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You are invited to a Dedication Service in Frisch Park on May 17th, at 11:30! In the event of inclement weather, the event will be in the Gary and John Helen Purser Fellowship Hall.

Pastor's Post

 First United Methodist Church! It is FINALLY time for our “Frisch” Fry in the Park, where we will dedicate The Jerry Dugger Reflection Trail in honor of Jerry Dugger, and The Mike Pinson Stage, to honor Mike Pinson’s memory. 

Most of you knew these two REMARKABLE men well. However, I have reached out to their wives to get some info that perhaps not EVERYONE knows. 

     Let’s talk about Jerry Dugger and his family’s deep roots in Killeen (thank you Carol for much of this information.) Jerry’s mother grew up at First Methodist Church (this is before 1968 when we became United). Thelma Fowler started the Friendship Class when she was only seventeen years old. It began as a class of teenagers. The group stayed together for many years. The class dissolved when Andy Fowler's wife, Nina moved away to a nursing facility. Fowler Elem. is named after Dr. Joseph Fowler. The land for St. Andrews UMC and for Fowler Elem., were both donated by Dr. Fowler. Dr. and Thelma Fowler’s son, was Andy Fowler, who married our precious Nina. Andy Fowler was part of the New Dimension’s Sunday School Class. Dr. Joseph Fowler delivered Jerry Dugger in the Dugger home. Killeen had no hospital in those days. When we dedicate the Jerry Dugger Reflection Trail, this dedication will include the “Friendship Trees,” whose seeds were given by Hack Sandefur. This was a gesture of goodwill, offering a spirit of welcome to all people. There was much tension in Killeen at the time due to the coming of a military base to the small farming community. In fact, The Dugger family and other families owned farmland that was once part of what became Camp Hood (later named Ft. Hood). Without much choice in the matter, the farmers sold their properties to the government. 

     Jerry attended a one room schoolhouse in Killeen. It was located behind what was Rancier School. What was once Boss Hog, was also, at one time, a one room school. It is now the Community Center. Killeen was growing so fast at the time that the old location could not hold all of the children. The Ave D school was First through Twelfth grade. When they brought in Camp Hood, it was necessary to put one grade level at First Methodist Church (Carol thinks, it may have been a class of Fifth Graders). Another grade level was housed in a building behind KLSS on 10th St. 

     Looking at the history, selling the downtown church was difficult for Jerry and for many others. Skip Blancett had the people bring rocks from the downtown location to the new location. The people put down those rocks by what would become the Sanctuary, declaring, “On these rocks, we will build our church.” 



     Speaking of rocks. The old Rock Bld. was the first hotel in Killeen. It was also Jerry’s dad’s office. Leaving that location was tough for Jerry and for others. 



Putting time in Frisch Park sure helped “ease the pain” of relocation. We owe a great deal to the MANY men and women who have made Frisch Park what it is today. We will honor each of them by listing the names of those who have given of their time, effort, resources, and finances, so that we can enjoy Bethlehem Village, and the Passion of the Christ, Easter Sunrise services, weddings, gatherings too numerous to name, including the “Frisch” Fry we will experience today. THANK YOU (in alphabetical order…)

David Archer

Jack Averyt     

Pastor Skip Blancett  

Matt Burch

Barry Dahlquist

Jerry Dugger

David Erickson

Chet Frisch

Dave Hall  

Bill Haynes

Dean Honchul 

Mark Honchul

Jack Humfleet

Kenny Jean 

Mas Konatsu

Bob Kure

Paul Lein 

Gary McMillian 

Glenn Morrison 

Stan Passman 

Mike Pinson

Gary Purser, Sr.

Hoby Rainwater 

Marvin Rainwater

Ken Ray

David Ruiz

Ken Smith 

Chuck Truesdale 

Mike Tuggle

Tom Vassaur

Bob Whitney

 (Thank you to Ken Smith, Marvin Rainwater, and Carol Dugger for providing this list of names.)

Ken Smith gave me this little “tid-bit” about the original manger in the park. The unique manger was on display at an antique shop, in Austin. It was a manger made much like mangers would have been made in Jesus' day.

