On Thursday, April 7, Brush Country Cattlewomen met for their monthly meeting at the beautiful new Mission Sin Caja, located on the House Ranch, near Choke Canyon Lake.

There were 49 members and guests in attendance, including BCCW member and President of South Texas Cattlewomen, Helen Peters, bringing four of her fellow STCW members, Jama Brown, Norma Jeanne Wilson, Lee Ruby, and Terry Chandler. Other guests included, Lana Holland and her daughter, Marlana Mauer, guests of Charlotte Schroeder, Jackie Naylor and Jeanie Dove, guests of Madge Patton, Patsy and June Wells and Patsy Pawlik, guests of Alexis Bennett, Rita McKelvey, guest of Evelyn Johnson, and Kurt House, speaker and owner of Mission Sin Caja. Lana, Marlana, and Jackie became members and we are so very glad to have them.

Many thanks to our April hostesses, Rosalee Coleman, Earlyn Tompkins, Donna Wallace, Peggy Skoruppa, Alexis Bennett, and Helen Nelson, for providing a wonderful “ Fiesta, South Tejas” experience, topped off with a delicious hamburger lunch from Pepe Boudreaux’s. Ladies, take note. Tom also agreed to accept our Beef Gift Certificates at his restaurant, so let’s be sure to add them to our list of supporters.

Shortly after President Jones called the meeting to order and Chaplin Brysch prayed for rain, Helen Peters and her cast of BCCW and STCW members, handily equipped with umbrellas, entertained us with a delightful song and “rain dance”. Let’s hope it works! Meeting highlights are as follows:

BCCW members, Marjorie Bledsoe, Naida Davis, Carole Jambers, and Evelyn Seals, attended the Texas Cattlewomen’s Spring Meeting in San Antonio, April 1-3, and reported on meeting highlights.

Parade Chairman, Earlyn Tompkins, reported that our “cow” ladies got to “moo” and throw bubble gum twice this year, winning first place in the rodeo parade and second place in the Live Oak County Fair Parade. Fair Booth Chairman, Marion Fulbright, reported that five $20 Beef Gift Certificates were awarded to lucky drawing winners, and all booth attendees loved receiving their free “I Heart Beef” measuring spoons and new beef recipes. In addition, Ag Day Chairman, Marilyn Bramblett, had several Ag Day brochures available, giving information on many interesting agricultural facts.

Library Chairman, Donna Wallace, reported that this year’s book donation, “Some Were Cowboys”, was successfully delivered to all eight of our area libraries, and Donna read “thank you” notes sent from the Goliad and Nueces County libraries.

After the meeting, the owner of Mission Sin Caja and published writer, Kurt House, gave a wonderful lesson on South Texas history, followed by a guided tour of Mission Sin Caja shortly afterwards. In his presentation, Mr. House told us his three main reasons for building the authentic 18th Century style Spanish mission, which took a year to construct. No. 1, the mission was built in memory of his parents, H.D. and Mildred. No.2, he wanted to inspire folks to know and study our rich South Texas history. And no. 3, he built the mission for a place to worship and for enjoyment with family and friends. Mr. House said the mission will also be available for weddings and private events. With its’ spectacular architectural design and many antique furnishings, words alone cannot describe the beauty of Mission Sin Caja. It truly must be experienced. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed a most memorable outing, and we are all very proud to call Kurt our friend and neighbor.

Anyone interested in attending next month’s May 5 meeting, or for more information about BCCW, TCW, or the programs sponsored, call Sandy Jones, 361 362-0430, or Sherry Helmer, 361 566-2447.