Visiting Ministry at First Colony Bible Chapel, Houston, TX

• First Colony Bible Chapel, Sugar Land, Fort Bend Co., Houston metro, TX (OB) 1893-current
  • Believer's Gospel Hall +1901+; Houston Gospel Hall +1901-1961; Louisiana Street Gospel Hall +1922-1961; Houston Gospel Chapel 1961-1965; Maplewood Bible Chapel 1966-1969; Braeburn Bible Chapel 1970-1991; First Colony Bible Chapel 1992?-current

Itinerants

• T.C. Bush 1931-1932,1935, 1937-1938
• Jack Charles 1935, 1938
• A. Cook 1935
• W. Cook 1936
• Robert Curry/Currie 1931-1932, 1935, 1937
• John Dickson 1938
• J.T. Dixon 1938
• Edwin Dresch 1934
• Thomas Bruce Gilbert, Sr. 1935, 1937-1938
• Gillespie Sr. 1931
• Gillespie Jr. 1931
• Sam Greer 1931, 1935, 1938
• W. Grierson 1934
• C.F. Hogg 1929
• David Horn 1934
• John Horn 1934
• John Hunt 1933, 1937-1938
• William Hunter 1912, 1937
• Hugh Kane 1931
• Charles R. Keller 1928
• Sam C. Keller 1928, 1935
• David Lawrence 1934
• Alfred Mace 1937
• E.G. Matthews 1932
• W. Matthews 1915
• William J. McClure 1912, 1929, 1931, 1936-1938
• John Monypenny 1933, 1936-1937
• Morgan 1938
• T.D.W. Muir 1930
• A.N. O'Brien 1934-1935
• William Pell 1937-1938
• George T. Pinches 1934
• John Rankin 1929, 1935
• Reager 1938
• Arthur B. Rodgers 1928, 1934
• Charles W. Ross 1928, 1931-1932, 1934-1935
• J.J. Rouse 1937
• F.W. Schwartz 1933,1937
• James F. Spink 1934-1935
• Harold St. John 1928
• E.J. Tharp 1934
• Robert I. Thompson 1932,1934-1937
• John Watt 1933-1934
• Fred Woods 1938

Ministry Reports

1900's

1901

• FW 1901-5: Palestine, TX: "Joseph Jamison of Houston was with us a few days having meetings each afternoon and night in the Hall. The word ministered was refreshing to the few saints here and the simple gospel story was told out to the lost, which we trust will yet bear fruit. Mr. Jamison was delayed in coming by sickness and could not remain with us as long as he had intended."

1910's

1911

• OR 1911-9: "Texas conferences will be held this year as follows: At Waxahachie Oct. 19th-22nd; at Houston Oct. 26th-29th. This will give the benefit of the excursion rate which prevails on the third Tuesday of each month, and also the Dallas Fair rate for those going from any point in Texas to Waxahachie. Anyone interested may communicate with Joseph Jamison, 2002 Summer St., or T.C. Bush, Waxahachie."

1912

• WiS 1912-12: San Antonio, TX: "Wm. Hunter and W.J. McClure had some much appreciated meetings here after their visits to Houston and Waxahachie."

1915

• OR 1915-2: "Mr. W. Matthews and wife is spending part of the winter here, and is able to help in the regular meetings."

1920's

1928

• OR 1928-3: "Brn. S.C. and C.R. Keller have been preaching the Word here and hope to continue in this State for a while. Their present address is c/o 2302 Louisiana St., Houston, Tex." (where Paul Christoff Doehring, correspondent, resided).

• OR 1928-4: "Brn. Sam and Charles Keller, after a few weeks' meetings, went west, proposing to call at San Antonio and El Paso, Texas, and Phoenix, Ariz., en route for California, where they purposed visiting some of the Assemblies."

