MOUNT PILGRIM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

By Vera Rugeley King & Mary Belle Ingram

The story of the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church membership began prior to the earliest recorded history–on the bank of Caney Creek, during a journey through slavery. During the earliest period slaves who could, gathered to worship in their quarters or under trees. In addition, homecomers have contended that prior to 1885, a log cabin was used for church. The founding fathers of Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church had a zest for living. The Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church’s founding fathers or their ancestors were residence of the plantations along Lower Caney. Slaves came from far and near, to include from the Hudgins Settlement through the Lynville Community, the Buckner’s Prairie area and the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church area.

           
December 3, 1885, Annie Warren Rugeley and her husband Edward Rugeley sold the one-tract to Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. It is situated on County Road 151, about eleven miles from Bay City, Texas and about one mile off County Road 457. The property is part of the William Rabb League, which was part of the Warren Plantation, on approximately 4,500 acres of land on Caney granted by the Mexican government. Maria L. Warren, Annie Warren’s ancestor, initially acquired 275 acres of the Caney Plantation and subsequently acquired other acreage because of crop mortgages and sales of real and human properties by other plantation owners.

           
The Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church was built in 1885, under the leadership of Reverend Anthony Morton/Martin (1825 -  ?) and rebuilt, by Lark Boone, in 1909. Later improvements of the structure included being elevated by blocks, then plates under the blocks. During and subsequent to this time deacons included: Farris Morton (Martin), Josh Morton (Martin), Mack Dillingham, Johnny Morton (Martin), Jon Robins and James Harrison while Deacon Josh Martin and Elizabeth Wren-Griggs were secretaries.

           
Some founding or earlier members were: Mack Dillingham (born in 1865), John Johnson, Spencer Robins, Deacon Bill Wiley, Deacon Farris Morton (Martin), Jim Harkless, Josh Morton (Martin), Dec. Johnny Morton (Martin), Dec. Isaac Rugeley, Ed Baldridge, Wonder Farris, Maddie Hudgins, Green Farris (born in 1842) and Francis Sidney. Also earlier members, included: Millie Crawford-Wiley, Lucy Crawford, Emma Robins, Erma Martin, Jon Robins?, Willie Thompson, Charlotte Gray, Mr. Benton Thomas Richardson and Mrs. Delia Anne Boney-Richardson, Naomi Richardson-Bouldin, Linnie McHenry-Roberts ( ____ - 1956) , Mr. and Mrs. (Bud) Edison (Claritha), Samuel Johnson, Melinda Morton (Martin), Idella Boone, Rev. J. A;. (Butler) Wren, Victoria Webb-Rugeley, Vonnie McCall, Al Sidney, Sam Peters, Mitchell Hanks, Roberta and Spencer Power, Vance Harkless, Gertrude Derrick, Olivia Boone, Samuel L. Rugeley, Andrew Rugeley, Beatrice Rugeley-Woods, Roosevelt Rugeley, Rose Lee Rugeley-Boone, Daisy Bell Scott-Rugeley, Arthur Taylor, Texana Dillingham-Taylor, Elizabeth Wren-Griggs, Sophie Farris-Green, Wesley Griggs, Robert Green, …, and Eddie Jones.

           
During the era 1885-1950: (1) the missionary founder, Sister Melinda Morton (Martin) led the missionary sisters in obtaining resources to dig a water well; (2) the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church also served as a school; (3) at the age of 12, in 1899, Samuel L. Rugeley, confessed Christ, preached his first sermon, was ordained a minister by Reverends John Henry, J. A. Wren and Ed Baldridge; subsequently he received the title B.th, D.D. and was later named pastor of the Live Oak Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas; (4) the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church became a member of the South Texas District Association, in early 1920; (5) Roosevelt Rugeley and Daisy Bell Scott united in holy matrimony, December 1932; and (6) the church was the site used for the funeral service for Thomas Hudgins, descendent of Ino and Tom Hudgins. Following the homegoing of Reverend Anthony Morton (Martin), successive pastors included Reverends: John Henry, born in 1852; J. A. (Butler) Wren (passed in 1955/1956); Ed Baldridge; and G. L. Stewart, who served as pastor until about November 1949.

