Alanreed Baptist Church
000 and Murdered in Cold Blood
Alanreed Baptist Church • Alanreed, TX • Day Four
Alanreed Baptist Church is purported to be the oldest church on Route 66. Or maybe the oldest church on the Texas stretch of Route 66. Yes, that seems more probable.
The Church Organ
At first glance it did not appear to be THAT old, nor was it memorably picturesque — a modest, white, brick and cinderblock structure that maybe could use a new coat of paint. Still, with the overgrown trees and shrubbery, adjacent car port with old truck, and the fact that we were there, it was worth photographing. We thought we would grab a few documentary shots and move on. We were mistaken. It would become one of our longest and most memorable stops on the trip.
As I was framing up a shot, a golf cart pulled up beside me. The woman at the wheel asked, “would you like to see the inside?” Confident that I was speaking for all four of us, I replied, “absolutely.”
She introduced herself as Donna, said she lives across the street, was out weeding her garden and saw us stop to photograph the church. Eager to share the history she said, “let me go back to the house and get the key.”
Donna returned with the key, opened the church for us, instructed me to ring the steeple bell (video proof below), then gave us a tour of the church and a history lesson.
The church was built in 1904 and served the community until 2007, when it held its last service. It still serves the people of Alanreed (population now down to 16) as a tornado shelter, since the church is the only structure in town with a basement.
Pews
The interior, with its faux wood paneling, curtained windows, drop ceiling and ceiling fans, felt more like a 1970s living room than a house of worship. The only thing missing was the shag carpet. The ceiling fans were added in the 70s to help the congregation deal with the Texas heat.
Donna pointed out details, like the little dimples in the wood of the altar floor, made by the heels of the woman of the choir. The altar floor likely made from soft pine wood brought in from the east.
She was almost apologetic at the condition of the pews. Her late mother-in-law used to maintain their youthful shine with linseed oil. Donna carried on the tradition, but it’s been a while.
Hymnal • Holy Joe
She walked us through the two classrooms, where the children attended bible school — one room for the grade schoolers, one for the adolescents, where Donna herself taught. Books, puzzles and toys scattered about both rooms. She showed us the attendance books and other church records. The basement/tornado shelter contained a small kitchen and a bathroom.
At one point, Donna reached into a box of old, ornate cardboard fans used by the women to create a gentle personal breeze to alleviate the heat. About 75 years old, the front of the fans were adorned with religious or floral themes (we dubbed them Jesus Fans), the back contained small text ads for local businesses. She gifted us a few of the fans as mementos of our visit.
Donna and the Jesus Fans
I’m not sure who enjoyed the visit more, us or Donna. Her love for the church and her community was palpable. We were like little kids, shooting away and listening intently.
Classroom Toys
When the tour was done, I asked Donna how often she opens up the church to curious visitors like us. “About nine or ten times a year,” she replied. I wondered how many more visited while Donna was away from home. Opportunities missed.
We extended our thanks, made our goodbyes and loaded into the car. Before we pulled away, Donna asked, “Have you been to the cemetery yet?”
“No, not yet.”
“It’s just down the road. You might want to check it out. There is a big grave stone marked “Murdered In Cold Blood.”
That’s all we needed to hear.
MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD
About a half mile from the church is Alanreed Cemetery, established in 1904, the same year as the church. Unsurprisingly, it is a very small cemetery. Very walkable. We should be able to find the stone.
We parked the car, split up, wandered around looking specifically for “Murdered in Cold Blood.” We were about to give up when someone, I think it was Rick, standing only about 20 yards from the car, exclaimed, “Found it!”
We each grabbed snapshots (Rick’s is below), and we walked away wondering what Roy Tipton’s story was.
Rick did some research.
Apparently Roy Tipton and two companions, Tobe Clodfeller and Joe Hayes, were returning from a trip into the country for some recreational shooting and drinking (not necessarily in that order). Upon returning to town in the wee hours of the morning, an altercation broke out. Tobe was quick to draw his gun and shot at Roy and Joe. Roy was killed instantly. Joe Hayes returned fire, evidently hitting Tobe. All three were found dead on Main Street later in the morning. All three are buried at Alanreed Cemetery. Roy’s stone, the most vocal of the three.
The whole story, with some additional background and details, can be found here.
Roy Tipton
June 21, 1889
May 12, 1916
MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD
“I have looked at his tombstone since I was a child seeing "Murdered in cold blood" My grandfather Jinks Hill said that he and my grandfathers cousin Tobe Clodfelter were both killed in a gun fight in Alanreed Texas. I believe there was a 3 person to die that day as well He was 22 year old Joe Hayes. All died on May 12, 1916. Hope you all RIP.”
- Mona Gregory
Source: WeRemember.com
(Photo credit: Rick Louie)
Here is a video bonus of me ringing the steeple bell. I think m technique could have been better.
000 About This Series
From April 12 through April 20, 2025, I was on a Route 66 Photography Adventure (The Trip) with three good friends and like minded photographers. This series is recap of The Trip in stories and images.
All of the images were shot on that historic road or within a couple of miles of it. Neither the images nor stories are necessarily presented in chronological order.
Enjoying the series? Drop a comment.