Lipscomb Union Church, Limpscomb Texas. (original) (raw)
The Lipscomb Union Church
Photo courtesy Rob McLain, May 2007
The church bells rang twice that morning, once at 10:00 AM and once at 10:30 AM but it was only supposed to ring the 2nd time to mark the beginning of the service. Even though the 1st time was in error it sent a chill down my spine as my mind started to wonder what the 1st members of Lipscomb Union Church were doing one-hundred years ago when the doors opened and what my Great Grandfather, Raymond Akers, and my Grandmother, Lola Akers, were doing when they attended. I�m sure they were making sure all was running smoothly for the pastor and the congregation was warm in the winter.
My Great Grandfather, Raymond Akers, moved to Lipscomb County in 1909 with his parents and siblings. He later built his house one mile south of Lipscomb in 1927 were his wife Alice and there four girls lived, Beth, Melba, Lola, and Avis. He was very involved in the church for over forty years until his passing in 1966. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Bible Teacher and even Santa Claus. He was also responsible for adding the Annex to allow more room for Sunday school.
The Lipscomb Union Church 100th year celebration
Photo courtesy Rob McLain, May 2007
Many attended the two day celebration on May 26th and 27th. The old School was opened up and Supper was served both days along with the opportunity to fellowship with friends and Family and share the memories of the Church while enjoying scrap books and stories that many had prepared and written. There were four Pastors that had made the Church home in the past along with many longtime and current members in attendance. Dave Lawton, a former pastor, delivered the Sermon to the packed church house. After the service was over a special dedication was made to my family and my cousin Winnell Rankin for all there hard work they did and all the sacrifices made to keep the church doors open. They gave us stone benches for each family with the names engraved along with two new trees in what will be called the prayer garden. Although the Akers and Rankins were honored many families throughout Lipscomb County have made contributions to help keep the church doors opened and in time all will receive some type of recognition.
Christmas tree at Lipscomb Union Church taken at 2:45 PM
Vintage Photo courtesy Rob McLain
Lipscomb, TX is a special and quiet community and I was very honored to attend in my Great Grandfather�s and my family�s place. I have enjoyed going to the family farm since I was six and look forward to always going back to the peaceful slow-paced environment of the town. Although the farm house is a little run down the land is still as majestic as the day he first set foot on it and began to farm. I am fortunate to have this in my family and look forward to keeping his tradition alive while keeping it in the Family name.
Rob McLain � 4th generation Akers
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