Widows

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F I R S T B A P T I S T D A L L A S W I D OW S F E L L OW S H I P

FALL 2015

NEWSLETTER | FALL 2015

NEWSLETTER First Baptist Dallas 1707 San Jacinto Dallas, TX 75201

“Thou wilt show me the path of life. In Thy presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11

NOVEMBER........WE HONOR OUR VETS This story begins with a school teacher in upstate New York, Elias Wightman, born in 1792 to Benjamin Wightman, a Baptist preacher and his loving wife. Elias was doing well as an educator, but when in 1822, the news reached the east that Steven Fuller Austin was bringing 300 families to settleTexas, this fine teacher got the itch to join the crowd. So he walked out of his classroom and headed west.

Widows

W I D OW S L U N C H E O N S AT U R D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 5 11:30 A M | C E N T E R S TA G E

LUNCHEON

HERITAGE OF HYMNS CONCERT F E AT U R I N G B R U C E M C C OY AND DON WRY TZEN

B RU C E

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November 14 | 11:30am CenterStage For reservations or transportation requests call 214-969-2466 by Monday, November 9th.

Needless to say, he was heartily welcomed by Austin, who needed smart able- bodied men and women to claim land and get busy creating a country. Wightman taught the children, worked as an appraiser, surveyed the land, and eventually became a land holder himself. He was probably the first Anglo teacher in what was to become Texas. I dare say, there were Spanish priests who taught the Hispanic children, because when Austin made the deal with the Mexican government, he was told that everyone he brought in must be Catholic. Austin was Presbyterian/Disciple of Christ and was not going to convert, so he got a priest by the name of Miquel Muldoon, who was anxious for the colonization of Texas, and who just waved his arm over the crowd and

said, “You’re Catholic.” They were called Muldoonites, but this action seemed to satisfy the Mexican Government. In 1828, Austin invited many of the settlers, now land holders, to go back to their original homes and to bring more people to Texas. Elias went back to New York and easily persuaded his parents and about 60 other New Yorkers to follow him to his new home. One of those 60 was his new wife, Mary Sherwood Wightman. Mary was one of his former students. Can’t you just imagine this scene? “Remember me, Mr. Wightman. I used to be in your class.” She was now a charming young lady—not a grubby kid. “Yes,” Elias said with sparkling eyes. “Marry me, and we’ll go to Texas.” Who knows? It may have happened like that.

Photos from our last luncheon DON

W RY

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Nevertheless, Wightman’s people traveled to New Orleans and then boarded a schooner, LITTLE ZOE. A fierce storm came up and the ship rocked violently in the gulf finally landing at the mouth of the Colorado River. Remember, there was a Baptist preacher, Elias’ father, on board, so he was able to assure these adventurous people of the Lord’s watch and care. But, there was another Baptist preacher on board, Thomas J. Pilgrim, a man from Connecticut, who came down south for his health. He was a very valuable citizen in that he could act as interpreter and translator of Spanish for the Austin colony. In 1829 he organized the first Sunday School in Texas--Baptist, of course. And Mary, Elias’ wife, became the first woman teacher in Texas. All of this happened in Matagorda County, and there are memorials all over Bay City, Texas, that tell of these beginnings of education in Texas. By Rose-Mary Rumbley

LETTER FROM

JACK

D EA R L A D I E S ,

It’s getting to be my favorite time of the year again. And, I’ve been telling you that for 11 years. But, it is close to turkey and dressing time and all those trimmings again. Psalm 95:2, “Let’s come before Him with thanks! Let’s shout songs of joy to Him.” Also, thanks to many of you for your prayers, Emails and cards during my recent recovery from a collapsed lung accident....... that golf is a tough game!! You can know ahead of time that majestic music is planned for you on the November 14th Luncheon date at 11:30 AM. Famed composer and pianist Dr. Don Wyrtzen has teamed up with longtime friend, pastor-singer Dr. Bruce McCoy to present a HERITAGE OF HYMNS concert, from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth. Don is known around the world as “Poet of the Piano” and his musicals have sold more than 2 million copies. Bruce is a “singing preacher” and former President of the Missouri Baptist Convention. He has appeared as a soloist on Christian television programs spanning four decades. Together, Don and Bruce combine their skills. And yes, they will take requests!! Please make your required reservation before November 9th.....if you have guests, please give their names so they can have a name tag! In thankfulness......and to God be the glory!! Blessings to each one of you. Bless you all!

Jack

“Honor widows”… 1 Timothy 5:3

Heavenly Recipes

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an’t you still just see Carolyn Goodman circling the tables, refilling the coffee cups at the Highland Park Cafeteria on Knox Street? Nothing could be more prized than a recipe made for

the Cafeteria Cookie Counter!! Her daughter, Gloria Yates, has been so gracious to share a recipe for your LIGHTED PATHWAY. This is one of the few she had in her Mother’s handwriting for home use. Gloria and her daughter, Becky, made it many times together. The wonderful detail is this does not go in the oven! It sets up quickly on the waxed paper. Thank you, Gloria!

