A WORD FROM

mr. dean blackwell
june 1953-AucusT 1953
I really appreciate the Family Photo Album—it is very helpful in keeping our heart in East Texas and remembering God's people! I was the real first pastor of the church in Big Sandy, not just the first "official" pastor.

mr. james friddle
.   september 1955-JuNE 1957
As we look back over the years, Marjorie and I are awed by the growth physically and spiritually in the Church of God. We know we were blessed and honored by God when He sent us there for our first pastorate in the ministry. Thank you for remaining faithful and loyal to the high calling God has given you.

mr. ken Swisher
june 1957-JuNE 1964
In the early '60's, the idea came to us to have a summer camp for the youth in the local church and a program was developed. The experience was so rewarding that we soon considered ways to expand beyond the local area. Two years later was the first SEP in Big Sandy.

mr. leroy neff
june 1964-JANUARY 1965
We have fond memories of our years there and my short tenure as pastor. They were years of establishment and growth for the college. I hope that you are all growing in the faith, letting your light shine and setting the right example of real Christianity in the community.

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mr. leslie mccullough
january 1965-MAY 1973
We never thought of it as having hard times and yet they were there. The starkness and chill of the "tabernacle building" with its concrete floors, no heat and faulty septic system are all part of it. But as I look back, those were some of the happiest years of my life. Big Sandy is home.

mr. selmer hegvold
june I976-JUNE 1979
Iris and I were transferred from Chicago to Big Sandy in June of 1976. Soon, we began a club to accommodate the many seniors who had moved to the area over the years. They chose to name it the "Silver Ambassador Club." These seniors were an encouraging and supportive element to Mr. Pyle and me.

dr. donald ward
JUNE 1979-SEPTEMBER 1982
For forty years, the brethren in this church area have just about seen it all. But through it all, the brethren in the Big Sandy church have demonstrated what it means to be living sacrifices. When I think of the brethren, I think of adaptability, flexibility and patient endurance coupled with faith. ...

MR. BURK MCNAIR
september 1982-june 1988
We will always treasure the six years we served the Big Sandy congregation. Being pastor in the college environment made our assignment even more rewarding. The involvement between the church and students of the college was a great satisfaction to us.

MR. RAND AL DICK
(A.M.) july 199O-june 1991
It was an honor to serve as the inaugural pastor of the A.M. congregation. Even though we departed very quickly, and served you a short time, we left behind many new friends and loved ones, and we feel very much a part of the fabric of the Big Sandy church.

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