Explanation
Title
To honor and recognize the leadership and example of Rev. Jonathan J. McReynolds of the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church on the day of his installation as Pastor.
Body
Whereas, The Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church was founded in 1897 by a small group of believers who initially met from house to house, the church began as a mission under the supervision of the Second Baptist Church by the Reverend Graham Jordan and in 1911 the pastor was Rev. Frank Harrison; and
Whereas, in 1917, under the leadership of Rev. Jacob Ashburn, Jr., the location of the Church was at the corner of South Oakley Avenue and Sheridan Street, on the "Hilltop" area of Columbus, Ohio, and at this time was named the Oakley Avenue Baptist Church; and
Whereas, following the death of Rev. Jacob Ashburn, Jr., in 1955, his son Dr. Jacob Julian Ashburn was called to the pastorate. Under his leadership another building was secured. On March 11, 1962 the congregation of the Oakley Avenue Baptist Church moved to the new church building located at 64 South Highland Avenue; and
Whereas, after prayerful search, in 1985, the church membership called the Rev. (Bishop) Andy C. Lewter, Jr. of New York to become pastor. The church ignited with a new spirit that resulted in the growth of the choir and the creation of additional auxiliaries; and
Whereas, Under Bishop Lewter's leadership the church became active in the Full Gospel Fellowship, and the name of the church was changed to the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church. In March, 1998 the church moved to its present location at 3415 El Paso Drive, on the Far Westside of Columbus, Ohio; and
Whereas, following Bishop Lewter's departure in 2006, the church family remained in prayer and search for a new Shepherd. After much prayer and deliberation the Rev. Jonathan J. McReynolds of Chillicothe, Ohio was called to become the sixth pastor of the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church; now, therefore
BE IT...
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