About the Goostree Symposium

A woman who gave of herself, of her time and of her heart, Faye C. Goostree established the Women's Symposium at Texas Wesleyan University in 1981.

The annual symposium was only one example of her lifelong commitment to Christian stewardship and civic responsibility. Faye Goostree led an exemplary life to all citizens, but especially young women. Her philosophy was simple but profound: "Everyone has something to give and a responsibility to develop it and share it with others."

In response to Goostree's commitment to civic responsibility and collaborative sharing, the Faye C. Goostree Women's Symposium Planning Committee at Texas Wesleyan University plans an intellectually and culturally stimulating event focusing on life relating to women. All members of the greater Fort Worth community are invited and encouraged to participate.

Mrs. Faye C. Goostree was born on the Earth County farm of her paternal grandfather, J. O. A. Clark, where her father, Dr. O.P. Clark was also born.

When Mrs. Goostree was five years old, her father began his ministry in the Methodist Church with an appointment to the Dickens Circuit. The family lived in Dickens, which was located between the Spur and Matador Ranches — a two-day stagecoach ride away. The family traveled with Dr. Clark as he preached in schoolhouses across the area until Mrs. Goostre started to school.

The fourth parsonage to become home to Mrs. Goostree was located in Seymour, Texas where she was a student at Stanford College (now McMurry University in Abilene), a United Methodist-related institution.

In 1918, while still a student, she was married to Lacy W. Goostree, who was employed by the bank in Seymour. The couple was married for 51 years and had two children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The Goostrees came to Fort Worth in 1938 where Mr. Goostree was in the real estate business for 30 years.

A woman of strong religious convictions coupled with community spirit, Mrs. Goostree shared her commitments with groups throughout the city. She was a mainstay of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, where she served in the Women's Society of Christian Service (now United Methodist Women) at both a local and Conference level. She served on several commissions of the Administrative Board, where she served as a member. One of her outstanding leadership roles was to help organize the Bethlehem Center of Fort Worth (now United Community Centers) in 1940.

In addition to service in her own church, Mrs.Goostree was a member of the organizing committee for Church Women United of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Area Council of Churches. She was president of Church Women United of Texas and vice president the Texas Council of Churches. She also served as the national leadership education chairman of Church Women United for three years and was a leadership education consultant following her term of office.

The City of Fort Worth also received Mrs. Goostree's attention and support. She was a member of the board of the United Way Metropolitan Tarrant County and its predecessor, the United Fund of Fort Worth. She helped to initiate the city's Meals on Wheels program and was a member of the Tarrant County Area Agency on Aging.

Mrs. Goostreee led a life exemplary to all citizens, but especially to the young women whose roles in church and community leadership she championed. Mrs. Goosteree said that her own philosophy led the way to her life's work — "Everyone has something to give and a responsibility to develop and share it with others."

Since the first Women's Symposium, Texas Wesleyan University has played host to dozens of important women — covering topics from history and religion to politics, business and the arts.

Past Speakers