           
Memories passed through generations and recounted on numerous homecoming celebrations, to include October 21, 1983, told of the Christian fellowship at Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church among slaves, former slaves and descendants, some of whom had traveled long distances, by walking or riding in wagons. In spite of the distance traveled, when within hearing distance of the voices of their Christian brothers and sisters, they would hasten their pace. Individuals came to church early and spent the day. During revival days and nights the building and grounds were filled with both those had had confessed Christ as well as those who had not.

           
According to Mrs. Cody Crawford-Harkless, the church too was used as a school. She attended the Mount Pilgrim Church School through the fourth school day of the 1922-23 school year. Teachers of the church school, from 1905-1922 were: Mrs. Benton Thomas Richardson and Mrs. Delia Anne Boney-Richardson, Mrs. Lydia (Linnie) McHenry-Roberts, and Mrs. Mary McHenry-Duncan. That the Mount Pilgrim Church’s building was used as a school is also evident by information given to me, Vera C. Rugeley, (October 21, 1983, the 98th Homecoming Celebration), by Mrs. Naomi Bouldin, the daughter of one of its earlier teachers. She contended that Mrs. B. T. Richardson was the church school’s first teacher. Mrs. Naomi Richardson-Bouldin, a teacher in Matagorda County, indicates that she attended “a small school on Caney, Mount Pilgrim, that was taught by her mother until the family moved to Bay City in July of 1909.” Mrs. Mod Boone, mother of Erma Boone-Stevens, taught at Mount Pilgrim Church School. The document, “Matagorda County School Census 1894 and 1895 State of Texas” lists the names of 87 students who attended the Mount Pilgrim Community Church School during this time period.

           
According to Rachel Jenkins, in 1904, a one-teacher Mount Pilgrim school served forty-nine black students, and in 1917 Mount Pilgrim was one of at least nine black schools, all teaching four grades, in what was then school district number one, known as the Sexton district. Though the districting changed, the Mount Pilgrim school still existed in 1927, when it had seven grades. By 1937 records were no longer available for the Mount Pilgrim School, which may have been consolidated with that of Van Vleck. A 1952 map shows the Mount Pilgrim Church, a Williams Cemetery located a third of a mile to the southeast, and widely dispersed dwellings, most of them abandoned. The Mount Pilgrim Church was labeled on the 1989 county highway map.

           
The continued decline in area residence and the growth of area communities resulted in the decline in the church membership. Reverend G. (Guy) L. Stewart announced, November 1949, to the congregation that God had called him to pastor another church and thus his last sermon at Mount Pilgrim Church. He then accepted the pastoralship of a Baptist Church in Freeport.

           
The second era in the spiritual life of the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church followed the departure of Reverend G. L. Stewart. For the next nearly twelve months, the deacons: Andrew Rugeley, Arthur Taylor and Roosevelt Rugeley, with the assistance of the South Texas District Association, sought a new pastor. An invitation was extended to Reverend A. D. Davis of Houston, Texas, to conduct services. There was a temporary split in the membership between those who desired Reverend Davis as pastor and those who did not.

           
Three key events that happened during this period were: (1) the church remained active in the South Texas District Association, organized August 1893; (2) Sister A. D. Davis united as a member of the church; and (3) Wesley Griggs was voted deacon of the church. Elizabeth Wren-Griggs remained the church secretary.

           
During the third era, October 15, 1950 through June 29, 1978, Reverend Willie S. Volbaum entered the history of the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, in response to a letter he received from Rev. J. B. Brown of Sweeny, Texas. This letter stated that the church desired him to come the third Sunday, November 1950, to conduct the church services. Rev. Volbaum answered the call and carried out the teaching and preaching during November and December 1950. He later received a letter stating that he had been called as pastor. He was described as a Christian gentleman, a preacher by calling of God, a son by adoption, and a Christian by regeneration. He stood boldly and told everyone that there is a reality in serving a true and living God, that there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun; and that Christ Jesus lives today.

