday morning and will be conducted by Rev. P. B. Hill of that city. Rev. W. A. McLeod of Cuero, who last year succeeded Dr. Selfridge as moderator, and Dr. W. T. Riviere, local Presbyterian minister, will officiate at the cemetery. Dr. Selfridge came to Victoria during his young manhood and studied for the ministry under Rev. Robert L. Dabney, veteran Presbyterian minister and widely known Presbyterian professor. After completing his studies in theology he had a successful career as pastor of various Texas churches, including those in Beeville, Goliad, Coleman, Bay City and Temple. For more than ten years he had been superintendent of Home Missions for the Presbytery of Western Texas and…chosen moderator…Texas. Dr. Selfridge…the church in…capacities…many important…was one of the…ters in the…formerly…Miss Emily Stoner of this…[lower portion of article torn] Victoria Advocate, December 1, 1933 Rev. Selfridge Funeral Today News of the death in a San Antonio hospital yesterday of Rev. L. E. Selfridge, 62, superintendent of home missions for the West Texas Presbytery of the Southern Presbyterian Church, was received by Rev. James K. Thompson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mr. Selfridge and Rev. Mr. Thompson were classmates at Austin College in Sherman. In 1931, when the two branches of the Presbyterian Church had a joint conference in Fort Worth, Rev. M. Selfridge was chosen moderator of the Texas Presbyterian Synod, U. S. Funeral services will be held this morning at the First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio with Rev. P. B. Hill officiating, assisted by Rev. Brooks I. Dickie of McAllen. Interment will be at Victoria, with Rev. Will McLeod and Rev. W. Rivier officiating. Survivors are the wife, Mrs. Emily Stoner Selfridge; a daughter, Mrs. Will Morriss Jr.; two brothers, F. E. Selfridge of Okmulgee, Okla., and C. O. Selfridge of Good Hope, Ill., and three sisters, Mrs. W. R. Whiteside of Muskogee, Okla.; Miss Myra Selfridge of Knoxville, Tenn., and Mrs. J. R. Batts of Dallas. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, December 2, 1933
Emmie Stoner Selfridge Last rites for Mrs. Emmie Selfridge, about 60, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Will Morriss, in San Antonio Thursday at 11 a. m., were held from the home of M. D. Stoner, 1501 North Bridge Street, this afternoon at 3:30 o’clock. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Dr. W. T. Riviere officiating. The body arrived overland at 2 p. m. Pallbearers were W. D. Stoner, Jr., Thos. O’Connor, Jr., J. M. Pickering, J. H. Gervias, Wm. Crawford and T. M. Scott. Mrs. Selfridge was the wife of the late Rev. L. E. Selfridge, Presbyterian minister. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Stoner, decreased, of this city. Surviving are her daughter and two sisters, Mrs. Clyde Loper and Mrs. Harry Boyd of Dallas.
Victoria Advocate,
February 21, 1936 |
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Dr. G. T. Storey
After the war, his father came home crippled from a wound that had gone for days without medical attention, and the Storey family, like most of their neighbors had lost everything, so the years of hard work wrestling a bare living from the farm stretched ahead of them. At the age of 20 he was graduated from high school ; in 1875 he received his A. B. degree from the University of Mississippi, and graduated from Union Theological Seminary in 1878, high up in a class of 25. On April 14, 1878, he was ordained for the ministry, and that same year married Miss Sophia Beasley. When the youngest of their seven children was born, his wife died, and he left Mississippi to come to Texas. In 1893 he married Miss Theada Humphrys. They had two children, one of whom is our beloved Bess Yancey, born on her sister Mary's thirteenth birthday. His second wife died in 1899, leaving the father once more with a family of small children to be cared for. From his ministry at the Hardy Street Presbyterian Church in Houston, he came to the Bay City Church in 1917 where he preached until his retirement in 1932. He remained in Bay City until his death on October 28, 1940. His daughters, Mrs. Mary McClure and Mrs. J. D. Yancey, still live in Bay City, and Mrs. McClure's granddaughter Marsha Fetters, was married in the church her great-grandfather loved so well. How was one man able to do so much—keeping family together, providing a college education for those who wished it, seeing his own son follow in the footsteps of his minister father, and spiritually tending the flocks of his several congregations? His secret was to do a little every day not a great deal one week and little the next - have a time for work and a time for play. The greatest successes are made by people with character who have the will to keep on and on. His great philosophy was "I believe that the Scriptures are inspired. I believe in the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. I think the truth is in the Bible, and all my life I have studied the Bible and have considered myself a gospel preacher." With such a fine philosophy and a strong faith he lived a long and noble life.
