Summary	Family	Elders	Deacons
	Preachers	Works

PREFACE

The task of recording on paper the history of the church in Merced has been an interesting one. Intermittently I have gone from feeling like there was "no information" to having more than I knew what to do with. Formal records were not kept in most cases. We have an almost complete set of weekly church bulletins from 1957 (thanks to Phil Fredrickson) to the present time. These have been the source of most of the basic information for that time period. The human interest stories have come from talking to the "old timers." A lot of the data comes from personal recollection.

I have tried to be as accurate and complete as possible with the information available. If I have made an error in reporting or omitted someone or some important event, I sincerely apologize. I would like to request this of you: Please send me the correct information or the omission. With the modern technology of a computer, the information can easily be changed or inserted. I may not print the book again, but the records will be accurate and complete for the person who writes the book for the 100th anniversary!

I would like to thank all who helped me out on this project. Several wrote notes and sent pictures. Thank you to Susan Anderson who gathered the vital statistics from the bulletins and to Wendy Hawkins who did the final editing. I am grateful to the "old-timers" who let me continually ask questions, sometimes the same ones over and over. Phil and Bobby Fredrickson, Ray and Bernice Gill, and Alice Ehrmantraut, met with me more than once to help get the information straight.

I pray that those who read these "Chronicles of a Congregation" will enjoy them, laugh at the good times remembered, and maybe even shed a tear or two. May God bless you.

Debbie Posey

Compiler

June 1997

MERCED CHURCH OF CHRIST

A Summary

The following was written in a directory printed in the early 1960s.

In the spring of 1937, a few Christian families began meeting in Hann's Funeral Home in Merced. Through the efforts of Bro. T.M. Craig, and Bro. J.E. Wainwright the congregation was firmly established during that first year.

As the small congregation progressed, it moved to the Sun Room, and later the Auditorium, of the Merced Woman's Club House. The preaching was done by Bro. Craig, the singing was led by Bro. Erskin Garrison of Chowchilla, and the one Bible class was taught by Brother J.W. Romine.

In 1945, the growth of the church necessitated moving to the Bear Creek Grange Hall, where they worshipped for three years. Brother Daniels, Art Jester's brother-in-law, remembers cleaning up the hall Sunday mornings before class, teaching Bible class, leading singing, and sometimes bringing the lesson. Brother Mansur would come every weekend, from Oakland, to preach. He would come up Saturday by bus and spend the night with members. Brother Clint Ketner remembers that every time Brother Mansur stayed with them, his sermon the next morning would always have something to say about how they were raising their son, Eddie.

The land on 22nd Street, on which our first building was built, was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry King, Lota Mae Motherwell and Jim King�s parents. Brother Mansur was very instrumental in seeing that the building was built. The preacher's house and church building were built in 1948 on these two lots. This was the congregation's home for the next five years. Dicie Daniels, Art Jester's sister, remembers, "We were so happy we got the building on 22nd Street. This was our first permanent home in Merced, we had been moving from place to place." Brother Mansur did some of the preaching, but was more of a song leader. Ross McGinnis was the first preacher hired. Everett Rash was a song leader and a deacon. B.C. O'Hagan, Jewel Ketner's brother, also did some of the song leading along with Erskine Garrison and Billy Daniels. Roy Phillips was the treasurer and a Bible class teacher.

In August 1952, Brother Lovelady was hired as the preacher. He felt that the church needed to move to a better location. He feared no one would find them at their present location and with Brother Lovelady's encouragement six lots on the corner of Yosemite Parkway and Edwards were purchased. The cost of all six lots was $6,500. One Sunday in October 1952, a special contribution was taken and $4,310 was raised. The congregation borrowed the difference and purchased the six lots. After selling the building on 22nd Street the loan was paid off.

The building was built by countless members and even some non-members. Ray Gill remembers ruining the transmission on his car hoisting beams up to the roof. Everyone would come down after work during the week, as well as all day Saturday, and work on completing the construction of the building. After working all day on Saturday they would have a huge potluck.

The new building was completed in 1953 and is still in use, with very few changes to the auditorium itself. The biggest change to the auditorium was the construction of the nursery. Originally the capacity of the auditorium was around 600, after the nursery was constructed from the back part of the auditorium, the capacity dropped to about 400. The new building had an auditorium, three classes upstairs, and six classes downstairs as well as a baptistry, kitchen, and fellowship hall.

The dedication was held on Easter Sunday 1953. All seats were filled, they even had to put out chairs. Phil Fredrickson remembers carrying chairs to the auditorium. Clint Lovelady presented the lesson that morning.

