Abilene’s most famous, and possibly most revered citizen, Dr. Virginia Connally, turns 106 on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Connally was moved in October to a facility near Waco but remains in Abilene in spirit. Her many friends and admirers in Abilene wish her a great big “Happy Birthday!” Connally, a 1933 graduate of then Simmons University, was born Dec. 4, 1912, in
Read moreBy LORETTA FULTON A two-week gathering of people from all over the world in Abilene last summer carried the cumberson title, Communities Engaging with Difference And Religion. Thankfully, it was shortened to its acronym, CEDAR. Still, one participant, Kelvin Kelley, associate professor of theology and coordinator of student diverstiy programs at Hardin-Simmons University, kept asking himself a question throughout the
Read moreBy GRACE MITCHELL Hardin-Simmons University Dr. Scott Sharman, senior pastor at Alsbury Baptist Church in Burleson, will be guest speaker for the Cornerstone Lecture Series Tuesday-Thursday at Hardin-Simmons University. Sharman has served as the pastor of Alsbury Baptist Church since it started meeting in 1994. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University, a master’s from Southwestern Seminary and a
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By LORETTA FULTON At 105, Virginia Connally’s still got it–wit, intellect, grace, elegance. Connally, Abilene’s first female physician, added another first to her lengthy list of firsts Sept. 6. when she was honored as the inaugural recipient of the James B. Simmons Award given by Hardin-Simmons University. The dinner was all class–starting with Connally and family members arriving at the
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Thursday, Sept. 6, will be a big day at Hardin-Simmons University as new students are officially welcomed at fall convocation in the morning and the university’s oldest living graduate is honored that night. Fall convocation will begin at 9 a.m. in Behrens Auditorium. Guest speaker will be Michael Evans, Sr., pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Chgurch in Mansfield and president of
Read moreMcMurry University students stain a picnic table, left, and work in the Aldersgate United Methodist Church garden as part of a day of community service prior to school starting. Classes started Aug. 27 at all three of Abilene’s church-affiliated universities. As part of orientation week at each school, new students took part in community projects. Photos by Loretta
Read moreOnline registration is available now for the annual Global Leadership Summit, which will be held Aug. 9-10 at Hardin-Simmons University. The conference will be streamed live from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. The conference is led by Bill Hybels, founder of the summit and senior pastor at Willow Creek. This will be the eighth
Read moreBy DR. KRISTINA CAMPOS DAVIS Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University On June 14, the Hardin-Simmons University family lost one of its most distinguished and well-loved members, former President Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher, who died at age 87. A memorial service celebrating Dr. Fletcher’s life will be held in the main sanctuary at First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Monday,
Read more(Editor’s Note: Rick Hammer is a professor of biology at Hardin-Simmons University and an environmental action coordinator for the Abilene area of the Texas Interfaith Power & Light organization. He believes that we are called to be stewards of creation. April marked the 400th consecutive month with above average temperatures on Earth–not a cause for celebration.) By RICK HAMMER Earth
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Spirit Of Abilene 