Marvin Rainwater saw the manger; and knowing the plans for the ways we wanted to use our park, could not pass up that purchase. Let’s be clear…it was by NO means on “sale.” It was quite pricey! However, Marvin loved the church enough, that he made that substantial financial investment and purchased that real-life manger. There was a young family in the church who had a baby. The baby was perfect to serve as the “baby Jesus.” That "silent night" was no doubt, an awe inspiring, sacred moment.

      That Lenten Season, David Archer played the role of Jesus in the Passion Play. The late Judy Burch (Matt’s wife) was a beautician. She and a few other ladies of the church put make up on David, making him look as if he had literally been beaten and had sustained thirty-nine lashes. He looked bloody and bruised. This led to another awe-inspiring moment, bringing a realism, no doubt, led to deep gratitude for what Jesus did for us on Calvary’s cross. If those events had lights, it was because Mike Tuggle and Chet Frisch, did the initial electric wiring for the park.  

Now, I want to acknowledge the people who CURRENTLY KEEP OUR PARK BEAUTIFIED AND READY TO USE IN SERVICE TO THE LORD (again, in alphabetical order):  

Jeff Bain

Colleen Smith-Fey

Marlene Fey

John Karlik

Gabrielle Singleton

Willie Singleton

Colleen Sirmans 

Johnny Sirmans             

    I know this is lengthy; but I CANNOT talk about Jerry Dugger and Frisch Park and not mention Chet Frisch. I am told Chet Frisch LOVED that park. If the park was Jerry’s vison, Chet helped him realize that vision. He worked relentlessly in the park. He took care of the grounds and did everything he could to help it become what it is today. After Jerry passed, I spoke to his wife, Susan. She wanted to give a donation to have a new park sign made reading, "Dugger Park." I let her know Jerry would “turn over in his grave,” in protest. Carol Dugger agreed, as did several members. The park belonging to First United Methodist Church, Killeen IS "Frisch Park!" Period!!!

     Now, let’s talk about Mike Pinson. Mike was a retired Army, Lt. Col. Many of you may not know this; but, his first intention was to be a pastor. Every Sunday, during his college years, Mike spent time visiting with a preacher, who served two rural churches in West Virginia. He felt certain that he wanted to become a pastor, after completing his military commitment. This was not to be. Mike was assigned to assist an Army General. The General’s influence convinced Mike to make the military his career. He served for more than 20 years. 

     Mike was a Distinguished Pilot. After retiring, he offered his services as a pilot, by flying friends and family to the places they wanted to travel. If a friend needed to go to New Orleans, Mike would take him/her there. When the men of the church, wanted to go to a conference, Mike flew the men to the conference. He was instrumental in founding The Aldersgate Enrichment Center in Early, Texas, (a place where adults with intellectual disabilities could live, work, and thrive with dignity). He was a founding member of the Rotary Club. 

     Mike loved vehicles. He had a special car that he was having rebuilt. He also had a riding lawnmower that he kept at Frisch Park. When Patrick McLean and other teenagers and young men were at the park, Mike was known to “toss them the keys” to the lawnmower and let them sweat a little, as they cut the grass. He knew a little work would result in the building of a strong character and a good work ethic for these young people. This was Mike's passion... mentoring young people to become leaders. He had a knack for taking young people under his wings and teaching them many ways to serve. Service was his offering to his country, as he served in the the military, to his church, as he served in various capacities of leadership, and to the park, with many hours of backbreaking work. His example of serving others was infectious. Carol Dugger tells me that Patrick went into the army himself, because he wanted to be like Colleen Smith-Fey, Marlene Fey, and Mike Pinson. It is fitting that a stage is being dedicated in memory and honor of Mike Pinson. He spent his life lifting up others. This makes perfect sense for a man who spent his military career as a pilot.  

I want to end with this funny little story that Mary Pinson shared with me. She texted, 

     "Those who knew Mike Pinson, knew that he wanted to please others (especially his parents). One night, when he was a little boy, Mike remembered that he had not brushed his teeth. He did not want to awaken his parents; so, he went into the bathroom to brush his teeth, but purposely, did not turn on the lights. For those old enough to remember, there was an iconic, historic jingle, created for the once popular, hair styling cream for men, called, Brylcreem. The jingle was, “A little dab’l do ya.” Well, that little dab of what Mike thought was toothpaste (squeezed on his toothbrush in the dark), tasted a lot like Brylcreem!!” 