But we quickly grew and needed more room. While Brother Lovelady was still here we added the West Wing, these were four outside classrooms separate from the main building. When Brother Mitten was here the building was filled in with the hallway, elders office, and other rooms. Phil Fredrickson remembers that he, Bill Lawler, and Floyd Mitten laid the cement foundation. The next addition was the East Wing. At that time, what is now the fellowship hall, was enlarged and the bathrooms and classrooms on that side were added. Bob and Bill O'Hara did the electrical work. We sure have been blessed with such talented members, who willingly donate their time. We still see these two men down at the building doing electrical work, among other things.

As we grew and needed a larger building our parking lot also needed to be expanded. On May 21, 1978, escrow papers were signed for the lot across the street. The lot itself was $30,000 and it cost an additional $26,000 to develop the land into a parking lot.

A small library was started in the early 1970s, which went out of existence. However, in 1993 a new, complete library was started. The congregation became very enthusiastic and involved. The members donated books or money for books, and the library quickly grew to over 700 books. On January 2, 1994, the library was dedicated to Andy Anderson. The library door bears the brass plaque with his name inscribed.

MERCED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Her Family

While it is easy to tell a history of an organization by a time-line of it�s building, it is well known that the church is not her edifices of brick and mortar, but the church is her people, her family. Over the sixty years of the existence of the church of Christ in Merced, literally thousands have been members here, have worshipped, and worked for the Lord in this place. Hundreds more have visited here, been guest speakers here, been supported in mission fields by the members here, or have in some other way been involved with the Merced congregation.

Hindsight is always better than foresight, as the old saying goes, and we wish that there had been a historian at the Merced congregation who kept meticulous records of all of the happenings -- births, baptisms, weddings, deaths, etc, but that wasn't the case. Most of our information regarding "vital statistics" comes from old bulletins of which Phil Fredrickson had almost a complete collection dating back to 1957. Some of the statistics come from the memories of people who are still here.

It is remembered by several of the original member's children that the following people were charter members in 1937. It was noted in an old directory that the total number of charter members was seventeen.

T.M. Craig and wife

Erskin and Ruby Garrison and family

Curt and Lela O'Hagen and family

J.E. Wainwright

Stafford family

Sister Hanley

Haskel and Flora Bell Conover

Erskin Garrison, originally from Chowchilla, helped start the church in 1937. He was the song leader. He went with the preacher to different places to lead the songs. He was also a Bible school teacher. His son, George, is a preacher, and two of George's sons-in-law are preachers.

When the congregation was meeting in the Grange Hall, Junior Brown recalls being baptized August 14, 1945, in the canal in front of the Hall while the congregation looked on. He said he remembers the water being "ice cold" as it came down off the mountains. Junior Brown was not the only one baptized outside of a baptistery. Lota Mae Motherwell's sister, Zela Faye Bartel, was also baptized in the canal during the time the congregation was meeting in the Grange Hall. Dale Rhodes was baptized in Yosemite Lake in May 1967 and he remembers that the water was cold too!

We do know that Alice Ehrmantraut was the second person baptized at the building on 22nd Street when it was brand new, her sister, Betty Hester, was the first.

The statistics of our congregation come mostly from weekly bulletins. Since we do not have any bulletins prior to 1957 and we have none for the early 1960s there is a void of over twenty-five years. But the records that we do have show at least 435 baptized at the Merced church of Christ. These bulletins report that over 481 have placed membership.

More than 97 babies have been born to families attending the Merced church congregation. Some grew up here, were baptized here, and were married here. The ones we have records of doing this are: Bob Anderson and Susan Anderson, and their daughters who are both baptized; Lori Smith and her sons Dustin and David, who have both been baptized; James and Phyllis Hamilton, and their children Serena and Brandon have been baptized.

And of course, Christians from this congregation died here--men and women who built, worked, prayed, and gave their best for this church in Merced. We have to take heart and believe the scriptures when they tell us that these people have gone on to a better place and that, if we remain faithful, we will join them in the end.

The church here at Merced has two record members that we would like to acknowledge: Alice Ehrmantraut holds the record for being the longest continuous member of the Merced church of Christ, and Mrs. Eleanor Hunt is our oldest member. She turned ninety-five in May 1997. The congregation honored her with a bouquet of roses and a basket of birthday cards.

The records show that on July 30, 1967, the second grade Bible class was treated to a swimming party and barbecue hosted by their teacher, Sister Jan Cruickshank.

In 1992 the junior high and high school girls corresponded with six girls from Manuelutio Children's Home, which the Merced congregation helps support. The girls decided to work and make their own money so that they could send the girls at the Home some of the items they requested. At Christmas time a nice size package was sent off to Manuelutio Children's Home, thanks to the hard work and kindness of our girls.

