Our Heritage
Celebrating 75 Years of Scouting
On Sept 22, 2018 Troop 325 celebrated a 75th Anniversary in Wesley Hall. On this night many of the Past Scoutmasters and Scouting families, along with Eagle Scout alumni came out to celebrate a long and extraordinary history of Troop 325. Many of the Scoutmasters in attendance shared stories of campouts, cookouts and other memorable moments. On display were the Troop’s leather skins commemorating the 189 Scouts who have earned their Eagle Rank at Troop 325.
The Scouts served a traditional campout grub consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs, jambalaya, and cobbler. The total food prep, serving and KP was handled by the Scouts. Reinforcing the Scout led practice.
A 75th anniversary patch was commissioned to commemorate the celebration. Patches are still available by request.
Overall the celebration was a huge success. We are committed to delivering a Relevant program to our current and future Scouts with the hope that we will extend our legacy thru 2028 and have an opportunity to celebrate an 85th Anniversary. On behalf of Troop 325 Scouts and Adult leaders, We express our Thanks to everyone who took time to attend the 75th Anniversary and support our Troop through your donations.
Troop 325 is chartered by FUMC in Lake Jackson, Tx
The Scouts served a traditional campout grub consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs, jambalaya, and cobbler. The total food prep, serving and KP was handled by the Scouts. Reinforcing the Scout led practice.
A 75th anniversary patch was commissioned to commemorate the celebration. Patches are still available by request.
Overall the celebration was a huge success. We are committed to delivering a Relevant program to our current and future Scouts with the hope that we will extend our legacy thru 2028 and have an opportunity to celebrate an 85th Anniversary. On behalf of Troop 325 Scouts and Adult leaders, We express our Thanks to everyone who took time to attend the 75th Anniversary and support our Troop through your donations.
Troop 325 is chartered by FUMC in Lake Jackson, Tx
History of Boy Scout Troop 325 Scouting
This report was compiled from interviews, excerpts from “A History of First United Methodist Church”, The Facts, and an anonymous report.
By; Julian Moreno October 22th , 2017 Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Requirement 5
In 1943 a group of citizens formed Troop 25, the first Boy Scout Troop in Lake Jackson. The troop met in the Administration Building on Azalea Street. The first Scoutmaster was D.L. Matthews and there were 9 boys .By January of 1944, when the troop rechartered there were 34 boys and was sponsored by the Lake Jackson Jaycees at the Fire Hall.
In addition to troop 325, our church sponsored pack 325. This pack was the first Cub Scout Pack in Lake Jackson and was formed in 1946. Unfortunately, Pack 325 is no longer active.
“At last the great day, January 2, 1949, arrived and the new church which is now Wesley Hall, with an estimated value of $75,000 was formally opened and dedicated by Bishop A. Frank Smith of Houston.”
In the late 40’s Troop 25 moved to the church and has been here ever since. FUMC began sponsoring Boy Scout Troop No. 25 in 1951.
In the early 50’s the troop number was changed from 25 to 325. In 1959 there were so many boys in Troop 325 that the troop was split into two troops, 325 and 352 were both active for the next 20 years.
