Jack Willers (1958-1962)

In November, 1958, Jack Conrad Willers came as Interim Pastor. After serving almost a year, he was called as Pastor on September 6, 1959.

In February, 1959, Mr. and Mrs. Cleve Lanham gave the Church a lot at the corner of Second and Johnson Streets for a parsonage. In March, the Church voted to build a three-bedroom, two-bath home on this property. Bro. Willers and his family moved into the parsonage on October 7, 1959. In March, 1959, an itemized Treasurer's report was requested and Harry Circle was called as Music and Youth Director.

When Bro. Circle resigned in May, 1960, Rhea Blanton resumed the responsibilities of Music Director, a service he had performed for nearly four decades. Elmer Maddux and George Jeter were ordained as Deacons on May 24, 1959. On June 14, the Church voted to salvage the Sanctuary and erect a new building on the same site.

The new Sanctuary, completed in late 1959, included six classrooms. The red "Baylor" brick, Colonial style building was constructed by Karl May and Herbert Wiethorn at a cost of $38,850. Its seating capacity was 285. At the dedication of the Sanctuary on Sunday, January 31, 1960, three former pastors led in the services. Rev. M.E. Williamson preached the morning message, Dr. Woodson Armes brought a message at 3 P.M. and Dr. J.W. Ousley conducted the evening worship service.

An organ was given to the Church in 1959 in honor of Aggie Blanton and the late G.W. Blanton by Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Blanton and Mr. and Mrs. Brown Loyd. Rhea Blanton, Herbert Warren and Elmer Maddux were elected Trustees of the Church in January, 1960.

In March, the church grounds were landscaped and the drive of the church was hot-topped in July. A nursery worker was hired in August and a speaker was installed in the nursery so workers could hear the worship service. During 1960, the last two charter members of Hewitt Baptist Church, Lula Trice and Elenor (Barnes) Cooksey, died. A contribution for victims of Hurricane Carla was made in September, 1961. In November, the Church purchased the lot next door to the parsonage from Ira Rogers. A Church Council was organized in December, consisting of the Sunday School Superintendent, Training Union Director, Chairman of the Deacons, President of Woman's Missionary Union, Music Director and Pastor.