Roy W. Marshall (1976- Present)

Roy W. Marshall was born in Houston, Texas, on February 1, 1949.

Music classes were conducted by Dr. Stansbury on three Wednesday nights in February, 1976, to provide instruction in reading music and singing techniques. A Constitution Committee was authorized in March to draw up a Constitution and By-Laws for the Church. Appointments to that committee were made in May and June: Morris Bowen, Grenita Hyman and Evelyn Yankie from the congregation at large and J.B. Morgan, Coleman Taylor, Jim Woody and David Stanley from the deacon body. A "People Search" campaign was slated for April, 1976, to identify prospects in our growing community. In May, the house at 333 South First Street was converted from rental property to classroom space for the Sunday School.

Paula Mars was elected organist in June, 1976. James Kirk was called as part-time Music and Education Director. Harvey Menn, James Mars and J.B. Owen were ordained as Deacons on October 24. A Sunday School high attendance goal of 200 was surpassed on October 31. With a record attendance of 231, Bro. Roy climbed to the roof of the church and crowed. "Here's Life America" became a vital part of our fellowship in October and November of 1976. Our people were taught how to witness and share Christ preceding an intensive witnessing campaign from November 15 through December 4. A Hammond organ was purchased in November, 1976. As the year concluded, the Church voted to accept the Constitution and By-Laws submitted by the Constitution Committee, effective January 1, 1977, at which time the name of the church was changed to Hewitt First Baptist Church of Hewitt, Texas. Larry Leutwyler was endorsed to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in January, 1977. Bill Smyers was recognized as a Deacon in May. During May and June, parts of the Annex (333 South First St.) and Sanctuary were remodeled to provide more suitable classrooms. This work was done by Rev. R.J. Marshall, our Pastor's father. In June, 1977, the Church voted to purchase the property at 133 Graham Street. Vaughan Hyman was elected as a Trustee of the Church that same month. Hugh Drury was recognized as a Deacon in July. Rod Coleman was called as part-time Minister of Music in August. Charley Holmes was recognized as a Deacon in September. In October, 1977, the Deacons recommended a weekly daytime ministry to senior adults.

The first meeting of this new organization was November 9, with 38 in attendance. The group chose the name "LLL (Triple L) Club" - Live Long and Love It. The "Big A Club" (formerly the Backyard Bible Club) expanded to two groups, Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6. A five-year plan of growth was adopted by the Church in April, 1978. Betty Drury was elected pianist in June. Frank Hammack was called as full-time Minister of Music and Youth in July. In August, the Church began paying the health insurance for all the church staff. On November 8, 1978, Articles of Incorporation for the Church were approved. The Deacons recommended that the Church purchase an adjoining plot of land on the west side of our property from Grenita Hyman. Curtis McLemore, a member of the Building Committee, reported that Bob Hoover Construction Company had been selected to serve as the contractor for new educational facilities and renovation of the old Educational Building, construction to be partially financed by a "Together We Build" campaign. Annex II (133 Graham St.) was sold and moved in January, 1979.A "Together We Build" banquet was held at Midway High School Commons area on January 24. On the 28th, after the morning worship service, ground was broken for the new two-story Educational Building. Hugh Drury was elected as a Trustee and Jimmy Traylor was recognized as a Deacon in March. During that month, the average weekly Sunday School attendance set a new record with 206.

Johnnie Godwin, former pastor, came by the business meeting of April 4, 1979, and made a presentation of his book, Layman's Bible Book Commentary: Mark. The house at 333 South First Street was sold and Bob Johnson, Leona Marsh and Nannie Warren volunteered their homes for educational space. In June, our church membership passed the 500 mark. On June 17, the Church used the new Educational Building for the first time. In July, supper prepared by the church became a feature of Wednesday nights. Ray May, Morris Bowen and Ken Davis were ordained as Deacons on August 19, 1979. That afternoon, the new facilities were dedicated after dinner in the new Fellowship Hall.

The Church extended a call to James Kirk in September to come as our full-time Minister of Education and Music. Jimmy Dixon, a layman, was selected to handle our Youth program. On October 21, 1979, a Graded Choir Program was begun. On October 28, "Great Day in the Morning" was observed with a goal of 281 in Sunday School. With 334 in attendance, the Pastor again made his way to the steeple and crowed.