“Boy Scout work, in which many adults of the church were giving outstanding leadership, was moving forward with enthusiasm. A number of Scouts began working on God and Country Awards and some of these did achieve this high honor. In a Court of Honor, 1960 seven scouts of troop 352 received Eagle scout presentations to set a record for the Quintana district”
Except for The Facts: Monday, Feb., 9, I960 LJ SCOUT TROOP 325 LAKE JACKSON-The last weekend In January was marked by a camping trip (or scouts and three leaders of Lake Jackson Scout Troop 325. The group trawled to Camp De Leon on the Guadalupe River north of Victoria. They arrived Friday night and set up their tents, expecting to be greeted by the first freezing weather of the year. However, the mercury failed to drop below the freezing mark, the scouts reported. Alter breakfast on Saturday morning, the scouts had time for advancement work, then spent the afternoon exploring the camp. After supper, the evening was completed by a game and a camp fire, followed by a ghost story. During the camp fire, the group enjoyed singing, skits, marshmallow roasting and popcorn. Following breakfast Sunday morning, a chuch service was held on the hillside before the troop returned home. Making the trip were Kirk Edwards, David Pearson, John Paul Reed, Mike Boggs, Mark McClothlin, Scott Markley, John McClothlin, Peter Yancey, David Leever, Kevon Shuler, Robert Seidule. And, Greg Laubach, Ricky Williams, Jimmy Seidule, Coy Freeman, Rick Hays, David Dolittle, Kent Brock. Clay Henderson, Victor Reames, Curits Jordan, Skipper Jung- errnan, Fred Smith and James Smith. The leaders were Scoutmaster Bob Alcott, Bill Jordan and Lewis Reed, assistant Scoutmasters. The troop is sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Lake Jackson.
In the late 60’s, “The continuing growth of First Methodist sponsored Boy Scout Troop 325 was indicated by a membership now numbering a hundred scouts. Wesley Hall was often the setting for many programs and learning experiences of lasting value.”
Through 1977, “The church-Sponsored Boy Scout Troops also continued a very positive role through projects involving the church, nursing homes, and city parks.”
In 1979 the number of boys had dropped off and the two troops combined back into troop 325.
Through 1988, “First United Methodist continued its long history of support and sponsorship for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 325. This organization has the distinction of being one of two surviving service organizations begun in Lake Jackson’s founding year, 1943.”
There have been a total of 28 scoutmasters (20 in 325 and 8 in 352). The longest time as a scoutmaster is Bob Alcott’s 10 years. Two scoutmasters have served two different terms, Bobby Legler in troop 325 and Ollie Tarbell in troop 352. At least one scout eagle of 325 has come back to be a scoutmaster of 325 ( Don White). Our last scoutmaster was Jason Kennedy and our current scoutmaster Don Cameron.
Interviews
Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Requirement 8
Mr. Jim Glover Asst. Scout Master
For my scouting heritage merit badge, I interviewed Mr. Glover. Here are some of the things he said. He was in troop 381. His troop mostly backpacked and Mr. Glover reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Afterwards I asked him a little about himself. I asked him about the when he first came to Troop 325. First of all there were different patrol names. Also all the older boys were in the Penguin Patrol. Then Mr Glover told me something very surprising, that the troop used to be about 35 people. But there was one thing still lingering in my mind. Where did Mafeking come from and how and who created it? Then he told me that himself and a man named Richard Wood had created the Mafeking camp out . He told me that they made the campout to commemorate the 100th year of scouting. I asked about some of the activities. He told me they initially included star navigating, orienteering, and pioneering. With the exception of one year, it has always been held at Green. This is my scouting heritage merit badge report.
Mr. Joe Moreno Asst. Scoutmaster
My grandpa is my main male figure in my life. He was a bear scout in pack 332 in Corpus Christi Texas. He has been involved with me in scouts since I was a tiger and still is. He told me that he has taken a more active role in BSA Troop 325. Adapting the scout oath and law into his life he told me has made himself a better role model, and helping me continue my development on my path to eagle, as well as helping other scouts in the troop.
Mr. Kyehan Lee Advancement Chair
For one of my scouting heritage interviews I performed. Lee he told me the troop has always done mulch with the church. There was an extra patrol the beaver patrol and the older scouts camped more. He also told that each SPL ran the troop differently and each ran the troop uniquely. One more thing was that the high percent of eagles and that it went over the average of five percent.
Mr. Brent Weldon Chaplain
Another interview that I performed Mr. Weldon he told me that there were a lot more boys and more patrols. He said some of the things he also confirmed the high percent of eagles. One question I asked him what the troop’s activity level was campout wise and he said that the troop tried to go on a campout every month and still do to this day. He said that the troop had bettered himself and other boys he had seen grow up in the troop. Another thing he told me was that the troop tried to do a high adventure every two years. He said that the troop was consistently helping the boys and the boys helped the troop run.
