The Fellowship of Christian Sportsmen lost the services of two of it’s longest standing officers on 1/7/01. To understand the extent of the losses I compiled the following brief bios.
Eddy Chance became a founding member of the B & P (Burp & Poot) Club at the first Appletree Ranch sheep hunt (our first event). He was the “P” of the B & P. He was heavily involved with the Club from that point forward. He and three cohorts formed B & P #2 deer lease in Blanco around 1990. In 1992, when the Club was renamed and held it’s first officer elections, Eddy won the position of Vice President – Service. He served in that capacity for two years. Eddy took a hiatus for the next two years but continued to be heavily involved. In 1996, Eddy was elected President. He served in that capacity longer than any man before him did (five years). During Eddy’s two and one half terms as President the Club set several attendance records, formed a South Austin Chapter, and several new members were added. Eddy was responsible for the initial FCS Website and poured many hours into its creation and maintenance. He was also responsible for finding the Dove Lease with Lee Ewald. Eddy poured innumerable hours into the Club.
Larry Dowden joined the B & P Club on the second Appletree hunt and participated in the Club’s first initiation. He also was heavily involved in the Club from that point forward and was a member of the B & P #2. Larry was elected Treasurer in 1992. He served continuously in that capacity until 1/7/01 (nine years and six days). Larry served continuously as an officer longer than any other officer, with the exception of myself. Larry kept the books well and never had an accounting problem. He paid the bills and made the deposits promptly. He also was largely responsible for organizing our Goose and Duck hunts. Larry also poured innumerable hours into the Club.
Although we have lost the services of these fine men as officers, I am confident that they will continue to be heavily involved in the Club. I know that I echo the thoughts of all of our membership when I say, thank you Eddy and Larry from the bottom of my heart.
I would now like to address some of the points that Eddy voiced in his 1/7/01 resignation e-mail and Larry voiced in his 1/7/01 resignation e-mail.
During the first five years of the clubs existence we averaged nine membership additions each year. Then during ’93, ’94, and ’95 we had some pretty lean years, averaging 2.67 additions each year. ’96 and ’97 saw a big spike in membership due to the formation of the South Austin Chapter of the Club. We averaged 10 additions a year during that two year period. We then skidded downward for the next three years, averaging three membership additions each year. However, we have had three new additions to the Club during the first two months of this year.
The Dove Retreats started prior to ’91, however, I did not start keeping data until that year. Over the years there have been several changes in the retreats. The ’91 and ’92 retreats were held on James Wade’s land. We moved to Camel Mills in 9/93. We continued to grow at Camel Mills reaching a peak in ’96. In ’97 we had to move from Camel Mills when the property sold. We hunted in the fall at the Hymeadow Ranch. In ’98 we hunted on two of Fred Knappick’s leases. ’99 saw the Club move to Lee Ewald’s property. This continued in ‘00 during the drought, even though the hunt had been officially cancelled. We also had a hunt with Dove Masters in ‘00. We hunted again with Dove Masters in ‘01.
During the past 13 years we have had over 280 men participate in FCS activities. We have had a handful come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and many more have made deeper commitments to the Lord due to the ministry of the Club. We have helped each other and non-members practically (roofing a house, helping each other move, and installing a water heater) and through praying for each other and encouraging each other. Friendships have formed that have stood the test of time.
Yes, the club has stagnated somewhat but there are several signs of life. We had 14 first time guests during the last quarter of 2000; most of these men were Hyde Park Baptist Church members. I am convinced that there are several dedicated guys that we can draw into the club from Hyde Park. The momentum that we saw at Great Hills when we organized back in ‘88 can easily happen at Hyde Park. We also continue to average about 10 shooters at the Quarterly Sporting Clays Shoots, 10 hunters at the Annual Hog Hunts, and 15 hunters at the Annual Duck/Goose Hunts.
To address a couple more of Eddy and Larry’s concerns, yes, when the Club started most of us had either no kids or young kids. We didn't have to worry about Boy Scouts, choir, soccer, baseball, and a hundred other children’s activities. Now there are often many conflicts for many of our members. We have to recognize that this is the stage of life that many of the members are experiencing. We need to stress that attendance is encouraged at outings and meetings but by no means should anyone feel that attendance is expected.
I also am very concerned about the younger generations lack of commitment, however, I believe that this is more of a statement of our "I'm not responsible" society. Consider the facts that we have moved over the past 50 - 60 years from a predominantly rural nation to an urban one. Two generations ago most men worked for one employer their entire lives. Most people never went farther than 100 miles from home. Loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice were the virtues of the day.
Over the last couple of generations we have become a much different society. Most of it started in the 60's with free love, drugs, outlawing school prayer, “if it feels good do it”, and the anti-establishment attitudes that permeated across the country. With the creation of more and more fields employees became much more willing to move to meet the needs of their employers. Family fell to second or lower place. With our current humanistic society it is rare to find a young person who is dedicated to their employer, spouse, kids, or anything of value, much less a "Club". Perhaps we need a “Hunting Partner” (mentor) program to attract younger prospects.
Although the Club has accomplished a lot, I believe that the best is yet to be. There is a vast untapped potential of Christian Sportsmen in Austin alone. Growth should be our top priority. What we have is simply too good to not share with more Christian men. Besides, we are commissioned by our Lord to “make disciples”.
Another priority is to continue with quality, affordable hunts and activities. We have tried some new things over the past few years, such as the hog and goose hunts, which have become very popular. I would like to explore other event possibilities.
I believe that the future can be very bright for The Fellowship of Christian Sportsmen. But it will only be as bright as the officers and members make it. One of our problems is that we have had two few men carrying the load for too long. I challenge all Club members to consider what they can do to help the Club. Recent examples of members helping out include: Ron Denison organized a Fall Dove Hunt with Dove Masters last year and Ronnie Ross organized a hunt at Mr. Ewald’s last year and became the Club’s Treasurer on 2/8/01.
To summarize, my primary goals for the rest of 2001 are:
1. Gain 14 + new members (at least 11 more).
2. To have 50+ participants at the Fall 2001 Dove Retreat, while providing a safe and fair hunt for everyone.
I believe that these goals are very attainable with your help. Thank you in advance for your assistance and commitment.
Serving you and Him,
Randy Rowley
North Austin Chapter President and Hunting His Way Editor