Resolutions of Respect

For notice to all:

The loss of a mother in Israel is sad enough, but the loss of one's own Mother in the flesh, is especially so. It is only with sadness for our loss in the flesh, though, as we rejoice that one of God's faithful servants has been delivered from this low ground of sin and suffering to everlasting joy and love, free from all sin.

Sister Rachel Taylor Powell, my Mother and wife of our father, the late Elder Dennis Taylor, passed from this life at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2000 at her home in Crosbyton, Texas following a long struggle with cancer. Her loving and faithful husband, Morris Powell and her youngest son, Elder Tom Taylor were with her.

The two things which personified Mother were her love of God as expressed in her love of feeding God's people and in singing the hymns to His praise. She once told me that she did not remember not singing. And this was because she learned to sing her first hymns at her mother's side growing up. Before Mother became incapacitated, last year, she wrote her memoirs and titled it, 21 Kitchens and a 1,000 Songs. Indeed Mother, no doubt had that many songs committed to memory,

As many would remember, she recorded several hymns with the Harmony Hill Hymnsingers in 1960 and later. Some of these have been played ever since on Christian broadcasts such as The Baptist Bible Hour with Brother Lasserre Bradley. In about 1968 Mother was encouraged to record a solo album of hymns. I, as well as others, encouraged her to do so, but as much as Mother loved to share her talent with others, she was reluctant to make the record. Her reason was in keeping with her Christian character.

Mama didn't consider herself to be better than others, just because of her ability to sing. She considered it a gift from God. Mama didn't want to be a "star", and she was afraid that if she did a solo album of just her singing, that it would focus too much on her.

Though, she had a very strong and dynamic personality it was not her intention to use it to be the center of attention, but it was rather meant to make everyone she met to feel equally important. I once asked her what she would do if then, President Eisenhower were to come for supper. Without hesitation, she replied, that she wouldn't do anything different than she would for anyone else. "I'd just fry a chicken and invite him in for supper."

Her suffering has ended, and forevermore Mama will be able to sing God's redeeming grace without limitation, and in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ, whom she spent her entire life on earth singing about.

With love and respect, by order of the Church

Her middle son, Joe Taylor, Church Clerk

Zion Primitive Baptist Church Crosbyton, Texas

SISTER INEZ GOTCHER

December 21, 1999, it hath pleased our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom and power to call Sister Inez Gotcher home to His eternal presence. Although, our hearts are saddened by our loss, we bow in humble submission to His Holy will.

Sister Inez was a devoted and faithful wife, mother and a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas. She joined the Little Flock Church, near Killeen, TX in 1940, and was baptized by Elder H. J. Doss.

Sister Inez was born March 21, 1923, the fourth of five children to Bill and Jewell Evetts. A son, Carlos, preceded her in death.

Sister Inez is survived by her loving husband, Virgil Gotcher of 60 years, a daughter, Carol Key, and a son, James. Five grandchildren and five great-grand-children also survive her.

We thank God for the privilege of knowing this dear sister and witnessing her devotion to her family, husband and church. You never knew from her the extent of her illness, for she always had a smile for everyone and they knew just how much she loved them. She did not have to say a thing, the love in her eyes and the big smile told it all. After lunch on Sunday, you could always find Sister Inez smiling and humming as she helped the other sisters in the kitchen. She loved to sing praises to her God.

Sister Inez will be greatly missed. We extend our sincere love and sympathy to her family. Phil. 4:7, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999 in the Moore Funeral Home chapel in Arlington, Texas with her pastor, Elder Barry Brown officiating. Burial was in Moore Memorial Gardens.

Written by request of the Church. We remain faithful Sisters in Christ Jesus.

Sister Billie [Shaw] Bell

Sister Darlene Dick

Yukon, Okla.

The New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Fredericksburg, Texas is deeply saddened by the loss of one of her members, Brother Elmo Baethge, whom God loved more than we, was taken from our midst in death and is now sweetly resting in the presence of his loving Savior.

Brother Elmo departed this life on Friday, January 14, 2000 at Hill Country Memorial Hospital at the age of 82 years. Funeral services were held at Schaetter's Funeral Home, conducted by his pastor, Elder David Montgomery and assisted by Elder Charles Rose. The service was attended by many of his friends and relatives. His body was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery to await the Resurrection.

