GOD & TEXAS: Leakey, Texas

John Leakey was known in pioneer Texas as a successful rancher and businessman. But among his many accolades, the Texas Historical Marker in his honor reads in part: “He also began a school for the children of the community, and his home often served as a resting place of itinerant preachers.”

When John and Nancy Leakey immigrated to Texas in 1847, there were many challenges for the new arrivals. Marauding Indians caused constant fear, and the two year old state of Texas was embroiled in the war between the United States and Mexico.

After first settling in Henderson County, the Leakeys moved to Uvalde County in 1852. In addition to ranching and construction, John started a cypress shingle business. Following his service for the Confederacy in the Civil War, Leakey returned to the Frio Canyon area. He built a steam powered sawmill which was viewed as advanced technology at the time.

The nearest town to the Leakey ranch was eventually named after John because he donated land for the downtown plaza, a cemetery and church, and a school. Until his death at the age of 76 in 1900, John loved to retell his many exploits to anyone who would listen. Some listeners report that he had acquired 13 scars, presumably from his encounters with predatory bands of Indians.

But there was a deeper side to John Leakey that resonated with the Christian community. He took a stand for God and lived out his faith with deep conviction. The Leakey Methodist Church credits its founding to the efforts of John and Nancy, and a few other settlers, who hosted old fashioned camp meetings on their land.

Because the circuit-riding preachers needed a warm bed, a hot meal, and washed clothes, the Leakeys were well known for accommodating them in their home. This spirit of serving ministers reminds us of the women in Luke 8. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others attended to the needs of Jesus and the Apostles so they could travel and preach the Gospel.

In fact, these women even contributed “from their own resources to support Jesus and His disciples” (Luke 3:8 NLT). Like John and Nancy Leakey, they understood the Biblical principles of stewardship, hospitality, and selfless generosity. The lives of those who know Christ as Savior and Lord will always reflect the heart of Christ’s teachings on love and servanthood.

Takers take. But givers give out of their own means to expedite the message of Christ to others. Unselfish devotion to Christ will always encounter the headwinds of selfishness and greed. But the true Christian gives anyway. As it says in Proverbs 11:25 NLT, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

The Leakeys left behind a testimony of faith and a commendable pattern of stewardship. May we learn from them, and the other faithful ones who have gone before us. In so doing, we will fulfill our sacred responsibility to care for those in Kingdom work.

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