Page 25 - Cover

A Representative Man Elder Phillip N. Conely

Tribute to Brother Curtis Owen

When people completely fill the "room" in their lives, they are considered representa-

tive of that generation, concept, or function. When thinking about men and women of
the greatest generation, my mind does go to people like my own granddad. However,
a man of that generation that is representative to me not only as part of the greatest

generation but also as a pillar in Zion is Brother Curtis Owen. When you look up the
term "hardshell" or "mossback deacon" you will find his picture as the definition.

'Nuff said.

Representing all that was right about America and the old church during the middle of

the 20th century, Brother Curtis was a veteran of WWII as well as a lifelong Primitive
Baptist and deacon of Bethel Church in McMahan, Texas. Coming from a generation

of character, color, and virtue, Brother Curtis was plainspoken, honest, and fiercely
loyal to what he held dear. When I met him - when I was a young boy - he still had
plenty of vim and vigor though already a much older man. He carried the passion of

the cause of Zion all his days and died in full assurance of the faith once delivered that
he rejoiced to hear preached. Just shy of 101yrs old when departing from this earth,

heaven is richer and the earth lesser with his spirit in one and not the other. An era is
passing in this country as that generation passes from us, and Bethel Church enters a
new era without him manning his post on the bulwarks of the city.

Though he and I never lived close to each other, what endeared me to him was his time

and attention to little nobodies like me. I can't remember a time being around him
when he didn't take the time to talk to me personally. Though small of stature, his per-
sonality was immense to fill a room or conversation should he choose to, yet he was

personable enough to make even small children feel to have a part of that which he
held most dear. As I got older, it dawned on me that his wisdom showed in unseen

ways.