March 16, 1964, was a cold, windy day when a scared, high school student walked into a room filled with older preachers to present himself as a candidate for an “Exhorter’s Permit”. The room was at the end of the Catoosa Football Field, where he had played Junior High and Senior High ball. The building was so close to the goal posts that it was not uncommon for a field goal to hit the church roof. He felt “the call to preach” since shortly after being saved at age 14 at that Catoosa Church, which was not his church home. Timber Ridge was where he attended. Now he faced a Superintendent, Presbyter, and several Committeemen who would judge him “worthy” or “still lacking”. He knew he had a lot to learn, but also had been preaching for “close to two years”. There was one very familiar face among those he faced: his Pastor Baker was there, and the lad was certain that he would speak well of him. After a very short opening statement, and answering only one question, the young man walked outside and sat on a cold, metal folding chair to await the decision. Time seemed to stand still as he waited the minute or two before he was called to stand before the Board and hear that they too believed that God had called him to preach and was granting the “Exhorter’s Permit” that he sought. He would have to promise to read “Bible Doctrines” by P.C. Nelson, pass the test, and begin immediately the prescribed reading courses to qualify him for “Licenses to Preach”. Exactly one year later, on March 16, 1965, that same high school student was granted his “Licenses to Preach” because he had fulfilled those requirements and more. I remember these events so well because I was that student. However, when I was “old enough”, I was ordained and after my formal education and a hitch with Uncle Sam, I entered full time ministry which has brought me to Port O’Connor. I trust I will never forget that God has called me, others have confirmed that calling, and now I must fulfill that calling!
Recently, 15 men and boys traveled to Smiley for a few days of Retreat. It was a very special event as each participant who spoke at the Chapel told of special memories they made while there. There were tales of rabbit hunts, raccoon kills, and of seeing wild hogs. There were horse shoe games, target and skeet shooting, and riding of a four-wheeler and golf cart. There was a lot of food eaten, some tent sleeping, and a special time of testimonies around the open camp fire. When we do it again, we will let other men know so they too can enjoy this special time.
The Chapel has been given a new baby grand piano by the Peters family. This piano graced the home of Dick and Ellen Peters in Huntsville. Before Ellen passed recently, the piano was given to the Chapel. To memorialize this special gift, a Dedicatory Service will be held on Sunday, March 23, during the 11:00 a.m. service. Members of the Peters family will be in attendance for the congregation to express their appreciation for this special gift. The Chapel recently donated their antique baby grand to a Victoria church. All are welcomed to attend this special activity at the Chapel.
Captain Robert will be teaching another Captain’s School at the Chapel beginning March 21. Those interested should contact Captain Robert at 361/816-3010 as soon as possible. The next class is scheduled to begin on May 2.
Get reading for the Chapel’s annual Chili Cook-Off. This year the event will be following the morning service on March 30. We will be honoring Pat Prather’s birthday during this event. We are currently searching for new judges, since for the past many, many years the judges have declared Pastor Erny’s chili was the proud owner of “last place”! I did figure out last year how to make sure that some of my chili did better – I entered two pots of chili, since only one could be judged “the worst chili”! Anyone who will help Pastor out of these bad past losses should contact him as soon as possible so he can interview them to see if they will truly help him out! It will be a fun event and everyone is welcomed to come and join in!
The Chapel Ladies will have a special “waffle breakfast” at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 22. This will be a time of inspiration and fellowship and every lady is invited to attend.
With all the events of this month, Friday Night Youth will meet only on March 14 and March 28. Julian, Alissa and Zach encourage all this community’s youth to come for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. They meet from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. at the Chapel.
Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation dedicated to service this community by spreading the Good News that Jesus is the answer for today and tomorrow! You will always find a warm welcome here, and are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”