We cannot mention Bible class teachers without thinking about Alice Ehrmantraut. She has been teaching since she was a new convert in 1949. She remembers the very first class she taught, Jim King was one of her students. She says she really had to study to keep ahead of the little ones, as she was a

new convert. She also remembers having classes of two and three year olds where the men's baptistery room is now. She used to have 18 students and no helper was needed as they were all good! Over the years she has taught just about every member's young child and even some grandchildren.

In the activities of a church there are many "jobs" to be done. The members of the Merced church of Christ have always been there to pitch in and do their part. Ladies (often helped by husbands and children) faithfully prepare the communion each week. When there is a needy or bereaved family, food is always fixed in abundance.

There are those who clean the building. Sometimes we didn't even know who it was that mopped the bathrooms or ran the vacuum. Charlie Wilson with his wife, Doris, cleaned the building loving for at least 15 years in the 1970s and 1980s, doing regular cleaning plus polishing floors, cleaning carpets, etc. In recent years, Phyllis Hamilton has been behind the vacuum. The building was cleaned by the members of the church. We do not know all of their names so will list none. At one time all the members were divided into crews and assigned different areas of work for certain months. Much like the program we have going now. The lawn was also maintained by the members. Homer Benson took care of the lawns for ten years. James Hamilton has been doing the lawns in recent years. Almost all of the routine maintenance was and still is done by the members. Bob O'Hara, Bill O'Hara, or Ray Gill can be found changing light bulbs, fixing the plumbing, or a light fixture, or something else that needs repair. Recently Joe Mullen has been painting various rooms in the building.

Over the years there have been a number of people who have worked on the bulletins. From collecting news, folding, typing, and mailing. Yes, for a few years the bulletins were mailed to the members so they would be sure to have them before Sunday. According to an early bulletin, Helen Jackson and Marian Hawkins put out a weekly bulletin in 1955. Mansel and Flo Willett were also credited with doing the bulletin for a while. Lillian and Wilbert Mirers did the bulletins for a long time. Barbara Evans first volunteered to help in 1976 and has been working at it ever since. She's had helpers along the way-- the bulletins mention: Debbie Jester, John Motherwell, Pat O'Hara, Debbie Campos, and there may have been others. Since 1995 Debbie Posey and Barbara Evans have been responsible for putting the bulletins out.

Castle Air Force Base supplied the Merced congregation with a lot of good faithful workers. As soon as they transferred in, they'd place membership, and get right to the Lord's work. We don't have a list of their names, but if we did it would be long.

These are by no means all of the people who have, over the years, kept things looking good. This is just a sampling of those we can rely on. Do we have a job that needs to be done? There is someone in the Merced congregation who will do it! And this is still true.

Of course, there are other things that a congregation does besides maintenance. Many go about quietly visiting the sick and shut-ins. We remember how much help Bill and Fern O'Hara were to Juanita Nichols when Nick was ill. Also, families quietly take food to those who cannot easily get around --sometimes just to cheer them up a bit. We have had several visitation programs over the years, and they were good, but we know that the visits that are not "assigned" have a special place in the work of the church.

Taking care of the finances of a congregation is a time-consuming and sometimes stressful task, albeit a necessary one. Although they do not make the final decisions on how to spend the money, they must be alert to what is due, what is coming up, and how to plan for the use of the funds. We do not have a record who the first ones were but Dicie Daniels remembers that Roy Phillips was treasurer for a while on 22nd Street. Clint Ketner was treasurer of the regular fund and Brother Dodson was treasurer of the building fund. Wilbert Mires was treasurer for years on Yosemite Parkway. Ray Gill has been depositing the money, paying the bills, and presenting the financial report since 1985.

Secretarial and office help was first done by the wives of the preachers -- or by the preachers themselves.

The first secretary the church hired was Debbie Posey in April 1993. She is the present secretary for the church.

It would be impossible to name everyone who has been involved in the work of the church here in Merced. More will be mentioned in other sections of this history. Some have done their work quietly and we have no record of it. But the records that are important are kept above and those that have diligently striven to do God's Will, shall be rewarded in heaven.

MERCED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Her Elders

From almost the beginning, the Merced church of Christ has been Biblically organized with elders. Here again, our records are not as complete as we would like them to be. Bulletins and recollections have helped us put together the following listing.

B.C. O'Hagan

B.C. and his wife, Leota, were charter members of this congregation. Remembrance has it that he served as elder when the congregation was worshiping at the Grange Hall and 22nd Street. He served mainly as a song leader. He and Leota had four daughters and one son. B.C. passed away in 1984.

Billy Daniel

He served as elder at both the Grange Hall and 22nd Street. Brother Daniel taught teen classes, led singing, and was a church leader. His wife, Dicie, also taught Bible classes. They now live in the Sacramento area and attend the church of Christ in Rancho Cordova.

