. J.W. Ousley (1948-1952)
(Supply Pastor, 1947-1948)

John Wiley Ousley was born in South Carolina on October 3, 1912. He now resides in Waco.

He held pastorates in North Carolina and Texas prior to accepting a position as Professor of Religion at Baylor University in 1945. Bro. Ousley was the first Supply Pastor ever called by our Church. He quickly won the hearts of the entire church family. He preached the Dedication sermon for the Educational Building on April 18, 1948. In May, 1949, a special offering was collected by the congregation to help Grace Temple Baptist Church, Waco, with its proposed building. That same year, an organ was purchased for our Church and the Sanctuary was remodeled: ceilings were lowered and new lights and air conditioning were installed. In September, 1949,

Dr. Ousley issued a "50/50 by 1950" challenge to the Church: 50% of the budget for local expenses and 50% for Missions. The Church accepted and followed this financial program for the rest of Dr. Ousley's time with us. From January, 1950, to December, 1952, there are references in the minutes to a Boy Scout troop being sponsored by the Church. H.H. Cate was the Scout leader.

In January, 1950, the Church Clerk was instructed to write a letter to the Waco newspaper expressing appreciation for their recent withdrawal of beer advertisements. This is only one of several actions of the Church recorded in the minutes indicating opposition to the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. A church library was established during 1951 and a cabin was built at Latham Springs Encampment by the men of the Church.

In October, weekly officers and teachers meetings were begun and a new piano was purchased. Ivy Long was recognized for twelve years of service as Church Clerk on November 7, 1951. Claude Payne and Calvin Lemke were ordained as Deacons on November 11. In December, 1951, there was a motion to "forward all of our service boys their literature by air mail." This is the only reference thus far in our minutes that even hints of our nation being involved in a Twentieth Century war. E.O. (Odis) Mirick and J.T. Bledsoe were recognized as Deacons during 1952. In September, a $300 scholarship was contributed to Grand Canyon College, a newly-formed Baptist institution in Phoenix, Arizona. Jimmy Thomson was the recipient. The State Mission Offering for 1952 was $880.