Two common passions led to the decision of three Johnson County men to create a hot rod club.

The North Texas Adventist Rodders Club was born of a love of cars and Christianity by three members of Grandview Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“We just decided we would put together a North Texas Club,” said Rich Schram, the area coordinator for the North Texas ARC. “It came down to it was time to do something about it and not just sit back and admire.

“Our goal is to be available for people that are looking for comradeship with Christians who love cars.”

So Schram, Rick Garner and Jhan Beaupre gathered the men in the congregation interested in cars and held a meeting.

The first meeting was held before Thanksgiving and about 12 people attended.

The chapter is a part of the international organization that has about 500 families involved in 10 countries.

“It’s more about comradeship than anything else,” Schram said. “A lot of these people have cars but nothing to be involved with.”

Membership is open to any car enthusiasts.

“It’s not a necessary have to have a hot rod car, but classic, hot rod and antique car enthusiasts can join,” he said. “But it will create the desire to get one.”

Schram’s wife, Rhonda, is also involved with the ARC, as are many wives of the members.

“It’s a fun thing for couples,” she said. “He has fun rebuilding a car and you have fun riding with him, but he’ll have more fun if there are other guys with their cars and you have more fun with other women.”

Besides friendships, the members also gain talents.

“That’s the interesting part,” Rhonda Schram said. “It’s whatever you’re good at and by connecting within the club  you find others who know how to do the parts you don’t know how to.”

Members join the club for several different reasons.

“I believe there’s a misconception out there that if you’re a Christian you can’t have a life,” member Richard Simpson said. “I don’t see anything wrong with having a hobby or interest as long as you can keep your eyes on the prize and you’re not obsessed with it.

“When they said they were going to begin an Adventist car club I was all for it. I’m 62 years old, and I have been a car buff since I was 16. It was a perfect fit for me.”

Simpson takes his ’05 Mustang G-T convertible to the meetings. It’s also a daily driver for him and his wife.

“I think just having a Christian fellowship and having people around me with the same interests, with the same mindset, is good,” he said. “We don’t drink and stuff like that. Most car clubs I feel out of place.”



Religious ties

The group isn’t just about cars. Another common tie between the members is religious beliefs. The chapter is sponsored by Grandview SDA Church. Rick Garner and I sponsored this through the church,” Schram said. “We’ve been involved with small groups and they challenge you to start groups. We kept saying ‘We should start a hot rod group.’ Then one day we decided to finally do it.”

Garner said the religious ties are what made him most interested.

“We were talking about small group ministries in our church and Rich is into old cars and I like old cars and Jhan likes old cars,” Garner said. “I think we were half-joking and we said maybe we should start a hot rod ministry. Jhan jumped right on that. From there it got started.

“The reason I’m interested in it is because I like old cars and it seems like an interesting twist on witnessing — that you can take a hobby and use it to witness to others about the power of Jesus Christ in your life.”

Membership is not limited to SDA members. People of any belief may join.

“Our goal isn’t just about cars,” Schram said. “It’s about reaching out and touching people’s lives in Christ. We’re not trying to make it a religious thing entirely but there will be some times that we do runs on Saturday and Sundays and do activities at some churches, for those who are interested in doing that.”

The chapter’s next meeting is at 9 a.m. Jan 16 at I-Hop in Burleson.

Their first car show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 10 at the Schram’s property, 5524 County Road 312 in Cleburne. A pancake breakfast will be held from 8-10 that morning.

There are no dues or fees for membership, and anyone can join.

For information about the North Texas ARC, call Schram at 817-658-2686 or Garner at 817-300-5534. The chapter also has a Facebook page. For information about ARC, visit www.adventistroddersclub.com.