Rev. G. T.
Storey Taken By Death Here Sunday The Reverend Granville T. Storey, D. D., 89, died at his home here on West 7th Street, Sunday at 6:15 a. m. He had been in retirement from the Presbyterian ministry since 1932. Prior to that he had served Bay City for 15 years and was pastor of Hardy Street Presbyterian Church in Houston from 1904 to 1917. Reverend Storey was born on a plantation in Green County, Alabama, September 6, 1851. He received his early training in Smith County, Mississippi and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1875. He graduated from the Graduated Union Theological Seminary of Virginia in 1878. He was ordained a minister by the Presbytery of Central Mississippi, April 14, 1878. He served in the ministry 54 years. He married Miss Sophia Louise Beazley at Houston, December 9, 1878. To this union eight children were born, six of whom are living. After the death of his first wife, he married Miss Theada M. Humphreys of ___ington, Virgina, May 18, 1893. Two children, both of whom are living, were born to this union. Dr. Storey spent the first part of his ministerial life in Mississippi. He moved to Texas in 1892 and served the pastorates of San Angelo, Wills Point, Farney. He was active in the work of his Presbytery and Home Missions during most of his ministry. He was widely known, respected and beloved. People of this community, whether of his denomination or not received Christian blessings and help from him. He carried into his daily life the teachings which he himself carefully and talentedly taught to others. Dr. Storey is survived by four daughters: Mrs. Daniel P. Smith of Redland, California; Mrs. Wm. E. Ramsey of Houston, Mrs. J. M. McClure and Mrs. J. D. Yancey of Bay City; and four sons: A. B. (Lon), of Houston, Reverend Charlton Storey of Wilmington, North Carolina; S. L. of Oakland, Cal.; D. C. of Long Beach, California; fifteen grandchildren; one brother, W. A. of Wesson, Miss.; two sisters, Mrs. R. G. Hallum of Brownwood and Mrs. Etta Hildebrand of Amarillo, Texas. The Daily Tribune, October 28, 1940
Dr. Storey Dies at Home In Bay City Dr. Granville T. Storey, 89, who retired from the Presbyterian ministry in 1932 after serving 54 years, died at 6:15 o’clock Sunday morning at his home here. Dr. Storey was pastor of the Hardy Street Presbyterian Church in Houston from 1904 until 1917, when he accepted the call from the First Presbyterian Church here. He was pastor of the church until he retired at the age of 81. The minister was born in Green County, Alabama. He was graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1875, and from the Union Theological Seminary in Virginia in 1878. He was ordained by the presbytery of Central, Mississippi, on April 14, 1878. Dr. Storey came to Texas in 1892, serving churches in San Angelo, Wills Point, Forney, Houston, and Bay City. He was president of the Spears Langford Military Institute at Searcy, Arkansas, from 1896 until 1899. Funeral services were held at 3:30 o’clock Monday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Cedarvale Cemetery. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Daniel P. Smith of Redlands, California, Mrs. William E. Ramsay of Houston, Mrs. J. M. McClure and Mrs. J. D. Yancy of Bay City; four sons, A. B. Storey of Houston, Dr. Charlton H. Storey of Wilmington, N. C., S. L. Storey of Oakland, California, and D. C. Storey of Long-Beach, California; two sisters, Mrs. R. G. Hallum of Brownwood and Mrs. Etta Hildebrand of Amarillo; a brother, W. A. Storey of Wesson, Massachusetts, and fifteen grand-children. The Herald, Bay City, October 31, 1940
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Ernest Frank Deutsch