• OR 1928-8: Los Angeles, Calif.: "Brn. John Rankin of Ocean Beach, Calif., and W. Grierson of Houston, Texas, had meetings in the "West Jefferson", "Ave. 54th" and "Goodyear" Halls, and are in charge of the Gospel Tent work in Los Angeles in fellowship with these Assemblies. It is hoped there may be a hearty co-operation of all concerned in the work, when blessing will follow."

• OR 1928-12: "The Conference here was very helpful to God's people. We had, among others, our brethren, C.W. Ross and H. St. John, whose ministry was enjoyed. Mr. Ross, on his way home, visited the assemblies in San Antonio, Waxahachie and Dallas."

• L&L 1938-4: Pioneer Work in Louisiana: Arthur B. Rodgers: "In 1928 the Houston, Texas, assembly kindly loaned their Gospel Car for an extended tour in eight states, of which Louisiana was the first; and Roy Albert of "Shady Grove" assembly accompanied me on the entire tour."

1929

• OR 1929-3: Los Angeles, Calif.: "Brn. W.J. McClure and E. Miller had some meetings in the West Jefferson Gospel Hall, which were largely attended. Mr. McClure later went on to Houston and other Texas points for meetings."

• OR 1929-4: L.A., CA: "Mr. C.F. Hogg spent a week or ten days here at West Jefferson St. Gospel Hall holding meetings for the Lord's people, which were attended by Christians from the various Assemblies in the city and district. He went on to Houston, Tex., and expected to call on the various Assemblies of that state."

• OR 1929-7: Br. Jno. Rankin, we learn, has left for Tennessee to visit some isolated saints there. Floods in Texas hindered tent work in Houston, we hear."

• OR 1929-10/11: "Annual Convention in Gospel Hall, 2402 Louisiana St., Nov. 8-10, preceded evening of Nov. 7 by prayer meeting. Circulars from P.C. Doehring."

1930's

1930

• OR 1930-5: "T.D.W. Muir spoke here in the Gospel Hall, Louisiana St. He attended by request the funeral of our aged and esteemed sister, Mrs. Sweeney."

• OR 1930-10: "The annual convention will (D.V.) be held here in the Gospel Hall, 2402 Louisiana St., on Fri-Sun., Nov. 7-9. Circulars and further information from P.C. Doehring, 2302 Louisiana St."

1931

• OR 1931-10/11: "The Thirtieth Convention will begin (D.V.) with Prayer Meeting, Oct. 29, and continue over Nov. 1, in Gospel Hall, 2402 Louisiana street. Address communications to H.W. Dedman, 4302 Dallas Ave."

1932

• OR 1932-1: Houston:
  • "The conference here was well attended and profitable. The ministry was in the hands of W.J. McClure, C.W. Ross, S. Greer, Hugh Kane, Gillespie Sr. and Jr., Robert Currie and T.C. Bush. After the conference most of the laborers scattered to their various fields but Mr. McClure and Mr. Greer remained for meetings in Houston. While there Mr. McClure was called back to Los Angeles on account of the death of his brother, who has lived there for a number of years. After the funeral he returned to Houston on his way to New York, from which point he sails on Dec. 31st to South Africa. We regret our brother's going so far away but he has been invited to go and felt that it was his duty to respond to the invitation. We expect that his ministry to a limited extent will still be available to the saints in this land through the pages of Our Record. The Gillespies went from Houston to San Antonio and after a few days there left for Kansas City, where they spent a Sunday. From there they went on to Iowa and the last we heard of them they were at the Chicago conference. Mr. Kane went on to San Antonio and purposed to go further West, perhaps on to the Pacific Coast."
  • "Just as we go to press we have a letter from Bro. McClure in which he says, "I leave on the S.S. Chincha, a cargo steamer of the American South African line on or about Dec. 31. The only stop is St. Helena. It takes twenty-nine days from New York to Capetown. I look forward to the time at sea as a chance to rest and I trust to gain some physical and spiritual energy for any service I may be permitted to render in South Africa. A number of my friends think it is a sudden thought with me but it has been before me for from 12 to 18 years. I hope on the ship to be able to overtake some articles for you. The doctor advises a warmer climate for me to help in the matter of my hearing, which has suffered from the raw climate of New York." Our brother's African address will be c/o Jas. W. Fish, 14 Marine Rd., Three Anchors Bay, Capetown, South Africa."
  • "Another letter received at the same time from Bro. Greer states that he is still at Houston and has been much encouraged by definite results in the gospel there. Several have been saved and already thirteen had applied for baptism and fellowship, and they are looking for seven or eight more in a few days. The saints are much cheered and Bro. Greer is still going on. This is excellent news and it is confirmed in letters to us from others of the saints there."

