PASTOR’S CORNER, Rex Petty, Faith Tabernacle Church, Liberal

Our town of Liberal received its name from a man named Seymour Rogers who had hand-dug a water well 88 feet deep in 1885.  Instead of charging people money for the water, he would give it away for free and the thirsty people would reply “That’s mighty liberal.”

Unfortunately, the word “liberal” today has become politicized and is used to describe a person’s political views rather than its original meaning.

Many years ago while reading in the book of Proverbs, I discovered a verse that perfectly tells the story.  It is found in Proverbs 11:25, which reads:  “A Liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (RSV- Revised Standard Version)

I was amazed when I discovered this Bible verse written by King Soloman in 1000 BC describes Seymour Rogers, a man in 1885, who was “liberal” and gave his water away! The circumstances and naming of Liberal has a biblical source.

If a person is “liberal” it means they are generous and their lives will be enriched and prosperous.  If a person gives away water, then that individual will receive back blessings.  The word “liberal” in its original meaning is not political at all.

I had the opportunity to present this to our city commissioners May 14, 2024.  At that time, they were looking for a new slogan, and I proposed they might adopt “From Generosity to Prosperity”.  The Liberal City Commission unanimously voted in favor and now it has been our new slogan for nearly two years!

The mayor of Liberal at the time, Jose Lara, made a City of Liberal proclamation:  “Whereas Seymour Rogers and the Liberal community reflected Proverbs 11:25; Therefore, from that inspiration, let it be known the slogan for the City of Liberal will be ‘From Generosity to Prosperity.’”