The next five years were not easy ones. He was married when he came to the University and Seminary and had a family to support as well as keep up with his studies. He proved equal to the situation and was graduated in 1932 from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree and from the Seminary with a bachelor of divinity degree. His formal education did not stop with these two degrees. He was one of the first earners of a Masters degree in theology from Austin Seminary. This was in 1950. He was licensed as a probationer for the Gospel ministry by the Presbytery of Brazos on April 17, 1930 and was ordained by the same body-in May, 1931. The kind of man he was is indicated by the fact that he was called to serve his home church and the churches of Eagle Lake and Garwood, Texas while a student in the University and Seminary. In 1932 he accepted a call from the First Presbyterian Church of Bay City, Texas. This marked the beginning of a long, happy and affectionate pastorate. The church grew to become one of the largest and strongest Presbyterian Churches in a smaller city in the southland. A building program was carried to a successful completion. His work among the men of the community and the church meant a great deal to many people. While serving the Bay City church as pastor he was called on many times by other churches and pastors to lead evangelistic services. In his own church evangelism characterized his preaching and program of the church. His effectiveness as an evangelist did not pass unnoticed. In October, 1949 the Synod of Texas called him to become the Director of Evangelism for the Synod of Texas. It was a good call for all concerned. It gave him an opportunity to express his abilities by doing the work of an evangelist himself and encouraging others to do it also and it put an emphasis on the church's program that was needed. After more than two years in this type of work which was a terrific drain on his strength and kept him from his family for extended periods of time, he accepted a call from the John Knox Church in Dallas, he carried on the work of an evangelist pastor of that church. In September, 1953 he accepted a call from the First Presbyterian Church of Mission, Texas. Evangelism and his work with the men of the church and the community continued to be highlights of his ministry. This is not to say that he neglected other aspects of his responsibility as a pastor but these were distinguishing features of his ministry. It was under his leadership that the Mission Church built its present sanctuary, education building, fellowship hall and manse. While serving the Mission Church the then president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, visited the Rio Grande Valley to have a part in the dedication of Falcon Dam. President Eisenhower was in the Valley over a Sunday and as was his custom attended church. The Church he attended that morning was the First Presbyterian Church of Mission, Texas. The last few years of his work in Mission were carried on under great difficulties. His health was failing and upon the advice of his physician he resigned as pastor of the Mission Church, on January 15, 1965 and was honorably retired from the active ministry. On January 4, 1926 he and Lydia Sebesta were united in marriage. Three children were born to them, Royce Ernest, Marcy Jean (now Mrs. D. G. Holcomb of Bay City, Texas) and Robert Lewis. After his retirement he and Mrs. Deutsch moved back to Caldwell. For a while his health seemed to improve then he became seriously ill and was taken to a hospital in Houston where he died May 31, 1965. Ernest Deutsch was an evangelist. He was a herald of the good tidings of God's love in Jesus Christ. Evangelism in the thinking and faith of Rev. Deutsch had a theological basis. He preached the great biblical doctrines of sin, repentance, faith grace and salvation to the accompaniment of love, that grew out of his experience of God's love for him and that expressed itself in his love for his Lord and for people. He took the Apostle Paul's injunction to do the work of an evangelist seriously.