• OR 1932-8:
  • Houston, TX: "Bre. Curry and Bush are still with the tent in this city."
  • Newark, TX: "J.D. Craft of this place on June 19th. He had a stroke fourteen months ago and lived until now. He was 65 years old and had been saved over 40 years. His fellowship was at Fort Worth and had been for years. The funeral was very large, the entire community turning out to hear the gospel proclaimed by T.C. Bush, who came from Houston to preach at the funeral of one who was to him a friend of nearly forty years."
  • Plainview, TX: "D.M. Thompson of this place died on June 30th in very painful circumstances. He was using gasoline in his work and an explosion resulted which enveloped him in flames. He lived several hours until death came to release him from his agony. He was saved about twenty years ago and at his death was only forty-eight years old. Br. Bush was again called from Houston to help in the funeral services."

• OR 1932-12: Houston: "We had the privilege of attending this conference and it was a genuine pleasure to meet the Texas saints again. The meetings were large and most happy. Those who ministered the Word were Mr. E.G. Matthews of Waterloo, Ia.; Robert Curry of Memphis, Tenn.; Robert Thompson and T.C. Bush, besides the editor. Brother Thompson has a tent up in Harrisburg, near Houston, and was having an encouraging time."

1933

• L&L 1933-4: "John Hunt had good meetings in El Paso, Tex. Baptized two women who were saved some time ago. Had two weeks meetings in San Antonio when a young man professed to be saved. Also had nearly three weeks meetings in Houston with F.W. Schwartz with interest and blessing."

• OR 1933-4:
  • Houston: "F.W. Schwartz of Detroit writes from here of meetings he and Bro. Hunt of California had. They were encouraged by blessing given them. In his letter he mentions that Bre. Foster and Stewart are having some encouragement in West Chicago Bould. Hall, Detroit."
  • Riverside, CA: "After spending some time in San Antonio and Houston, Br. John Hunt returned here and was encouraged in having the privilege of baptizing two recently saved."

• OR 1933-12: Houston: "We heard that the conference here was very much enjoyed and well-attended. Brother Watt, Moneypenny and others helped in the ministry."

1934

• L&L 1934-2: "Our brother E.J. Tharp writes of a very happy time spent at Kansas City Conference, and of a week's meetings in St. Louis. He also visited Memphis, Tenn., and Dallas, Texas. He is now in Houston and expects to visit San Antonio, El Paso and Monrovia. Our brother, with his wife and family, expect, D.V., to leave San Francisco for their field of labor on Feb. 8th, and will value prayer for their journey..."

• L&L 1934-12:
  • Houston: "The conference held on Oct. 26th-28th was good and some of the ministry was very searching. The burden of the ministry was very searching. The burden of the ministry was borne by C.W. Ross, A.N. O'Brien, John Watt, and J.F. Spink. Other preachers who took part were Arthur Rodgers, David Horn, John Horn, D. Lawrence, Robt. Thompson, W. Grierson and E. Dresch. It was good to see Mr. Ross there but he is far from strong and prayer is needed for him. James F. Spink had some good meetings before the conference when two professed to be saved. Others were exercised."
  • "On his way North from Houston conference, A.N. O'Brien had a week of meetings in Dallas, Texas. At Oklahoma City he had eight days of cottage meetings. At Wichita, Kansas, four busy days were spent in ministry to the saints, and in the gospel. At Osage City, he found John Walden and C.O. Bradford cleaning a bakery to be used as a gospel hall, where they expect to have a month, at least, of meetings. After a day there, he went on to Perry and Vinland, Kansas, ere going to the Chicago conference."

