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The Lipscomb
Union Church
Photo courtesy Rob McLain, May 2007 |
The
church bells rang twice that morning, once at 10:00 AM and once at
10:30 AM but it was only supposed to ring the 2nd time to mark the
beginning of the service. Even though the 1st time was in error it
sent a chill down my spine as my mind started to wonder what the 1st
members of Lipscomb Union Church were doing one-hundred years ago
when the doors opened and what my Great Grandfather, Raymond Akers,
and my Grandmother, Lola Akers, were doing when they attended. I’m
sure they were making sure all was running smoothly for the pastor
and the congregation was warm in the winter.
My Great Grandfather, Raymond Akers, moved to Lipscomb
County in 1909 with his parents and siblings. He later built his
house one mile south of Lipscomb
in 1927 were his wife Alice and there four girls lived, Beth, Melba,
Lola, and Avis. He was very involved in the church for over forty
years until his passing in 1966. He served as Sunday School Superintendent,
Bible Teacher and even Santa Claus. He was also responsible for adding
the Annex to allow more room for Sunday school. |
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The Lipscomb
Union Church 100th year celebration
Photo courtesy Rob McLain, May 2007 |
| Many
attended the two day celebration on May 26th and 27th. The old School
was opened up and Supper was served both days along with the opportunity
to fellowship with friends and Family and share the memories of the
Church while enjoying scrap books and stories that many had prepared
and written. There were four Pastors that had made the Church home
in the past along with many longtime and current members in attendance.
Dave Lawton, a former pastor, delivered the Sermon to the packed church
house. After the service was over a special dedication was made to
my family and my cousin Winnell Rankin for all there hard work they
did and all the sacrifices made to keep the church doors open. They
gave us stone benches for each family with the names engraved along
with two new trees in what will be called the prayer garden. Although
the Akers and Rankins were honored many families throughout Lipscomb
County have made contributions to help keep the church doors opened
and in time all will receive some type of recognition. |
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Christmas tree
at Lipscomb Union Church taken at 2:45 PM
Vintage Photo courtesy Rob McLain |
Lipscomb,
TX is a special and quiet community and I was very honored to
attend in my Great Grandfather’s and my family’s place. I have enjoyed
going to the family farm since I was six and look forward to always
going back to the peaceful slow-paced environment of the town. Although
the farm house is a little run down the land is still as majestic
as the day he first set foot on it and began to farm. I am fortunate
to have this in my family and look forward to keeping his tradition
alive while keeping it in the Family name.
Rob McLain – 4th generation Akers |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage or recent photos, please contact
us. |
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