Lydia Missionary Baptist Church was organized September 29, 1903 with eight charter members:

                         Mrs. J. S. Daw                                             J. L. Harrris
                         Warren Watson                                            Mrs. Bettie Collum
                         Jesse Permenter                                           Gertrude Permenter
                         Lecy Permenter                                            George W. Permenter

The Permenter Families were very active members of this church.  The following are memories of the church as recorded by Bertha Permenter Lawrence, May 5, 1994, at the dedication service of the new sanctuary.. 

        The first church was a big frame building.  It was so big that it took all day to put one row of shingles all the way around on the roof.   It had double front doors and no porch or entrance way.    The steps were long and led right up- to the doors.  There were two back doors on the side with right steps on the north side.  Windows were on each side and behind the pulpit, but not many.  It was always warm in summertime.  We keep cool with cardboard, hand-held fans.  These came from Mangum Funeral Home and usually had colored pictures of a religious nature.  We were pleased to have them and handled them with care.
        In the early days we had no electricity.   We used kerosene lamps.  Just before evening worship, I could look out and see Mrs. Jennie Wych walking by carrying her Aladdin lamp to church.  As for as I knew she was the only one who had such a magnificent lamp and we felt fortunate and blessed to have her and her cherished possession.
        The pews were home built and unpainted, as was the church building.  I never thought of the pews as being uncomfortable.  The faithful men sat on the side to the speaker's right.  They were the ones who said "Amen", when the preacher spoke.  It became known as the "Amen Corner."  Older ladies sat on the side to the speaker's left and all others sat out front.
        Sunday School was held in the corner section with no division to separate them.  I remember at one time Sunday School was held in the afternoons.  It was in the afternoon period of time that we had ice cream.   That brought out the people.  The ice cream was frozen in gallon size syrup buckets with tight fitting lids and a bail to hold to while turning it back and forth, by hand, in a wash tub filled with ice.
        Sunday School literature and materials were in the bible and colored picture cards with a story and scripture for the very young children.  They were called "The Card Class"
        In winter time during sleet, snow or heavy rains services would be called off.  The pastors usually lived out of the community and bad weather and dirt roads prevented their attendance. 
        The fifth Sunday Meetings came often, I thought.  We had many preachers in attendance.  Sometimes they would all come to our house.  They sat on a long front porch and leaned back against the wall in straight backed chairs.  To me, this was a very impressive.  There would be "dinner on the ground" at church.  Pews were lined up outside under the oak trees and food served from there. 
        The yearly revival always started the third Sunday in July.  It was sometimes referred to as a series of meetings and sometimes as a protracted meeting.  The church was usually filled and I looked forward to that time of the year.  We had visitors from all around.  The Bud Kirkland family, who lived in Joaquin and were former members of Lydia, would come in their rubber-tired wagon and spend the week with us.  I remember Aunt Celia Permenter coming for the week.   She lived about two or three miles away, but that was a long way to walk in July weather.  Cars were few and a wagon and team of mules was the most prevalent mode of transportation.  My family was blessed with a short distance to go.
        We wore our best clothes.  We called them "Sunday Clothes."  The ladies wore hats for Sunday morning services.   The mothers took quilts at night to put on the floor to make pallets for the small ones to sleep during service.
        Regular services were held Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning.  There would be no Sunday evening service as the pastor had a long way to go home.  He was invited to homes for meals and lodging.   Once on Saturday night he wasn't invited anywhere.  Everyone was giving someone else an opportunity since he usually accepted the first invitation.  Brother Hiram Melton walked the short distance to our house and said that he knew he was welcome.   After a few minutes of embarrassment and apologies, laughter took over and we had an enjoyable evening.
        Food for the preachers was always the best we had and usually included hot biscuits, fried chicken and gravy, cakes and pies, chicken and dumplings, and dressing.  Fried chicken and gravy was a favorite breakfast for company and coke was our usual breakfast dessert.  Of course, we had fresh vegetables right out of the garden, such as butter beans, peas, fried okra and sliced tomatoes.   Cornbread was always on the table.
        The pastor's salary was whatever we could come up with.  Salaries were not considered and the pastor accepted what was given him.   That included some money and lots of food, sometimes given in the form of a pounding.  There was an occasional suit of clothes and always gasoline for his car.   We had  store and I remember filing his car.  At one revival Gracie Glaze, Flora Permenter and I made neckties for the pastor and the evangelist. 
        Once when Brother Hiram Melton was pastor, Brother Tom Duncan told him that some of the ladies thought something was wrong with his car and that he had better check it.  It was filled with food.  I have never forgotten the look on his face nor the tear-filled eyes as he stood to say, "Thank You."