Henry King

Served as an elder on 22nd Street. We still have one of Brother King's daughters as a member, Lota Mae Motherwell. He died April 5, 1951. Ross McGinnis officiated the funeral. Brother King and his wife, Bessie, donated the two lots where the building on E. 22nd Street was built. Bessie did some Bible class teaching.

Herman Kenney

Herman was baptized in the building on E. 22nd Street by Brother McGinnis in 1951. He became an elder in 1953. Brother Kenney retired as an elder January 1974, after serving twenty-one years. He was the second longest serving elder. He is remembered as a "Bible class teacher, honest and straight forward, and he showed no favoritism in making decisions for the work of the church." He was missionary minded. He helped raise the money to buy the cattle that the church sent to Korea. Brother Kenney died in May 1991. Brother Kenney's daughter, Bobbie Fredrickson, has been a member of the Merced church since 1949. His other daughter lives and attends church in Fresno.

J.W. Romine

Brother Romine was an elder in 1953. There is a big gap in our records in the 1960s but he is remembered as serving until the mid 1960s. He is remembered as "sound in the faith." Brother Romine served as elder until health caused him to move to Madera to be by his son. While he was able he was always at services.

Clint Lovelady

Brother Lovelady served as elder at the same time he was the preacher here at the Merced church. There is no exact date but he served along with Herman Kenney and J. W. Romine beginning in 1952 or 1953, until he moved on in May or June of 1959. He and his wife, Hazel, both taught Bible classes. He is remembered as a hard worker who worked well with young and old alike.

Jim Finch

Records show Brother Finch was installed as elder in June 1958. He served a little while along with Andy Anderson and J.W. Romine. He is remembered as serving about a year. He had been a policeman and then worked for a construction company. From Merced he moved to Modesto with his wife, Betty.

Andy Anderson

Andy was installed as an elder in September 1959. Brother Anderson occasionally gave lessons from the pulpit. The bulletins noted that he spoke to the Men's Training classes at times. When we had a Sunday morning radio program Andy used to broadcast lessons from the building.

Phil Fredrickson remembers Andy as being, " a hard worker, a good shepherd of the flock who was out among the people, and he had a good relationship with the people of the congregation." Andy served as elder until he passed away October 11, 1994. His wife, Midge, taught Bible classes for years, she wrote poems which were published in the bulletins and used at Ladies Days. Andy's son, Bob, is now an elder here.

Bill Lawler

Bill's name appears on our one 1965 bulletin and his name is not on the bulletins after June 10, 1967 . However, on September 27, 1970, Brother Lawler was again installed as elder. Brother Lawler is remembered as an excellent Bible class

s teacher. He served with four preachers. He is remembered as being very knowledgeable and missionary minded. He was instrumental in getting the Merced congregation involved with the missionary work in Mexico. He coordinated the Mexico mission with the preacher in Mexico. Brother Lawler tendered his resignation April 7, 1974. He and his wife, Jane, now worship at 20th and H Street in Merced.

Ray Gill

He was installed as an elder September 27, 1970. Ray had been in charge of the building maintenance for years and the finances since 1985. Brother Gill served as Bible Camp director since the early 1960s. He serves on the board of Trustees for Yosemite Bible Camp at Oakhurst. His wife, Bernice, has taught Bible classes for years. Ray resigned as an elder on August 2, 1998.

Hubert Morgan

Brother Morgan's name appears in a 1963 pictorial directory. He was shot to death by a robber at a small grocery store where he was a clerk.

Brother Pipes

Brother Pipes placed membership October 15, 1961. Bill Lawler mentions that Brother Pipes went to Mexico to check on the missionary work in that country. It is remembered that he was with the Air Force.

J.P. Williams

J.P. was appointed April 1, 1984. He left to preach at Los Banos in March 1985. He wrote weekly articles for the bulletin.

Phil Fredrickson

Brother Fredrickson served twice as elder. He first served 1965 to 1971. Phil was installed again as elder May 5, 1995. He does a lot of preaching for congregations up and down the valley. Phil can be found teaching the adult Bible class usually in the auditorium. He still speaks occasional for us from the pulpit. His wife, Bobbie, has always been a Bible class teacher. Phil is a very knowledgeable Bible class teacher and an excellent shepherd of the flock at the Merced church of Christ.

Ed Rodgers

Ed and Darlene became part of the Merced congregation when Ed was hired as preacher in 1979. He was appointed as an elder in 1985. He left us and took work in Sonora in September 1986. He and Darlene both taught Bible classes. They now live in Okanogan, Washington.

