When I was at PABC I was a very mixed up preacher's kid, trounced by the liberal arts professors at OBU. They were excising my second-hand beliefs, but left me spiritually crippled. I'd explained to the late Dr. Strickland that I could not understand the point of destroying my belief system without then teaching me how to reestablish valid ones. Being a woman, she had plenty of her own problems with the denominations identity crisis of the sixties.
I took a sabbatical leave and followed Dr. Dane from OBU to PABC where he hoped to help the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma get back to curriculum consistent with the inerrancy of the Scriptures.
Mrs. Dane was my Sunday School teacher, having been only one of two married Harvest Queens during her and Dr. Dane's student days at OBU. Her advice was always so gentle to me.
Janelle Windle taught me by her example and with sensitive mentoring how to develop a personal Christian doctrine. She gave me Billy Graham's Secret of Happiness book that applies the Beatitudes to our generation. I practically memorized it, then passed it on to my four children.
By the fall semester, I was ready to return to the arguments of my professors with pro-active convictions of my own.
Thank you members of PABC for your legacy of truly discipling those who are saved.
Della (Paschall) Hutton
Friday, March 20, 2009
from a former member...
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank you for inviting me to your Anniversary Celebration. I have many fond memories from the church there. My children and myself were taught by wonderful teachers who knew God's Word. As I think of them today, They have helped me in my Christian walk today. God has blessed me and my family in a great way. As HE has continued to Bless Portland Avenue and will for many more years to come.
Love in Christ,
Betty Ohler
Thank you for inviting me to your Anniversary Celebration. I have many fond memories from the church there. My children and myself were taught by wonderful teachers who knew God's Word. As I think of them today, They have helped me in my Christian walk today. God has blessed me and my family in a great way. As HE has continued to Bless Portland Avenue and will for many more years to come.
Love in Christ,
Betty Ohler
Looking for more Anniversary Info?
Looking for more info about the 75th Anniversary at Portland Avenue? Check out the Anniversary page on the church website by clicking here.
from a former member...
My parents came to PABC when I was about 3 years old. We attended church faithfully and I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior in 1955 at the age of 8. Bill Kersh was the pastor and Ralph Longshore was preaching the revival.
Another special time was during a revival in 1962 when my Granddad Dunn was visited by the pastor and saved at age 73. He wanted to renew wedding vows as a Christian - I got to sing at the ceremony.
Mrs. Loyd Jay had a profound influence in my life and taught "us girls" much about life.
Tommy and I got married December 27, 1968, in a blizzard! - over 40 years ago.
It will be so much fun to see everyone at the 75th Anniversary and to sing with Cheryl Wetwiska Miller again.
Diane Koonce Winders
Carrollton, AL
Another special time was during a revival in 1962 when my Granddad Dunn was visited by the pastor and saved at age 73. He wanted to renew wedding vows as a Christian - I got to sing at the ceremony.
Mrs. Loyd Jay had a profound influence in my life and taught "us girls" much about life.
Tommy and I got married December 27, 1968, in a blizzard! - over 40 years ago.
It will be so much fun to see everyone at the 75th Anniversary and to sing with Cheryl Wetwiska Miller again.
Diane Koonce Winders
Carrollton, AL
Thursday, March 19, 2009
from former members...
Thank you for the invitation to participate with you in this very special occasion. Unfortunately, we are unable to join you this year.
We are eternally grateful to God for leading us to PABC many years ago. We chose Portland Avenue because Dr. Dane had baptized Dick as a young boy in Wilson, Oklahoma. Dr. Dane then baptized both our children at PABC and I was privileged to be his secretary for a short time before the Lord moved us to Colorado. At Portland, we learned to love The Word and trust in God's remarkable promises under the teaching of Dr. and Mrs.. Dane, Bert and Virginia Wheeler, Mutt and Lola Hayden, and Jack and Betty Langston. So many precious friendships developed over the years there, not only for Dick and me, but also for our children. The kids and I loved singing in the choirs under Bill Green's direction and Dick always enjoyed his place in the audience, enthusiastically "amening" at the conclusion of the music. Bill instilled a love for music in both our children...Brent sang in the Bison Glee Club at OBU where he received his Music Ed degree and he now is music director in his church, as well as a middle school principal in Shawnee, Ok. Kathy sang in school and church choirs including the Madrigals in her high school. She is now a kindergarten teacher and uses music every day in the classroom.
We can truthfully say that worshipping at PABC was a joyful growing experience for all the Houston family. We know that with such a legacy from the past, you are certain to continue to reach, teach and love many more into the family of God.
