I think I was nine or ten so it must have been around 1960.  This isn't an event I have vivid recall of so I am not going to have one of my tales where I try and take you there with me.  This is just a vague memory that came to me Friday after I had written a passionate message on discrimination and how we as children were taught by our parents to discriminate.

I was thinking about the changes that began to take place which led to the removal of things like different restrooms for blacks and whites.  Feel free to comment and let me know if you think I am wrong, but I believe in Pampa, TX one of those key events was the day the first blacks came to worship at the First Baptist Church.

I remember when it happened, but not much more.  It wasn't unexpected . . . that is what I remember most. For several weeks before it actually happened I recall hearing the grown folks talk about how they were planning on the other side of the tracks to send some "darkies" to attend service at FBC.  It was like an attack was coming and the church had to be ready.  So they talked about it on the phone.  They talked about it in person.  Anywhere they could,  they talked about it.

And then I remember it just happened.  I don't remember anything remarkable happening. I don't remember if they ever came back or any details.  Perhaps some of you do.  I just have to wonder what thoughts were going on inside that family.  I wonder if there were any children present?  Perhaps it was just a couple. 

Regardless, don't you know that took a tremendous amount of strength and belief in their cause to expose themselves to that much potential resentment.  I don't believe for a minute they did it to worship. They were activists and that was there reason for being there, not worship, but I would not have done what they did that day.  No way.  So my thought was simply that from a historical standpoint that was possibly one of the biggest events Pampa, TX ever witnessed when it came down to social change in the late 50's and early 60's.

Half a century has passed since the doors to the First Baptist Church of Pampa were darkened.  How many of you remember?  For those with better recall tell me what happened.  Were they invited to stay for cookies and punch?  Did someone invite them home to break bread and eat fried chicken?