        Joe Frank Hughes remembers being present and attending Sunday School when the building caught fire from a wood-burning heater that was being used to heat the building on a cold morning in 1943.  Water was available when the blaze started , but no one could reach the height of the tall building with it.  The organ and pews were removed.  Two big hickory trees grew across the dirt road away from the church.  The pews were place under the two trees.   The people stood around watching and praying and keeping calm.  After the church was completely burned to the ground and commotion died down, all assembled under the trees and Brother E.B Anderson delivered his Sunday morning message.

        W.S. Permenter remembered the church was located near the Ballard School where my brothers, sisters and I attended.  The school and the church were the "hub" of the community.  When the school was destroyed by fire, partitions were erected and classes were held in the church.  An auction was to be held in the the church school to raise money for the rebuilding of the school.  All sorts of things were donated to be auctioned, including a pig.  The pig was made comfortable in a small enclosure in the corner of the classroom.  An irate church member came in and said, "Get that pig out of here!  This is a church house not a pig pen."  The pig lost his new found place and was promptly relocated in an open-air abode until auction time.

        Judith "Judy" Lawrence Nelson's first attendance at church was in the first building at the age of two weeks in 1943.   That building burned that year and her earliest memories were at Wimberly.  She spent most of the summers of her early years with her grandparents, Wendell and Flora Permenter.  She can remember sitting close to her grandmother so she could lean on her and take a nap.  The congregation treated her in such a way that she felt very special.  To this day, she says Lydia Church is a big part of her life.  She recalls the fragrant smells of the ladies face powder and the perfumed starched and ironed dresses.   Judy always said everybody sang and she enjoyed it.  She went home with the feeling, "All is well with God because everybody was in church."  Judy says she has a confusing, but lovely mixture of memories of Lydia.

The following minutes are copies from the records of the Church Meetings.   They are written here in the way they were recorded.  Only in some circumstance have the wording and spelling been modified.

Lydia Missionary Baptist Church of Christ was organized on the 29th day of September 1903, Upon the covenant & declaration of faith set forth in Pendleton Church manual.   By Brother C.W. Monroe & R. G. Jackson (?)  Our Sustie followers:  Male members 4--- Female members 4.  Brother Warren A. Watson was elected Clerk.  Brother Warren Watson and Bro. George Permenter as Messengers to the County Association asking membership your body. don by Church in Conference,  Sept. 29, 1903  (s) C.W. Monroe Mod. Warren Watson CC.

August 16, 1903---Paul Store, Texas.   New Union Missionary Baptist Church of Christ in regular conference do grant to Brother Jessie Permenter, who is in good standing and in full fellowship with us, a letter of dismissal from our Church and When join to another Church of Like faith and order our Cancellation with him will close when the same is received               . (s)   T. J. Hice, Mod.  Warren, A, Watson, C.C.

No date---The church of Christ at Pine Springs.  This is to certify that Sister Gertrude Permenter is a member with us in good standing and full fellowship with us and by her request is hereby dismissed from us when joined to another of same faith and order.   Done by Church in Conference I.D.Cook Mod. Pro   A.A. Monroe, C.C.

August 16, 1903---Pauls Store Texas.  New Union  Missionary Baptist Church of Christ in regular conference do grant to Sister J. S. Daw, who is in good standing and in full fellowship with us a Letter of dismissal from our Church and when join to another church of like faith and order our cancellation with her will close when the same is received.  (s)  I. J. Hice, Mod. Warren, A. Watson, C.C.

August 16, 1903---Pauls Store Texas---New Union Missionary Baptist Church of Christ in regular conference do grant to Sister Bettie Collum, who is in good standing and in full fellowship with us a Letter of Dismissal from our Church and when join to another Church of like faith and order our cancellation with her will close when the same is received.   (s) I. J. Hice, Mod. Warren A. Watson, C.C.