Ernest F. Deutsch Caldwell—Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church here for Rev. Ernest F. Deutsch, long-time pastor of the First Presbyterian Church died Monday in a Houston hospital. The minister served the Mission church for 11 years before retiring in January of this year and moving to Caldwell. Mission Elders Weeks Martin, Roscoe Watkins, Robert Howell, Leroy Buescher, Bobby Brewer, W. H. Johnson, Ira Bird and Jasper Redmond will be pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. Survivors include the widow, Lydia; two sons, Royce and Robert Deutsch, both of Houston; a daughter, Mrs. Denny Holcomb of Bay City; and eight grandchildren. The Monitor, McAllen Texas, June 1, 1965
Caldwell—Lydia Marie Deutsch, 79, of Caldwell died at her residence early Thursday. Services will be at 2 p. m. Saturday in First Presbyterian Church in Caldwell with the Rev. Walter Lazenby Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Caldwell Masonic Cemetery. Phillips-Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Deutsch, born in Burleson County, had moved back to Caldwell 19 years ago. She was a homemaker and a member of First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Royce E. Deutsch, Robert L. Deutsch, both of Houston; a daughter, Jean Holcomb of Sweeny; two sisters, Annie Pertl of Caldwell, Vlasta Wolff of Beaumont; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Bryan-College Station Eagle, April 6, 1984
Marker Photos courtesy of
Find A Graave volunteer Gail Davis
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Dr. John William Lancaster
Dr. Lancaster married the former Helen Landolt in 1958. They have four daughters: Elizabeth, who will graduate from Southwestern in Memphis, Tennessee in the spring of 1973; Lynn who is a junior at the University of Texas; and Christiana and Lee who attend school in Houston. Dr. Lancaster, one of the most beloved ministers in the history of Bay City, can take credit for several "firsts". It was during his service that the Christmas Tableau using real people and live animals was begun in Bay City, He also instituted the setting aside by farmers of a certain amount of land for the Lord and the income from this land was put into a building fund which was started while he was pastor. Children especially loved "Jack" as they affectionately called him. No Sunday passed that he could not be found standing at the entrance of the Sunday School rooms greeting each child by name. His friends and admirers are numbered among those of all denominations; his influence in the community was felt by all.
During Dr. Lancaster's time in Bay City a young couple’s class known as
the Three Ms was organized and it was this group under his leadership
that organized a mission church at Old Ocean. The work there grew, a
building was moved to a site in Old Ocean, and the Old Ocean
Presbyterian Church, the forerunner of the Sweeny Presbyterian Church
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Dr. Albert Thomas Dyal
Born in Topeka, Kansas, he graduated from high school there. He joined the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1927 and participated in the first mass parachute jump of the U. S. in 1928. He married Jane Walker Bates in Beeville in 1932. Dr. Dyal received his B. A. from the University of Texas and his Masters Degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1934. He served pastorates in Coahoma, Odessa, Fort Stockton, and Mission. He served as Chaplain during World War II for the 327th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Camp Claiborne, La. and for the Reception Center at Camp Beauregard, La., attaining the rank of Captain. He served as pastor at Bryan for ten years, during which time he became permanent chaplain of Texas A & M University Conferences. He accepted a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Austin College in 1952. In the fall of 1953, Dr. Dyal conducted services here and in 1954, he accepted the call of this congregation.. While in Bay City, he was an active civic leader; was a Rotarian (serving as District Governor); acted as Master of Ceremonies of the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet for ten years; served the Ministerial Alliance, and was Chairman of the United Fund in 1956. He served as County chairman of the Red Cross in both Brazos and Matagorda Counties, and as District Chairman of the Boy Scouts in Brazoria, Robertson and Matagorda Counties. Tom and Ione had three children; Rev. A. T. Dyle, Jr., who died while serving the church at Alvin; William W. Dyal, now living in Atlanta, Georgia; and Mrs. M. E. (Grace) Saucier, who now makes her home in Bay city and is a member of this church. From Bay City, Dr. Dyal went to to Donna, Texas, where he served until his retirement in 1972. Tom and Ione now make their home in Beeville, Texas.
