By Melinda Gibbs, Assistant Clerk • Oak Park Baptist Church
On Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, Oak Park Baptist Church conducted its normally scheduled worship services, then held a luncheon afterward in the Davis Center to celebrate paying off the loan on, ironically, the Davis Center itself. A large crowd of over 100 was in attendance as Pastor Gary O’Neal gave the opening remarks as well as the blessing on the food. Spaghetti, cake and joyous fellowship were enjoyed by all who were present.
Mike Carver, the former director of the Davis Center Operations, gave a humorous speech recounting many “facts” regarding the various ways the Davis Center had been utilized in the past to benefit not only the church but the community. Kim Burnside also spoke about how the Center had been and continues to be a vital part of the children’s ministry at Oak Park. Tommy Walker spoke regarding how blessed the church is to have Pastor O’Neal working diligently by leading efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate the debt. Brother Gary pointed out that God was ultimately the One Who deserved the credit, and in turn, the church was using the Center to touch lives for Jesus Christ. He thanked God and everyone in attendance because, together, we are debt-free!
At that point, the crowd made its way to the outside entrance sidewalk, where he, as well as several others, burned copies of the loan note. The proceedings were adjourned by Mark Lackey, leading the crowd in a verse of “To God Be the Glory (Great Things He Had Done)” and Gene Harris closing the festivities with a prayer of thanksgiving.
