Here is a picture of Reverend Sam Rowlett, the pastor for our church.
Brother Rowlett has been here for the past fifty-two years. His dedication to his faith and to the church is a
strength that we all benefit from. He was born July 13, 1923 in Caviness, Texas. He was a son of a blacksmith
and moved to West Texas in the fall of 1923. He served with the 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomber Group, 359th Sqdn., flying
out of Molesworth, England. Shot down on their 23rd Mission over Meresburg, Germany on August 24,1944 and taken Prisoner
of War. Was in P.O.W. Camps - Weitzler, Frankfort on the Maine, Stalag Luft 4A, and Stalag 357.
On February 6, 1945 P.O.W.'s were started on a forced march that lasted 43 days. They were marched (at
gunpoint) from Eastern Pomerania to Stalag 357, near Hanover. They had to sleep out in the cold and snow and existed
only on meager rations. A great many died along the way.
They were liberated by the British 2nd Army on May 8,1945. Bro. Rowlett was weak and in poor health
and weighed 70 pounds.
He was discharged from the Armed Service on October 31, 1945.
Pastor Rowlett married the former Miss Billie Graham, of Childress, Texas on November 15, 1946.
Together, through 53 blessed years, these two have shown a wonderful testimony of what can be done when two people
work together for the glory of God! There were three children born of this union. Sadly, just recently, April
14, 2006, Billie went home to be with the Lord. She has been from the very beginning, and will continue to be through
her testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ, a continuous strength to Central Baptist! Billie, you are and always will be greatly missed, but your presence will continue to be with us through the
wonderful legacy you have left behind! We Will Always Love You, But We Have Comfort In Knowing We Will Be Together Again,
Our Sister In Christ Jesus!
.