The 85th anniversary of the Church was celebrated on November 4, 1979. After the morning service, dinner was served in the Fellowship Hall with approximately 180 in attendance. The Pastor then delivered the anniversary sermon. Honored guests included former Pastor Rev. M.E. Williamson and Mark Smith, former Youth Director.Dayton Walston was recognized as a Deacon on November 7.

On April 2, 1980, it was reported that for the first time in the history of the Church more than $1,000 was contributed to the Cooperative Program in a single month. On June 4, Gene Butler was endorsed by the Church to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. D. F. Barrett was called as part-time Associate Pastor to Youth and Single Adults on July 20, and was ordained to the Ministry on July 28.

In September, two morning worship services were begun, at 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. The 86th anniversary of the Church was observed on Wednesday, November 5, 1980, with a supper attended by 225, followed by a time of testimonies and a message by the Pastor. On February 22, 1981, Jimmy Dixon, Bob Johnson, Curtis McLemore, Terry Mobley and Richard Rogers were ordained as Deacons. In March, the sale of the parsonage was finalized after the Pastor purchased a home. James Holdbrook was recognized as a Deacon in April. In June, Karl May donated land at the northeast corner of Graham and First Streets for a parking lot. On August 5, 1981, Bruce Monroe was recognized as a Deacon. The total Church membership reached 600 that same month.

In October, a 5' glass cross, embellished with a dove, and new drapes were installed in the baptistry in memory of Elmer and J.W. Maddux. (This cross is now hanging in the Prayer Chapel.) Charla Mauldin was endorsed to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in November. In June, 1982, Hazel Walston was elected organist and Danny Boone was called as Interim Music Director. In August, Bro. Boone was called as part-time Minister of Music. Sunday School promotion date was changed to October 1 except for the sixth and twelfth grades, which remained at July 1. In September, 1982, the Media Center was named for Kay ParŽ, in appreciation for her tireless efforts, and dedicated to the honor and glory of God. Paving of the parking lot at the northeast corner of Graham and First Streets was completed that month. A high attendance of 406 in Sunday School was reached on March 17, 1983. In April, a snow cone machine was donated to the Church. Robert Turk was recognized as a Deacon in May and Tony and Tammy Wishert were endorsed to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gene Butler was ordained for the Ministry in June and David Roland was hired as organist.

In July, 1983, D. F. Barrett was endorsed to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Twenty adults and youth conducted a Vacation Bible School in Edinburg, Texas. In September, a Survey, Planning and Building Committee was elected. In October, the Pastor was elected Moderator of Waco Baptist Association for 1983-84. Bill Taylor was ordained as a Deacon on December 11, 1983.

During the Christmas season, a live nativity scene was presented for one night on the church parking lot and a second night at Hewitt Plaza Shopping Center. In February, 1984, Church membership reached 711. Mike Mowery became an In-Service Trainee. A reception was held on February 26 honoring Lillie Bell Parker, who retired after twenty years of service as Custodian. Revisions to the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted in April and Bo Walker was recognized as a Deacon. In September, when Mike Mowery was called as part-time Youth Minister, D. F. Barrett assumed full-time duties in Education and Outreach. The Pastor was authorized to purchase a computer and software in October, 1984. Hazel Walston resumed the duties of organist. From October 20-27, the Pastor and Dr. Roy Lyon participated in the Partnership Mexico Evangelistic Thrust.

In early 1985, the purchase of the property at 124 West Graham Street was finalized. On February 10, the Church voted to proceed with plans to expand our existing facilities. Parent's Day Out began March 1. Charles Wyly and Charlie Maddux were recognized as Deacons in April, 1985. On May 15, Mike Mowery was endorsed to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was called by the Church to serve as full-time Associate Pastor of Youth/Young Adults, effective June 1. The "Sharing to Build...Building to Share" banquet was held at Midway High School Commons area on May 19, 1985.

In September, Brad McClure was called as part-time Music Minister and Mickey Cook was recognized as a Deacon. On September 21-23, the "Mind of Christ" seminar was conducted by Dr. T.W. Hunt. Mary Beth Mowery was endorsed to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in November. On December 8, 1985, the Church voted to purchase land behind the houses located at 300-316 South First Street for parking. On March 5, 1986, Joe Briley and Dale Troop were recognized as Deacons. In June, the Church voted to proceed with the Design Development and Construction Document phases of our building program. Charles Oliver was recognized as a Deacon in August. In September, Karen Burns was elected organist and Susan Reed (later Fletcher), pianist; Brady Richardson was recognized as a Deacon; and Joe Butler was called as Interim Music Minister. In October, the Church purchased the property at 300 South Second Street. Church membership exceeded 800 for the first time. Gerald Purdy was called as part-time Minister of Music on February 1, 1987. David Rich and Clayton Smith were recognized as Deacons on February 4 and Jim Lyon, Steve Sanders and Danny Uptmore were ordained as Deacons on February 11.