Jim King

Brother King was installed as elder June 23, 1985. His wife, Dolores, taught Bible classes. Jim served until February 1989. He instigated the "Christian Sports Day" at Yosemite Lake, which was held for three years.

Don Anderson

Don served twice as elder. He first was installed January 5, 1969. He resigned July 1, 1972, when he was transferred. He and Betty moved back to Merced after he retired. Brother Anderson was appointed again as an elder January 7, 1990. Don can always be counted on to teach an adult class -- usually the "auditorium class."

Bob Anderson

Brother Anderson served as deacon for fifteen years. He was one of two men appointed as elders in 1995. Bob leads singing and frequently teaches the high school class. He also leads singing at the monthly singing at the rest homes. He and his wife, Susan, are in charge of the Benevolence for the church. Bob resigned as an elder on February 14, 1999.

Bill Bonifay

Brother Bill was installed as one of the elders at the Merced church of Christ on Sunday, March 7, 1999. Bill and Audrey placed membership here September 13, 1992. They came from the Atwater church of Christ where he had been and elder for twenty years. They have been married for 54 years and have four grown children. The Bonifay�s have lived in Atwater since 1964. Bill is an adult Bible class teacher and brings the lesson from the pulpit on occasion.

MERCED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Her Deacons

The records we have of the deacons who served this congregation may not be complete. But we want to list those that we know about. Church directories and bulletins are used extensively in compiling this listing.

Aaron Wilkerson

Bulletins show that he was installed in the spring of 1953. The records show he was an active song leader, helped teach the young people's Bible class, and their singing program. Brother Wilkerson is remembered as being very involved with the church, a good song leader, and a "good man." He and wife, Jean, and two sons, came to Merced in 1952. His employment with Bank of America brought them to Merced. He transferred to the Atwater branch of Bank of America and placed membership at the Atwater congregation. Today he is with the Rescue congregation where he still does a lot of teaching and preaching from the pulpit.

Denny Moore

He is remembered as serving as deacon in 1953. He was a crop duster. Brother Moore taught Bible classes and spoke occasionally from the pulpit. He and his family moved to Madera. Brother Moore is the one who taught Midge Anderson the gospel. Midge remembers him as being very knowledgeable.

Phil Fredrickson

Phil moved from Minnesota to California in 1929. He married Bobbie Kenney on November 4, 1950, and was baptized in December 1950. Brother Fredrickson was installed as a deacon in 1953. Brother Fredrickson spoke occasionally on the weekly radio program when Ross McGinnis was the preacher here. Phil filled in preaching from the pulpit early on. He taught Bible classes and worked with the high school and college age. He preached for one and a half years in Los Banos in the late 1950s, as well as Pindale and Clovis for about six months to a year. He served as deacon until he was installed as an elder in 1965.

Andy Anderson

Clint Ketner remembers being in the first Bible class that Andy taught Midge, Andy's wife, remembers he was appointed deacon in late 1953. Andy had been stationed at Castle Air Force Base, met and married Midge, they moved to Texas for a short time. They moved back to Merced because of a job offer and because Midge's family lived here. He served as a deacon until appointed elder in September 1959.

Ray Gill

Ray and his wife, Bernice, and three daughters came to Merced because of a civilian job at Castle Air Force Base. Ray served as deacon from 1953 until 1959. Brother Gill has always been active in the church, he even helped build it in 1953.

Bob Kennedy

Bob and Micki placed membership in May 1953. Brother Kennedy was appointed in 1954. He worked for Farmers Insurance and quite a few of the church members worked for him. Micki taught Bible classes. He was involved with the monthly singing and worked with the young people. Bob went to Mexico with the other elders to visit the mission in Mexico, which we supported for a time. He was transferred to Santa Ana around 1965. When he retired, they moved to Nevada City, California.

Troy Shamblin

Troy Shamblin's name is listed as a deacon in the one 1955 bulletin that the church has. His name was not listed in 1957.

Norman Williamson

Norman was baptized by Brother Lovelady. He was thought to have been installed in 1953. There is no record of how long he served. He taught both junior high Bible classes and Vacation Bible School. He also helped take campers to Bible Camp at Lake Almanor. He and his family moved to Dos Palos, California.

Duane Scott

He is remembered as being with the Air Force. Records show he was a deacon in 1955, until he was transferred. There is no record of how long he served as deacon.

Clint Ketner

Brother Ketner was installed as deacon in 1955. Clint served about one year. He and his wife, Jewel, are very faithful members. Their son, Darrell, is a song leader at the Merced church of Christ.

William Tyson

He was installed as deacon in the fall of 1955. Brother Tyson taught high school Bible classes. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base and was transferred in June 1958.

