News

J. T. Marlin, Sweetwater, Texas: Since our last report we have had one baptism and several to come for restoration and membership. My next meeting is with the East Main Street congregation in Tulsa, Oklahoma."

Floyd A. Decker, 1811 Jackson, Monroe, Louisiana, April 4: "Nine baptized and two restored in our meeting which closed Friday night. Meredith Johnson, a deacon of this congregation, did the preaching in a most excellent and efficient way. He is well prepared. Many of Brother Johnson's personal associates, not members of the church, came to hear him and returned to hear him again. While he is still making his living behind a barber chair he is capable of doing full time work anywhere. He has been preaching for ten years. He is now preaching for the Sterlington brethren. This young man has a wonderful future. He is now near thirty five years of age, has a wife and two excellent boys. While we would regret seeing him leave Monroe we know that he could do a greater work where he had a greater opportunity. His address: Meredith Johnson, 601 Moore Ave., Monroe, Louisiana."

Vernon Ripley, Ropesville, Texas, April 6: "I closed a meeting in Smyer, Texas last evening, which resulted in three responses — one baptism and two restorations. We had a fine meeting in spite of the weather — at least four sandstorms. The work here in Ropesville is growing as never before. We have had something like 20 responses since January 1; among these was a colored lady. For this we are thankful. Everyone is working hard here. Peace and harmony and love for the cause is outstanding."

Louis J. Sharp, East Side Church of Christ, Little Rock, Arkansas, April 4: "The first three months of this year have been good ones for the church on the east side. Sixteen have been added to our number and we are going forward. Our membership shows a steady growth. We now number a few over the hundred mark. Contributions are averaging $210.00 a week and on the increase. We are in the process of purchasing a $50,000.00 building at 14th and Scott Streets which we believe will add much to our ability to teach and serve. When in Little Rock visit with us."

Doyle Banta, 1309 - 9th Avenue, S.E., Decatur, Alabama, April 7: "In March I conducted a meeting at Jacks Creek, Tennessee, with one baptized. We had five baptized, three restored, and 21 by membership in March at Somerville Road. Six of these responded during our meeting with Foy Short. He did a fine work with us. We now have 215 members. Recently our Bible school reached 290 members and our morning worship 319. Prayer meeting averaged 191 last month with a high of 206. Most all the congregations in this area are growing."

Willis G. Jernigan, Box 573, Bowie, Texas, April 4: "Our Spring meeting resulted in one baptism and two to place membership. Brother Weslie Mickey of Pampa was the preacher. At the present time I am engaged in a meeting at Kamay, Texas. Three have been restored to date. Our Vacation Bible School is scheduled to begin at Bowie May 30. We will be assisted in this effort by Brother Eugene Gilmore of Tulsa, Oklahoma. My next effort away from home will be a gospel meeting at Edgewood, Texas, to begin June 6."

J. M. Wilson, Box 253, Dexter, New Mexico, April 6: "Glenn L. Wallace just closed a good meeting with the church here, with two baptisms and one confession of sins. We had good crowds all through the meeting, some coming as far as one hundred and fifty miles. The preaching was of the very best. We hope to have Glenn back in these parts. His kind of preaching will do churches good anywhere. I have given up the work here. June 1st the brethren here will be looking for someone to take my place. This is a good church to work with. They have good men for elders — men with sound judgment and love for the cause of Christ. The man they select will find fine folks to work with, and any man willing to work with the elders and under them can do a good work here. No, these members are not perfect, as there are some in about every place that don't want to be under the elders. We have one of the best church buildings in town, just completed last fall. It will seat three hundred with seven class rooms and a preacher's study. We have had thirty five additions in the last sixteen months. The church is at peace. We are not leaving because of any trouble as the elders insisted we stay. But we think it best as the church is in good working order for some other man to take over. If any want to get in touch with the elders here, write Herbert Southard, Dexter, New Mexico, or Henry L. Johnson, Hagerman, New Mexico."