by Kelly Foster
The old saying “busy as a bee” may someday be heard at Texarkana Community College to say “busy as Jerry Rhodes.”
Jerry Rhodes, a 45-year-old art student at TCC, cannot be described as boring.
Rhodes is pastor of Few Memorials Methodist Church and also pastor of Holly Springs United Methodist Church. When he took the position at Holly Springs a year ago, it only had 20 members. Now there are 75.
Rhodes also is involved in at least three revivals a month and a singing group, “The Good News Singers.” The “Good News Singers,” who travel all over the United States, have three albums out and one of their songs has gone to number 13 on the local gospel charts. Rhodes also loves being the lead pastor of the puppet ministry for youth. His assistant is known as Jimmy Jabber. Rhodes feels this is a great way to learn about the word of God.
When Rhodes is not in school or preaching the Gospel, he may be found involved in his favorite pastime, art. “I love art and its the best way of relaxing for me,” said Rhodes. “I wish I wouldn’t have waited 20 years to start drawing and painting again because I know now it is what I want to get my degree in.”
During the summer months when most students take a break from the hustle and bustle of school, Rhodes attends Southern Methodist University. When asked what his congregation thinks of his continuing education, he replied, “The people in my church are not very educated and they don’t see all the way. They are even in the same building months and they even pay my way.”
Rhodes is also a husband and father of six children, ranging in age from 1 to 14. His children think this is great he is in school and they study with him.
Rhodes said he has really changed since 1980. “There is a tremendous growth because when I left, there were only three buildings.” Asked if he noticed a change in students he said, “The students haven’t changed in their outward problems, but I detect a great change in dress, especially in women. I have not seen one change of complete shine coming to TCC. They are not like the picture many people see on TV.”
The universal man is one man involved in different roles in life, and Jerry Rhodes—student, pastor, singer, puppeteer, artist, husband, and father—should fill this definition to a “T.”