2515 N. Kickapoo 
Shawnee, OK 74804

Tel:  (405) 275-1990
Fax: (405) 275-1995
 
 
 
 
 

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Lyndell P. Worthen, Jr. became the fifteenth pastor on Memorial Day, 1978. His ministry was characterized by strong pulpit preaching and the ability to make hard decisions.  Worthen resigned effective October 1981, to become pastor of the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Glen Pence became the sixteenth pastor on March 1, 1982. During his ministry, the church padded and upholstered the sanctuary pews.  The church also purchased a van from donations and much of the work was accomplished by the youth and the bell choir.  The youth and bell choir members collected aluminum cans and served luncheons at the church to help procure funds for the church van and other ministries such as the Falls Creek cabin and equipment.

Pence's ministry was characterized by a strong pastoral ministry to church families in crisis. He resigned as pastor September 30, 1986, to serve as chaplain at Oakcrest.

Dr. J. D. Ward became the church's seventeenth pastor on July 6, 1987. During these years, the church had grown, with significant increases in attendance and membership. The ministry to university students had been revitalized and a singles ministry begun.

A significant accomplishment of Dr. Ward's ministry was the renovation of the sanctuary. This project, which was completed in October 1988 cost approximately $300,000, and the church carried out its own pledge campaign to pay for the work.  The renovation project included a new sound system, stained glass windows, improved lighting, a new organ, and refurbishing of the interior. Morning worship services were held at OBU's Dorland Theater during the summer of 1988, with evening services held in the Freeman Fellowship Hall.

Ward resigned in December 1992.

Dr. Rick McClatchy became the eighteenth pastor in July 1993. This humble Texan, who spoke a whole 'nother language, helped refurbish the kitchen and the preschool area.  The church became involved in starting a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Shawnee.

McClatchy's ministry was known for his kindness to animals, and telling stories of questionable veracity.

McClatchy resigned in September 1995.

The church extended a call to Robert Searl on August 11,1996 to become the nineteenth pastor. He accepted the call and came to the church from Northside, Lawton, on September 8,1996.  Searl is presently working toward his D.Min. at Midwestern Seminary.

The church is excited about working with Searl as we close this century and move into the next.

1921 - 1945 | 1945 - 1977 | 1977 - 1996

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