Victory Service Center
In 1941, the United States became involved in World War II, and soon after, Camp Barkeley opened in Abilene. The men came here for basic training of thirteen weeks, and there were few places of activity for them as the churches at that time did not have family centers and activity buildings as they do now. There were service organizations that sprang up similar to USOs, but with a Christian emphasis, and this became a burden on the hearts of Joe and some of his Christian friends. These centers were called, "Victory Service Centers," and some Christians were led to open a center such as this for service men here. They were concerned for the men going off to war with the possibility that they might not come back, many of them without the Lord.
In 1943, after much prayer, the Lord directed Joe and Cricket to the building here at 733 Butternut Street. It had been a furniture store called "Cottage Furniture," and the building was for rent. They contacted the owner, and by the grace of God and through His obvious working, they were able to purchase the building and begin the ministry of the Victory Service Center. The Abilene Bible Conference Association was formed and a new era of ministry began in addition to the radio ministry.
At that time, Sunday morning services were begun, scheduled not to conflict with regular church services in the area. Also offered were Friday night Bible classes and regularly scheduled Bible conference speakers.
In addition to these opportunities for Bible study, there were other facilities, such as showers, provided for the servicemen. On many occasions, refreshments were served, and the men were ministered to in a personal way.
Support came from individuals, many of them from different churches, who were interested in the ministry to servicemen. No official church support from church budgets was given, but enough individuals were burdened for the work that the needs were met. Interest grew among the civilian population so that the classes and services were open to anyone who wanted to attend.
Joe and Cricket had been living at 433 Palm Street, and after the purchase of the building for the service center, they moved into the back of the building in an area remodeled into living quarters. Later, they built an additional bedroom and bath for Bible conference speakers to stay in when they came. It was here that they were living when the first of their seven children, Tim, was born on November 12, 1943. Later added to the family were Joy, Faith, Hope, Philip, and the twins, Joanna and Susanna. All are now happily serving the Lord in the work to which He has called them.
The upstairs of the building had living quarters that from time to time housed students who were associated with the work in various areas such as singing, etc. They were often music majors from Hardin-Simmons University, and they sang on the radio programs, played music and led the singing in services here. Among the early-day workers were Allan Vine, William Stephens, Drs. Warren and Louise Valene, and Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Ballinger. | |
Abilene Bible Church
3125 Oldham Lane
Abilene, Texas 79602
325-677-8653
(at Loop 322 & Potosi Road Exit)
Sunday School 9:30 AM*
Worship Service 10:35 AM*
Children's Church 11:15 AM
Church Office Hours 9 AM
to 5 PM
*Nursery is provided for
these times.
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