Two modular buildings were purchased that month to provide space for Sunday School classes. In June two parking lots were paved: one, on Graham Street across from the Educational Building and the other, behind the house at 300 South First Street. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Worship Center were observed on July 5, 1987. In August, the construction contract was awarded to Schroeder Building Systems. Sunday School promotion day was changed from October 1 to September 1 (actually observed in 1987 on the last Sunday of August.) On September 27, Tommy Sanders was called as full-time Minister of Youth and Young Adults. In October, Olin Christian and Philip Rickey were recognized as Deacons. The average Sunday School attendance that month was 426. The first annual Christmas Eve service was held in 1987.

In February, 1988, Samuel Crosby became a Pastoral Intern and Rodney Coates a Minister of Youth Intern. A Rodgers organ was purchased and the purchase of a new van was authorized. Church membership reached 901 in April. A building fund program, "I Love My Church," was begun. On the 23rd of April, the Baptist Men held a work day and painted the home of one of the widows in the fellowship. The youth participated in the building of a home with Habitat for Humanity in May, 1988. That same month, a rotation system for committee members was instituted (2-year staggered terms). The first service in the new Worship Center was held on July 24, 1988. Dedication day for the new sanctuary was August 28. Included in the celebration were dinner on the grounds, a dedication ceremony and a reception. The names of those who donated various furnishings for the Worship Center are recorded in the minutes of the Church. Cathy Munk was elected organist and Ray May was named Trustee in September, 1988. On the 11th, a dual Sunday School began (8:30 and 11:00 A.M.), with the worship service at 9:45 A.M. That same month, one of the portable buildings was donated to the Waco Baptist Association for its Health Care Ministry. The other portable building was sold. Remodeling of the old Sanctuary into educational space for adult Sunday School classes and a Prayer Chapel was completed in December.

The "Share Jesus Now" campaign began January 29, 1989, culminating with a revival in April. In February, the Prayer Partners Hot-Line was established and the parking lot on Graham Street was designated for senior adults and visitors on Sunday mornings. Bill Munk was recognized as a Deacon in March. In May, Church membership reached 1,004. Jonathan Woody was licensed for the Ministry in August and Sam Benson was recognized for his many years of faithful service as a Sunday School teacher. In September, 1989, culverts were installed along Graham Street and downspouts were added to the church building in an effort to solve a water problem that had developed in the Worship Center. Jimmy McNeil was recognized as a Deacon and Phillip Mitchell and Mike Hollingsworth were ordained as Deacons in October. On high attendance day, 548 attended Sunday School. James Heffington was a Pastoral Intern in 1990. In February, Dale Allen was recognized as a Deacon. "2x2 Outreach" began on April 8 (a plan to contact Sunday morning visitors on Sunday afternoon.) In early July, the youth participated in a mission trip to Portales, New Mexico. Three children from Waco Baptist Association's Hispanic mission were sponsored for Pre-Teen Camp at Latham Springs, July 30-August 3. Four children from the mission attended the camp and three made professions of faith.

In September, 1990, Odis Mirick was elected a Trustee. Tommy Sanders assumed responsibility for Youth and Children and D.F. Barrett became Minister of Adult Education and Outreach. In October, the Church voted to begin an extension Bible study in one of the apartment complexes in Hewitt. On the 28th, Ken Hering was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel. Worship services were canceled the last two Sundays in December because of snow and ice.

James Holdbrook and Freddy Griffin were elected Trustees in January, 1991. Jacky Wallace was recognized as a Deacon in February. A debt reduction campaign, "Freedom to Grow," was introduced in March. Wayne Bartley was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel in May. A "Welcome Back Desert Storm" service was held to honor men and women in the military as they returned from the Persian Gulf War. In August, 1991, the Church voted to move regular business conferences from a monthly to a quarterly basis, from the Wednesday after the first Sunday of each month to the second Sunday of the beginning month of each quarter (January, April, July, October). Ken Davis and Frank Thomas were recognized as Deacons in August and the property at the northwest corner of First and Graham Streets (240 South First Street) was purchased. Tom Doyle was licensed to the Ministry of the Gospel on August 18. Anita Allen was elected organist in September, 1991. Steve Blalock, Tom Kaylor, Bill Reeder, Craig Taylor and Jack Therwhanger were ordained as Deacons on October 20. In November, Marcy Smith was called as part-time Minister of Childhood Education and Boyd Connally was called as full-time Minister of Youth and Music.