           
The Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church continued to do charity work at home and in adjacent communities. The two ordinances were observed. Twenty souls were called and baptized.  The dead were buried, couples married, and the sick consoled–both physically and spiritually, as well as monetarily.

           
Brother Collis Rugeley, the first candidate for baptism, was baptized, May 20, 1951, was called to the ministry, made his acknowledgement, and preached his first sermon, July 3, 1966. Brother Roosevelt Rugeley, as ordained deacon, September 16, 1956; and played a leadership role in the acquisition of the half-acre cemetery tract, February 1967. In addition, the church organized its first choir under the leadership of M. L. Rockeymore, from Houston, Texas. Following his death, Ethel Dawson was the pianist for a short period. Subsequently, Luvina Rugeley-Bone served as pianist and led the group, the Rugeley Singers.

           
With the services of a contractor, L. B. Litzler, in 1970, the church’s structure was enhanced to include a choir room, pastor’s study and restrooms for women and men. The church made other improvements to include: furnishing for the pastor’s study, a chair stand, a piano, a new pulpit, pulpit chairs, and carpet runner on the floor. Through the leadership of brothers Roosevelt and Collis Rugeley, gas heaters replaced the wood heater, electric lights replaced gas kerosene lanterns, and additions were made, to include: windows and window screens, cement steps, an electric pump, a speaker’s stand and a non-attached room for serving prepared food.

           
The membership was creative when dramatizing biblical stories and celebrating religious holidays, Christmas and Easter. The oldest relics include: seven glasses used to take Communion, three ribbons, a wick that was used in one of three lanterns and a handmade cross. Also a First Quarter 1955 Sunday School Class Roll of Attendance, lists the following names: Adult Class – Elizabeth Wren-Griggs, Wesley Griggs, Collis Rugeley, Daisy Bell Scott-Rugeley (Superintendent), Roosevelt Rugeley, Wallace Rugeley, Arthur Tayor (teacher) and Texana Taylor; Intermediate Class – Lauretta C. Volbaum (teacher), Vera Clarissa Rugeley, Clifford Lee Rugeley; Junior Class – Wilma Jean Clay and Eddie Marie Fields; Primary Class – Lurtha Ann Holmes, Veree Tone and Clyde Lee Mayberry; Beginners Class – Davis Gene Clay, Tone Thomas and Juanita ________.

           
Sister Lauretta Coleman-Volbaum was founder of the Baptist Young People Union (BYPU), in 1951/1952, and was named President of the Women Mission from the early 1950 until being named President of Women Mission One of the South Texas District Association in ______. Sis. Texana Taylor was then named president of the Mount Pilgrim Women Mission. Sister Daisy Bell Scott-Rugeley was named Superintendent of the Sunday School in the late 1940s. Following the tenure of Deacon Arthur Taylor, Dec. Andrew Rugeley, Sis. Texana Taylor and Sis. L. C. Volbaum served in succession as Adult Sunday School teachers during this era. The Benevolent Funds Treasurers were: Deacon Andrew Rugeley, Sis. Texana Taylor and Sis. Vera C. Rugeley. The church treasurer was Deacon Roosevelt Rugeley.

           
During the fourth era of the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church the pastor was Collis Rugeley (11/19/78 – 11/26/99) and Roosevelt Rugeley served as Assistant Pastor (11/26/99 – 7/27/00). Sunday School teachers were Sis. L. C. Volbaum, Deacon Samuel Thomas and Deacon Clifford L. Rugeley, also church treasurer. Sunday School Superintendent was Sis. Daisy B. Scott-Rugeley. Sisters L. C. Volbaum, Vera C. King and Johnnie Mae Thomas were treasuerers of the Benevolent Funds, while church treasurers were Deacon Roosevelt Rugeley and Vera C. King. The Deacons were: Samuel Thomas, Clifford L. Rugeley and Andrew Rugeley.