Dr. A. T. Dyal Beeville—Dr. A. T. Dyal, a retired Army chaplain and Presbyterian minister, died late yesterday in a local hospital. He was an Army chaplain from 1935 to 1943 and had served churches in Mission, Bryan and Bay City before retiring in 1968. He moved to Beeville in 1972. Survivors include his wife, Ione; one daughter, Mrs. M. E. (Grace) Saucier of Bay City; one son, William Warren Dyal of Atlanta, Ga., and four grandchildren. Galloway and Sons Funeral Home.--Corpus Christi Times, January 9, 1976 Dr. Dyal Funeral services for Dr. A. T. Dyal, 72, formerly of Bryan, were held Jan. 10 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beeville. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery in Beeville. Dr. Dyal was born in Topeka, Kan., Oct. 10, 1903. Dr. Dyal received his Doctor of Divinity degree at Austin College in Sherman, Tex. in 1952. He was also a graduate student at A&M in 1947. Dyal, who was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church in 1934, was a Rotarian, a Mason and had been Brazos County Chairman of the American Red Cross and district chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. Survivors include his wife, Ione Walker Bates of Beeville; one son, William Warren Dyal of Atlanta; one daughter, Mrs. M. E. “Grace” Saucier; and four grandchildren.--Bryan-College Station Eagle, January 14, 1976 Dr. Dyal Dies Dr. A. T. Dyal, Beeville, former resident of Bay City, died Jan. 8 in the Beeville Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Dyal was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City from 1954-1968. He retired from the ministry after leaving Bay City. He was quite prominent in community activities and was past District Governor of Rotary Club. Dyal was pastor of several Texas churches including the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan before coming to Bay City. He was a graduate of the University of Texas and Austin Seminary and obtained his Doctor of Divinity Degree from Austin College. He is survived by his widow, Ione of Beeville; one son, William of Atlanta and a daughter, Mrs. M. E. Saucier of Bay City. Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 10 at 4 p. m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Beeville. The Daily Tribune, January 9?, 1976
Ione Bates Dyal, 85, of Bay City passed away March 24, 1997 at Matagorda House in Bay City. She was born June 14, 1911 in Big Springs to Joseph Warren and Grace Conklin Bates. Her husband, Dr. A. T. Dyal, Sr., served as minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City from 1954 to 1968. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Merrick Saucier of Bay City; by a son and daughter-in-law, William W. and Marguerite Dyal of Atlanta, Georgia; by four grandchildren, Richard Saucier, Brooke Saucier, Karen Prince and Tom Dyal and by two great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, March 26, 1997 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Rev. Sam Stele officiating. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p. m. Thursday, March 27, 1997 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beeville, Texas with Rev. Bruce Fisher and Rev. Dave Gallaher officiating. Burial will follow at the Glenwood Cemetery in Beeville. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.
The Daily Tribune,
March 25, 1997 |
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Wayne H. Sebesta
In 1960, Wayne accepted the call of this church to be Assistant Pastor. His duties were to be in music and education and he served until 1964. He was a talented organist and very popular with the youth of the church. Rev. Sebesta became Associate Director of Christian Education of Brazos Presbytery in 1964 and served at Cho Yen until 1968. Though he was a bachelor while in Bay City, he married Leila Beard in 1967, and they have three children; Jay, Mark and Linda. Rev. Wayne Sebesta is now Minister of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church, Port Arthur, Texas and is the current Moderator of Gulf Coast Presbytery.
