April 19, 2018
East Texas Baptist University recognized Steve and Penny Carlile as the 2018 Sam B. Hall Civic Service Award honorees for their lifelong support of the city of Marshall on Tuesday, April 17 during the 23rd annual Sam B. Hall, Jr. Lecture Series. Since 2010, ETBU has presented an award to a person or persons in recognition of their exemplary Christian service and significant contributions to community life.
"God wants to direct our steps, and the challenge is whether we will allow His Spirit to guide us. Through this honor, you acknowledge the work of God through our lives," Steve Carlile expressed. "Proverbs 2:20 instructs believers to follow in the steps of good men. We have had good men and women, such as Sam and Madeline Hall, that walked ahead of us and modeled how to serve."
Sam B. Hall, Jr. served as the former Chancellor for Texas Tech University, Texas Railroad Commissioner, United States Congressman - Texas, District 19, and Texas State Senator - District 28. A native of Marshall, Judge Hall was a graduate of the College of Marshall, forerunner of East Texas Baptist University, and Baylor University School of Law. His biography, Sam B. Hall Jr.: Whatever is Right by Sam B. Hall, Jr. Professor of History and ETBU Dean of the School of Humanities Jerry Summers, was published in 2005.
"I am thankful for the opportunity to honor Judge Hall and remember the characteristics that define us among the nations as a country, followers of Jesus Christ, and representatives of Christian higher education," Dr. Summers said. "The title of Judge Hall's biography is a reference to his favorite verse, Philippians 4:8, and conveys his ethic and reputation. He demonstrated standing for the truth and is an example to us still today."
Judge Hall delivered the first lecture of the Sam B. Hall, Jr. Lecture Series, which was endowed in 1993 by his family and friends to commemorate his legacy. In addition to the lecture and award presentation, the program included a musical tribute to America with a performance of We the People by the ETBU Concert Choir and Orchestra and an announcement of the 2018 Sam B. Hall Scholars, Marshall High School seniors Christian Lovera and Fabiola Hernandez Cervantes.
"My grandfather was committed to Marshall, respected the community, and wanted to share his love for people," Hall family member Chase Palmer shared. "I grew up hearing stories about Phil Gramm, Buddy Roemer, and Kent Hance - individuals, who were actively involved in the government of our country. I am grateful for the longstanding support of Chancellor Hance and his significant impact on my family and our society."
The Honorable Kent R. Hance, former Texas Tech University Chancellor, Texas Railroad Commissioner, United States Congressman - Texas, District 19, and Texas State Senator - District 28, served as Distinguished Lecturer for the event.
"In reflection on the studies of Western Civilization, it is clear that Christianity played an important role," Hance commented. "Sam B. Hall, Jr. was an ambassador for Christ throughout his career. While he was firm in his beliefs, he worked with people from both sides of the aisle. He wanted what was best for the public and spent his life sharing the Gospel as a light for Jesus."