This Week in Texas Methodist History January 26

Seventeen Year Old John Wesley Hardt Published in Southwestern Advocate

I have discovered perhaps the earliest published article written by my father, (later Bishop) John Wesley Hardt.  He was a 17 year old college student at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, when he submitted the following to the Southwestern Christian Advocate

One of the most outstanding weeks of progress on Lon Morris campus was experienced last December when the college Revival was held.  Since September we had been looking forward with hopes and prayers for that particular time.  And so, when Brother Walter Rabb Willis came to us we were expecting great things; and when he left, we realized that our highest expectations had been exceeded. 

It has now been two months since this meeting was held and we can see that its lasting effect is of untold value.    Not only did Bro. Willis deliver some wonderful sermons, but he also won his way into the hearts of the students.  There were very few minutes while was here that he did not spend speaking to group or individual.  Many individual lives were lifted to higher planes of living, and all of us were drawn closer to the Christ.  Truly we had a great revival. 

Here on Lon Morris campus, we enjoy many religious services every week.  Each morning a group meets for prayer and scripture reading in what we call Morning Watch.  All who attend are greatly helped in their spiritual lives.  A close connection between the church and college is maintained.  The college group meets together in a group of its own at the church school and league hour.  We are happy to be able to continue these relations with the church.

Probably the outstanding religious feature of our campus is our Religious Council, which meets every Thursday evening.  This organization is run on a very business-like basis.  Its officers are elected at the end of the first semester of the year.  The outgoing officers were President, Inez Cordrey; Vice-president, Bill Shirey; Secretary, Frances Blanton; Treasurer, Earl Doyle; Reporter, Francis Carolyn Wood.  Those wqo were elected for the new year were:  President, John Wesley Hardt; Vice-president Fidelia Kilgore; Secretary, Martha Carson; Treasurer, Buck Watson; Reporter, Pat Ball; and Program Chairman, Sarah Barber.  The sponsor of the organization for a number of years has been Miss Donnelia Smith.  The programs are always ever inspiring and helpful.  Right now we are laying emphasis on the Youth Crusade.  For some time we have been trying to organize a Sunday School in a spiritually neglect part of the city.  At last our hopes and labors seem to be fulfilled and we expect to get started immediately.  We are looking forward to the doing of great things.  We are learning to be better Christians.  Lon Morris is teaching us to really live. 

            Martha Carson is, of course, my mother.  She had just turned 18 when this article was written in early 1939.