Roy Frances

Brother Frances worked for PG&E as a surveyor. He and his wife, Mary, both taught Bible classes. Memory has it that he served about six years as deacon, around 1956.

Eldon Hawkins

Brother Hawkins was stationed at Castle Air Force Base. Records show he served as a deacon for a short time around 1956.

Afton Stucker

Brother Stucker began serving as deacon in 1956, our records do not indicate how long he served, but his name does not appear in our April 1957 bulletin. He was a Bank Officer who received a job promotion and moved to Chowchilla as a branch manager then on to the Newman congregation. Brother Stucker was instrumental in hiring Brother Fisher to work with that congregation. He taught adult Bible classes. They had one daughter who worships in Fresno today. Brother Stucker passed away several years ago.

Wilson Nichols

Brother Nichols name appears as deacon in our bulletins from March 1957 until December 1957. He passed away in 1993, however, his wife, Juanita, still worships with us.

Bill Lawler

Bill Lawler served as deacon from December 1957, until sometime in 1965, when he was installed as an elder. He was a guiding force behind the construction of the East and West wing of the building.

Mansel Willett

Mansel and his wife, Flo, moved to Merced the summer of 1956 from Chicago. At that time he was an Art Consulate for the Merced City Schools. In the bulletin dated December 1957 his name is listed as a deacon. He and his family move the summer of 1963. They had three children while here. He and Flo were both graduates of David Lipscomb Christian College in Tennessee. Mansel is remembered as being a "fantastic song leader" and instrumental in taking groups of young people to monthly singing. He and Flo were good Bible class teachers for young people. Brother Willett died January 2, 1975.

Wilber Mires

Brother Mires served as deacon from 1957 until 1984. He served as treasurer and secretary. He is remembered as the longest, continuous deacon. Bother Mires received a "Teacher of the Month" certificate in December 1979. They worship in Atwater at the present time.

Jim Finch

His name appears as deacon from December 8, 1957, until June 8, 1958. The September 15,1957, bulletin thanked him for black topping the entrance road in front of the church building.

Nolan Wells

Nolan and family placed membership with the Merced congregation in 1959. Brother Wells served twice as a deacon. He began serving as deacon in 1961 until about 1964, when he was transferred. He and his family moved back to Merced in 1968. He was installed as deacon again in July 1968 and served until July 1971. He is remembered as a great song leader, deeply involved in the church, and one who spoke occasionally from the pulpit. Both he and Joann were Bible class teachers. They now worship at the Redding church of Christ (Palo Cedro) where Brother Wells serves as an elder. Joann does a lot of speaking at Ladies Day, Ladies Retreats, etc.

Joe Crown

He and his family placed membership October 1, 1961. Brother Crown's picture appears in a 1963 directory as a deacon, we have no other date of when he served as deacon. Joe and his family transferred here from Kansas with the Boeing Company. He went with Phil Fredrickson to many home Bible classes and visitation among members. A job transfer took him out of the area after serving three or four years.

Tom Pitchford

He and his wife, Ann, and son, Tommy, placed membership in December 1963. Brother Pitchford was a deacon in 1965 for a short time. He was a buyer for the Swift company and was transferred out of the area.

Bob Puckett

Bob and Emogene placed membership her in 1957. Brother Puckett began serving as deacon about 1962. He and Emogene both taught Bible classes. Brother Puckett was involved in the monthly singing program with Mansel Willett. He also preached from time to time from the pulpit. Bob served as deacon until he was transferred to Bakersfield in 1967. He was a highway patrolman while here. After leaving Merced he went to law school and is now a semi-retired lawyer. They worship at Westside church of Christ in Bakersfield.

Homer Benson

He and his family placed membership sometime in 1961. Brother Benson served as deacon from 1963 until they moved in 1971. He and his wife, Norma Jean, were Bible class teachers. Brother Benson did the church lawns for about ten years, ordered Bible class material, and helped line up Bible class teachers. He is remembered as a fantastic song leader. Brother Benson is retired and they worship in Roseville, California.

Bill Pringle

Bill and wife, Sally, placed membership in August 1957. Brother Pringle served as deacon from about 1963 to 1967. He was a high school coach in Atwater. He is remembered as being real good with young people.

Don Anderson

Don Anderson was installed as deacon in 1963 and served until 1969 when he was installed as an elder. He and his wife, Betty, have two daughters, Kathy and Debbie.

Warren Brown

Brother Brown came to Merced with a company that worked with Castle Air Force Base. He and wife, Sara, placed membership in August 1961. In a 1963 pictorial directory his picture appears listing him as a deacon. He and Sara both taught Bible classes. He was transferred to Nebraska. He is remembered as being very active in the church, but was only here two or three years.

