People & Church News

Historical Commission visits CLASSIFIEDS NEWS & CULTUREOklahoma Baptist archives

CHURCH NEWS

>> by Bob Nigh

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST HISTORICAL SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR OF HISTORY

SHAWNEE—The Oklahoma Baptist HistorVOICES ical Commission (OBHC) elected officers for 2022, and approved the induction of three new members to the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame, the 2021 Distinguished Service Award honoree and the recipients of the 2020 Gaskin Church History awards when they convened at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) Sept. 16.

Commissioners also enjoyed meeting the new archivist for the J.M. and Helen Gaskin Baptist Historical Library and Archives housed in the Mabee Learning Center on the OBU campus. Joshua Mackey began work in the role on Aug. 9, replacing former archivist Rachel Walker.

Mackey was a special guest at the meeting, along with Julie Rankin, OBU Director of Library Services, and James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director and leader of the Convention’s Church Relations Group.

Rankin brought the commissioners up to date on the restoration of a 1613 King James Bible recently donated to the archives. The restoration work is being done by expert conservators with the Museum of the Bible.

Elected as chair of the Commission for 2022 was Andy Latta, Tahlequah, First. Bill Rowland, Okmulgee, Calvary, was elected vice chair, and Lee Herring, Sand Springs, Broadway, will serve as recording secretary. Commissioners showed appreciation for

>> PHOTO: BOB NIGH

Archivist Joshua Mackey, left, describes some of the archives’ holdings to Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commissions members, from left, Andy Latta, Bill Rowland and Mary Ellen Keeton.

the three members rotating off this year: Bill Haggard, Oklahoma City, Putnam City; Terry Brooks, Lindsay, First and Leona Marion, Oklahoma City, Trinity.

In addition to the three elected officers, Don Baxter, Oklahoma City, Quail Springs (2022); Mary Ellen Keeton, Willis, First (2022), and Mark Hamm, Moore, First (2023) will continue to serve as members of the Historical Commission.

The 2021 inductees of the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame include Teala Mae Goddard, long-time cook for Royal Ambassadors at Camp Hudgens and other meetings; state pastor and statesman Robert Neal Hammons and evangelistic comedian Lester L. “Les the Mess” Reed.

The 2021 Distinguished Service Award was approved for Walter Wilson, Oklahoma Baptists’ African-American Affinity Ministry Partner, and pastor of Lawton, Friendship.

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED Faithfully serving Atoka, Southside for more than 50 years

Atoka, Southside recognized two faithful members who have served the church for many years. Nadine McIninch, left, has served Southside, Atoka as church clerk for 56 years, and Gwen Walker has served has served the church as treasurer for 53 years.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

SHARP DEATH. Linda Sharp, 53, BAPTIST ARCHIVETHE OKLAHOMA died Sept. 16. Funeral services were at Midwest City, First on Sept. 25. Her husband Phillip Sharp is the pastor of Oklahoma City, Heavenly Heights. She played piano and organ and loved playing worship music. Her greatest desire was to teach children to play the piano. She taught music at Parkview Elementary in the Mid-Del school district. She is survived by her husband, Phillip, and her son, Andrew.

MARTIN HONORED. Tim Martin, youth minister, was honored with a reception Sept. 26, celebrating his 20 years of ministry at Lawton, First East.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

NEW CONGREGATIONS. Edmond, Unbound is now meeting. John Niyondiko is pastor.

Okmulgee, Old Post Cowboy is now meeting. Dakota Bunch is pastor.

Altus, Reformed is now meeting. David Burks is pastor.

NEW AFFILIATE. Wetumka, Indian is now an Oklahoma Baptist church.

DISBANDED. Elgin, Richards Spur has disbanded.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES

CARLTON CAMPELL retired as pastor of Elgin, Richards Spur where he served since 1990.

TONY COOK is pastor of Lawton, Northside.

BRYAN DOUGHTY retired as pastor of Anadarko, Square Top.

LAYTON HARPER resigned as youth minister at Lawton, Calvary.

KENN LANE is pastor of Lawton, Paradise Valley.

JOSH RAINHA is youth minister at Hinton, First.

COMING EVENT

NOV. 5. Del City, First Southern is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a special service, 7-9:30 p.m. A new video documentary will be shown, and all living former pastors will be in attendance, including Jimmy Draper, Tom Elliff and Tony Lambert. Steve Smith will represent his father Bailey Smith. To RSVP, call 405/732-1300.

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WORD SEARCH

>> PHOTO:PROVIDED

OKC, Calvary Missionary serves community

Oklahoma City, Calvary Missionary has adopted one of the largest elementary schools in the Western Heights district. Council Grove Elementary is the home to more than 60 staff members who needed support. “We wanted to show them how much we appreciate them by presenting them with a small token of our love,” said Pastor Don Burton of Calvary Missionary. “Calvary’s outreach ministry will continue to be a support system for this school, doing what we can to encourage them to stay strong during these difficult times.”

Note: The word clues for the Word Search are chosen by the Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random.

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Announcement Announcement Baptists Board Chairman Committee Convention DegreesBaptists Dilbeck Director Executive Fisher Immanuel MeetingBoard Chairman Members Midwestern Mustang Nominated Oklahoma PresidentCommittee Seminary Shawnee Southwestern Staton Summer Treasurer Convention Degrees Dilbeck Director Executive Fisher Immanuel Meeting Members Midwestern Mustang Nominated Oklahoma President Seminary Shawnee Southwestern Staton Summer Treasurer