Church Recreation Notables

AN ENORMOUS NUMBER of people have made significant and meaningful contributions to the ministry of church recreation over the past 85 years or so. A few have been trailblazers. Some have shared ideas and expertise as volunteers. Several have given of their talents as they have worked in dual roles. Many have held full-time paid professional positions. A select group could qualify as members of a church recreation hall of fame!

These fine folks have served under a wide variety of titles. No doubt, most - if not all - have viewed their efforts as a calling from God. Some have been in denominational service. Most have served on the staff of a local church. All have seen themselves as ministers, recreators, administrators, supervisors, directors, or leaders. They have performed duties in the area of recreation and leisure activities, but also most have been encouragers, counselors, and friends in the eyes of program participants. Tenure for these special people varies from short-term to long-term, and includes those who dedicated their entire careers to this unique professional path. These who have served in church recreation ministries have had the opportunity to come into contact with countless thousands of lives. Their influence has been immeasurable.

Names of several church recreation notables are presented below. Many more exist! Other names may be added to the list as a "comment" to this posting. There is no attempt to list names in alphabetical order.

Church Recreation Notables: T. B. Maston, Chester Swor, Agnes Pylant, Bob Boyd, Ray Conner, Tommy Yessick, John Garner, Frank Hart Smith, Cecil McGee, Adelle Carlson, Violet Thornbury, Leon Mitchell, Larry Haslam, Maines Rawls, Neil Jackson, Bob Sessoms, Don Mattingly, Phil Harris, Dave Prichard, Dan Beam, Bob Dixon, Bob Raus, Tony Mobley, Clyde Maguire, Harold Hipps, Howard Chapman, David Downing, John Potts, Ernie Leibig, Elmin Howell, Ken McNutt, Dan Flowers, Grady Lowery, Bobby Shows, Scotty Shows, Larry Jackson, Mack Davis, Charles Martindale, Ed Jenkins, Sam Satterfield, Jake Malone, Dan MacMillan, Jay Smith, Joe Wood, Phil Swearengin, Larry King, Glenn Davenport, Steve Morrow, Art Harris, Jerry Harris, Ken Sutterfield, Jim Furgerson, Lee Zachry, Norm Wakefield, Sharon Baack, Tip Ferris, Rod Kissinger, Jerry Johnson, Gene Huckaby, Robert Holcomb, Lloyd Tripp, Preston Odom, Phil Briggs, Rosemary Hoover, David Leyerle, Larry Merideth, Dave Freshour, Larry Smith, David Waddell, J.D. Lynch, Bill England, and Billy Kruschwitz.

Dave Stevens, Stan Sullinger, Monte Ezell, Ken Enloe, Greg Morrow, John Long, Curt Hernandez, Dan Rose, Shan Rose, Gary White, Bruce Wade, Ric Taylor, Laura Willhite, Tom Dugger, Robin Kearns, Ed Kohl, Denise Cimaglia Lincoln, Roger McCurry, Doug Millar, Tom Radigan, Mike Rorie, Mike Harper, Cynthia Floyd, Jane Houston Flora, Dan Eubanks, Denny Brinkman, Rodger Wheeler, Doug Holt, Jeff Allee, Ted Carmody, Rocky Good, Mike Harper, Larry Haun, Dick Dixon, Mike Ross, Ken Surritte, Donna Voteau, Larry Stehr, Benjie Bender, Jason Davis, Thom Clark, Christine Tennison Brisco, Rick Hensley, Brent Holloway, Michael Royal, Brandon Smith, Tommy Bullock, Jack Duffer, Andy King, Cindy Weinburg Kriemelmeyer, Mark Martin, Kyle Nix, Rhett Pierce, Jeff Morse, Sam Moreton, Todd Liston, John Frazier, Dan Roye, Glenn Menke, Dan Popovich, Connie Carstenson Swanson, Michael Welch, Blake Hayworth, Mike Sinks, Charles Vochatzer, Grady Goodwin, John Frye, Stu Gilstrap, John Godby, Wayne Harris, Mike Jiles, Howie Johnson, Randy Johnson, Allen Locke, Carolyn McClure, Steve Moseley, Mike Murray, Randy Schilb, Bill Stinson, and J.D. Woodard.

All of the individuals named above, plus many others who have also contributed to the advancement of church recreation, deserve the acclaim of men and the blessings of God. Their labors have been extremely noteworthy in carrying out the mission and ministry of the church. In addition, they have served as partners in the betterment of their communities - and all of society as well.
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-- The picture above shows leaders of a church recreation conference held at Ridgecrest, North Carolina in the mid to late 1950s. (Photo courtesy of John Garner and Lifeway Christian Resources)