• TW 1934-12: U.S.: Houston: "Conference Oct. 26-28 was a profitable time. Ministry by C.W. Ross, A.N. O'Brien, J. Watt, J.F. Spink and others much enjoyed. Mr. Spink had 2 weeks' meetings before conference. Saints helped and sinners saved."

1935

• TW 1935-2:
  • S. Kellar [sic] visited Houston and San Antonia [sic], Texas, on his way to Phoenix, Arizona for meetings... S. Greer went on to Houston and hoped to commence meetings after Xmas... A. Cook and his wife from Bolivia are visiting in Texas."

• L&L 1935-4:
  • "S. Greer was in Liverpool, Texas, a new field. Interest good but the rainy season came and hindered.
  • Messrs. Greer and Currie were in Houston, Texas for a few weeks' meetings. W. Grierson and S. Greer spent two weeks in Dallas, Texas and saw a few interested. W. Grierson now in Maplewood, St. Louis, attendance and interest increasing. Prayer will be valued for blessing."

• L&L 1935-5:
  • "Workers Whereabouts: Spink, James F., Houston, Texas, Tent Work."
  • "The Work of the Lord in Many Lands: Chicago, Ill.: "W. Robertson is having meetings in the Avondale Hall. J.F. Spink had meetings in Irving Park, Evanston, Oak Park, and Austin. He baptized nine in Austin before leaving for Houston, Texas, where he commenced tent work on May 12th."

• L&L 1935-6:
  • "Workers Whereabouts: Spink, James F., Houston, Texas, Tent Work."
  • "The Work of the Lord in Many Lands: Houston, TX: Tent meetings conducted by James F. Spink are not very encouraging as it is hard to get the unsaved in. One has professed to be saved. The meetings for children are very encouraging and the tent is packed out every Monday night."

• L&L 1935-7: "Tent meetings held for eight weeks by James F. Spink were brought to a close on July 7th. Interest increased towards the end and quite a number professed to be saved, mostly children of believers. He had a few meetings in the hall for young converts, and then on July 14th commenced tent meetings in Harper, Texas, where there is no assembly." Also see Texas#Harper.

• L&L 1935-8: "The Annual Conference will be held on Oct. 25th-27th and all are heartily invited. Those desirous of coming from a distance will be entertained as usual. Please communicate with P.C. Doehring, 2302 Louisiana St."

• L&L 1935-9:
  • "C.W. Ross is maintaining his strength and is able to minister the Word. He expects to be at the Houston Conference."

• L&L 1935-12:
  • "The Annual Conference in October was a time of blessing. Numbers from the assemblies in Texas attended and were helped and encouraged. At least two professed faith in Christ. Those who shared in the ministry were Messrs. C.W. Ross, A.N. O'Brien, T.B. Gilbert, John Rankin, T.C. Bush, Jack Charles and R.I. Thompson."
  • "John Rankin was in Houston, Texas, for two weeks prior to the conference and gave profitable ministry to the saints. Now in Dallas, and then expects to go to Fort Worth."
  • "T.B. Gilbert stopped at Dallas a night and two nights at El Paso on his return home from the Houston Conference."
  • "Robert Curry is helping the meeting at El Paso and giving valuable assistance in connection with the building of a new hall there."

1936

• L&L 1936:1: Kansas City, MO: A. Leishman: "Sixteenth Annual Conference at Central Bible Hall was a time of blessing. Some were saved and eight were baptized. Speakers were A. Widdison, W. Cook, Dr. F.W. May, and Dr. Walter L. Wilson. Bro. Widdison ministered the word ten days prior to the conference, largely attended by denominational Christians. Mr. and Mrs. Cook with their two children proceeded to Houston, Texas, and soon to their chosen field, Bolivia, where Will Payne labored for many years."

