What are you ...? with the Rev. Mouzon Biggs, Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
BY SCOTT CHERRY World Restaurant Critic
Thursday, February 28, 2013
2/28/13 at 8:42 AM
After enrolling at Centenary University in Shreveport, La., two months out of high school, the Rev. Mouzon Biggs was asked to pastor Mount Zion and Pierce Methodist churches in Panola County, Texas.
"The bishop couldn't send ordained ministers to churches that small, so at 18 years old I was preaching every seven days," Biggs said. "I haven't stopped preaching every seven days for the past 54 years."
Biggs will preach his final sermon June 2 at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, where he has been the minister for 33 years.
After graduating from Centenary, Biggs continued to pastor those two small Texas churches during his three years at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
"I wasn't there every day like I used to be, but my wife, Gayle, and I would drive over every weekend for the services," Biggs said.
After being ordained, he preached the Sunday night services for nine years at First Methodist Church in Houston, then he pastored a church in Beaumont, Texas, for seven years.
"Two Texas bishops, Paul Galloway and Finis Crutchfield, who both had been ministers at Boston Avenue, thought I would be a good match and recommended me to the Oklahoma bishop when the position was open," Biggs said.
"I was 39 years old, and the way things worked back then, I hadn't seen the church and the congregation hadn't seen me until I stepped up to do my first service. From that first day I've had a wonderful 33 years here."
We recently asked Biggs about a few of his favorite things.
... liking most about Tulsa right now?
The wonderful rejuvenation of Tulsa's downtown.
... reading, watching or listening to recently?
I've been doing research for my last 15 sermons at Boston Avenue Church.
... planning for a special night out with your wife or family?
We go to Charleston's on Friday nights, Abuelo's for lunch on Saturdays and the Southern Hills Country Club buffet after church. (We do family occasions on Saturdays and Sundays, but just Gayle and me on Friday nights.)
... hoping to see happen in Tulsa over the next year?
Continued cooperation by City Council members and a new proposal like Vision 2025.
... planning for retirement?
Every week for the past 54 years I have researched, written and delivered a sermon. The first 12 months after June 2 of this year will be devoted to having no responsibility. My list of what I am not going to do is a lot longer than my list of what I'm going to do.
... most often doing when not involved in a church-related activity?
Spending time with six grandchildren, ages 6 to 17 years, in their varied activities.
Original Print Headline: What are you ... ? with Rev. Mouzon Biggs Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
Scott Cherry 581-8463
scott.cherry@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
The Rev. Mouzon Biggs relaxes in the sanctuary of the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, where he has preached for 33 years. He will preach his last sermon June 2. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World
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