August 16, 1903---Pauls Store Texas---New Union Missionary Baptist Church of Christ in regular conference do grant to Sister Lecy Permenter who is good standing and in full Fellowship a Letter of Dismisal from our church and when join to another Church of like faith and order our cancellation with her will close when the same is received. (s)   I. J. Hice, Mod.  Warren A. Watson, C.C.

August 12, 1905(?)---Halbert, Texas---This is to certify that Sister Celie Permenter is a member of the Ephsus Missionary Baptist Church of Christ in good standing and full fellowship with us and hereby dismised from us when joined to another Church of the same faith and order. done by order of the Church in Conference on the 12 day of Aug A.D. 1905 (s) Bro. L.D. Hughes Mod.  J.W. Harris, C.C.

Lydia Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met on Sat before the 3 Sun. in Aug. to attend to its regular conference business.  Opportunity for memberships and receaved Sister Roberts by Letter.  Called for reading of minutes of previous?????? meeting them read and drafted? 

Aug. 3(?)  This being a protracted meeting conference never lasted til the meet closed.

Aug 4   Sat. night preaching by Bro. C.W. Monroe and oppertunety for memberships and receaved Sister Radford by Letter and Sister Samples by Letter.

Aug 5  Sun at 10:00 o'clock prayer meeting for preaching  by Pastor Bro. C.W. Monroe oppertunity for Membership and receaved same.

Aug 21.  Sun night prayer meeting at 6-30  preaching at 8pm by Pastor. oppertunety for memberships and receaved Sister Celey Permenter on faith in a Letter.

Aug 22  Prayer meeting at 10Am, preaching at 11 by Pastor . oppertunety for membership and receraved Sister Dollie Strictland for Baptism.

Aug 25  Thurs prayer meeting at 10 am and preaching by Bro. Melton at 11 am oppertunety for membership and receaving-- none.

Aug 25  Thurs night prayer meeting at 6-30pm and preaching by Pastor at 8. oppertunity for membership and receaved Bro Fate Permenter for Baptism.

Aug 26  Brother Melton going home, Friday the church taken up a collection of 5.05 dollars five dollars and five cents.

New Union Baptist Church August 11, 1906 this is certify that sister Peby (Phoebe) Wimberly is a member in good standing with us and is hereby dismissed from us by her request when joined to another church of the same faith and order this done by order of Conference (s)  Tom Strong, Mo.  J. H. Strickland C.C.

The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met at Lydia on Sat before the third Sunday in July in the A.D. 1908.  Preaching by Pastur W. H. Watson after which the church met into conference. optunity for membership non received,  minutes of previous meetings red and adopted.  confession of faltz none.  Bro Fate Permenter and Sister Celey Permenter and Sister Llizie Brittian letter was call for and was granted.

Sat. night of pray meeting, preaching at 8 by Bro. ?????  optunity for membership none received.

Sun. pray meeting at 10 preaching at 11 by Bro J. S. Ellis, optunity for membership non receoved .  Pray meeting at 8  by Pastor Bro. W. H. Watson   optunity for memberships and received.  Sister Juley Sample back into fellowship with the church.

Monday pray meeting at 10 preaching at 11 by pasture W. H. Watson, opunity for membership - none received.  Pray meeting at 6 preaching at 8 by J. S.  Ellis .   optunity for membership and received Bro Tom Wimberly as a canidate for Baptism.

Tuesday at 10 pray meeting preaching at 11 by Bro J. Ellis.  optunity for membership none received. pray meeting at 6 preaching at 8 by Pastor W. H. Watson optunity for membership and received Sister Bettie Harrris on statement and Bro. Samp Permenter on promise of Letter into full fellowship in the Church.

Wesday  pray meeting at 10 preaching at 11 by Bro ????  optunity for membership and received Sister Juley MacKenley on promise of a letter in the full fellowship with the church and Sister Purl Still for Baptism.  Pray Meeting at 6 preaching at 8 by bro. J. Ellis optunity for membership and received Bro. Jim Wimberly and Bro. John Ellis? and Sister Magie Ellis for Baptism.