           
Special events included: (1) the laying of the Corner Stone, September 19, 1976, by Lodge #206, Felton Hayes, with special services by the late Reverend L. E. Brown, Pastor of First Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Houston, Texas; (2) annual week long revivals; and (3) designation of special days (Church Homecoming, Women Day–Fifth Sundays, Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Children Day). Sisters Lauretta Coleman-Volbaum and Johnnie Mae Thomas spearheaded these initiatives. The 100th year Anniversary and Homecoming celebration, November 10, 1985, lists the names of descendants of former members. Also, the Constitution and Religious Tax Exempt Status was filed May 2, 1989; and Edward and Vera King named God parents, June 6, 1991, for Lauren Chantelle Johnson. In addition, the church featured artifacts in the August 25 through September 20, 1992 Matagorda County Museum – “Africa in the Americas: Black Slaves in Spanish and Portuguese Realms of the New World” & “Black Church History in Matagorda County”, Anne W. Goda, Director.

           
The Matagorda County African American Historical Society (MCAAHS) cleaned and held its August 3, 2002, meeting at The Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church; and on August 31, 2002, the group indexed the cemetery. It was one of seven churches visited on Heritage Day Pilgrimage, Tour Along Caney Creek, Saturday, April 26, 2003, by the Matagorda County Historical Commission, Deean Griffith, Chairman. February 22, 2003 the church was presented a Certificate in Recognition as a Life Member of MCAAHS, Blanche Johnson, Secretary and Thelma D. Smith, President. The Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church was part of a featured article “The Bells”, by Mary Belle Ingram in the Tribune, January 25, 2004. Historically, the ringing of the bell was symbolic of the beginning of service or the death of a church member or resident. The church’s cemetery, 1-276A, has been rated “High” on the “Cemeteries Listed on Survey” in Precinct #1.

           
Much of the church’s history is the result of information passed through generations. The church records by known secretaries: Josh Martin, Elizabeth Wren-Griggs and Texana Dillingham-Taylor are not available. The documentation of information in this document includes transcriptions from handwritten notes of records kept, to include information gathered from statements made by homecomers during Homecoming Celebrations. In addition, information was given to me, Vera C. King, by: Sister Irene Green, Sister Noami Bolden and Sister Daisy Rugeley, and have been used in updating the church history over time.

           
The recorded church history, subsequent to 1950, includes the translations from the records of Sister Lauretta C. Volbaum and secretary, Deacon Clifford Lee Rugeley, as well as programs for such occasions as anniversaries, funerals and special programs. In addition, I interviewed: Mrs. Cody Davis/Crawford-Harkless, Roosevelt Green, Roosevelt Hudgins, Josie Scott-Green and obtained relational information from Noami Johnson-William about her sister, Helen, and grandfather, Joe Johnson.

           
That I, Vera C. Rugeley-King, used interviews to validate information maintained over time and to find missing information. The persons interviewed were (1) Sister Cody-Crawford (Davis)-Harkless, August 23, 2002, and verified for accuracy August 17, 2003. Mrs. Harkless, born January 10, 1910, is a descendent of both a late member and an area plantation resident. She too recalls a near by Slave Cemetery and that slave houses stood until about 1920. (2) Roosevelt Hudgins, interviewed November 30, 2003, provided possible contacts and interments. (3) Josie Scott-Green, interviewed, November 30, 2003, provided relational information about former members. (4) Roosevelt (Buddy) Green, interviewed, December 5, 2003, provided an oral independent list of earlier members that are consistent with information obtained during the interview with Mrs. Harkless and with existing church records. Brother Robert (Buddy) Green, born in 1916, recalled persons that left Buckner Prairie to attend the Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. He contended that the Mount Pilgrim was the older of the area churches.

           
The church structure, a water well, a storage building, and beautiful trees are on the one-acre tract that is adjacent, on the northwest, to the half-acre cemetery plot. Both tracts are bounded on the northeast by Caney Creek. The church currently [2004] maintains its original architecture, its bell and its distinctive bell tower.

