A Note to the Reader --

This book is the result of a dream, long-nurtured by Michael Patison, that the Central Texas Conference would have a written history of its first 100 years in existence. He drew in persons who had a love of history, experience with research and writing, and the commitment to see the long process through to fruition. Michael and twenty-six history committee volunteers researched and wrote, read their work together for clarity and accuracy, researched again, and rewrote. Page-by-page the numerous articles began to be completed. Michael worked multiple hours every day on research, proofreading, and the compilation of the book. There was much laughter and storytelling at the monthly meetings, feeling quite like a family reunion. The committee rejoiced at discoveries, laughed at old pictures, and delighted in anecdotes that captured the spirit of the Central Texas Conference. When a committee member brought the words and music to “The Spirit of Glen Lake,” we all sang it together, and hearts were touched. As you read this book and derive pleasure from it, we know you will join us in saying “thank you,” many times over, to Michael Patison. His dream has become reality; the nebulous vision is now a concrete object to be treasured, and enjoyed.