Bowmans honored for decades of dedicated service to FBC Opp

At 92 and 89, Albert C. “A.C.” and Inez Bowman are considering slowing down a bit but not without notice. The Bowmans were recognized for their years of service at First Baptist Church, Opp, in Covington Baptist Association — A.C. for 60 years as a Sunday School teacher and Inez for 33 years of work with the nursery.
   
The couple moved to Opp in 1940. Five years later, he was teaching a class of high school junior. 
   
A.C. Bowman later taught young married couples until 19 years ago when he started teaching The Dependable Class, a class for adult men ages 50­–55. 
   
In addition to teaching, he also served a stint as Sunday School director and was a member of the choir. 
   
Inez Bowman, who was instrumental in keeping the nursery staffed and functional at First, Opp, said, “We’ve had a wonderful time at First Baptist since we moved to Opp. It’s been a very happy life.” 
   
He noted, “All of my work with Sunday School was very rewarding.” He adds that his secret to teaching was no secret at all — he went strictly by God’s Word. 
   
“He had wisdom beyond all of us,” said Verlon Cotter, a member of A.C. Bowman’s most recent Sunday School class. “There were men in our class who should’ve moved to the next level, but they stayed with him because he’s such a great teacher with a great personality.” 
   
Mike Flowers, pastor of First, Opp, said the church members hold a deep respect for the Bowmans. 
   
“They have been very faithful and still are,” Flowers said. “Their attendance is like clockwork.” 
   
The couple grew up two miles away from one another in Dale County near Ozark.  
   
As children, they attended the same church and have known each other all their lives. They married in 1935. 
   
After they moved to Opp, he was called for duty in World War II and was stationed in Italy and France for two years. 
   
The Bowmans have three children (one deceased), nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
of dedicated service to FBC Opp