Old River Terrace UMC

I grew up in Channelview and was raised here at Old River Terrace. It has been my Church home most of my life and has given me a lifetime of wonderful memories. God brought me into the youth ministry here in the early 90s and it has continued to be one of the greatest blessings in my life. I have a passion for God's Word and for seeing oour young people grow in their faith as they enjoy being a part of this loving Church family. My hope and prayer is that they will know Jesus as Lord and Saviour and will follow Him all their days.

After singing in the choir for a while, I began leading choir at Jacinto City UMC longer ago than I care to admit! Our family has been here at ORT more than 25 years and I was asked to lead after just 5 years in and been there ever since. In the 7th grade, I started playing the cornet through my freshman year in college. And this is where my musical knowledge comes from. I enjoy singing and have been doing so as long as I can remember.

I've always believed that if you can smile, you are invited to sing with the ORT choir...if you can make a joyful noise, then we want you!

Misty Baird grew up in Channelview and graduated from Channelview High school in 1992. She became a Christian when she was 12 years old and attended Old River Terrace United Methodist Church as a child.

Misty has always loved children and has worked as a volunteer for AWANA's, taught a 3-year old Sunday School Class at church and participated in Vacation Bible School for several years. Misty has been in the Child Development industry since she was eighteen years old and has earned the Directors Certification for the State of Texas.

Misty has been married to her husband, William Baird (also of Channelview) for 16 years. They have two children: Brennen and Brittany and have adopted a little girl, Briley. Misty and her family live in the Crosby area.

ORT Day School

I was converted to Jesus Christ in 1972, after several rebellious and wayward years, at the age of 19. At that time, I lived in Springfield, Illinois, and was pursuing a career in “rock” music. Thank God for the New Birth!

In the fall of that same year, I moved to Columbia, Tennessee, and was reunited with my family. I joined an independent church that was in its beginning stage. For the next few years I focused on simply getting established, i.e., established in the basics of Christian faith; in being a faithful disciple, especially in terms of church attendance and opportunities for service; and as a responsible, hard-working citizen.

On June 6, 1976, Racheal Heather Smith and I were married. Shortly thereafter, our church experienced a split. As a result, we began attending St Luke’s UMC, in Columbia. We were refreshed by the love and acceptance we experienced from the members of that church. With the help our new Pastor, Rev. George Anderson, I began to come to grips with God’s Call on my life.

In 1978, we moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where I completed my undergraduate (Asbury College) and graduate (Asbury Theological Seminary) studies. During the 5 years we lived there, we attended First UMC of Wilmore, and our Pastor was Dr. David Seamands.

Since 1983, we have served in the pastorate of The United Methodist Church, Texas Annual Conference.