Thursday pay meeting at 10 preaching at 11 by Bro J. Ellis  optunity for membership  none received.  Pray meeting at 6 preaching at 8 by Pastor W. H. Watson  optunity for membership are received Bro Ben Windum one promise of letter into full fellowship with the Church and Sister Dottie Windum for Baptism

Friday at 11 preaching at the Water by J.S. Ellis optunity for membership none received.  after this baptising by Pastor Bro. W. H., Watson after Baptising met back at the church pray meeting at 6 preaching at 8 by Pastor Bro. W. H. Watson. optunity for mimberships and received Bro Robrt Glaze on statement in to full fellowship with the Church and Brother Will Still for Baptism.  After this the church give to the mimbers that was baptised the right to had of Church fellowship.  This being the closed of the meeting conference closed in order (s) Bro. W. H. Watson Mod  Albert Permenter C.C.

The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met at Lydia on Sat before the third Sunday in July A.D. 1909, preaching by pastor bro. J.S. Ellis after which the Church went into conference elected Albert Permenter C.C. previous meeting red and adopted new business.   call for Bro Fate Permenter reported drinking whiskey.  oppertunity for mimber ships and received Bro will Lawrence and Bro John Lawrence and Sister Annie Lawrence on statement  received Sister Jenie Wilburn and Sister Martha Wilburn and Sister Bulah Wilburn on faith of Letter.

Sat. night of Prayer meeting preaching at 8.15 by Brother Artie Watson.   opertunity for membership none received. 

Sunday at 10 Pray meeting.  preaching at 11:15 by Pastor B. J. Ellis.   pray meeting at 7 preaching 8;15 by B. Bill Watson.  opertunerty for membership - none received.

Monday pray meeting at 10.preaching at 11  by Bill Watson, opturnerty for membership none received.  Pray meeting at 7, preaching at 8 -15 by pastor J. S. Ellis  opertunerty for membership non received.

Tuesday  pray meeting at 10 preaching at 11-15 by Brother Artie Watson opetunerty for membership- none received.  Pray meeting at 7 preaching at 8-15 opertutier for membership- none received.

August 19, 1905 -- Monday prayer meeting at 10 O'Clock, preaching at 11 by Bro W.A. Watson oppertunety for membership and received Sister Jocy Harris and Sister Clara Permenter for Baptism.

August 20, 1904 - Tuesday night prayer meeting at 6-30 PM. preaching at 8 by Pastor, oppertunety for membership and received Bro. Albert Permenter for Baptism and Sister Dora Permenter for Baptism.

Optunity for Membership and reseived Bro Elisha Permenter and Bro. Malcom Sample as canidates for Baptism after baptism into full felowshiop with the Church.

And received Tom Permenter and Bro. Calvin Permenter and Bro. Samp Permenter into full Felowship with the Church on Statement.

July 1906  After prayer service at 7Am preching at 8 am oportunity for membership and received Fanny Boles on statement.

September 17, 1927  Lydia Baptist Church of Christ meet in conference September 17, 1927 after preaching by Pastor.  Mentis read and adopted of previous meeting extend privilage of the church received Miss Willie Kirkland miss Wilburn , Mrs. Beatrice Davis. Presented them selfes for Baptism, move and second to recived them into full fellowship of the Church.

Sept 13, 1934 --- The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met at Lydia on Thursday night before the 3rd Sunday in Sept.  Preaching thur night by Bro. H. H. Davis. Met at 7-30 for devotional service.  Preaching by Bro. H. H. Davis. Met Sat at 10.30 o'clock by pastor Bro H. Melton after preaching went in to conference:

Order of Business inviting visiting brothern to seats with us.   Opportunity for membership.  Omitted.  Minuets of last meeting read an adopted.  Acknowledgment - none.   New and  generous business. The Church called Bro. Roy Miller as their Pastor for the coming year.  elected Sister Virgie Permenter as Church Clerk.  Bro Will Lawrence as Board member. Also set the date for our meeting next summer to began on Sat at 11o'clock.

