GOD & TEXAS: Honeymoon in Texas

As the Indians plundered the Sparks Settlement in 1835, “Chick” camouflaged her brood in the thick underbrush at the foot of a hill outside of camp. While the men battled, the women of the Settlement hid their children were with “Chick” and looked to her for spiritual nourishment.

Even though this warfare lasted for days, “Chick” led prayer and Bible studies to keep the children quiet, and to comfort the distraught women. The hill where “Chick” and the others hid became a community rendezvous spot in the ensuing attacks. Through the years, the frightened settlers embraced this area as sacred ground. Today, it is the site of the oldest active missionary Baptist church in Texas.

As a teenager, “Chick” married James Sparks, and honeymooned near what is now Nacogdoches. But their dreams were shaken by the continuing Indian assaults, deadly diseases, and harsh weather. Regrettably, an arrow took James’ life, leaving the young widow with two infant sons.

In this bleak circumstance, “Chick” found comfort in prayer and the community that revered her leadership. Seeing the need for a strong outreach-oriented church, she invited several evangelists to come and minister to the Settlement. Through her dedicated efforts, “Chick” secured land to build the Liberty School House and Union Church in 1837.

On May 6, 1838, the church was officially organized and has remained in continuous ministry for over 186 years. Originally started as an ecumenical congregation, it was later named Old North Baptist Church of Nacogdoches. They have since celebrated their centennial homecoming on May 1, 1938, and their sesquicentennial homecoming on May 1, 1988!

Massy Caroline Sparks “Chick” Wadlington Millard died at age 62 and is buried in the Old North Church Cemetery. A tall rectangular headstone reads, "Massie Millard, died October 1878. In Memory of her great faith when she knelt at the foot of this old hill."

In the Bible, there were many people of great faith. The Old Testament Abraham is commended for his great faith while totally trusting the promise of God (Hebrews 11:8). Jesus said that the Roman Centurion had great faith when he trusted Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:10). And Jesus commended the great faith of the woman who asked Him to deliver her daughter from a demonic spirit (Matthew 15:28).

Understanding the difference between little faith and great faith can be life-changing. Little faith is often concerned with temporal things. But great faith focuses on the eternal desires of God. Like “Chick,” people of great faith trust the promises of God, diligently obey the Word of God, and persevere in fervent prayer until the answer comes.

What a marvelous testimony “Chick” left behind. She was known as a woman of “great faith,” who was not ashamed to kneel in prayer in times of distress. Perhaps more of us should kneel and pray, crying out to God for His help during these vicious times.

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