Founding of First Baptist Church Hugo 1902

Baptist Church Founding
13 Years Ago
The Hugo Husonian May 13, 1915 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    The series of meetings conducted by Rev. W.A. Roberson who is working in this part of the territory under the auspices of the Baptist Missionary Board came to an end Sunday night. On Sunday a church was organized with 12 members, two being added by baptism. It is stated the church at Spring Chapel, which is a mile south of town and the Goodland church will disband and become a part of the congregation at this place. Rev. Roberson was ably assisted by Rev. Bonnie Grimes, of Leonard, Texas, who left for his home Monday. Rev. Roberson leaves this place for Doaksville where he will hold his next meeting.

Baptists Will Build Church
The Choctaw Herald June 12, 1913 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    A movement was started Tuesday night at the revival now in progress at the Baptist church to erect a handsome church building in Hugo.
    Sometime ago an effort was made to raise money for the purpose of building a church and considerable money was raised, but the matter never matured. At the meeting Tuesday night something over $8,000 was subscribed, and there is now little doubt that the project will materialize. The congregation desires to raise at least $15,000, and with the very encouraging start made they will be successful in raising that amount.
    A soliciting committee composed of W.Y. Webb, Q.R. Shelton, Edgar Stevens and R.J. Howse was appointed to secure pledges for the remainder of the money, and they will call on all people who profess the Baptist faith and contributions will be accepted from others who desire to aid in the good work.
    There were two $1000 contributions at the meeting Tuesday night, and about $150 subscribed by men who are members of other churches.
    There will be no trouble at all in raising the desired amount of money and work may be started on the building very soon.

Minister to Leave
The Choctaw Herald March 19, 1914 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Rev. S.L. Holloway, pastor of the First Baptist church, will preach his farewell sermon tonight at the First Baptist church. Mr. Holloway has been called to the position of city missionary at El Paso, Texas, and he will leave some time during the approaching week for his new field of labor.
    Rev. Holloway has been pastor of the First Baptist church here for the past three years and has made a great many friends in the city during that time, every one of whom regret to know that this reverend gentleman will leave Hugo. He has been very successful in his work at this place and has built his congregation up to one of the largest, if not the largest, in the city. He is a noble man, full of earnest zeal in his chosen work, and the people of Hugo heartily recommend him to the good people of El Paso.

Baptists Call Minister
The Choctaw Herald June 24/25, 1914 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Rev. Wells of Whitesville, Tenn., has been called as the pastor for the Baptist church of Hugo. He has accepted the call and will be here on or about Aug. 1.
    Rev. Wells is one of the youngest ministers in his church, and comes well recommended. He is a close and old friend of the Webbs of this city, and has visited this city several times. He is a good devout Christian, and comes so recommended by the church people of his town as well as the entire citizenship.

Baptist Church Gets New Pastor
The Fort Towson News February 12, 1932 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    In a meeting of church officials Wednesday night, the Baptists of this city voted to call the Rev. James A. Bryant as pastor of the church here.
    Mrs. Bryant and their two children will leave their home in Pauls Valley this week and join Mr. Bryant here. They will occupy rooms in the C.P. Smith home.
    Rev. Bryant and wife have done a wonderful work in the church and community at Pauls Valley. Their coming here will give impetus to the entire church movement in Ft. Towson. The News extends heartfest [sic] welcome to this new family to Ft. Towson.

Mary Bert White Fatally Stricken At Church Service
Popular With Younger Set In Hugo And Idabel
The Hugo Daily News February 5, 1937 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    Death came suddenly Thursday night to Mary Bert White, during a revival meeting at the First Baptist church. She is the 19 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred White.
    Miss White had just walked to the pulpit with her mother to transfer their church letters here from Idabel. As she took the hand of the minister, Rev. W.E. White, she swooned, and never regained consciousness.
    Dr. John and Dr. Harris, who were summoned immediately, pronounced the cause of death to be some form of heart trouble.
    Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon in the First Baptist church, with the Rev. W.E. White officiating. The exact hour had not been announced at press time today. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Popular in School
    Mary Bert graduated from Hugo High school last spring. She numbered many of the younger people of Hugo among her friends.
    She was born in Ft. Towson, Feb. 4, 1918.
    Surviving are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred White; three sisters, Mrs. Athena Elliot, Hugo, and Freddie and Nancy Lee White; a brother, Corral White, Hugo.

Rev. J.C. Segler
Rev. Segler Will Be First Baptist Minister in Hugo
The Husonian Democrat November 4, 1948 – transcribed by Ron Henson

    The Rev. J.C. Segler, who accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist Church here on Sunday, October 24, will arrive in Hugo Wednesday and will deliver his first sermon on Sunday morning, November 7.
    Rev. Segler has been located at Henryetta for the past seventeen months and is reputed to be a splendid minister. During the time he was pastor in the Henryetta Baptist Church, he procured 188 additional church members, with 120 of these coming by baptism.
    His first sermon as official pastor of the First Baptist Church here will be broadcast over KIHN and the First Methodist Church members are invited to attend his Sunday evening service.
    He will live at the Baptist pastorate at 216 East Bissell Street, with Mrs. Segler and their three year old son John David.
    Rev. and Mrs. Segler are both graduates of Duncan high school.
    She attended Hill’s Business College, Oklahoma City, and Rev. Segler attended Oklahoma Baptist University.
    They were married May 15, 1942. At that time Rev. Segler was attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas.
    Mrs. Segler has also taken courses at the Seminary. After completing work at the Seminary, Rev. and Mrs. Segler moved to Rodessa, Louisiana and lived there three years before answering the call to the Henryetta Baptist church.