select max(datecolumn) from tablename where (filter to the right WO)

select min(datecolumn) from tablename where (filter to the right WO)

I appreciate the help Kevin.  I changed my formula to this: IF(srvinv.strdte ="")THEN([SELECT min(srvsch.findte) FROM srvsch WHERE srvsch.recnum = {srvinv.recnum}])ELSE(srvinv.strdte) in an attempt to choose the earliest date.  Unfortunately, the field is now returning "min()" with a list of every value present in the date column in order of their position on the table.  I apologize for bugging you, but any idea what I am doing wrong?

IF / THEN is not normal SQL syntax.  How are you running this?

You are correct.  My SQL query is nested inside an if statement.  I didn't mention that in my original post.  Is that an issue?  The revised SQL query that is working improperly is: [SELECT min(srvsch.findte) FROM srvsch WHERE srvsch.recnum = {srvinv.recnum}].  The if statement seems to be working properly.  It only fails in the condition that it calls for the SQL statement.

Again: where / how are you running this? 

There is no such thing as IF / THEN statements in SQL queries.  Such logic is done differently in SQL (...case... iif...).

Describe your "big picture".  That dictates the language structures you need to use.