Brother Elmo was born the son of Willie and Ethel Baethge at Doss, Gillespie County, Texas on February 24, 1917. At the time of his death he was a retired restaurant chef, having prepared meals for many distinguished individuals who visited the Fredericksburg area. He was a member of New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, having joined the church at Doss, Texas on June 18, 1960 following preaching by Elder Sam Holt and Elder J. P. Dale. He was baptized by Elder Dale, his brother-in-law.

The following was taken from a letter to a family member prior to his joining the church. "Sunday morning we went to church and it was their communion time. If I was ever brought to my knees in a feeling of guilt and remorse it was that morning when those precious brethren and sisters began to wash each other's feet. It was such a sweet and beautiful scene. They all seemed so happy after the service and I felt miserable. If I could have gotten down to their feet that morning I felt I could have been happy too. That day I told God I was ready for Him to use me in any way He saw fit. I was ready and anxious to follow. Just guide and direct my path. Here I am Lord, use me. Express your love through me. I didn't mean I was worthy, but I felt a sense of submission. I don't mind the heavy load or how lonely. Just let me serve Him in some way." Soon after that he joined the church.

Brother Elmo has been a true and faithful member through the years, ever ready to do whatever he could to the benefit and edifying of the Church. He and his wife rarely ever missed a service. He loved to sing and he loved to hear the Gospel preached. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Brother Elmo Baethge is survived by his wife, Frances, two sons; Warren and his wife, Lorraine; Gordon and his wife, Jeanie; two daughters, Kerry and her husband, Bobby Schmidt, Rhonda and her husband, Pat Usener. Also surviving are two sisters, Lela, Mrs. J. P. Dale and Norma, Mrs. Joe Owen; one brother, Qrmo Lee Baethge and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, We bow in humble submission to God's will and be it resolved that we extend our love and sympathy to the family. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family, one copy for publication and one copy placed in church records.

Written by request of the Church while in conference February 20, 2000.

Committee composed of Brother Elton and Sister BeBee Faught and Sister Lela Dale.

Elder David Montgomery, Moderator

Brother Elton Faught, Church Clerk

The First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas submits this resolution of respect for our departed brother in Christ, Brock A. Yowell, who passed away January 30, 2000. Brother Brock was a member of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, where he and his family, wife, Janie Gregory Yowell, daughter, Caroline and son, Nathanael, attended services regularly, until Brock was struck by seizures, a brain tumor being diagnosed in early 1999. Brock courageously fought the disease with the support of his family, but he was called to be with his Heavenly Father on January 30 of this year. Sister Janie was by his side through all the sickness, and they drew from one another's strength, which Brock knew came from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Brock was born to Homer and Eileen Yowell of Piedmont, OK on July 29, 1955. He suffered the loss of a sister and both parents, but his faith in the Lord endured. He has a brother , Lewis, who survives him, and his many friends, co-workers and his Church family, who all miss him very much. The funeral service was conducted by Elder Clifford Gowens and Elder Hylton Crain, of the First Primitive Baptist Church at the Sparkman-Dickey Funeral Home in Dallas, TX Interment was in the Mathewson Cemetery in Pidmont, Ok

Brock married Janie Gregory in 1977 and they had a strong marriage together for over 22 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1979. Brock was a programmer analyst, who worked for a Dallas consulting firm for the past 11 years. He was very dedicated to his profession; he enjoyed his work and his co-workers could always count on Brock for excellence. His intelligence and sense of humor made him many loyal friends and acquaintances. Brock was a special person, willing to help others in any way that he could at any time.

The First Primitive Baptist Church humbly submits to the Lord's will in the calling home of our dear brother. Brock is in the arms of his Savior, and his race has been completed on this earthly plain. Brock trusted in his Lord and Master with all his heart. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sister Janie, Nathanael and Caroline. We look to that day when we will be called to the bosom of our Lord God, where we will be reunited with those who have gone on before us. What a day that will be!

Written at the request of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, while in conference on Sunday, February 13, 2000.

Brother Bruce Coates

Church Clerk