Seadrift’s First Baptist Church

Nothing makes more of an impact on a community than the local church. Seadrift’s First Baptist Church has a rich history of transforming lives for Christ.

It was in 1893 when the Baptist church in the Seadrift area had their first pastor. The pastor’s name was J.K. Smith. Since that time the church has had thirty-four pastors. The pastor with the longest tenure was Joe Dufner. He pastored for fourteen years. Many interim pastors came and went.

In 1911, the American Townsite Company donated a lot and had the Baptist church building (pictured above) built on what is now the corner of 3rd and Dallas. Other churches used the building as well until their churches were built.

The present sanctuary was built on the same location as the old one. That was in 1951. In 1982 a new two-story addition was built alongside the church sanctuary that houses classrooms, a fellowship hall with a full kitchen, and three offices. A gym was built across from the church later that the church as well as the community have used over the years.

Programs that First Baptist sponsor other than their own are the Lottie Moon and the Annie Armstrong foundation, Franklin Graham’s Samaritan Purse, and the Beeville Children’s Home.

The first Wednesdays of each month, for those in need, there is a food pantry. Monday nights at the church gym is the KFC (Kids for Christ) program. Wednesday nights is the “Bible Journaling” class for the youth.

Pictured below is the church today.

Five blue marlin found their way to the Chapel during the Lone Star Shoot Out! We sincerely appreciate being asked to glean by Mr. Randy Bright, who is the son of the man from which we bought our Chapel building. We also enjoyed other special “meat fish” from the tournament, which we have passed out. AND, Cotton Incorporated, the caterers for the event passed a couple of truckloads of food from their freezers. Our gratefulness also flows toward those in our congregation and this community whose help in gathering all this food was indispensable. Thanks!

We also gleaned fish from the Shark Tooth Tournament which has been enjoyed by several locals. Personally, we had three events scheduled that one day and those from the Chapel and friends helped make the events of that day extra special. We have a great congregation and welcome others to come see all that we are trying to accomplish for our Lord.

We just hosted another Men’s Retreat, with men coming from our area, all the way from Hallettsville and from Wharton, and all points in between men have come for a desire to fellowship and praise the Lord. It was a grand event and was headed up by Pastor Junior from Hallettsville.

Pastor Joane and I are headed to Pittsburg, Texas to preach a revival for that congregation. We will be there for six services and will share the preaching assignments. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do for Pastor Tom Ream and his group of believers. It was my practice for many years to preach revival efforts while pastoring, but I have not done one in several years. Maybe it is an opportunity for me to “relive my childhood”! Thanks for praying for us and supporting the Chapel in our absence. We are delighted that our special friends from Seguin, Mike and Cindy Rogers, will be filling the pulpit for us while we are away. They are a special ministry team, and all will be blessed by their ministry. Cindy will be ministering during the Bible Study time at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and Mike will be ministering in the 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. services. Come and be blessed!

Captain Robert is returning to the Chapel on August 19 for another series of Sea Academy classes. All those desiring to receive their “Captain’s License” should contact Captain Robert as soon as possible to reserve a place in this class. HE can be reached by calling 361-785-6184. He began teaching here at the Chapel in 2000 and many have received their licenses and have gone on to work in that industry. Do not miss out on an opportunity for this great business opportunity.

We continue being blessed by those in this community who are contributing to our Pantry. There is food available for the needy in Port O’Connor. All one must do to receive is to ask. One can call Pastor Joane at 361-648-4622 and set an appointment to come and receive a helping hand. We sincerely appreciate all those who have a heart for hungry people and for giving to the Chapel, so we have something to give others!

Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation whose goal is to exalt Jesus Christ in as many ways as we possibly can. We gather each Lord’s Day (Sunday) at 10:00 a.m. for Bible Study; 11:00 a.m. for our Morning Service, and 6:00 p.m. for our Evening Service. We also come together and generally share a meal on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and finish the evening with a special message. Everyone one will find a warm welcome at the Chapel, and all are urged to, Come Grow With Us!”

Don R. Lingo age 77 of Seadrift, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022 at his home in Corunna, MI. A funeral service was held August 11, 2022 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel.

Don Russell Lingo was born June 13, 1945 in Owosso, a son of Leo and Gladys (Seigel) Lingo. He graduated from Owosso High School in 1963. After High School Don served in the United States Marine Corps. In 1998 Don retired from General Motors after 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Latosha Shrum; parents, Leo and Gladys Lingo; sister, Thylia Lare; brothers, Gary, Elwood and Eugene Lingo.

Bobby Joe Boyd, age 80, of Port Lavaca, Texas passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022.

Bobby was born in Port Lavaca, Texas, on June 7, 1942. Bobby graduated from Calhoun High School and received a degree in Apprentice Maintenance Mechanics. He was married to Fontilla Kay Lindsey on July 6, 1962.

Bobby had a career in Maintenance Mechanics and Millwright at Alcoa. He had a passion for Texans Football, the Houston Astros, and loved watching Smithsonian Channel and THE Fighting Sandcrabs! He went to most away and all home games he could get to for many, many years! He was joined by his brothers most Friday nights games and with normally with the coffee bunch at Wagon Train most weekday mornings!