Wayne Sebesta Wayne Sebesta, 81, of Port Arthur went to be with the Lord on October 19, 2013 at Cypress Glen home in Port Arthur. He was born August 11th, 1932 in Bryan Texas to Ed and Laura Sebesta. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Leila and his brother Charles. He is survived by his brother Murray, his 3 children, Jay Beard, Mark Beard and Linda Beard Holtel, 5 grand-children and 5 great-grandchildren. Wayne was raised attending First Presbyterian Church in Bryan Texas. His parents gave him the best foundation for life that one can receive - a life based on God's word, faith in Jesus and to live a life devoted to serving Him. This is the foundation and legacy that he and his wife have lived and passed on to their family. After growing up in Bryan he attended Austin College receiving a master's degree in music. He continued his education at Austin Theological Seminary and received his degree in Master of Divinity, thus choosing ministry as his full time calling. He began his career as a Presbyterian minister in a small church in Marietta Oklahoma, followed by pastoring in a church in Bay City Texas. He was the organist, which was one of his passions, as well as the pastor. Moving to Livingston Texas he became Director of Cho-Yeh Presbyterian Camp and served there for 4 years. Port Arthur became the family's next home in 1968, as Wayne began his job as Minister of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church. He dedicated his efforts to all aspects of Christian education, especially youth programs. He also assumed pastoral duties within the larger congregation. He will be remembered as a gifted teacher and preacher, devoted to helping others deepen their knowledge and faith in Christ. In 1978 Wayne and Leila moved to Denver Colorado as he began his new position as Leadership Development of the Synod of the Rocky Mountains, followed by the position of Executive of Boulder Presbytery. He then returned to beloved Port Arthur in 1993 to live out his retirement years. Wayne loved to travel and see the world and continued with his journeys up until his last months. Wayne's final years were lived at Cypress Glen Nursing Home where he was active in the resident council as well as many activities and was an encouragement to so many residents and workers. His love for God continued to shine through as he shared his faith, joy, optimism and gratitude with others. Even in his last days he comforted us, his family with these words, "I know you will be sad but don't be sad for me because I'll be in the arms of Jesus". A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Procter Baptist Church, 4401 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur, Texas with Dr. Rick Erwin officiating. Melancon Levingston Funeral Home
Leila Nease Beard Sebesta Groves—Services for Leila Nease Beard Sebesta, 68, of Port Arthur will be 10 a. m. Saturday at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Port Arthur. The Rev. Mike Cole will officiate. Graveside services will be 4 p. m Saturday in the City of College Station Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 – 6 p. m. Friday at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Mrs. Sebesta died Wednesday at her home. She was a native of Savannah, Ga., and lived in Port Arthur from 1968 -1978 and returned there in 1993. Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Wayne H. Sebesta of Port Arthur; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph “Jay” and Leslie Beard of Fullerton, Calif., and Mark and Vicki Beard of Nederland; one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Michael Holtel of Vista, Calif.; and seven grandchildren. Memorials can be made to the Wayne H. and Leila N. Sebesta Endowed Scholarship Fund, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E 27th St., Austin, Texas, 78705, or to Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 1645 Jefferson Dr., Port Arthur, Texas, 77641.
Bryan-College Station Eagle,
April 5, 1996 |
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Joseph R. Cooper Joseph R. Cooper grew up in Ashville, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. He came to Texas in 1948. Rev. Cooper graduated from Austin College -- B. A. He attended Austin and Princeton Theological Seminaries. Joe served pastorates at Waskom and Uvalde. He served as Minister of Youth at First Church, Dallas, and Faith Presbyterian Church, Pasadena. Rev. Joe Cooper was called to be Associate Pastor of this church in the Fall of 1966, and served in that capacity for three years. Joe and "Beezie" had three children: Robert Glenn, Carol Lang, & Marie Elizabeth.
