Reverend Henry E. Beseda Jr.

Reverend Henry Earnest. Beseda, Jr. was born in Port Lavaca, Texas on February 17, 1920, and dedicated his entire life to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. His parents, the late Reverend and Mrs. Henry E. Beseda, Sr. inculcated Henry the tenets of the Christian faith through the Presbyterian Church and the Unity of the Brethren. Henry’s father pastored in Texas rural community churches for both denominations. His mother, the late Mrs. Julia Rose Chernosky Beseda studied to be a missionary at a Methodist seminary in Pennsylvania, prior to marriage as a pastor’s wife and mother of nine children. Reverend Beseda was married to Mrs.Carolyn Filipp Beseda, a retired public school teacher and professional musician/part-time insurance agent. Reverend Beseda’s education included studies in Alice, Texas and Holdenville, Oklahoma culminating with a high school diploma earned from West High School in West, Texas, where the family had later moved. His extra-curricular activities included playing halfback for three years on the West Varsity Football Team, as well as as active participation in the West Czech Club. During his lifetime, he was an avid sportsman, being competitive in both golf as well as bowling. He often caused much younger players to gaze in awe at his skills in these sports.

Advanced education included studies at the Schreiner Institute, Texas Tech University, University of Texas and the Austin Presbyterian Seminary. This culminated in the following earned degrees: Associate Degree-Schreiner Institute, 1939; Bachelor of Business Administration-University of Texas, 1947; and the Bachelor of Divinity-Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 1951. The Certificate of Ordination was bestowed upon Henry Beseda in June, 1951 in Caldwell, Texas of Burleson County.

A past, proud U.S. Veteran, Henry served courageously with the United States Navy during world War II as Yeoman-First Class, on the U.S.S. Oakland in the Pacific Theatre. He served from October 1941 until October, 1945. He returned to his home state of Texas via the U.S.S. Texas from Honolulu, Hawaii. It was during Henry’s service to his country that he heard God’s call to pursue the ministry.

Reverend Beseda’s travels have included two trips to the Holy Land, missionary work in Honduras and shorter excursions to destinations here in the United States. He has always enjoyed travel and learning about new and exciting things. An avid reader, he read the newspaper from front to back in one sitting with his favorite cup of coffee and maybe a kolach. Years ago, Henry served as the “Kolach King” of the Caldwell Kolache Festival, a Czech festival held every fall in central Texas. His wife honored his private time of reading, knowing that this was one of his joys of life, as well as a few favorite shows watched on television. Regarding cuisine, seafood prepared by his wife, Carolyn, was one of his favorites.

Henry’s faithfulness to his God had always been evident as he served first as the Beseda’s family pastor officiating at baptisms, marriages and family funerals and reunions. He pastored the Brethren at the Westheimer and Cy-Fair Community Churches until his recent hospitalization, following a major stroke with complications. Regarding the Unity of the Brethren, at large, he again served families throughout the state regarding baptisms, confirmation classes, vacation bible schools, Sunday schools, church meetings, church conventions and other activities. Awarded a plaque in July of this year on the sixty-second anniversary of his ordination, he was honored at the Unity of the Brethren Church Convention held in Taylor, Texas, on July 19, 2013. He had previously served as President of the Synodical Board of the Unity of the Brethren, President of the Mutual Aid Society and held many offices, including President, on the Hus School Board of Trustees for years: 1957-1965, 1969-1977, and 1986-1995. In earlier years during the 1950’s -1980’s, he was a Lead Instructor with Rev. and Mrs. John Baletka at the Hus School Encampment, Caldwell, Texas. Many Brethren fondly remember Henry as their inspiring pastor/counselor during their camping experiences which included Christian learning and Christ-centered activities.

Since Reverend Beseda’s ordination, he has pastored in the following Unity of the Brethren churches: Rosenberg, Caldwell, Nelsonville, Houston, Austin, Snook, New Tabor, Dime Box, Placedo, Shiner, West, Vsetin, Smithville, Buckholts, Cy-Fair and Westheimer.

Besides his church membership, Reverend Beseda was affiliated and served with the following organizations: Burleson County Ministerial Alliance, American Legion, Chapter 451-Chaplain, VFW,Chapter 4458-Chaplain, SPJST-Czech Choir, R.V.O.S. Lodge # 108, Germania Insurance, Schreiner University Alumni ,Burleson County Hospital Auxiliary-Chaplain, Caldwell Senior Citizens-Chairman of the Board, Habitat for Humanity, Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Forever Young Committee, Copperas Hollow Country Club, Snook Lions Club-Past President, Czech Heritage Society and Czech Center Museum Houston. He was an active Mason and past Chaplain in the Warren Lodge No. 56, A.F. & A.M. On January 21, 2012, Henry was awarded the coveted Golden Trowel Award from his Masonic chapter and in 1987 was named the Burleson County Outstanding Senior Citizen for his altruism in this county.

Reverend Henry Beseda, Jr. is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend and Mrs. Henry E. Beseda, Sr.

three brothers-Woodrow, Joseph Maitland and Robert Beseda; four sisters-Maravene Beseda, Orbin Vance, Julia Bradshaw and Effie Howell. Survivors include: Wife-Carolyn Filipp Beseda; Sister-Florene and Husband, Jerome Mrazek and fourteen nieces and nephews.

Reverend Beseda’s wishes were to have memorials in his memory made to The Hus Encampment, c/o Mr. Ron Kruger, P O Box 1225, Taylor, Texas, 76574.