• L&L 1936-7:
  • Oklahoma Car Fund: "The special auto fund to provide Brother London of Oklahoma with a car is now closed. Brethren at Houston, Texas, took a special interest in this work. They have already purchased the car and it is in use by Bro. London in taking the gospel to needy places. Bro. London has expressed his appreciation in a news note published elsewhere in this issue. Amount previously reported: $106.65. Mrs. A.H.E., Kansas: $2.00. A Sinner Saved by Grace, Michigan: $2.00. Saved by Grace, Houston: $10.00. Mrs. A.R., R.I.: $2.00. Total: $122.65. Price paid for the car: $195.00. the difference was made up by the Houston brethren."
  • "Lawrence London with Andrew Patterson of Houston is now working around Henryetta, Okla., using the Gospel Car. Prayer is requested for the Lord's work in Oklahoma. Our brother wishes to convey his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Lord's dear people for their fellowship in the Oklahoma Auto Fund. He says, "We humbly bow our head and give thanks and praise to God as we take the Gospel Car in His Name." See Visiting Ministry at FCBC.

• L&L 1936-8:
  • Harrisburg (Houston), TX: R.I. Thompson: "In connection with Sunday School carried on in this district I was able to have 10 meetings, held in the home of one of the believers. Very large numbers of children attended, and we heard of one lad professing to receive Christ, and his father reported later, 'It seems genuine'."
  • Houston, TX: R.I. Thompson: "In country district 12 miles from city was able to hold three weeks' open air meetings with very good interest, particularly among professing Christians. The work is being carried on in the home of a believer (who carries excellent testimony of those without, 1 Tim. 3:7), two meetings each week being arranged."

• L&L 1936-9:
  • Itinerary: T.B. Gilbert:
    • Oklahoma: "It was a joy to stop at Henryetta and meet brother Lawrence London. He and brother A. Patterson of Houston, are laboring in the gospel. They were both delighted with the auto he received through the efforts of this page. The car purchased is a 1930 Chevrolet in good running condition and has excellent tires. In the words of both of these brethren, 'It is just the car for this country'."
    • Cedar Lake, Indiana: "I met brother Robert Thompson of San Antonio, Texas. He is driving a 1930-31 Chevrolet car which had been given to him just recently by the Texas assemblies for the work. Much credit is due brother A. Patterson, individual Christians, and the assembly at Houston for the success in getting a car for Oklahoma."
    • A Car for Texas: "The purchase of a car for Oklahoma further stirred brother R. Smith and others in the Houston assembly to see that brother Thompson, who pioneers in Texas, needed a car. His auto was holding together only because of his good care but should have been junked many years ago. The result was the Texas assemblies got together and purchased a car as good or better than the one purchased for brother London."
    • Exhortation: "Doubtless there are pioneers in other states who could reach further afield if they had suitable cars. We trust these happenings will stir up individuals and assemblies in each state to look around them and see the great need along this line. We believe with a little more cooperation between individual Christians and assemblies many of these handicaps can be eliminated. We shall be only too glad to help any worthy cause through this page."
  • The Work of the Lord in Many Lands: Houston: "The annual conference will be held (D.V.) on Oct. 30th, 31st and Nov. 1st. All are heartily invited. Those coming from a distance will be entertained as usual. Communicate with P.C. Doehring, 2302 Louisiana St."

• L&L 1936-10: Springtown, Ark.: "Several brethren have assisted in the work here which our brother J.O. Brown seeks to carry on for the Lord. Harry McAfee was a great help in July. During the latter part of August and the first of September, Bro. Brown used the two roads chart which seemed to create quite an interest, with some deeply concerned, but none professing salvation. The assembly gave them a short visit, also brothers London and Patterson of Houston, Texas, which cheered the little group and Bro. Brown who labors so faithfully there."

• L&L 1936-11: San Antonio, TX: "Expecting Bro. Monypenny for five nights before he goes on to Houston Conference."