     Both men loved the Lord dearly. Love of God is the reason for all that they did on behalf of others, throughout their lives. We are proud to dedicate, The Jerry Dugger Reflection Train and the Mike Pinson Stage to two MOST WORTHY OF MEN: Jerry Don Dugger and John Michael “Mike” Pinson. 



Join us at Frisch Park for a “Frisch” Fry, Jerry Dugger Dogs, and Mike Pinson Patties!! DON’T FORGET TO DRESS DOWN (wear a t-shirt and blue jeans, or knee-length shorts), and come fellowship with us!      

Come and enjoy fun and fellowship in Frisch Park. The United Methodist Men will be frying Cat"Frisch," and grilling "Jerry Dugger-dogs," and "Mike Pinson-patties." You will not want to miss this event! We will remember and celebrate Chet Frisch, Jerry Dugger, and Mike Pinson, as we gather. There will be a dedication service for the newly named Jerry Dugger Reflection Trail and the newly named Mike Pinson Stage. The "Frisch" Fry is May 17th. There will be ONE SERVICE on this Sunday. In the event of inclement weather, the "Frisch" Fry and Dedication will be held in the Gary & John Helen Purser Fellowship Hall.

Don't forget that Sunday is dress down day. Wear your Christian T-shirt and blue jeans or your knee level shorts.

May 17th - Dress Down Sunday

There will be ONE SERVICE at 10:00 on the following Sundays in May. There are two left:

-May 3rd (Confirmation Sunday)

-May 17th (“Frisch” Fry and Park Dedications)

-May 31st (Gideon’s/Fifth Sunday)

If you have a high school or college senior in your family who is graduating from a school in Killeen, please let us know by Thursday, May 20th. We will featuring graduates in the next newsletter.

(In alphabetical order)

The theme for the Horizon Texas Annual Conference 2026 is "Love Boldly". The Annual Conference will be held at the Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Event Center in the Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall 1000 5th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Registration opens April 25th and closes May 30th. For more information and hotel reservation, go to: https://www.htcumc.org/ac26.

Please register your attendance in the Attendance Registration Log each week. This helps us to report church attendance and participation in church functions to the annual conference. Accurate reporting is important.

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- Opportunities at FUMC - Killeen -

Click to view the Church Calendar

Below is a list of highlighted events for the upcoming week. Items in italics indicate off-site events. Click on the link above to view the full church calendar.

Sunday, May 17th Ascension Sunday

9:00 AM | Adult Sunday School Classes & Emmaus Prayer Group

9:00 AM | Guiding Young Minds (GYM) Sunday School Class

10:00 AM | Worship

10:00 AM | “Kids Korner” Group

11:30 AM | United Methodist Men’s “Frisch” Fry in the Park

2:00 PM | Heights Concert Band Concert

4:00 PM | Youth Group Meeting - regular youth lesson

Monday, May 18th

8:30 AM | Frisch Park Workday

6:00 PM | SPRC Meeting

Tuesday, May 19th

9:30 AM | Quilting Circle

10:00 AM | Dominos/42 Group

5:45 PM | Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 20th

10:00 AM | Church Staff Meeting

10:30 AM | Morning Bible Study with Ken Smith

7:00 PM | Chancel Choir Practice

Thursday, May 21st

9:30 AM | CDC Terrific Thursday Activities

12:00 PM | Celebration of Life Meal for Ken Allen

2:00 PM | CDC Graduation & Party

Friday, May 22nd

8:30 AM | Frisch Park Workday

Saturday, May 23rd

10:00 AM | VBS Leader's Meeting

Sunday, May 24th

8:00 AM & 11:00 AM | Worship

9:30 AM | Adult Sunday School Classes & Emmaus Prayer Group

9:30 AM | Guiding Young Minds (GYM) Sunday School Class

11:00 AM | “Kids Korner” Group

4:00 PM | NO Youth Group Meeting - off for memorial day weekend

Save the Date

General Fund/Building Fund Offering

Total Attendance for March

Please report all your small group attendance to the office after each meeting or email your attendance to the church office.

 Thank you!