John L. Bowles (1973-1975)

John L. Bowles was born in Tennessee on December 26, 1945. His current place of residence is in Alabama.

Soon after arriving in Hewitt in April, 1973, the Pastor and his wife held an open house at the new parsonage. In May, the Church voted to continue joint services with the Hewitt Methodist Church on Easter and Thanksgiving, Phillip Doherty was recognized as a Deacon and Mark Wysong (Youth Director) assumed responsibility for three choirs and some secretarial duties. 1973's Vacation Bible School set a record in enrollment, 206. H.L. (Bud) Lossing was ordained as a Deacon on June 24, 1973.

On June 27, the Church voted to buy the house at 333 South First Street, to be used as rental property for the present, other purposes to be determined later. Tom Ramsey was called as Music and Youth Director in February, 1974. R.A. (Bob) Grice was recognized as a Deacon in July. August, 1974, was designated as Music Month. The Church began a Backyard Bible Club in October. David Stanley was recognized as a Deacon in November. On November 10, 1974, the Church observed its 80th anniversary. Homecoming activities included dinner on the grounds and an afternoon filled with singing and testimonies. Approximately 135 people attended, including former staff members Dr. J.W. Ousley, Rev. Harry Circle and Rev. M.E. Williamson. In conjunction with this anniversary, Rev. Farrell Fisher, another former pastor, conducted a series of revival meetings (November 10 to November 15).

In December, the Church voted to secure wooden plaques to be displayed in the foyer of the Sanctuary to recognize those for whom memorials had been given. When these plaques were completed, a minimum contribution of $100 was set as a guideline for adding a name plate. 1975 began with Tim Musselwhite coming as Pastor-in-Training. The Church began publishing the "Hewitt Herald" (newsletter) every other week instead of weekly. In March, 1975, the north side of the church property was graveled to provide more parking space. (McLennan County did the work free of charge.)

Coleman Taylor was elected a Trustee following the death of Elmer Maddux. Two speakers for the sound system were given to the Church by Nova Blanton in memory of her husband and son, Sid and Tommy Blanton. Sunday School promotion day was shifted from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in July, effective in 1976.

The Church began making its presence more widely known by purchasing a 20-second spot announcement to be aired three times a week on Waco radio station KEFC. Mark Smith was called as part-time Youth Director in April, 1975. A few months later, his title was changed to Associate Pastor-Minister of Youth. A letter of endorsement for Tom Ramsey was sent to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jim Woody was recognized as a Deacon in August, 1975. In October, a Youth Advisory Committee was established to help coordinate and plan the Youth Program. On the 26th, Dr. George Stansbury, Jr., was called as Interim Music Director. During the brief tenure of Dr. Larry Reynolds as Interim Pastor, a project was begun to help the disabled, sick and elderly with chores around their homes. Larry Leutwyler was accepted as Pastor-in-Training.