Hurst Christian Church Fiftieth Anniversary

Members of Hurst Christian Church worked hard to reach former members to help celebrate the church's 50th anniversary Aug. 13-14.

Hurst Christian first met in July 1955 in an old union hall, said Dee Yeats, 75, a member since 1957. She serves as an elder and is chairwoman of the reunion planning committee.

"It's a welcoming church, friendly and caring. It's always been that way." said Yeats, who has taught at several Hurst-Euless-Bedford schools and tutors Spanish-speaking students for the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

Several charter members now living elsewhere plan to attend the reunion, including Bob and Ruth Middleton, Merle McNeese, Loneta Overton and family, andAl and Martha Motley.

"Our major concern is contacting all the previous members," said church elder Walter Adams. He and his wife, Marilyn, have been members since 1964. "We've got people scattered all over the country," he said.

Twelve World War II veterans and their wives -- all members of Hurst Christian -- are scheduled to attend, said Charles Douglas, deacon emeritus and church member with wife Bobbie since 1993.

A brunch is planned for 10 a.m. Aug. 13, followed by a picnic and talent show at 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Sunday school will begin at 9:20 a.m. Aug. 14. Choir rehearsal is at 9:30, with morning worship at 10:30 and a luncheon at noon at the church, 745 Brown Trail.

The student associate minister is Jennifer Strasser Mason.

"We plan to have several of our former ministers participating in this service," said Judith Gayler, senior church minister.

Former choir members should meet in the choir room at 9:45 a.m. for rehearsal. She also is seeking historic, church-related memorabilia for display.

Patrick Henry was the founding minister of Hurst Christian, which has about 100 active members and a roll of about 200. The first minister was Dan Hensley. Lloyd Allen is minister emeritus, and there are five elders emeritus and two deacons emeritus.