• AA 1936-12:
  • Houston: "The attendance at the Conference was very good, more of the Lord's people from outside Houston were present than in former years. The bulk of the ministry fell to brethren McClure and Monypenny, the evening gospel meetings being in the hands of preachers who labor in the South. Mr. McClure went on to San Antonio and purposed later to go to Oakland for the Conference there."
  • TX: "After the Houston Conference, Mr. Monypenny visited Fort Worth, San Antonio and Dallas, the Lord granting His presence and help. At Memphis, Sparta, St. Louis, he had encouraging times. Spent a whole day distributing tracts in New Orleans where he saw little evidence of gospel light. He desires our readers to pray for the needy multitude."

• L&L 1936-12: "Word comes to use of the blessing received from those who attended the Houston Conference. All enjoyed the fat things of the riches of His Grace through the living Word of God."

1937

• TW 1937-1: "J. Monypenny has visited Chicago, Omaha and Houston. Expected to give addresses in Miami in Dec."

• L&L 1937-3: Fort Worth, TX: "F.W. Schwartz from Detroit, Mich., and the Robt. Curry from Pittsburgh, Pa., have visited here, ministering the Word in the gospel and to believers, seasonably and suitably. Bro. Curry went on to Houston, and Bro. Schwartz to San Antonio."

• L&L 1937-4:
  • "Alfred Mace has visited Houston, San Antonio and El Paso, Texas, and is now at Tucson, Ariz. His ministry has been much appreciated and very helpful."
  • "F.W. Schwartz has been giving help in ministry and gospel in Texas. He spent some time in El Paso, going on to the Conference at San Antonio, where he also gave help in Gospel effort and Radio broadcasts. After a short stay in Houston is now home in Detroit, Mich."

• L&L 1937-5: Houston: "Robt. Thompson from South San Antonio is here in the tent. Pitched in a district where there is excellent opportunity to put out the simple gospel. Good numbers are attending each evening. Hope to increase the attendance at the local Sunday School as a result of the meetings."

• L&L 1937-6: "T.B. Gilbert had encouraging meetings at El Paso and at Dallas. He expects to give a week in a tent at Houston before going into Indiana."

• L&L 1937-8:
  • Texas, Boys' Camp: "The first effort at gathering some boys together for a ten day encampment was a success in every way. Forty-one boys were registered, and fifteen acknowledged having received Christ while there. Those professing to have received Christ each gave a good testimony, some have given again their word on reaching home. The evening preaching meetings were in the hands of Robert Thompson, while other leaders each in turn spoke at the early morning gathering. Other leaders present included: Phil Clarkson (Iowa), Morton Ackerly and Geo. Jordan (Dallas), Willys Braun (St. Louis) and William Tieman (Houston)."
  • Houston: "R.I. Thompson completed three weeks in the open air in the North Houston district. The meetings every evening were very well attended, and there was much to encourage. The work is being carried on and built up by Christians continuing in that area."

• L&L 1937-9: "Our Annual Conference will be held, D.V., Nov. 5th-7th, preceded by a prayer meeting on Nov. 4th at 8pm. Pray for the Lord's blessing upon these meetings that will exalt our Lord Jesus Christ, and be a help to His people and that sinners will also be awakened and saved. For further information address P.C. Doehring, 2302 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas."

• L&L 1937-10:
  • "The Thirty-Sixth Annual Conference will be held (D.V.) in the Gospel Hall, 2402 Louisiana St., Nov. 5th-7th, beginning with a prayer meeting at 7:45pm, Nov. 4th."

• L&L 1937-11
  • "After many years of seed sowing and gospel meetings, a small gathering of believers met to break bread in a new district about twelve miles north of here. This was a happy event, and with the hearty support and fellowship of the local assembly. Correspondent, Andrew Patterson, 1010 Boundary St., Houston, Texas."
  • "During the past month two baptismal services were held in the local Hall when over twenty believers were baptized. Various ages, but a fine group of young men included. Some of them saved recently as a result of meetings held in tent (Bro. Robert Thompson), and also some of them saved at the Boys' Camp held near Dallas last July."
  • South Houston, Texas: Robert I. Thompson: "The Houston Gospel tent has been pitched here over three weeks. The attendance of the local residents has been very good, and an effort to follow up this work has been made in the formation of a Sunday School. Weather conditions during third week of October prevented the continuance of the tent meetings, but with the start made it is hoped that there will be quite a work continued. Four years ago local brethren carried on here each week, but about a year ago the work was discontinued and is now being revived."

