Frank McNair - Pastor of First Baptist of Thalia

 In early 1920 - 1921, Papa (Frank McNair) preached at the First Baptist Church of Thalia. He moved to several other churches, but Mimi (Frank's daughter, Ava Ella) and Pappy (J.C. Jones) eventually made Thalia their home and this was their church home for many years. This was the church that my mother (Carolita Jones) grew up in. 

The top picture is the Thalia Baptist Church. Mother attended this church until she was married. (1928-1946) She said there was no air conditioning, so they used hand fans. These pictures were taken c.1991.

Below: picture taken of the page from my mother's scrapbook. Her description tells the story, and I love how she signed each one in her own handwriting. 

Below is a picture of my scrapbook, with a description of my Memory Lane trip with Daddy in 1991.

Daddy was baptized in this church in 1948. 

The next two pictures are from Mother's scrapbook. They are old photos taken on the steps of her church. She explains them in her typewritten note.

Below: Mimi (Ava Ella McNair Jones) is first row, fourth from the left.

Sadly, when I returned in April 2022, the small country town of Thalia was in a state of decay. It has weathered many days of storms and neglect. This building no longer functions as a church. It saddens me to see how we are such an urban society today. These small communities where so important to the growth of America, when people were surrounded closely with friends, good neighbors and family.