Troop History
In February 1950, First United Methodist Church of Carrollton received a charter from the National Council, Boy Scouts of America to operate Boy Scout Troop 121 as an outreach ministry to the surrounding community. The charter has been renewed every year since and Troop 121 is now the oldest Boy Scout Troop in the North District of Circle Ten Council. First United Methodist also sponsors Cub Scout Pack 121 under the auspices of it’s school, Carrollton Christian Academy. In addition to the two units, for many years FUMC also supported Scouting by providing meeting space for Boy Scout Leaders’ Roundtable, Order of the Arrow Chapter meetings, and other resources as needed by the District and Council.
The first Scoutmaster was Jack Blanton. Jack was aided by several men from the Methodist Church and also from the community. Some of these men were Vincent Tipps, Maurice Carlton, Emory Ross, J.C. Foster, Hood Cheney, Jim McGehee, and C.R. Van Cleve. Later C.R. Van Cleve took over the reins as Scoutmaster and served until 1970. Van, as he was called by Scouts and Adults alike, was supported by a number of men. The list would be too long to list here, but a few of the names that stand out are Bill Welch, Abe Godfrey, J.D. Etier, Charles Britt, Walter Berndt, Kermit Edwards, Wes Trader, and Ben Brand. After Van retired as Scoutmaster, Kermit Edwards accepted the position of Scoutmaster. Kermit remained as Scoutmaster for two years until his health forced him to retire. Upon his retirement, the Troop Committee voted to approve Kermit’s young Assistant Scoutmaster as Scoutmaster. That young assistants’ name was George Etier. George had joined the troop in 1963 and had been an active member of the troop and it’s sister Sea Explorer Ship for several years prior to becoming an Assistant Scoutmaster. Except for three years that he took off to finish his degree at North Texas State, George has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 121 since 1972. During his hiatus in Denton, Larry Rimmer and then Dalen Hodge served as Scoutmaster of the troop.
During the 1970’s, the country was divided over the Vietnam war and Boy Scouting, as well as other uniformed/patriotic organizations, suffered membership losses nationwide. The 1980’s brought renewed interest to both the national Scouting movement and to Troop 121. Renewal did come, and it came in a big way. Troop 121 has grew to over 70 Scouts and 45 Scouters. Troop 121 has consistently earned the Quality Unit Award and the National Camping Award. At summer camp, the boys are typically recognized as a Baden-Powell troop as well as winning the “Best Campsite”. Troop 121 is very proud of it’s past accomplishments, but they only served as the launching pad for providing great Scouting for the boys of today and into the next century.
George Etier retired as Scoutmaster of Troop 121 in February of 2001 after serving in that position for 25 years. While still active at the Troop level he has also been of service to Scouts on both the District and Council levels. The next Scoutmaster, Rob McCullough, brought his unique gifts in the areas of leadership and motivation, and while still operating in the finest traditions of Troop 121, has been able to add new interests and opportunities for our Scouts.
In 2006, the troop was excited and energized with 5 of our adults attending Wood Badge and in February of 2006, Scott Grigsby, one of FUMCC’s own congregation, took over as Scoutmaster.
2010 marked the 60th anniversary of the troop.
The first Scoutmaster was Jack Blanton. Jack was aided by several men from the Methodist Church and also from the community. Some of these men were Vincent Tipps, Maurice Carlton, Emory Ross, J.C. Foster, Hood Cheney, Jim McGehee, and C.R. Van Cleve. Later C.R. Van Cleve took over the reins as Scoutmaster and served until 1970. Van, as he was called by Scouts and Adults alike, was supported by a number of men. The list would be too long to list here, but a few of the names that stand out are Bill Welch, Abe Godfrey, J.D. Etier, Charles Britt, Walter Berndt, Kermit Edwards, Wes Trader, and Ben Brand. After Van retired as Scoutmaster, Kermit Edwards accepted the position of Scoutmaster. Kermit remained as Scoutmaster for two years until his health forced him to retire. Upon his retirement, the Troop Committee voted to approve Kermit’s young Assistant Scoutmaster as Scoutmaster. That young assistants’ name was George Etier. George had joined the troop in 1963 and had been an active member of the troop and it’s sister Sea Explorer Ship for several years prior to becoming an Assistant Scoutmaster. Except for three years that he took off to finish his degree at North Texas State, George has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 121 since 1972. During his hiatus in Denton, Larry Rimmer and then Dalen Hodge served as Scoutmaster of the troop.
During the 1970’s, the country was divided over the Vietnam war and Boy Scouting, as well as other uniformed/patriotic organizations, suffered membership losses nationwide. The 1980’s brought renewed interest to both the national Scouting movement and to Troop 121. Renewal did come, and it came in a big way. Troop 121 has grew to over 70 Scouts and 45 Scouters. Troop 121 has consistently earned the Quality Unit Award and the National Camping Award. At summer camp, the boys are typically recognized as a Baden-Powell troop as well as winning the “Best Campsite”. Troop 121 is very proud of it’s past accomplishments, but they only served as the launching pad for providing great Scouting for the boys of today and into the next century.
George Etier retired as Scoutmaster of Troop 121 in February of 2001 after serving in that position for 25 years. While still active at the Troop level he has also been of service to Scouts on both the District and Council levels. The next Scoutmaster, Rob McCullough, brought his unique gifts in the areas of leadership and motivation, and while still operating in the finest traditions of Troop 121, has been able to add new interests and opportunities for our Scouts.
In 2006, the troop was excited and energized with 5 of our adults attending Wood Badge and in February of 2006, Scott Grigsby, one of FUMCC’s own congregation, took over as Scoutmaster.
2010 marked the 60th anniversary of the troop.
