1964 – 1976

The first service was held at Dewey on April 5, 1964. Robert Rochelle, a native of Detroit, Michigan, came to Sherman from Freed Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee, to be the minister. A five-day gospel meeting was held with Bro. Rochelle preaching and Bro. James Rucker of the Grand Avenue congregation leading the singing.

The masonry and brick building housed an auditorium for approximately 550 people, 23 classrooms, a library, offices for minister and secretary, nursery and storage rooms, Dedication services were held April 24, 1964, with Hubert Plumlee of Denison as speaker.

1976 – 1978

In July 1976, the Grand Avenue and Dewey Avenue congregations decided to again join forces as one work. This was motivated by the fact that both were serving the same area and located only about one mile apart. The Grand Avenue congregation had supported missionaries in Canada, Italy, Africa and other places. Allessando Corazzo was fully supported in Rome, Italy and Conrad Steyn in Capetown, South Africa, with the John Curtis’ in Brazil.

The merged work became known as the Parkview congregation and was under the oversight of elders Wilburn Grisham, Harvey Millsap and Vernon Mitchell from Dewey and Fred Holloway and Robert Savage from Grand. Dan Carter from Sanger began work on the first Sunday of the merger. Work began with approximately 400 members.

1978 – 1992

Soon after the merger, the congregation built a large gymnasium on property across the street north from the church building. It houses a full size basketball court, kitchen, Bible Call equipment, library, ministerial offices, elders conference room, and several large classrooms. This building provides fellowship activities but its primary function was to be a Christian Training Center with advanced Bible courses offered to the community. These were conducted for several years under direction of the elders and ministers as the Texoma Bible Institute. Also provided on the lot was a Sharing Center where clothing was stored for those who need it.

During this time period, Parkview membership grew exponentially. Due to the growth, Bro. Clinton Davis of Midland, TX was hired as a minister for worship and outreach to labor alongside the preaching minister.

Today, the CTC houses ministerial offices, youth and children’s bible classes, as well as Parkview’s media studio. Because of this great resource, Parkview utilizes the building for community outreach as well.

1992 – 2005

The Parkview church of Christ was on the front lines tearing down racial and cultural barriers that were preventing brothers and sisters from worshiping together.

Parkview is a very unique church family in that the makeup is quite diverse. Much more so than other typical faith communities in the area. Blessings to all who have worked so passionately in the past and to those that still work today.

In 1992, a “white” church, a “black” church and a “Hispanic” church became the new Parkview. Though that was long overdue, we praise God for making that transition in our community.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28 ESV)

2005 – 2019

Welton Stoker began serving as the Preaching Minister at Parkview in 2005. He, his wife Betty, and their children began calling Parkview their home in 1992, where he served as a deacon for many years.

During the next several years, many new ministeries would grow and flourish out of love and prayer. New ministeries that God watered include service to the Sherman Housing Authority, welcoming Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, hosting meetings for mental health and recovery organizations, as well as benevolent outreach.”

In 2009 Parkview began broadcasting worship services on cable television, under the direction of Orange Hughes. Unlike other religious programs on t.v. at the time, these broadcasts aired the full worship service, including sermons, congregational singing, prayers, baptisms, and communion services. Starting in 2011, government regulations no longer mandated free public access channels. The leadership at Parkview prayed over the media ministry and determined that it was a vital outreach ministry to the church. Various members now contribute financially toward this ministry so broadcasting can continue.

2019 – present

In 2019, Brother Welton Stoker graciously passed the torch to Jimmy Stegall, who accepted the call and became the Preaching Minister of The Parkview Family. He and his wife Paula moved to the Texoma area from Crockett, TX to call Parkview home. Jimmy and Paula were no strangers to Parkview though. They were already a part of the Parkview family dating back to the early ’90s.

Born out of prayer, the leadership made an aggressive decision to place focus on media-based and online ministries. One of these outreach-driven ministries involves live streaming Parkview sermons online, as well as continuing support of the local programming on television.

In late 2020, Jimmy left to pursue preaching ministry at another congregation. Elder Sergio Lopez, Youth minister Jesse Muniz, and retired preacher Mike Bentley shared the pulpit.

In 2021 Larry Tittle was chosen to take the position of Preaching Minister at Parkview. He and his wife Aleta joined the congregation just as the pandemic and its restraints were lifted. We are blessed to have this couple serving this congregation.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 15:5-6)