Pointed Out
In the late winter of 1836, Mexican general Santa Anna had crossed the Rio Grande River with 6,000 troops. After annihilating victories at the Alamo and Goliad in which over 500 men fighting for Texas had perished, General Santa Anna pushed forward to defeat the larger army commanded by General Sam Houston.
Houston, whose ragtag forces numbered less than 1,000, had cautiously retreated towards the boundary of the United States. General Houston harbored the hope that the United States military might help and engage the Mexican forces. And like George Washington, 70 years before, General Sam Houston sought to save his army for one final battle.
That event occurred in April when General Santa Anna divided his forces. At the same time that General Houston received the intelligence, his men also heard the news.
The road that the Texan army was traveling came to a fork on Farmer Roberts’ land, with the left branch leading to the Trinity River and retreat, while the right fork led to Harrisburg and the enemy. “As the column approached the fork, everyone wondered which branch they would take. Farmer Roberts had his own view on the subject, and when Houston drew near, Roberts pointed to the right and shouted so loudly that none could not hear; ‘That right hand road will carry you to Harrisburg just as straight as a compass.’ The marching men took up the cry: ‘To the right, boys, to the right!’ And all proceeded to the right, with Houston saying not a word.” (Brands, H.W. Lone Star Nation. New York: Doubleday, 2004. p. 442.)
On April 21, 1836, 190 years ago, the final battle erupted only 25 miles southwest of present day Houston, TX. In eighteen minutes, the motley, but determined group of Texan freedom fighters defeated the larger Mexican force at the Battle of San Jacinto, capturing the Mexican President.
Sometimes just pointing people in the right direction can bring wonderful and lasting results.
A Different Kind of Organ Donor
After two attempts in March to repair the old auditorium organ, we were finally advised to save our money. And then the Lord gave us something better.
The college received a blessing this month when Atwood Baptist Church of Atwood, Illinois donated a Baldwin 235 organ which has all the bells and whistles. We are now ready for Graduation and for the IFFB Preacher’s Conference on August 3-5.
Graduation Week Events
On May 5 - 7, 2026, we will hold Graduation Week for Heritage Baptist College. The Lord blessed with another good year, and we are looking forward to sharing the blessings with you. We are excited to see you again, and to have you participate in the events that will take place this week. The schedule of the 12 speakers from various states can be found in the Spring Edition of the Heritage News which is also found on our website. Please note the several event times:
Dr. Harry Strachan to Speak at Banquet
Every year, one of the special events of Graduation Week is the Alumni/Graduation Banquet. Dr. Harry Strachan, pastor of the thriving Calvary Baptist Church of Ashland, Ohio is scheduled to speak at the Tuesday night, May 5th event. President Dennis and Dr. Strachan have been friends since they were teenagers, when their Dads worked together in training preachers to reach Canada. Dr. Strachan was born in Ontario, Canada, but now has pastored in the U.S. most of his ministry. His wit and enthusiasm bring a delightful combination to this year’s program. Brother Strachan and his church are a blessing.
This year, we will again host the Alumni/Graduation Banquet on the Hopewell Campus. With Gray Brothers Cafeteria closed, we are pleased to begin a new friendship with Sgt. Pepper’s Catering. We look forward to a delicious meal. Come and enjoy Dr. Harry Strachan’s message, along with a night of good food. Music will be provided by a special performance of the Heritage Harmonica Boys. Please call Heritage Baptist College to confirm your reservation. (317) 738-3791 or (317) 833-0172.
Graduation Week Fish Fry
Following the morning service on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, we will enjoy our Annual Fish Fry. The annual fish fry began in the 1990’s, when Dr. Clyde Billingsley brought fish caught from various lakes in Kansas. For over a decade, Brother Harvey Shilling and the men from Waverly Baptist Church came to Heritage to fry a wonderful meal of Crappie and later Rainbow Trout. Last year we introduced Pacific Cod, and it was a hit. Come and enjoy some wonderful eating!
Dr. Tom Wallace to Preach on Wednesday Night
One of the week’s highlights will be the combined meeting of local churches on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Dr. Tom Wallace of Murfreesboro, TN will be here, and we will have special singing, and numbers of churches will be in attendance.
Dr. Tom Wallace, author, evangelist, and Vice President of the Sword of the Lord is scheduled to speak that evening. Dr. Wallace has pastored three great churches, where the Lord blessed with many souls saved. Dr. Wallace will spiritually feed your heart and soul.
This is our nineteenth year to host this combined service, and we look forward to a special evening filled with great enthusiasm, kindness, and Christian fellowship.
Commencement
The final activity of the week is the Commencement Service, on Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Dave Martin will be our speaker that evening. Brother Martin has been in Gospel ministry for over 50 years, with 38 years being a senior pastor. For 20 years he pastored in Pennsylvania, and later he shepherded the Lighthouse Baptist Church of Winchester, VA.
Come celebrate with students and faculty the completion of our nineteenth year.