By Loretta Fulton Two faith-based childcare centers recently closed, both citing rising costs and staffing issues as the primary causes. On Monday, May 19, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church sent an email saying that its Pathways Learning Center would close effective Aug. 15. Earlier, His Little Angels on Buffalo Gap Road announced it would close as of noon on Wednesday, May
Read more
The Cross, The CrownWednesday through Friday, April 16-18, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, April 19, 3 p.m.Abilene Convention Center. No tickets, no registration By the Numbers200–Total participants44–Cast members86–Adult choir24–Orchestra members12–Backstage crew31–Angels (Students grades 7-12)24–”King Scene Kids” (grades 4-5) By Loretta Fulton Approximately 200 people are combining their talents, time, and resources to bring The Cross, The Crown to the stage of the Abilene
Read more
How to HelpBob Cheatheam, pastor of Pleasant Hills Country Church, is preparing a “Sober House” for four recovering addicts that will open in the fall. He is remodeling a trailer house in Pleasant Hills Mobile Home Park, located near his church, and is in need of donations, including a stove, refrigerator, water heater, and linoleum or tiles. All appliances must
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON The late Jack Ridlehoover, longtime pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, will be the topic of one of the presentations Saturday, April 15, during the final session of the West Texas Historical Association. The association is holding its annual meeting at the Elegante Suites Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15. Dr. Rich Traylor, history professor at
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON In his first Easter production at Pioneer Drive Baptist church, Reed Ambrose aimed high. All the way to the top, in fact. He’s playing the role of Jesus in the upcoming “The Cross, The Crown,” which will be staged at the Abilene Convention Center Wednesday-Saturday, April 5-8. The public is invited to the productions. The four presentations
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON “The Cross, The Crown: An Easter Worship Experience” will be presented April 5-8 at the Abilene Convention Center. The public is invited to the productions, courtesy of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. The four presentations are free, but tickets are required by calling the church at 692-6776 or by emailing music@pioneerdrive.org Presentations will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON Jeff Reid remembers that when he first started leading the Primetimers ministry for people over age 60, he was the age of their children. “Today, I am a Primetimer,” he joked. Reid joined the staff of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in 1993 and began leading the Primetimers in 2001. On Sunday, Feb. 5, Jeff’s 30 years of
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON Pioneer Drive Baptist Church’s new ministry for families with special needs children is up and running with the selection of Courtney Todd as director. Todd previously served as the preschool minister for another Baptist church in the Abilene area. She started her new position as director of Embrace Ministry Oct. 2. “I am very grateful to step
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON Jack Ridlehoover, pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for 29 years, died Sunday, June 19, at age 91. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A service of celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive. A livestream of
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 