Dick Oliver

He and his wife, Kay, placed membership in 1962. Brother Oliver is listed in the 1965 and 1966 bulletins as a deacon. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base.

Bob O'Hara

Brother O'Hara's name can be found throughout the church bulletins. As deacon his name first appears July 28, 1968, until November 16, 1969. His name reappears November 18, 1970, until 1982. Brother O'Hara drove the church bus, along with others, as long as it was in operation. His electrical experience was always an asset to the church. He and his wife, Pat, moved to the Bay Area because of a job transfer. He and Pat moved back to Merced on November 6, 1994.

John White

He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base. Brother White was installed as deacon September 27, 1970. His name was not listed on the January 23, 1974, bulletin. His wife's name was Betty.

James Alexander

He was placed as deacon in February 1980. He and his wife, Murel, were both from Oklahoma, and he was retired from the Air Force. Brother Alexander served for four years as deacon before moving to Spring Valley, California, in early 1985.

Larry Prince

Brother Prince was placed as deacon February 1980 and served until early 1985. He and his wife, Nancy, were born and raised in the Bay Area. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base. He also served as co-director of the Education program for the church.

Bob Anderson

Brother Anderson was installed as deacon in February 1980. With the exception of two years Bob was raised here in Merced. He was baptized at the Merced Bible Camp in 1959. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters Jennifer and Stephanie. Bob served as a song leader and Bible class teacher. He, on occasion, filled in when the preacher was out of town. Brother Anderson served as deacon until installed as an elder in 1995.

James Hamilton

Brother Hamilton was installed as deacon June 30, 1985. James was born in the Bay Area but has lived in Merced his entire adult life. He presently is in charge of the worship service but at one time he took care of the building maintenance. James and his wife, Phyllis, have two children Serena and Brandon. He comes from an "old pioneer family -- the Kahls of Le Grand." Phyllis teaches Bible class on a regular basis and always works in crafts department at Bible Camp. James usually drives his pick up to Bible camp full of food.

Ed Rodgers

Ed served as deacon from June 1985 until he was installed as an elder in December 1985.

Scott Jones

Brother Jones was appointed deacon December 13, 1985. He is co-director of Education, he teaches junior high and high school Bible classes, and leads singing. Scott is a music teacher at Weaver School. His wife, Trisha, also teaches Bible classes. They have three children, Jacob, Katie, and Melyssa.

Charles Williams

Charles was appointed as deacon in 1992. He resigned in 1994 and was reinstated May 5, 1995. He works for the telephone company. Charles did some Bible class teaching and helps drive the food truck up to the Merced Bible Camp whenever possible.

John Kelly

John and Sue attended the Merced church of Christ from 1972 to 1981. They bought a house in Atwater and placed their membership at the Atwater congregation for eleven years. They placed membership again with the Merced congregation January 17,1993. John was installed as deacon January 1995. John leads singing and is in charge of arranging the fellowship groups.

Dean Davenport

Dean's term as deacon was short. He was installed in January 1995. He and his family moved in March 1995 to Indio, California, because of his work. He served as song leader and teacher while he was with the Merced congregation.

Reuben Campos

Brother Campos was installed as deacon on May 5, 1995, along with two other deacons. Phil Fredrickson taught him the Truth and Ray Gill baptized him in 1972. A lot of Bible classes were held in his home. His wife and family and hired man were baptized because of him along, with several other people.

Rod Hawkins

Brother Rod was one of four men installed as deacons December 28, 1999. Rod and Wendy Hawkins have two children, Alexa and Russell. They live on a 20 acre almond ranch in Livingston. Rod graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is a civil engineer for a firm in Modesto. Wendy is a teacher in Modesto. They both serve as bible class teachers. Among Rod�s duties as a deacon will be to oversee the cleaning of the building.

Barry Mann

Brother Barry was installed as a deacon on December 28, 1999. Barry and Michelle have two children Michael and Nicholas. Barry is a sales route driver for a local bread company. Michelle is an apartment manager. Barry serves as one of the congregation�s song leaders. Michelle teaches Bible class. Barry will be working with the youth.

Joe Mullen

Brother Joe and Jolen have two daughters, Kylee Jo and Jessica. Joe has been painting for about 18 years and obtained his contractor�s license two years ago. Joe enjoys running his own painting business, Color Design Painting. Jolene is a paralegal with a law office in Merced. Both Joe and Jolene serve as Bible class teachers. Among Joe�s duties as a deacon will be to oversee the cleaning of the building.