Burial Plots/Cemetery’s Blueprint

______________________Caney

1)                     2)         3)

                                                Church

                                                            16) 17) 18)

                                                13) 14) 15)

R1                   R2        R3

                        8)         12)

                        7)         11)

                        6)         10)

4)                     5)         9)

1)   Phyllis Royster-Dillingham  31 Mar 1872 - 20 Dec 1962

2)   Unknown

3)   Unknown

4)   Sophie H. Farris-Green  03 Oct 1909 - 07 Jul 2001

5)   Wesley Griggs   1900 – 1966

6)   Darcus Dillingham Johnson    05 Aug 1905 - 08 Nov 1995

7)   Texana Dillingham-Taylor   28 Nov 1894 - 21 Jun 1983

8)   Arthur Taylor 1889 – 1979

9)   Andrew Rugeley  03 Dec 1897 - 21 Nov 1990

10) Daisy Bell Scott-Rugeley  12 Aug 1912 - 11 Mar 1998

11) Roosevelt Rugeley  12 Sep 1902 - 26 Jul 2000

12) Collis Rugeley  12 Aug 1934 - 26 Nov 1999

13) – 18) Unknown

       Edward "D" King  01 Sep 1936 - 07 Jan 2011

1
Dorcus Dillingham

Funeral services for Ms. Dorcus Dillingham, age 90 of Bay City, were held Saturday, November 11th, a 11:00 A. M., at Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City, with Rev. K. J. Griggs officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery in Cedar Lane.

She was born in Live Oak, Texas, August 5, 1905, to Mack Dillingham and Phyllis Royster Dillingham, and died November 8, 1995 in Bay City.

Survivors include a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and a family of friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milby Johnson, and 7 sisters and brothers. Active pallbearers included Lloyd Bivens, Robert Comfort, Jr., Amos Deadrick, Sam Peters Jr., James Peters Jr., Jimmie Scott, Matthew Smith and James Williams. Honorary pallbearers included Ray Dillingham, Sam Peters Sr., James Peters, Sr. and Willie Taylor.

Arrangements were with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, November 12, 1995
 

4
Sophia Hannah Green

Funeral service for Sophia Hannah Green, 91, of Gonzales, Texas and formerly of Markham, Texas will be held Thursday, July 12, 2001 at 11 a.m. at First Berean Baptist Church in Cedar Lane, Texas with the Rev. Murray Griggs pastor and the Rev. Melvin Boone officiating.

Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery in Caney Creek.

Sophia will lie in state Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at First Berean Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Wednesday afternoon until 9 p.m. in the chapel at Green's Mortuary.

Sophia Hannah Green was born to the union of Lester and Pearl Hannah on October 3, 1909 in Caney Creek, Texas.

She passed away July 7, 2001 at Care Inn in Gonzales, Texas.

She is survived by: her nephew, Roosevelt Green of Cedar Lane, Texas; cousin, Pearl Jones of Bay City, Loraine Southall Nealey of Houston, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.

Active pallbearers are Clarence Green, Ronnie Frater, Herman Woolsel and Willie Boone, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers are Roosevelt Green, Murray Green, Samuel Green, Robert Lee Green, Sr., Dave Green, and Spencer Green.

Green's Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. A00011A2001JL11

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, July 11, 2001
 

HOUSTON - Funeral services for Edward King, 74, of Houston, and native of Shreveport and Ringgold, La., will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 4907 Farmer, in Houston. Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery (on Caney) in Bay City.

Visitation and guest book register will be from 2 until 8 p.m. on Friday at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Dr. Vera Rugeley King of Houston; brother-in-law, Clifford Rugeley (and Wyonia); goddaughters, Kimberly English and Lauren Johnson; nephew, Abel Rutherford (and Eva); niece, Luvina Rugeley-Bone (and Warren); great-niece, Lindsey Bone; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at duncan-roberts@att.net or via fax at 979-245-1537.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-5197.

Published in Victoria Advocate on January 14, 2011

Priscilla Royster-Robinson

According to Velma Tatum, 8/31/02:  Velma Taylor-Tatum’s great maternal aunt, Priscilla Royster-Robinson, died in the 30s or 40s (age 12 in the 1870 census).