• L&L 1937-12: Houston, Texas: "Conference was very good. Bre. McClure, Hunter, Rouse, W. Pell, Hunt and Bush ministered the Word."

1938

• L&L 1938-2: Tucson, Ariz.: "T.B. Gilbert arrived after Christmas. Found the little assembly going on happy and somewhat strengthened. He has been able to get back on the air six 15-minute periods a week over KVOA. Will value prayer. He visited St. Louis, Mo., Houston, Dallas, and El Paso, Texas for a short series of meetings enroute."

• L&L 1938-3: Houston, TX:
  • P.C.D.: "We have had with us Mr. Fred Woods of Australia the past ten days. Ministry excellent, helpful to saints and glorifying to the Lord."
  • "John Dickson had good meetings in Houston, Texas, on his way east."

• L&L 1938-4:
  • "Robert Thompson is finding many open doors in communities around Houston. At Lufkin, 100 miles north, a most needy section, with scant notice 200-300 people crowded the schoolhouse on the Sunday evening at the Gospel meeting. At Cove, a sister in Christ gathers children to her home from the neighboring oil fields and farming community and Bro. Thompson has been traveling out helping to start and build up this work. Also at Pierce Junction, there is a new field of service and our brother is able to visit this place at regular intervals. Very large numbers attend the meetings. This place has provided a number of openings in nearby farming communities. Pray that the Lord may bless the labors of our brother that many hearing the Word may believe and be saved."
  • "[[Alfred Perks Gibbs|Alfred P. Gibbs is having interest in Houston, Texas, speaking on "The Marvelous City of Mansoul."

• L&L 1938-6: The Pioneer Preachers' Page:
  • State of Texas: "Reports from Texas tell us that our brother Robert Thompson is kept busy in and around Houston. He has recently visited Lufkin, 140 miles N.E. of Houston, where 200-250 gathered on a Sunday night to hear the gospel. He is also helping a new work 9 miles S.W. of Houston at Pierce Junction and another opening in the oil fields 45 miles S.E. of Houston."
  • Pine View District:
    • "About eight years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Lammert of the Houston Assembly moved into a section, near Houston, known as Pine View. They began work for the Lord by opening their home for a children's class. Three years ago, they added a cottage meeting each week and a Ladies' Bible Class. On four different occasions, brother Thompson held meetings in their home. Some were saved and interest was increased."
    • "A number of other Christians from the Houston assembly who lived in the district became more interested and a year ago they secured a building. This gave impetus to the work and a Sunday School was started. Within a couple months the school grew from 20 to 50-60 average and 74 as a record. Some of the boys were saved at the Texas Boys' Camp last summer and a little later 14 people were baptized and an assembly started."
    • "Last October, a building was purchased and equipped for Sunday School and meetings. Within four months the Sunday School increased to 116, more than the capacity of the building. They have since added 30 feet to it and we hope to hear soon it has been outgrown."

• L&L 1938-8: "Robert Thompson visited Lufkin, Texas, using the Houston Tent, and reports having exceptional attendance at the meetings there. With two having professed to be saved at a previous visit, and another two during the present tent series it is encouraging indeed. He had the joy of baptizing seven believers there, and there are quite a number of men who attended the morning services and are exercised to seek to continue on in the Lord's work as guided by the Scriptures. Some "teaching" brother with a pioneering spirit should visit this locality and help on these earnest believers."

