IN KENEDY: Dedication of Historical Marker, Farmworkers March

The Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1966 Valley Farm Workers’ Union 400-mile march to the State Capitol this Saturday. They will also be celebrating the induction of a Texas Historical Marker at El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church, Kenedy, TX for its involvement in the march.

The 400-mile march stopped at El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church in August 1966. They were invited by Rev. Isabel Gómez, (pastor of El Buen Samaritano) and Rev. Roy Fisher (pastor of First United Methodist Church, Kenedy), for a brief service of scripture and worship. It was the only protestant church that welcomed the marchers. After stopping at Kenedy, they also stopped at the Alamo in San Antonio and met Cesar Chavez at the Capitol in September 1966.

“We are going to memorialize the people that died for that march,” said Retired Bishop Joel Martinez. “They put hard work into raising that cause for higher wages and better working conditions. We must not forget them.”

The celebration this Saturday will include a service of remembrance and thanksgiving. Speakers include Rev. Isabel Gómez, Doris Hudspeth Miller (widow of Rev. Roy Fisher), Retired Bishop Joel Martinez (former Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area from 2000 – 2008) and Bishop James E. Dorff (San Antonio Episcopal Area Bishop). A fellowship luncheon will follow the worship service.

This open event will take place at El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church in Kenedy, TX (249 Booe St., 78119) this Saturday, June 27 starting at 11 a.m.