I recently shared about a connection between my family and Pastor George W. Truett. After researching the timeline more closely, I followed up with those at the Truett Memorial Library, asking if there was a record of the sermon preached on April 10, 1927, when my great-grandfather Loys Arnold was received for baptism.
The answer to that question was no, but the archivist did find a bulletin from April 17, 1927, showing that Loys Arnold had been received for and baptized the week prior. There is a mark showing where his name appears under those baptized, but his name appears in the previous section, too. Search for it. You’ll see it.
The other two pages above are also from the church bulletin. Though it is blurry in this image, you can see that the home address and phone number of Pastor George W. Truett are listed, as is the contact information for other members of the church staff, including the pastor’s assistant, secretary, and the directors of youth and children’s ministries. What a time to be in ministry. You’ll also see the church’s “Invitation,” which reads:
To all who mourn and need comfort
To all who are weary and need rest
To all who are friendless and wish friendship
To all who are homeless and wish sheltering love
To all who pray and to all who do not, but ought
To all who sin and need a Savior, and to whosoever will
This church opens wide the door and makes free a place,
And in the name of Jesus, the Lord, says
WELCOME
I like these words quite a lot, and I wonder how they struck Loys Arnold. Notice, these people do not claim to speak for themselves. They claim to speak for Jesus Christ.
I’m also impressed by the fact that the church’s weekly meetings are headlined, “The King’s Business.” Makes you think a little differently about what you are doing when you attend a Sunday school, go to worship, or join with a group or fellowship. The title puts you in a different frame of mind.
The church continues to be about the business of King Jesus. It is good, joyous, worthwhile, challenging, and everlasting work.