Black, Malcom, 1854-1948.

Reverend Malcom Black (1854-1948) was born in Austin County, Texas to Gaelic-speaking parents on December 10, 1854. Black was home-schooled and tutored until entering Baylor University in 1870. Shortly after starting at Baylor, Black transferred to Southwestern University. After working in business for a several years, Black entered the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas in 1877. Black was a member of the charter graduating class of 1879, with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1881 Black began coursework at Union Seminary, and later attended Columbia Seminary. Black was licensed and ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1884.

Black was an active member of the church and of the communities in which he lived in Texas, organizing YMCAs and churches while working as a pastor, financial advisor, and briefly as Superintendent of Schools. Black retired in 1910, but continued to preach and attend church conferences until his death. Black’s community involvement was far-reaching; he served at various times as an Associated Press Correspondent, County Executive Secretary, County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, and in various positions on the Sterling City School Board. Black held the titles of oldest living graduate of Texas A&M and oldest native-born Presbyterian minister in Texas for many years until his death at the age of 93 in 1948. Black’s wife, Ida, and four of his five children preceded him in death.

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