Change often came slowly to the South, but it often arrived with a whirlwind of effort pushing it along. Helen Stoddard, a force of nature unto herself, became a leader in the state with her efforts to defeat alcohol and promote women’s equality. Stoddard became an early professor and pursued a host of causes across Texas, including child welfare, women’s education, food safety, prohibition of alcohol, and women’s suffrage. Her stubborn mindset, coupled with a sharp intellect and fiery sermons galvanized legislators and public opinion at the turn of the century. Along the way, Helen Stoddard became one of the co-founders of what is now Texas Woman’s University and one of the first women to run for Congress.

The Archer Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is here! From June 1 – July 31, kids can enter the library’s reading contest for a chance to win their own Kindle E-Reader. 1-hour read = 1 entry into the drawing. Also, the library will be hosting four summer reading performances live at the Royal Theater! We’ll have animals, puppets, balloons, science, and more! Also, don’t miss your chance to sign up for Art Camp- happening on Wednesdays at the library for ages 9 and up. Stop by the library for more details on everything happening this summer!

The Sheriff’s Office received 147 calls for service this past week. As this report is being written there are 27 inmates and 2 being female in the Archer County Jail.

This past weekend, the Liturgical Churches of the Western Church (Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, some Methodists and others) i.e. those on the Gregorian calendar celebrated the Feast of Pentecost on May 28th. Those Churches on the Julian calendar - the Eastern Orthodox Churches and others - celebrate the Feasts of Easter, Ascension and Pentecost approximately 2 weeks later. ‘Pentecoste’ is a Greek word meaning 50th. Pentecost celebrates the sending and descent of the promised Holy Spirit on the apostles and disciples gathered in the Upper Room 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus.. Hence, Pentecost celebrates the beginning, the manifestation of the New Testament Church. Pentecost occurred 10 days after Jesus ascended into Heaven. The Feast of Pentecost continues to this day to be celebrated 50 days after Easter - and 10 days after His Ascension up to Heaven. It is from the timing of these Feasts of the Lord that Catholics get the concept of praying a Novena,- a novena of prayers, nine days of prayer. The Novena gets its origin from the Book of Acts Chap 1, where Mary – the Mother of the Lord and the Apostles prayed continuously for 9 days after the Ascension of Jesus. Traditionally, the Church prays a Novena of prayers to the Holy Spirit on those 9 days between Ascension and Pentecost.