Met Thurs nite at 7;30 for devotional services preaching from the stand at 8-30 o'clock by Bro. H. Melton. Opportunity for membership - none received.  Met Wenesday at 10;30 o'clock for devotional services preaching from the stand 11;30 by Bro H. H. Davis Opportunity for membership- none received. Wenesday nite at 730 o'clock for devotional services   preaching from the stand at 8-30 o'clock by Bro H. Melton.   Opportunity for membership and received Bro. Harry Still, Sister Lucill Still, Sister Bertha Permenter, Sister Lanell Still, and Brother Clinton Permenter.  Canates for Baptism- after baptism in the full fellowhnip with the Church. 

Met Thurs at 10:30 for devotional services preaching from the stand 11-30 by Brother H. H. Davis.  Opportunity for membership - none received.

Met Thurs nite at 7-30 for devotional services preaching from the stand at 8;30 o'clock By Bro H. Melton opportunity for membership nd received Sister Mae Collum on promise of Letter.

October 19, 1947 -  The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met in conference on 3rd Sunday in Oct.  Sunday School omitted.  Preaching by Bro. Lawson at 10;30. Opportunity for membership - none received.  The Church adjorned to the river for the purpose of Baptizing L.C. Lawrence and receiving him into full fellowship of the Church.  Sun. Night minutes of last meeting recd and adjusted.   Preaching by Bro. Lawson.  Opportunity for membership, non rec'd   Conference Closed in order  (s) Bro. Floyd Lawson Mod.  Adelle Fittz, C.C.

  August 18, 1940- The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met in Conference after beginning a series of service the 3rd Sunday in August 1940.   preaching Sunday and Sun nite by Brother Miller.  Order of Business inviting Visiting brother to seat with us. Oppertunity for membership non recived.  Minutes red and adopted.  Acknowlegement - none.

New Order of Business the church granted Zetta Brittain and Inez Wilburn a letter.  Services omitted.

Thursday 11. Thrus nite opportunity for membership received Victor Dean and Smith Permenter and Buron Wimberly, Delbert Green, Eula Wimberly Mae Green, Epsie Kay.

Preaching omitted Saturday. Sat. nite opportunity for membership and recvied Mozell Permenter, Maxine Permenter , Ellen Estes. 

Preaching Sunday Opportunity for membership and received Edd Hunter.   Baptism Sunday at 4 o'clock. opportunity for membership at the water and received Joe O'Rear, Bobby T. Davis which made 11 canadites for baptism.  Preaching Sun nite oportuntiy for membership and received Burtis Vaughn , Mrs. John Going and John Going. Total members received during the revivial 16.  The church met Fri mnite called Bro. W. R. Miller to Pastor the Church. Elected Virgie Permenter, Church Clerk.  Allen Kirland, mod Virgie Permenter Church Cler.

July 6, 1952.  Opportunity for membership and received Gaynell Bass, Marie Daw, ?????, Christine Bailey, Mrs. Gracie Pearl Hutto. Evonne Permenter, Sandra Lee Permenter, Murline Scott for Baptism.

Fri nite. Devotional, Preaching by Lamar Duncan.  and recieved Wendell Permenter for Baptism

Sat Morn. The church met at Myrix Ferry (Myrick Ferry) for baptism by Brother Lee Collum.  Conference closed in order   Bro. Lee Collum, Mod.  Mrs. Adelle Fittz, CC.

June 1904 - Lydia Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met the first Sunday in June after preaching by Pastor Bro. C.W. Monroe, the Church went into conference for the ordaining Bro. Warren P. Watson and Brother Jessie Permenter for Deacons.  Called for reading of Minutes of previous meeting and they was not present. Bro. R.G. Jackson was eleted for persbytery, the ordination of the Deacons Bro. W.D. Lawrence was elected as clerk, protem.  Bro. George Permenter was appointed as spokesman for the ordination of Bro. Warren A. Watson& brother Jessie Permenter as deancons of the Church.   There being no other business the conference closed in order.  (s)  Bro. C.W. Monroe, Mod.  W.D. Lawrencek C.C.