The Lessie E. Thompson Memorial Handbell Fund was established in January, 1992. A three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells was purchased with these gifts. The Church voted to build two sidewalks in front of the Adult Education Building to carry foot traffic to Graham Street before crossing First Street to the parking lot. At different times during 1992, three young men served as Interns: Harold Parsons (Pastoral Ministry), Craig Lilliard (Youth Ministry) and Brad Cardwell (Youth and Music Ministry). Church membership surpassed 1,100 in February. Larry Valentine and Jim Keen were recognized as Deacons in April. Chris Miller was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel on May 24. In June, 1992, the lawsuit was settled out of court and a Building Repair Committee was elected the next month to handle the repairs to the church facilities. From July 4-11, a team of adults ministered at the Double Mountain Baptist Area (Stamford, Texas), conducting Backyard Bible studies and repairing church buildings. The debts of the Church were consolidated into one note in October.

In January, 1993, the Church purchased a networking computer system. Tim Taylor became a Minister of Music Intern for the spring term of 1993. A prayer vigil was held in March as Michael Fuller, paralyzed in an accident earlier, underwent surgery that would possibly enable him to walk again. A Literacy Mission Training Seminar was held at the church on March 22, 1993. On April 3, a Big A Club was begun at Heritage Square apartments (part of the apartment ministry). On the 16th and 17th of the month, forty-seven youth and twelve group leaders participated in a meaningful DiscipleNow Weekend. The Long Range Planning Committee presented five-year goals for the Church and a Centennial Committee was elected in April. At the end of May, Judy McClain became pianist. A Teacher Appreciation Banquet was held at Midway High School Commons in August. A Meals on Wheels organizational meeting with area churches was also held in August. (Meals on Wheels deliveries began in December.) The building fund campaign was renewed in September, 1993 (Freedom to Grow: Renew the Seed). Grenita Hyman was recognized for her lengthy service as Sunday School Secretary that same month. In October, the house at 132 West Graham Street was purchased. On October 10, 512 participated in Bible study (high attendance day).

The Church voted to purchase the house at 200 Second Street and adjacent land in January, 1994. A ladies prayer retreat was held at Latham Springs Encampment that month. Church membership exceeded 1,200 in March. In April, 1994, the Church voted to make some changes in personnel responsibilities. Boyd Connally would become full-time Minister of Music when an individual was called to work with the youth and Marcy Smith became full-time Minister of Childhood Education. Paul McDill was subsequently called as part-time Minister of Youth in May. Toward the end of April, youth and their parents participated in the "True Love Waits" national campaign. In July, a letter of affirmation was sent to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for Julie Burns as she began preparation for full-time Christian service as a missionary. Construction of a gravity flow drainage system around the church was scheduled to begin in July, 1994, but actual work was delayed until August. This project, according to engineers, should eliminate the water problem in the Worship Center. Larry Davis, Bill Gleason, John Hill and Terry Reynolds were ordained as Deacons on September 25, 1994. At the end of September, Church membership totaled 1,252 and Sunday School enrollment was 881 (with an average attendance of 474 for September). In the October, 1994, business conference, Van Jones and David McClellan were recognized as Deacons. Jennie May concluded 22 years of service as Church Clerk and Curtis McLemore concluded 13 years as Church Treasurer. They are representative of many others who have worked long and faithfully at various tasks in this congregation during the past century.

As it was written in a previous review of the history of Hewitt First Baptist Church (85th anniversary, 1979), "We...thank the Lord for our past [one-hundred] years of service and...ask [for] His blessings and His presence as we move toward the future. Nothing can or could have been accomplished apart from the presence of His Holy Spirit who empowers His Church to do the work of the ministry. We hope that we continue to follow Him in the next [100] years as the church has in the past [one-hundred] years. We pray that Hewitt First Baptist Church will always stand as a light, pointing to the Light, the Lord Jesus Christ!"