From the Buffalo Express September 26,
2006
Taken from "The Flo News" written by Norma Moore
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John and Frances Watts were outstanding
Christians, parents and citizens of our Red Branch, Oakwood communities. John Watts was born and raised in Livingston, TX on a farm. He was a loving son and was proud to be a farmer. He took on the plowing, planting and harvesting and many other tasks that needed to be done. This helped him all through life to have patience and endurance. It helped him understand to depend on god for what you have and to be thankful for the blessings that are given you. John lived a productive life, touching many lives in service for God, his family, country and community. He was an honor student all through school and college, in public work as an electrician and then a hero of WWII in the air Force. He surrendered his life to God and became a minister and evangelist in the Missionary Baptist church ministry. He served in many churches in Texas, which included our Leon county. Frances Porter was born and raised in Missouri. She was a joy to her parents, school mates and friends. She was an honorable lady, serving her country as a WAC in WWII. She was a US Army Medical Technician. She helped with healing our soldiers. The as wife of John Watts, she was a loving and devoted partner and a best friend. She and John gave the world an inspirational legacy. John surrendered to preach and Frances was a faithful Christian, standing by her husband and serving God. Frances and John both entered the Jacksonville Missionary Baptist College to prepare for the christian ministry. John with two other young preachers, chose the Sand Flat, Oakwood communities as their first church after they had graduated from the Jacksonville college. They felt God led them to Sand Flat. Their church was the old Sand Flat School. This building had been neglected for a long time. It had been used for raising turkeys and storing hay. Much cleaning and polishing had to be done. Yet, they with happy hearts, were excited to be busy in god's ministry. Everyone went to work making a real meeting place. This was in 1949. There wasn't any electricity. They used kerosene lamps. The old school house desks were used for chairs and what a joy they had in the Lord, gathering around the lamps with their Bibles and hymn books. Then in 1950, Bro. Watts and Frances, along with their children became involved in the Oakwood First Baptist Church. This church had been abandoned for a while. Many of the people were ready for a reopening of the church and they were excited. Bro. Watts, his family and all the people would gather in prayer and feeling God's blessings, went to work starting this ministry. The church off Hwy 79, between a home and a chicken yard, was a large task. The property and church needed many remodeling and improved conditions, it took long hours. Yet it was a beautiful place for God's services. Brother John and his family loved this ministry. This was just after WWII. It was a time of adjustment for Leon County. Bro. John's family, as well as all our families were raised without much money and possessions. It was a fine thing for everyone to be thankful the war was over and appreciate God's mercy and His blessings. The church ministry grew with many members all in harmony and hungry for the Word of God. Oakwood was a thriving township with its cotton industry, businesses, farming and ranching. It was a good time. The church foundation was a special inspiration of Oakwood. There was only one setback...the smelly chicken yard was a bothersome thing. Also, there were no fans except hand fans, there was no electricity for lights. They had little money to start with, so they had to be very conservative. The church needs were basically taken care of by Bro. John, Frances and the members. Bro. John, Frances and their four girls lived in a small rent house. That was just fine for them. They loved Oakwood, Leon County. The church grew to a hundred. Many souls were saved, with many baptisms. They would have three worship services a week, vacation bible school, and a great community team effort. Bro. John and Frances lived in Oakwood for fifty-six years. He was a pastor of many other churches of Leon Co. This includes Red Branch and others. They were an inspiration of our Flo Baptist church. They were parents of Aurelia, Karen, Billie Jo, Rebecca, Asa Kathy, Albert and Horace. They had twenty-seven grandchildren, and thirty-one great grandchildren. They leave a legacy to be proud of. Their family carry on with the same dedication they had in God's ministry. Bro. Watts has passed away and Frances stays busy serving God, her family, her church and her community. We feel blessed God sent them to us. |