Daugher of William Royster b c 1825 in Alabama & Martha Royster b c 1835 in Alabama.

Siblings: Harriet b c 1853, Ella b c 1860, Albert b c 1865 and Jennie b c 1866 all in Texas

[Information from 1870 Matagorda County Census}
 

Clifford Lee Rugeley
September 29, 1940 – September 20, 2021

Clifford Lee Rugeley, age 80, of Bay City, Texas passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021 in Katy, Texas.

He was born near Bay City, Texas in the Linville Community on Sunday, September 29, 1940, to Roosevelt Rugeley and Daisy Scott Rugeley.

Visitation and guest book registry will be on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home chapel.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas with burial to follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery on Caney.

His survivors include his wife, Wyonia Stone Rugeley and one daughter Luvina Rugeley. Also, two granddaughters, Lauren and Lindsey, and one sister, Dr. Vera Rugeley King. Also, an enormous host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas. (979) 245-5197

Bay City Tribune, September 21, 2021
 

12
Rev. Collis Rugeley

Funeral services for Rev. Collis Rugeley, 65, of Linville, Texas will be at 1 p. m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999 at First Sacred Memorial Christian Church in Bay City with Rev. H. S Williams officiating.

Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery in Cedar Lane.

Visitation will be Tuesday until 9 p. m. in the chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home.

Mr. Rugeley died Saturday, Nov. 27, 1999. He was born in Linville on Sunday, Aug. 12, 1934, to Roosevelt Rugeley and Daisy Scott Rugeley.

Survivors include: his father, Rev. Roosevelt Rugeley of Linville; one sister, Vera King and her husband Edward of Houston; one brother, Clifford Rugeley and his wife Wynona of Bay City; four aunts, Mrs. Ollie B. Harrison of Galveston, Mrs. N. B. Greenwood of MErced, Calif., Mrs. Josie Green and Mrs. Mathalee Brinkley and her husband John L. of Van Vleck; two uncles, James Joseph Scott and Jimmie Scott and his wife Louvella of Bay City; and a number of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Arrangement are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, November 30, 1999

10
Daisy Bell Scott Rugeley

Funeral services for Daisy Scott Rugeley, 85, of Linville, will be held Saturday, March 14th at 11 a. m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Van Vleck with Rev. Ruben Newell officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery on Caney. Visitation will be Friday until 9 p. m. in the chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, and Saturday from 10 to 11 a. m. at the church.

Mrs. Rugeley passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 1998 in Houston. She was born in Allenhurst, Texas, on Monday, August 12, 1912, to Nathaniel Scott and Rachel Giles Scott.

Her education was obtained from the Sugar Valley Public Schools (ON OCTAVIA HERMAN ESTATE), A. G. Hilliard High School; Bay City and Jack Tates High School, Houston, Texas. Her early Christian affiliation included membership with First Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Cooper, Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church the late Rev. Joe Jenkins, Free System Baptist Church (Now St. John Baptist Church), Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church the late Rev. G. L. Stewart.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rev. Roosevelt Rugeley of Linville, one daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Vera C. King and her husband Edward of Houston, Rev. Collis Rugeley of Linville and Clifford Lee Rugeley and his wife Wynonia of Bay City, one granddaughter, Luvina Rugeley of Houston, one great-granddaughter, Lauren Chantelle, also four sisters, Mrs. Ollie B. Harris of Galveston, Mrs. Josie Green of Bay City, Mrs. Matha Lee Brinkley (John L.) of Van Vleck, and Mrs. N. B. Greenwood of Merced, Calif., brothers, James Joseph Scott and Jimmie Lee Scott and wife Louvella of Bay City and a number of nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Sammie Lee and Wallace, four brothers, Lee Clinton Scott, Lieutenant Scott, Eddie Scott, Clifford Lee Scott, three sisters, Roberta Gertrude Scott Speedy, Cleddie Florence Scott and Rachel Scott Shaw.