In 1969, Joseph R. Cooper received an honorary D. D. from the Geneva
Theological College. That fall he accepted a call from St. Mark's
Presbyterian Church at San Angelo and is now serving there. |
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William Daniel O’Neal
In 1947, he entered Louisiana Tech and was graduated in 1951 with a B. A. degree. Answering a call to the gospel ministry as a candidate from Red River Presbytery, he entered Columbia Seminary in 1951. Upon graduation in 1954, he accepted a call to be assistant minister at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, Alabama, where he remained for over two years. A new church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Broadmoor Presbyterian, called him in 1956 to be its first pastor. In 1969, Rev. O’Neal answered the call of First Presbyterian Church, Bay City, Texas. Mr. O’Neal has been active in all levels of the work of the Presbyterian Church, serving on the Assembly’s Men’s Council; Chairman of Christian Education, Synod of Louisiana; on the Board of Directors Evergreen Presbyterian Vocational School; twice as moderator of Louisiana Presbytery; on the Commission of the Minister and His Work in Louisiana, South Texas and Brazos Presbyteries, and on many other committees and commissions. On the ecumenical level, Bill has served as President of the Baton Rouge and Bay City Ministerial Associations and as a member of the Texas CROP Board of Directors. Always civic minded he has been a member of the Lions, Exchange and Rotary Clubs. Other civic commitments have been Community Advancement, Inc., Baton Rouge, and Bay City Day Care Center. In 1973 he was elected .a director of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce. In 1960, Rev. O'Neal traveled extensively in Brazil visiting mission work there. In 1972 he visited the missions in Zaire, formerly the Belgian Congo, Africa.
Mr. O'Neal is married to the former Dorothy Campbell of Biloxi. They
have two children, David and Donald. |
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Frank Seaman 1978 - 1986 |
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The Rev. Dr. C. Linwood Cheshire, Jr.
Rev. Dr. C. Linwood Cheshire, Jr., 91, of 714 Engleman Ave., Burlington,
died at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011,
after a brief illness.
Rich & Thompson Funeral & Crematory Service, Burlington, North Carolina |
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David Duncan 1987 - 1992
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Alan Anderson Interim Pastor 1992 - 1993 |
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Todd A. Collier 1994 - 1996
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Sam W. Steele 1997 - 2002
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Tracey Williams 2006
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John Pope
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Dr. Mark W. Stoub 2010 - 2015
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Charley Shurtz 2021 -
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Lawrence Elmer Selfridge 
Born in 1851 on a
plantation in Greene County, Alabama, Dr. Storey was taken by his
parents to a farm in Mississippi while he was still a child. A few years
after the family had moved, the father was called to war, so that young
Storey was left, a boy of 15, to look after his mother and several young
children.
Ernest Frank Deutsch was born in Caldwell, Texas, November 27, 1906. He
was a son of Fred and Mary Krenek Deutsch. He grew to manhood and
attended the public schools in that community. After graduating from
high school he worked for several years. During this time his increasing
interest in the church and his love for his Lord were leading him to
decide that God was calling him to become a minister of the Word and the
sacraments. He terminated his business affairs in the summer of 1927 and
enrolled in the University of Texas and Austin Presbyterian Theological
Seminary that Fall.
In 1950, John William Lancaster came to the First Presbyterian Church of
Bay City which was his first ministry. Other pastorates include First
Southern Presbyterian Church of Austin and First Presbyterian of
Houston, where .he presently ministers. Dr. Lancaster is a native of
Dallas where he completed his public school work, and after graduation
attended Austin College in Sherman from which he was granted a
bachelor's degree in 1947. During World War II he served in the Navy
three and one half .years. After graduation from Austin College, Dr.
Lancaster went on to Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia,
graduating from there in 1950 just before coming to Bay City. His
further degrees include a Master of Theology which he earned at Austin
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin and a Doctor of Divinity
which was awarded to him by Austin College in 1960.
Dr. Albert Thomas Dyal
served this church as pastor for more than 14 years, from 1954 until
1968.
A native of Bryan, Texas Wayne H. Sebesta graduated from Austin College
and Austin Theological Seminary. He served a pastorate at Marietta,
Oklahoma, from 1957 until 1960.
William Daniel O’Neal was born in 1930 in Bastrop, Louisiana, the son of
Rev. and Mrs. D. L. O’Neal. He attended the public schools in Bastrop
and Homer, Louisiana, and in Zion Community, Tennessee.
