People & Church News

Wilson recieves Distinguished Service Award, Church CL 1 ASSIFIEDS NEWS & CULTUREHistory & Hall of Fame honors also recognized 2

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>> PHOTOS: 1) GRANT BIVENS; 2) CHRIS DOYLE 1) 1) Walter Wilson, left, receives the Distinguished Service Award from Andy Latta; 2) Hall of Fame honors and Church History Award were celebrated at a recent luncheon during the Oklahoma Baptists Annual Meeting. Front row from left, Danny Reed, Ella Hammons, Linda Hinnen and Judi Reed Smith. Back row from left, Bob Nigh, Bill Rowland and Andy Latta.

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Walter Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship and African American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, received the Distinguished Service Award during the Nov. 16 afternoon session of Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting.

“I have received lots of certificates and awards, but thank you, Oklahoma Baptists for this Distinguished Service Award,” Wilson said. “It is an honor I will always cherish.”

The award was announced by Bob Nigh, Oklahoma Baptists historical secretary. Wilson received the award from Andy Latta, music minister and finance administration at Tahlequah, First, who is chairman of the Oklahoma Baptists Historical Commission.

The Historical Commission also presented two Hall of Fame induction honors posthumously and the church history award during a luncheon on Nov. 16. Robert Hammons and Lester Reed were the new inductees into the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame. Hammons served 44 years as an Oklahoma Baptist pastor, retiring at Seminole, First in 1993. He also pastored at Checotah, Onapa; Clinton, First; and Lawton, Trinity. Hammons died in 2012. His wife, Ella Hammons, accepted his honor at the luncheon.

Reed was an evangelistic comedian known as “Les the Mess.” It was reported he averaged 120 speaking engagements a year, speaking in 40 states. Reed died in 2007. Family members, Linda Hinnen, Danny Reed and Judi Reed Smith accepted Reed’s honor at the luncheon.

Okmulgee, Calvary received the church history award. Bill Rowland, director of mission in North Canadian Association and member of Okmulgee, Calvary, accepted the award for his church.

Muskogee Association honors Haley’s 25 years of service

Wanda Haley, right, received a plaque from moderator Jeff Ward, pastor of Muskogee, Mountain View during Muskogee Association’s annual meeting. Haley has served as administrative assistant at Muskogee Association’s office for 25 years.

CHURCH NEWS

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

CHAFFIN DEATH. Don Chaffin, 86, BAPTIST ARCHIVETHE OKLAHOMA died Oct. 31. Memorial service was in Lubbock, Texas Nov. 3. Over his nearly 42 years in pastoral ministry, he pastored churches in Oklahoma and Texas, including Rush Springs, Vimy Ridge; twice at Alex, Southern; Lawton, Immanuel; Snyder, First; Seymour, Texas, First; Guymon, First; and Gore, First. He had a heart for both local and international missions and received a special certificate of recognition from the International Mission Board for his work in far eastern countries. From 1983-2000, he served as director of Sooner Alcohol Narcotics Education (SANE) and was a guest speaker for 10 consecutive years at Falls Creek children’s camp and for nine consecutive years during the youth weeks at Falls Creek. His educational work was frequently coupled with evangelistic ministry, conducting crusades in churches all over Oklahoma and north Texas. He served on the executive board of Oklahoma Baptists and was elected first vice president of Oklahoma Baptists in 1980. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Oleta; his son, Lon; his daughter, Donna; his son, Eric; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. RYAN DEATH. David Ryan, 74, died Nov. 5. Funeral service was Nov. 9 at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. He served 12 years at the Baptist Building as a lobby greeter. He was ordained to the deacon ministry at Sapulpa, First. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Ernestine. He is survied by his wife, Diana; his sons, Kelly and Jeff; and three grandchildren.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGE

JAKEB WILLOUGHBY is youth and music minister at Apache, First.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

REVIVAL REPORT. Commerce, Southeast, Nov. 7-10; two additions by baptism, four professions of faith, one rededication, one surrendering for special service or ministry. Kim Schmidt was the evangelist; Mills Family provided music; Paul Case is pastor.

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>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

>> PHOTO: DANNY RINGER

Great Plains Association draws more than 200 at annual meeting

More than 200 registered messengers attended the Great Plains Association Annual Meeting, Nov. 7, at Altus, Martha Road. Messengers participated in reports from Disaster Relief, Chaplaincy, Southwest Baptist Assembly, Falls Creek cabin, Hispanic ministry, missions, rodeo and BCM Reports for Western Oklahoma College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Sayre.

Kevin Baker, pastor at Martha Road, right, prayed for Mark Clifton from the Revitalization Team of the North American Mission Board.

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