‘Brother Skip’ new First Baptist Church in Alpine pastor

ALPINE – Dr. E. L. McNeal has moved to Alpine to serve as full-time interim pastor for First Baptist Church.

He is known to everyone as Brother Skip, and he recently retired from First Baptist Church, Sanger, Texas after 30 years as pastor there. Brother Skip pastored two churches in Oklahoma after he earned his doctoral degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

While in seminary, he served as assistant pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Burleson, Texas.  Along the way, he also taught elementary school for seven years in several Texas schools.

Dr. E.L. McNeal and Mary McNeal

Brother Skip was born on the base at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. A retired admiral who lived near the McNeal family nicknamed the baby “the Skipper.”  This nickname stuck.  He grew up in Oklahoma, but says he got to Texas as soon as he could.  He has two younger brothers who still live in Oklahoma, but he jokingly says, “There is still time for them to come to their senses, and move to Texas.  Although, I must say, hope is fading.”

McNeal married his wife Mary in 1963.  She recently retired after 34 years as an elementary teacher.  They have three sons and daughters-in-law and ten grandchildren.  The children will be making some trips to Alpine to help keep Papa in line; his hobby is spoiling grandchildren.

McNeal said, “My wife and I are extremely happy to be in Alpine and love First Baptist Church.  Alpine is a beautiful place and we will enjoy our time here.”  Mary interjected, “This is almost as much fun as babysitting the grandchildren!”

First Baptist Church is thrilled and truly blessed to have the McNeals.