Arrangements with Duncan-Robert Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, March 13, 1998

Daisy Bell Scott Rugeley

We believe that Sister Daisy Bell Scott Rugeley's message to us today is as stated by the Apostle Paul "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Sister Rugeley entered eternal rest Wednesday, March 11, 1998, at 12:03 p. m., at ATH Heights Hospital, Houston, Texas.

Daisy Bell Scott Rugeley was born to Rachel Giles Scott and Nathaniel Scott on Monday, August 12, 1912 in Allenhurst, Texas. Daisy was the seventh of eleven children born to this union. She was age seven when her mother died. Thereafter, she was reared by Ann and Thomas Pea in Van Vleck, Texas. Daisy's father subsequently had three additional children.

At an early age, Daisy attended First Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Allenhurst, Texas, where the late Rev. Cooper was Pastor. In 1924, at age twelve, she united with the Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Van Vleck, Texas, where the late Rev. Joe Jenkins was Pastor. (The consolidation of Second Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Free System Baptist Church resulted in the creation of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.) In December, 1932, she married Roosevelt Rugeley and moved to Lynnville, Texas, where she united with Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. G. S. Stewart. At Mt. Pilgrim, she served as Sunday School Superintendent, soloist, choir member, and continued her membership there until the time of her death. She was a devoted Christian, wife and mother, a tireless worker; and lover of humanity and education.

She attended the public schools of Sugar Valley (on Octa Herman's Estate), Texas; Hilliard Elementary in Bay City, Texas; and Jack Yates High School, Houston, Texas, where she lived with Bessie Mae Miller.

Daisy and Roosevelt became the parents of four sons and a daughter: Collis, Wallace, Sammy Lee, Clifford Lee, and Vera Clarissa. Wallace and Sammy Lee preceded her in death. They lived the life of devotion and service as Christians and farmers.

Daisy's survivors include her beloved husband of sixty-five years, Rev. Roosevelt Rugeley, Assistant Pastor of Mt. Pilgrim; two sons, the Rev. Collis Rugeley, Pastor of Mt. Pilgrim, and Deacon Clifford Lee Rugeley and wife, Wynonia, of Bay City; and one daughter, Dr. Vera C. King and husband Edward, of Houston; one granddaughter, Luvinia Rugeley and one great-granddaughter, Lauren Chantelle Johnson. Also two brothers, James Joseph Scott, and Jimmy Lee Scott and wife, Louvella, all of Bay City; and four sisters, Mrs. Ollie B. Harrison of Galveston, Mrs. N. B. Greenwood of Merced, California, Mrs. Josie Green of Bay City, and Mrs. Matha Lee Brinkley and husband, John L., St. of Van Vleck.

Besides her parents and two sons, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Roberts Gertrude Scott Speedy, Cleddie Florence Scott and Rachael Scott Shaw; and four brothers, Lee Clinton Scott, Lieutenant Scott, Eddie Scott and Clifford Lee Scott. She is also survived by twenty-three nieces and nephews, generations of great nieces and nephews, cousins and supportive friends.

Funeral Program                  Courtesy of Dr. Vera C. King

11
Rev. Roosevelt Rugeley

Funeral services for the Rev Roosevelt Rugeley, 97, of Linville, Texas, will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2000, at 11 a. m. at the first Sacred Memorial Christian Church, Bay City, with the Rev. H. S. Williams, eulogist. Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery on Caney.

Visitation will be Monday until 9 p. m. in the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel.

He was born in Linville, Texas, Friday, September 12, 1902, to Isaac Rugeley and Victoria Webb Rugeley, and passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

Survivors include a daughter Dr. Vera King (and Edward) of Houston, a son Clifford Rugeley (and Wynonia) of Bay City, also an extended family of other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, July 30, 2000

Willie Taylor

Funeral services for Willie Taylor, 93, of Bay City, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Bethlehem Christian Church, Cedar Lake, Texas, with burial to follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, November 18, 2016, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas. 979-245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, November 16, 2016
 

Photos courtesy of Luvina Rugeley

The dedication of the Official Texas Historical Marker for Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church was held February 19, 2005.  The church and cemetery are located between Bay City and Cedar Lane, Texas, on County Road 152, about one mile off FM 457.