Mr. Armando Gonzales Former Scoutmaster Troop 350 Freeport, TX
Mr. Armando was an exceptional scoutmaster because he restarted St. Mary’s scout troop 350. He started at his son’s troop as an assistant scoutmaster. He became scoutmaster in 1990 thru 1994. After a while his sons decided they wanted to join the Dow adventure group. Mr. Armando and his sons went to the high adventure camp Philmont in New Mexico. His sons went to boundary waters in Canada but he was not able to go. His experience with scouting was positive and it taught him discipline and respect.
Closing
What scouting means to me:
Scouting is a way for a boy to better himself on his journey to manhood. Things like camping, hiking and being with his troop can help him learn social, outdoor and indoor skills. He can learn valuable life lessons that can prepare him for life and his future to come. Another thing about scouting, it is a place of belonging , a place of acceptance.
Sincerely
Julian Moreno, Tenderfoot
Troop 325 FUMC
Lake Jackson , Texas
By; Julian Moreno October 22th , 2017 Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Requirement 5
In 1943 a group of citizens formed Troop 25, the first Boy Scout Troop in Lake Jackson. The troop met in the Administration Building on Azalea Street. The first Scoutmaster was D.L. Matthews and there were 9 boys .By January of 1944, when the troop rechartered there were 34 boys and was sponsored by the Lake Jackson Jaycees at the Fire Hall.
In addition to troop 325, our church sponsored pack 325. This pack was the first Cub Scout Pack in Lake Jackson and was formed in 1946. Unfortunately, Pack 325 is no longer active.
“At last the great day, January 2, 1949, arrived and the new church which is now Wesley Hall, with an estimated value of $75,000 was formally opened and dedicated by Bishop A. Frank Smith of Houston.”
In the late 40’s Troop 25 moved to the church and has been here ever since. FUMC began sponsoring Boy Scout Troop No. 25 in 1951.
In the early 50’s the troop number was changed from 25 to 325. In 1959 there were so many boys in Troop 325 that the troop was split into two troops, 325 and 352 were both active for the next 20 years.
“Boy Scout work, in which many adults of the church were giving outstanding leadership, was moving forward with enthusiasm. A number of Scouts began working on God and Country Awards and some of these did achieve this high honor. In a Court of Honor, 1960 seven scouts of troop 352 received Eagle scout presentations to set a record for the Quintana district”
Except for The Facts: Monday, Feb., 9, I960 LJ SCOUT TROOP 325 LAKE JACKSON-The last weekend In January was marked by a camping trip (or scouts and three leaders of Lake Jackson Scout Troop 325. The group trawled to Camp De Leon on the Guadalupe River north of Victoria. They arrived Friday night and set up their tents, expecting to be greeted by the first freezing weather of the year. However, the mercury failed to drop below the freezing mark, the scouts reported. Alter breakfast on Saturday morning, the scouts had time for advancement work, then spent the afternoon exploring the camp. After supper, the evening was completed by a game and a camp fire, followed by a ghost story. During the camp fire, the group enjoyed singing, skits, marshmallow roasting and popcorn. Following breakfast Sunday morning, a chuch service was held on the hillside before the troop returned home. Making the trip were Kirk Edwards, David Pearson, John Paul Reed, Mike Boggs, Mark McClothlin, Scott Markley, John McClothlin, Peter Yancey, David Leever, Kevon Shuler, Robert Seidule. And, Greg Laubach, Ricky Williams, Jimmy Seidule, Coy Freeman, Rick Hays, David Dolittle, Kent Brock. Clay Henderson, Victor Reames, Curits Jordan, Skipper Jung- errnan, Fred Smith and James Smith. The leaders were Scoutmaster Bob Alcott, Bill Jordan and Lewis Reed, assistant Scoutmasters. The troop is sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Lake Jackson.
In the late 60’s, “The continuing growth of First Methodist sponsored Boy Scout Troop 325 was indicated by a membership now numbering a hundred scouts. Wesley Hall was often the setting for many programs and learning experiences of lasting value.”
