They Have Gone On to Their Reward

...And We Stand on Their Shoulders

Daisy Bernet

Twenty-five years ago, I served on the centennial committee in charge of planning the observation of the 100^th anniversary of the church. It was founded on November 9, 1897. 

Daisy Bernet – always Mrs. Bernet to me – related of how her grandfather, Ira Henderson, helped the tiny congregation in Ralston organize by traveling across the Arkansas River from the Osage in a small boat she called a skiff. Mrs. Bernet as a spry, enthusiastic lover of life inspired me since she shared the same profession with me - teaching.

Elisabeth Kelly

              A humorous story came to me two and a half decades ago from Elisabeth Henderson Kelly. She had been told the first church building was destroyed by a fire allegedly started by the pastor’s son. Even though she had faced tragedy and pain, Elisabeth usually had a funny twist to her stories to evoke a laugh from her listener. In 1997 at the centennial event, Elisabeth was recognized as the longest one with membership in the church.

When I was only a seventh grader, Mrs. Lelia Goodson Baker, requested I come to Ralston Baptist Church to play the piano. Mrs. Baker, an accomplished pianist, suffered from ill health with no one to play in her place for worship services. Not even knowing what an offertory was, I began playing with guidance from my mother, an accomplished accompanist herself, and my gifted piano instructor, Mildred Wedell. (Mr. and Mrs. Baker donated a new Story and Clark piano, one of my favorites to play. To protect it from rain leaking from the archaic structure's roof, they fastidiously covered it with a huge plastic covering after each service.)

Lelia Baker & Laura Hines 

         Laura Hines served in the card ministry in the small congregation. Mrs. Hines struggled with each step she took. Looking back now, I recognize how much she needed a hip replacement, but she never complained. Instead she provided loving support to her sister, Vera, and assisted any way she could. Week after week the cards she sent provided encouragement and comfort throughout the community.

Effie Rice 

      In those early days, Ralston Baptist Church building was still at its original location on the north side of Main Street just east of 1^st Street. I can remember Effie Stark Rice walking slowly, but faithfully each week across Highway 18 (Main Street) to worship every Sunday with a cheerful heart and sometimes a little self-composed rhyme. What a blessing that she has over fifteen descendants that attend regularly and actively serve the Lord in Ralston Baptist Church in 2022!

Modine Royster

        One of my most memorable Vacation Bible Schools occurred in that building that leaked and creaked. VBS was scheduled as soon as school was out to avoid the heat of summer because it was not air-conditioned. Additionally, a May VBS would not conflict with the wheat harvest. Modine Culp Royster served as one of the 7^th-8^th grade teachers. She exuded calmness and patience as she led us through the steps of putting gold leaf on an apothecary jar. I loved that craft experience!

Faces and names fill my mind from my memories of worshiping in the building on Main Street. People who quietly but faithfully followed Jesus each day - ones like Mr. I.P. Royster who provided solid, godly leadership. Mrs. Royster exhibited a smile as she worked wholeheartedly, unselfishly giving of herself. I remember Mrs. Memory Price for carrying a well-worn Bible. (Oh that we had more of those today!) Mrs. Dora Brown’s punctuality and commitment to teach little ones inspired many future teachers. How many more unheralded heroes walked through those doors!

Each of the names I have invoked have gone on to their reward. Each of them would be the first to remind us they served in the kingdom of God in the little community of Ralston not to earn eternal salvation, but instead out of grateful hearts for the undeserved forgiveness given by God because of their faith in Jesus. They would recite for us from Titus –

Not by works of righteousness which we have done

But according to His mercy He saved us…

Paul wrote to the believers in the church at Colosse these words of encouragement in chapter 3, verses 23-24:

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance;

for you serve the Lord the Christ.

Each of you who were impacted or influenced by the Ralston Baptist Church are invited to join us for a celebration of the work of God in this community for 125 years. Only He has been here for each of these years and only He deserves the glory.