Rev. Ruben Louis Archield, Sr. was born November 18, 1929 in Millard, Louisiana to the late Hypolite and Laura Archield.

With purpose and divine direction this faithful preacher sanctified the LORD GOD in his heart and ministered to people for over 70 years. As the bible instructs us, The Right Reverend Ruben Louis Archield, Sr. readied himself to show that CHRIST is the answer for us all.

When he was growing up, his parents, Hypolite and Laura, loved him enough to raise him and his siblings in the fear and ad-monition of the LORD. Also, they did not spoil their wayward child because they did not spare the rod.

As a child, he was mischievous, and like many boys on their way to manhood he let the good times roll. After painting the town with his cousin into the wee hours of Sunday morning, he sneaked into the house and fell asleep. But that same cousin showed up a few hours later and urged him to go to church with him. His reply was not “what the heaven”. But he did go.

That morning the pastor was teaching the Sunday School lesson. The subject was from Mark 1:15 where JESUS said: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Archield did not know what the kingdom was. Yet he understood that he was not in it and that it was passing him by.

The SPIRIT OF GOD was calling him and at the night service, he gave his heart to JESUS. What he did not tell the preacher and the congregation was that the LORD had also called him to preach. Instead, Archield left Louisiana to hide in Houston, Texas. He finally acknowledged his calling at Jordan Grove Baptist Church where The Reverend W. H. Banks was the pastor.

He fell in love with Ruby Fosha, the sister of the Pastor Banks’ wife, Sister Raye Banks. Ruben and Ruby married soon after. Three sons were added to that union, Ruben, Paul and John.

Reverend Archield pastored the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Spanish Camp, TX before being drafted to serve in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He became an assistant in the Chaplaincy and preached to the troops out on the field of battle.

Upon his separation from military service, he pastored the Hill Zion Baptist Church where he served for 10 ½ years. In 1963 he began his pastorate at the Friendship Baptist Church, in San Antonio, where he faithfully served for 53 years.

Pastor Archield earned a Bachelors Degree, from Texas Southern University, in Philosophy, and a Masters Degree, from the University of Texas at San Antonio, in Education.

During his tenure at the Friendship Baptist Church, terrorists set fire to three churches in 1972: Mount Zion First Baptist Church, Zion Star, and Friendship. Zion Star and Mount Zion were greatly damaged; however, Friendship Church burned to the ground. Immediately, Pastor Archield worked with the San Antonio Independent School District to purchase the Cuney Elementary School building. He built a magnificent two-story stained glass window sanctuary attached to the school.

He also served on the Urban Renewal Board with the nation’s City Planner, Winston Martin. Archield also served on the Family Services Board. Additionally, he secured the State of Texas Landmark designation for the Friendship Baptist Church building. But most of all he preached the gospel to all.

Those of us who mourn him include his wife Ruby of 67 years; Ruben Jr and his wife, Chris; daughter-in-laws Brenda and Sylvia; and John and his wife, Nadene. Grandchildren: Africa Archield and her husband, Gene; Segrid Archield; Alana Schulmann; Donerick Rainey; Raynette Robinson, Paul Schofield and his wife, Sherry; Mark Schofield and his wife, DeeAnn; and Heidi Schofield. Great-grandchildren: Hunter Archield-Cupit, Winter Archield-Hall, Amira Campbell, Jayce Campbell, Jalen Williams, Paris Richardson, Andrew Schofield, Matthew Schofield, Taylor Schofield, and Kirsten Schofield. His brother, Hypolite Archield, and his sister, Rose Garrett. In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, Friendship family, extended family, and friends. Son, Paul Archield and great-granddaughter, Stormy Archield preceded him in death.