MERCED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Her Preachers

It would be interesting to have a list of all of the men who ever preached a sermon at the Merced church of Christ. It would range from young boys to old men, from beginners to veterans, from those who gave a short devotional talk to long-winded orators. From those who have spoken here only once, to those who held the position of preacher for many years, from local men to men brought from afar. We would see on our list young men who preached their very first sermon here and went on to be gospel preachers as their life's work. We would also see the names of men who spent many years preaching the Word and were well-known men in the brotherhood. Aren't we blessed to have had the opportunity to hear the gospel presented by so many different people?

But we don't have that list. However, we believe that we do have a complete list of the men who worked here as "located" preachers. Most of this information comes from the memories of members.

T.M. Craig

Brother Craig preached until the congregation moved to the Women's Club. He lived in Madera and traveled to Merced to preach. T.M. Craig, Brother Wainwright, and Erskin Garrison started the church in Merced. T.M. was a Watkins' Products man (extracts, peppers, spices, farm supplies for animals). T.M. Craig officiated Erskin Garrison's funeral.

Haskel Conover

Brother Conover preached part-time after Brother Craig at the Grange Hall and Woman's Club. His wife was Jewel Ketner's cousin. They moved here from Oklahoma. He is remembered as being "very active in the church." He and his family moved to Southern California.

Brother Mansur

Traveling to Merced, from Oakland, each weekend to preach, Brother Mansur stayed with members on Saturday night, preached Sunday morning, and took the bus home Sunday afternoon. Some remember him as a "good old preacher." He was instrumental in getting the church building on 22nd Street built.

Ross McGinnis

Brother McGinnis preached at 22nd Street for two or three years. It is remembered that he "filled the house" when he preached. He left the congregation in 1952. He was the first full-time preacher for the Merced church. Brother J.P. Williams preached his funeral in March 1985.

Clint Lovelady

He served a short time on 22nd Street before encouraging the congregation to purchase the land and build the building on Yosemite Parkway. They had three girls and four boys. He went to San Mateo to build another church after leaving Merced, in May or June 1959. He and his wife, Hazel, taught Bible classes. Brother Lovelady died December 22,1972.

Paul King

Brother King served about two years, from about 1959 to 1961. Paul went to Columbia Christian College after leaving Merced. He is remembered as a "fine man who served the Lord extensively." He passed away in March 1983 in Portland, Oregon.

C.H. Wells

C.H. was also called Buddy. He and his family came from Visalia in 1961 and left in 1963, moving to Modesto. He is remembered as a nice guy. He�ll be eighty-six years old in September 1997. Brother Wells worships at Davis Park in Modesto.

Floyd Mitten

Floyd served twice as preacher. He came in 1963 and left August 6, 1967. He and his wife, Anna, had four children. They came from Southern California and went to Weed, California, to do missionary work. Later he preached in Hughson, California. April 1973 he started here again. Anna worked a lot with teenage girls and the elderly. Anna passed away a few years ago. Among others Brother Mitten baptized John Motherwell and Darrell Ketner. He and his second wife, Nancy, live in Sonora, California. Floyd preaches at the church of Christ in Sonora.

James King

Brother King began his work here August 6, 1967. He and his wife, Lucille, and their children: James Jr., Terry, David, Ray, and Sherrie, came to us from missionary work in New Zealand. They left September 1, 1970, and moved to the San Diego area due to the health of their daughter.

Larry Rushing

Brother Rushing preached at the Merced congregation from September 20, 1970, until February 28, 1973. He and wife, Nancy, and son, Ken,came to Merced from Utah. He served as a song leader and is remembered as being an excellent pulpit preacher. They moved to Boise, Idaho, after leaving Merced.

Edward L. Rodgers

Brother Rodgers was hired in January 1977 and left November 11, 1979, to begin his work in Sonora. While he was here he went to work for the Post Office part-time. His wife, Darlene, was head of the Ladies class.

Doug Hall

Brother Hall worked with the congregation from November 18, 1979, until September 1981. He graduated from Bear Valley School of Preaching in Denver. Brother Hall held three other positions before coming to Merced. Brother Hall preached for the congregation part-time and worked at the Post Office part-time while the elders searched for a permanent full-time preacher for Merced.

J. P. Williams

J.P. served twice as a part-time preacher working along with other part-time preachers or helping a full-time preacher. In January 1980 he joined forces with Brother Hall, until March 1985. Brother Williams and Gracie came back to the Merced congregation in October 1986. He is still with us, living in the preacher's house, although our beloved Gracie passed away September 27, 1995. In April of 1999 J.P. moved to Fresno to live with his daughter.

Ray Andregg

Ray Andregg started preaching at the Merced congregation September 1, 1981. The Merced congregation helped support him through Bear Valley School of Preaching. He left in June 1983 to resume his studies first at Fullerton College in Southern California then on to Pepperdine University. He is Clint Lovelady's grandson.

Steve Orduno