Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
3-16-2022
Inclusive Dates--Span
1920-2012
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
1970s
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains papers collected by or pertaining to Lester Clois Fowler. The majority of the collection contains papers and materials relevant to Highland Church of Christ and Herald of Truth. The collection also contains financial documents, documents pertaining to ACU, newspapers, various religious materials (church bulletins, study materials, and bible class materials), and some of Fowler's personal papers and items. Also included are audio recordings (on cassette tape and records). The collection housed various periodicals, pamphlets, and booklets upon arrival; these items have been removed and processed accordingly along with several records. In addition, one print of the Restoration Movement leaders is included.
Biographical Note
Lester Clois Fowler was born in Vernon, Texas June 26, 1928. Fowler graduated from high school in Vernon and from Texas Tech University in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration. He was on athletic scholarship for all 4 years, and served as athletic trainer for both the football and track teams. After graduation, he returned to Vernon to be Office Manager for an insurance company. He also volunteered as Youth Minister at the Houston and Pease Street Church of Christ in Vernon – a position that provided him both experience and a life-long mate, as he married one of the young women in his church upon her graduation from high school. Clois married Betty Sue Standlee July 31, 1953 in Vernon. In 1958, after a time as Education Minister for the church, he and Betty moved to Abilene. He initially worked as Office Manager for Bailey Choate, a homebuilder.
He next worked for Fidelity Advertising Agency, and then in 1966 became Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of Herald of Truth Radio and Television Ministries, a worldwide media outreach based in Abilene. He continued in that role until 1991 and, upon retirement, became Wills and Trust Officer for the ministry, serving an additional 10 years in that capacity. He and Wally Bullington worked together for 11 years in managing Family Conferences sponsored by the Herald of Truth Ministry.
A member of the Highland Church of Christ for 54 years, he served as Elder for 25 years. He served on the Facilities Committee and on the founding boards for Christian Homes of Abilene, and Disability Resources, Inc. when they were created. Fowler died September 15, 2012.
Donor Note
Family of Lester Clois Fowler
Arrangement
The papers are in nine series:
Series I: Herald of Truth
Series II: Highland Church of Christ
Series III: Financial Material
Series IV: ACU Material
Series V: Religious Materials
Series VI: Personal Papers/Correspondence
Series VII: Periodicals, Pamphlets, and Booklets
Series VIII: Audio - Records and Cassette Tapes
Series IX: Newspapers and Advertisements
Content List
See PDF finding aid for folder inventory.
Subjects
Churches of Christ--Texas (Abilene)
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
3 linear feet (4 boxes)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #92
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Lester Clois Fowler Papers, 1920-2012. Center for Restoration Studies MS #92. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
Audrey Schaffner, Matthew Stephens, Amanda Dietz, Mac Ice
Subjects--Personal Names
Harper, E.R.; Baxter, Batsell Barret; Fowler, Clois; Haddox, Art; Kendrick, P.S.; Bass, Jo; Bowen Family; Money, Royce; Shelly, Rubel; Monroy, Juan
Comments
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