• L&L 1938-10: "Robt. Thompson of South Houston, Texas, is encouraged with the good attendance and interest being manifest in the tent campaign he is conducting at this time. Previously, he was at Lufkin, Texas, seeking to help those who had professed during the time the tent was up."

• L&L 1938-11: Houston: "J.T. Dixon from Providence, Rhode Island is having meetings in the tent."

• L&L 1938-12: Houston:
  • "Conference was large and good. Bre. McClure, Dickson, Hunt, Pell, Charles, Reager, Bush, Morgan and Greer ministered the Word. Saints refreshed and helped and one soul professed. S. Greer stayed over for meetings."
  • "Robert Thompson continues his activities in and around Houston. A special feature of his work is a class of boys who meet at a different home once a week. They are given homework and interest is keeping up."

1940's

1941

• • AA 1941-12:

With Christ: P.C. Doehring, Houston, TX: Letter from Mr. T.C. Bush, Waxahachie, Texas:

Know ye not that there is a Prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.

"This scripture at once suggests itself to the mind of one intimate with P.C. Doehring on the occasion of his home going, in the 72nd year. On Thu., Oct. 23rd about 3:30 p.m. our beloved brother succumbed to a heart attack and within a few minutes was with the Lord.

It was the afternoon of the day that the 40th Annual Conference was to start with the prayer meeting in the evening, and, as was his custom for many years he had been busy all of the day, his last day on earth, making the necessary arrangements for the conference. By 5 p.m. the news had spread over the city and so reached those local as well as those who had already gathered for the Conference. To one and all it was a great shock. Being apparently in usual health we could scarce believe he had left us.

Our Brother was saved in Chicago, Ill. about 45 years ago [1896?], and shortly thereafter came to Houston, Texas and engaged in the jewelry business. There he came directly into contact with our beloved brother Joseph Jameson. Quickly he embraced the truths held by our brother as to Christ being the center of gathering for His people and at once associated himself with that pioneer of the faith in a small meeting already begun in the home.

Soon a Gospel Hall was secured and from then on through four decades he gave himself, his time, his talents as much as possible to the work of the Lord, the furtherance of the Gospel and the care of the Lord's people. In all of these years in the closest association with brother Jameson his temporal and business affairs all were subordinated to the spiritual. His hospitality was boundless, and those that knew him both of the Lord's servants, as well as the Lord's people, can rise up this day and call him blessed.

On the last Lord's day preceding his home call, Sunday, Oct. 19th, he was at Manvel... 25 miles from Houston... assisting, along with other brethren, in the opening of a new Hall there. He gave a most interesting account of the history of the Houston Assembly since its inception and mentioned the growth extending out to this city. He referred in passing to the fact that out of the four men who first sat to remember the Lord in Houston, he alone was left. It was a fitting testimony, destined to be the last public utterance, of this man of God.

Quite a number of the Lord's servants were attending the conference as well as believers from Texas and other States, so with those who locally love him, the funeral was very largely attended. Bro. Wm. Rae spoke a most solemn and comforting word from Ps. 116:15 to the company gathered at the funeral home, and Bro. T.C. Bush read a portion of scripture and prayed at the grave. So in this simple way we laid the body of this man of God, our beloved brother, till that glad day that will soon come for all of His own.

Mr. Doehring is survived by five sons, and a number of grandchildren, and the Lord's people may well pray that these sons may emulate their devoted father, and thus for themselves adorn, as he did, the doctrine of God their Saviour."

Sources

• Assembly Annals (AA): 1936-12; 1941-12
• Faithful Words (FW): 1901-5
• Light & Liberty (L&L): 1933-4,12; 1934-2; 1935:4-9,12; 1936:1,7-12; 1937:3-6,8-12; 1938:2-4,6,8,10-12
• Our Record (OR): 1911-9; 1915-2; 1928:3-4,8,12; 1929:3-4, 7, 10-11; 1930-5,10; 1931-10/11; 1932-1,8,12; 1933-4,12
• The Witness (TW): 1934-12; 1935-2; 1937-1
• Words in Season (WiS): 1912-12