Through 1977, “The church-Sponsored Boy Scout Troops also continued a very positive role through projects involving the church, nursing homes, and city parks.”
In 1979 the number of boys had dropped off and the two troops combined back into troop 325.
Through 1988, “First United Methodist continued its long history of support and sponsorship for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 325. This organization has the distinction of being one of two surviving service organizations begun in Lake Jackson’s founding year, 1943.”
There have been a total of 28 scoutmasters (20 in 325 and 8 in 352). The longest time as a scoutmaster is Bob Alcott’s 10 years. Two scoutmasters have served two different terms, Bobby Legler in troop 325 and Ollie Tarbell in troop 352. At least one scout eagle of 325 has come back to be a scoutmaster of 325 ( Don White). Our last scoutmaster was Jason Kennedy and our current scoutmaster Don Cameron.
Interviews
Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Requirement 8
Mr. Jim Glover Asst. Scout Master
For my scouting heritage merit badge, I interviewed Mr. Glover. Here are some of the things he said. He was in troop 381. His troop mostly backpacked and Mr. Glover reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Afterwards I asked him a little about himself. I asked him about the when he first came to Troop 325. First of all there were different patrol names. Also all the older boys were in the Penguin Patrol. Then Mr Glover told me something very surprising, that the troop used to be about 35 people. But there was one thing still lingering in my mind. Where did Mafeking come from and how and who created it? Then he told me that himself and a man named Richard Wood had created the Mafeking camp out . He told me that they made the campout to commemorate the 100th year of scouting. I asked about some of the activities. He told me they initially included star navigating, orienteering, and pioneering. With the exception of one year, it has always been held at Green. This is my scouting heritage merit badge report.
Mr. Joe Moreno Asst. Scoutmaster
My grandpa is my main male figure in my life. He was a bear scout in pack 332 in Corpus Christi Texas. He has been involved with me in scouts since I was a tiger and still is. He told me that he has taken a more active role in BSA Troop 325. Adapting the scout oath and law into his life he told me has made himself a better role model, and helping me continue my development on my path to eagle, as well as helping other scouts in the troop.
Mr. Kyehan Lee Advancement Chair
For one of my scouting heritage interviews I performed. Lee he told me the troop has always done mulch with the church. There was an extra patrol the beaver patrol and the older scouts camped more. He also told that each SPL ran the troop differently and each ran the troop uniquely. One more thing was that the high percent of eagles and that it went over the average of five percent.
Mr. Brent Weldon Chaplain
Another interview that I performed Mr. Weldon he told me that there were a lot more boys and more patrols. He said some of the things he also confirmed the high percent of eagles. One question I asked him what the troop’s activity level was campout wise and he said that the troop tried to go on a campout every month and still do to this day. He said that the troop had bettered himself and other boys he had seen grow up in the troop. Another thing he told me was that the troop tried to do a high adventure every two years. He said that the troop was consistently helping the boys and the boys helped the troop run.
Mr. Armando Gonzales Former Scoutmaster Troop 350 Freeport, TX
Mr. Armando was an exceptional scoutmaster because he restarted St. Mary’s scout troop 350. He started at his son’s troop as an assistant scoutmaster. He became scoutmaster in 1990 thru 1994. After a while his sons decided they wanted to join the Dow adventure group. Mr. Armando and his sons went to the high adventure camp Philmont in New Mexico. His sons went to boundary waters in Canada but he was not able to go. His experience with scouting was positive and it taught him discipline and respect.
Closing
What scouting means to me:
Scouting is a way for a boy to better himself on his journey to manhood. Things like camping, hiking and being with his troop can help him learn social, outdoor and indoor skills. He can learn valuable life lessons that can prepare him for life and his future to come. Another thing about scouting, it is a place of belonging , a place of acceptance.
Sincerely
Julian Moreno, Tenderfoot
Troop 325 FUMC
Lake Jackson , Texas