July 19, 1938  The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met in Conference after preaching by Pastor Bro. J.D. paste the third Sunday in June.  Order of Business inviting visiting Brother to seat with us.  Opertunity for membership - non received.  Minutes of last meeting red and adopted.  Acknolegements - none.   New or general buisness moved & second that. Bro. Gray Permenter be received in the Church as an ordained Deacon  Their being no other business .  Conference closed in order. (s) Bro. J.D. Pate, mod  Sula Strickland, c.c.

June 20, 1904 Lydia Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met in conference on Sat before the 3rd sunday in June to attend its reguler business.  Call for reading of the minutes of previous meeting them read and adopted.  Oppertunity for membership was offered.  Bro. Jessie Permenter and Bro. Warren A. Watson was appointed as building Committiies on Building the church house at Lydia and Brother Geoge Permenter was apponted as treasureman.  There being no other business conference adjorned in order till its reagler meeting in July. (s) Brother C.W. Montore, Mod  Bro. Warren A. Watson, C.C.

July 16, 1904 --  Lydia Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met in conference on Sat before the 3 Sunday in July after preaching by Pastor Bro. C.W. Monore, the Church went into its regler conference.  Minutes read and adopted previous meeting.  Opportunity for membership was presented.  Unfinished business report of committies was call for and reading out the rools of order, they had no report and they had not riting out any rooles.  New business Bro Jessie Permenter and Brother Warren Watson was appointed as messener to the 5 Sunday meeting.  Preaching Sunday and oppertunerty for membership and recieed Bro. M. T. Roberts and Sister Lizzie Roberts by letter Bro. Roberts received in full fellowhip and Sister Roberts to be received next meeting in August.  On Sunday the Rools of declosure was read and adopted in order.   Bro. Warren A. Watson and Jessie Permenter was a paintint as building committees and the church house.

Sunday at 11 preaching by Pastor Bro. Melton. After preaching the church elect Flora Permenter for Clerk. Bro Tom Wimberly and Sister Phebie and Bro Tom Duncan and Sister Jennie as volteer to go to the fith snday meeting.  Their having no other business to come befor the church.  Confernce adjorned in order.  (s) Bro. Melton, Mod.  Flora Permneter, C.C.

List of Membership - Permenter families

Some were not always faithful and were withdrawn from the fellowship of the Church.

June 7, 1930 - The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met at Lydia Sat. before the 2nd Sunday in June 1930 and transacted the following business  Preaching by Pastor Bro. H. B. Melton minutes of last meeting red and adopted- none received.  Rec.??? that the church withdraw fellowship from Sister Esther Lawrence for non-Christian conduct.   Preaching Sat nite by pastor preaching Sunday by pastor Extended.  (Note:   In the early years members where asked to confess and ask forgiveness for their non-Christian conduct.  It acknowledgments were not made they would be withdrawn from fellowship of the Church)

The Missionary Baptist Chruch of Christ met at Lydia on Saturday before the third Sunday in Febrary of 1913.  Preaching by Pastor Bro. Lee Ellis after preaching the Church went to Conference.  Order of Business inviting visting members to seat with us.  Minutes of previous meeting red and adopte.  Acknowlegement Bro. John Chevilier made ackoledgement for drinking intoxicated drinks.  Sister Viny Bass made acknoledge for dancing.  Brother Thomas Bass refered.  New or generous business by made and second. the church withdraw fellowship from Bro. Tom Permenter and Bro. Elisha Permenter for drinking entoxicated drinks.  Satuday nite preaching by Bro. Ellis Sunday Preaching by Brother Ellis at 11 optunity for Membership -none recieved.  Made and sec. the Church withdrawn membership from Bro. Thomas Bass for dancing their being no other business come before the church confernce adjorned in order.  (s)  Bro. Lee Ellis Mod.

The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ met at Lydia one Sat. be fore the third Sunday in Dec. in A.D. 1907.  After pray by Bro. Will Lawrence, the Church elected Brother Jesse permenter as Moderator. Previous minutes red and adopted unfinished business call - none.  New business call for charges refered against Sister Julia Sample for dancing. By move and second the Church withdrew fellowship from her.  Bro. Albert Permenter and Bro George permenter was appointed deligate to the 5 Sunday.  There being no other busines to come before the Church Conference.  Close in order with Bro.  Jesse Permenter, Mod.   Broth. Albert Permenter.