SPECIAL K CEREAL COOKIES

1 cup sugar | 1 cup dark Karo Cook just until sugar is dissolved in Karo Mix in one 12 oz. jar of smooth peanut butter (or 11/4 cups) Add 5 cups Special K cereal. Work fast until mixed. Wet fingers, make into balls with hands, keeping hands wet with cold water. Place on wax paper to cool.

Rose Talks

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n 1917, my father, a south Texas farm boy, graduated from the University of Texas and immediately became part of the United States Army. He had basic training at Camp Travis and found himself on a troop ship in New York harbor headed for France. But, the ship couldn’t sail until Margaret Wilson, President Wilson’s daughter sang, OVER THERE, to the men. Daddy said her voice was so awful they were all pleading, “Lift the anchor. Let us go to war. It will be better than listening to Margaret Wilson.”

C l a u d e t t e K i r by

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eventeen years ago, a sixteen year old boy went to work in the bag room at a local Country Club. He struggled in school but had a burning desire to learn and someday go to college. His parents didn’t finish grade school and could not help him, but he was never too proud to ask questions. Several golfers became mentors to him and would arrange extra jobs to supplement his college savings account. Failing never deterred him. He would just work that much harder and graduating from High School was a happy day that everyone celebrated with him. This hard working, polite and gracious young man had reached one of his goals. Junior College was next and even though it took him longer than the two years, he finished and

Daddy was equipped with a gas mask, because the Germans were using Mustard Gas in the trenches. Nevertheless, daddy survived the months of combat, and after November 11, 1919, he was coming home. My father was headed back to the farm, but he stopped in Dallas, went to church and there he met my mother, a cute girl who was very involved in the church activities. It was love at first sight. Daddy stayed in Dallas, married my mother and had me! Yeah! He often teased my mother by singing the WW I song, HOW YOU GONNA KEEP ‘EM DOWN ON THE FARM, AFTER THEY’VE SEEN PAREE! Or Dallas and my mother!

was debt free. His mentors helped him get scholarships to a University and continued to encourage him. A few weeks ago, a going away party was given to honor this sweet young man. He introduced his girlfriend and told how he waited to propose to her until he had his degree. He now has his master’s degree and teaching certificate and began this new school year as a High School History and Geography teacher. The golfers all miss him but the influence he will have on his students is worth the loss they feel. And knowing they had a small part in his journey is a really, really good feeling. “My name is Mr. Moreno, and I will be your teacher this year.”

Our SUE MITZ…glorifies the LORD by Ru t h Qu i n n

(makes 40 to 50 cookies) From Carolyn Goodman

Jack Smith

If it hadn’t been for World War I, I wouldn’t be here.

MY NAME IS MR. MORENO.

By Betty Smith

ue Mitz’s 50th Anniversary Concert will be presented on October 26th at 7:30 p.m. in Pilgrims Chapel on the DBU Campus! Tell your friends about the date and the musicians performing. She will present her DBU Piano Ensemble, Ludwig, Rios, violinist, Professors Bob Brooks and Wes Moore and our own, Dr. Rose-Mary Rumbley, and Dr. Jerry Aultman, organist. Our congratulations to her 50 years for helping students develop their musical talents!

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numerous times throughout Israel, Europe, and the Middle East organizing choirs and concert tours performing with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

She has been Professor of Music at Dallas Baptist University serving on the music faculty since 1965 and has served as accompanist for the DBU Chorale, Grand Chorus, Chamber Singers, Opera, and Musicals. Among her concerts with the DBU Chorale include performances throughout Europe as well as at the White House.

She was awarded the presitigious DBU Women’s Auxiliary Board Ruth Award, the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Grand Prairie Alumni Association, and the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award from the students of the DBU College of Fine Arts. Dallas Baptist University presented her with the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

She founded and directed the select DBU vocal ensemble Dayspring which performed for such notable individuals as Evangelist Billy Graham, former Presidents Gerald Ford and George HW Bush.

Professor Mitz has influenced countless students over her 50 years of service at Dallas Baptist University as they have gone on to distinguished careers in music and the arts and have honored her, the institution, and God through their work.

Sue served as Church Pianist for First Baptist Church of Dallas under Minister of Music Lee Roy Till and for the Zig Ziglar Auditorium Class.

Because Sue acknowledges that her musical talent is a gift from the Lord, she uses it to glorify Him. Her loyalty to DBU and FBC has blessed those who hear her play. We are grateful that she graces us with beautiful piano music whenever ask to play for our Widows Luncheon.

An active performing career has taken her throughout the United States and around the world. She has performed

Photos from our last luncheon

She has collaborated with several internationally-renowned singers as Metropolitan Opera Mezzo-Soprano Barbara Conrad, Bass-Baritone Mark McCrory, and Gospel Singer Willa Dorsey - all who have performed with her at DBU.