Phil Christopher retired in September as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, a position he held for twenty-six years. Both Mary and Phil Christopher have made a substantial impact on Abilene since their arrival, and thankfully, they will remain Abilenians. Phil’s last Sunday as senior pastor was Sept. 26. Future plans call for some travel and continued local involvement in
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The Hope Center by the Numbers7,500–square footage of existing activity building6,900–square footage to be added to activity building for kitchen to train students in Culinary Academy18,000–square footage of existing structure to be converted to GLO Daycare facility4,200–square footage that can be converted into after-school program14,400–square footage for future development By LORETTA FULTON The Give Hope Campaign at First Baptist Church
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By LORETTA FULTON In August 2020, Stan Allcorn started a trend that is continuing this summer among other local pastors and people serving in ministry roles–retirement. Allcorn came to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in 1998 and stepped down from his position as senior pastor last August. He and his family were honored at an outdoor retirement party Sunday night, Aug.
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Today is the last of the Holy Week Luncheon Series sermons. No luncheons were held this year due to the coronavirus shutdown, but the ministers each filmed a sermon to post daily. The final sermon is from Phil Christopher, senior pastor of First Baptist Church. New Life in the Graveyard is based on John 20:11-18.
Read moreHOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Four Abilene Churches, continuing in a tradition over 35 years old in Abilene, are hosting Holy Week Luncheon Series–without the luncheon–Monday through Thursday, April 6-9. St. Paul United Methodist, Highland Church of Christ, First Baptist Church and First Central Presbyterian Church are the host churches. For the first time, the traditional luncheon series won’t be held, due
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Dr. Phil Christopher and Loretta Fulton will present a program Wednesday on the life and legacy of Dr. Virginia Connally, Abilene’s first female physician, who died March 31 at age 106. The public is invited to the presentation, which will be part of the monthly meeting of the Abilene Association of Congregations. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. in the
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Following are links to stories in the Reporter-News written by Loretta Fulton about the Holy Week Luncheon Series. A new story link will be posted each day, along with the name of the speaker. Monday: Speaker Phil Christopher https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2019/04/15/holy-week-sermon-jesus-death-extravagant-example-grace-love/3474728002/ Tuesday: Speaker Ben Siburt https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2019/04/16/holy-week-lunch-sermon-dying-work-art-faithful/3484484002/ Wednesday: Speaker Cliff Stewart https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2019/04/17/holy-week-lunch-sermon-judas-included-until-he-excluded-himself/3496596002/ Thursday: Speaker
Read more(Article courtesy of Dr. Kristina Campos Davis, Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University.) Dr. Phil Christopher, pastor of Abilene’s First Baptist Church, was honored with an honorary doctorate degree May 12 during graduation ceremonies at Hardin-Simmons University. Christopher was cited for his influence in the lives of thousands of people during his 40 years of ministry. Christopher has been senior pastor
Read moreBy Loretta Fulton Jim McDonald served on the steering committee that formed the Abilene Association of Congregations in 1985, was a member when it began a year later, and stepped aside as the outgoing president during a ceremony Jan. 9. But he made it clear in his last remarks as president that the association’s history isn’t as important as its
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Spirit Of Abilene 