He is survived by his children Beckey Boyd Gooden (Ronnie Gooden), of Seadrift and Tammy Lee Boyd; grandchildren Chantelle Boyd, (Terry Williams) and Dustin Green-& (Christina Green) and great grandchildren Ethan Green, Bralyn Hopes, Kaidasen Green, Dustin Jr. Green, and Rylince Green; siblings Norman Boyd (Linda Boyd), and Cecil Boyd (Carol Boyd) of Port Lavaca. He was so proud that his kids were in such loving relationships with loving and faithful partners. He was especially fond of his son in laws infamous seafood extravaganzas at home and at Bubba’s Seafood in Seadrift!

Preceded in death by brothers Waymon (wife Ann) and Ronal Boyd, and parents Ruby Elswick Boyd and Arbie Boyd, formerly of Port Lavaca.
Bobby was the ultimate daddy, husband, friend and brother. He worked hard since a teenager in Port Lavaca. He learned hard work is how you get ahead by watching his momma, Ruby Elswick Boyd.

He was the baby of four brothers: Waymon. Cecil. Ronald. Norman. He adored his brothers and their wives and was so proud of his family. He did years of research to find all his extensive Boyd family tree. He always kept up with everyone and tried to ensure everyone knew that he loved and cared for them all. Bobby never met a stranger. He worked at the old Velas/Stanley’s grocery store as a teenager. He could always make you laugh and feel completely loved.

He went to work in Houston as a gas station attendant after high school graduation at CHS. That’s where he met his beloved wife Fontilla Kay Lindsey. He fell in love instantly. He joined the Air Force and they married on July 6, 1962. He went to boot camp near Amarillo. They couldn’t stand to be apart, so finally when allowed, my momma packed her suitcase and rode a bus for many hours to be with Daddy. Soon after they were stationed in New York.  The local Italian families nearby in the area adopted them. Then in 1964 and they had Beckey Lynn. By 1966 they were back in Houston and then had Tammy Boyd.

Bobby applied for jobs back home and Alcoa was just starting up and willing to train young men in Point Comfort, Texas. So they moved there and Daddy start his apprenticeship. After a couple years they saved up enough to buy a house in Port Lavaca. They raised their family there. Many years they allowed many of their daughters friends who needed a safe haven to live on their couch until better arrangements could be found for them.

Bobby worked hard and learned all sorts of skills and became tool room manager after he was severely burned on the job at Alcoa in 1989. He worked until retirement in mid 90’s. He won all sorts of awards and was an active member of the union. His dedication to his beloved wife and daughters was legendary. Also his devotion to grandkids Chantelle Boyd (Terry Williams) and Dustin Green (Christina). He was still carting five great grandkids around until not too long ago.

Our Daddy; was his family’s Superman. He was always willing to help family, friends and many times strangers in their times of need. He hardly took vacations without taking family or friends along to camp or travel. He loved history and seeing Naval ships at American Harbors like the Intrepid his daddy Arbie served on in New York.

We love you forever daddy. Your faith and unconditional love blessed this county and our family for 80 years! We were so shocked by your sudden accident and death and we’re not sure how to carry on without you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Boyd family. Services were July 1, 2022.

LaDonna Sue Gohlke, 80, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 in Port Lavaca, Texas. Sue was born December 4, 1941 in Oglesby, TX. She married Marcos Gohlke on June 20, 1959 in Oglesby, TX. She served alongside Marcos as they served churches in Tivoli, TX, Glen Rose, TX, Bloomfield, NM, Port Lavaca, TX, Crescent Valley, TX, Three Rivers, TX, Bloomington, TX, Port O’Connor, TX, then Tivoli, TX again, where they finally retired. Sue was an excellent pianist and loved playing the piano for different events throughout her life time. While in Three Rivers she received a volunteer of the year award playing the piano for the Chapel services at the Federal Prison.

Sue is survived by her husband, Marcos, of Crescent Valley, TX. and their children Mark Gohlke and spouse, Tinky, of Midlothian, TX., Anthony Gohlke and spouse, Christine, of Port Lavaca, TX, Daughter Misti Ryan and spouse, Micah, of League City, TX.

Also survived by twelve grandchildren (in order of age), Michael, Melissa, Meg, Wesley, Eric, Aaron, Marygrace, Micah, Noah, Madeline, Meredith, Molly Sue, ten great grandchildren (in order of age), Duke, Garrett, Isabella, Margaret Sue, Rebecca, Joanna, Isla, Dexter, Lucille, and Shae.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister and two brothers.

Funeral Services were held Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Crescent Valley Baptist Church with Chris Cunningham officiating. Interment followed in Crescent Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers were grandsons Michael, Wesley, Eric, Aaron, Micah T., and Noah. Honorary pallbearers are Micah Ryan, Ryan Neighbors, and Deacons of Crescent Valley Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Crescent Valley Baptist Church, 6679 SH-185 Victoria, TX 77905 or the Alzheimer’s Association.

To share a fond memory visit www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.