In His Great Love,
Dick & Sandy Houston
We are eternally grateful to God for leading us to PABC many years ago. We chose Portland Avenue because Dr. Dane had baptized Dick as a young boy in Wilson, Oklahoma. Dr. Dane then baptized both our children at PABC and I was privileged to be his secretary for a short time before the Lord moved us to Colorado. At Portland, we learned to love The Word and trust in God's remarkable promises under the teaching of Dr. and Mrs.. Dane, Bert and Virginia Wheeler, Mutt and Lola Hayden, and Jack and Betty Langston. So many precious friendships developed over the years there, not only for Dick and me, but also for our children. The kids and I loved singing in the choirs under Bill Green's direction and Dick always enjoyed his place in the audience, enthusiastically "amening" at the conclusion of the music. Bill instilled a love for music in both our children...Brent sang in the Bison Glee Club at OBU where he received his Music Ed degree and he now is music director in his church, as well as a middle school principal in Shawnee, Ok. Kathy sang in school and church choirs including the Madrigals in her high school. She is now a kindergarten teacher and uses music every day in the classroom.
We can truthfully say that worshipping at PABC was a joyful growing experience for all the Houston family. We know that with such a legacy from the past, you are certain to continue to reach, teach and love many more into the family of God.
In His Great Love,
Dick & Sandy Houston
from former member Linda Martin Bradley...
I first became a member of PABC Sunday School at age 2 with my parents Betty & Ed Martin and brother Eddie (age 4)in 1949. After being away for 10 years, rejoined the PABC family in 1961 where I remained until after my marriage in 1968. I thank God for the people of influence and prayers on my behalf during those years when God was molding my future for a career alongside my husband, Jerry Bradley, in Baptist Children's Homes (now 38 years and counting). My mother, who was a PABC secretary for 12 years, and my father, a deacon, are home with the Lord today as is my brother Ed and his wife Judy, who served as a Baptist pastor and wife for 30 years. He answered his call to the ministry when PABC was at Falls Creek. We all hold precious memories of our time at PABC.I am so sorry that my husband and I will not be able to join you in this celebration of a significant milestone for PABC. We are hosting a wedding reception in our home for a dear friend that day. God bless you all. A special hello to my friends there, Dr. & Mrs. Dane and Bill & Linda Green.
Linda Martin Bradley
I first became a member of PABC Sunday School at age 2 with my parents Betty & Ed Martin and brother Eddie (age 4)in 1949. After being away for 10 years, rejoined the PABC family in 1961 where I remained until after my marriage in 1968. I thank God for the people of influence and prayers on my behalf during those years when God was molding my future for a career alongside my husband, Jerry Bradley, in Baptist Children's Homes (now 38 years and counting). My mother, who was a PABC secretary for 12 years, and my father, a deacon, are home with the Lord today as is my brother Ed and his wife Judy, who served as a Baptist pastor and wife for 30 years. He answered his call to the ministry when PABC was at Falls Creek. We all hold precious memories of our time at PABC.I am so sorry that my husband and I will not be able to join you in this celebration of a significant milestone for PABC. We are hosting a wedding reception in our home for a dear friend that day. God bless you all. A special hello to my friends there, Dr. & Mrs. Dane and Bill & Linda Green.
Linda Martin Bradley
from former member, Lareta (McCord) Walker:
Some of my fondest memories are from my years at Portland Avenue – having been saved and baptized during a revival in 1947. (Dr. Ramey was the evangelist.) We tragically lost our oldest son, Jimmy McCord in 1951 and our church family and our faith in the Lord sustained us. (What and how do people get through tragedies without the Lord and church family?) Our youngest son, Lance was in choir when Bill Green was music director and went on a choir trip to California. Bill was such a role model to Lance and has fond memories of him. I have been a member of a Baptist Church for many years, but will never forget the dear people of Portland Avenue.
Some of my fondest memories are from my years at Portland Avenue – having been saved and baptized during a revival in 1947. (Dr. Ramey was the evangelist.) We tragically lost our oldest son, Jimmy McCord in 1951 and our church family and our faith in the Lord sustained us. (What and how do people get through tragedies without the Lord and church family?) Our youngest son, Lance was in choir when Bill Green was music director and went on a choir trip to California. Bill was such a role model to Lance and has fond memories of him. I have been a member of a Baptist Church for many years, but will never forget the dear people of Portland Avenue.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Response from former member, John Edwards:
Thank you for remembering us and for the invitation. We will be praying your anniversary time will be very successful and a blessing to all present. Portland Avenue has been a strong church serving God in Oklahoma City for many years and I feel you will continue to be a strong outreach arm of our Lord, Jesus Christ for many years to come.
May God richly bless you all,
John Edwards
Thank you for remembering us and for the invitation. We will be praying your anniversary time will be very successful and a blessing to all present. Portland Avenue has been a strong church serving God in Oklahoma City for many years and I feel you will continue to be a strong outreach arm of our Lord, Jesus Christ for many years to come.
May God richly bless you all,
John Edwards
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Received these comments from a former PABC staff member and some former church members:
From Gerald Ware, former Min. of Music
Sorry I cannot make the 75th Anniversary. Kaycee’s recital is in Michigan and other scheduling conflicts will hinder our being present. We remember our days at Portland Avenue with very fond memories.
From Mr. & Mrs. Henry K. Williams, former members
Portland Avenue is special to us because we first began to tithe our income there (in 1966). We have never missed a tithe since then. Ken & Evelyn Moak were close friends of ours. The pastor was Dr. Dane.
From Gerald Ware, former Min. of Music
Sorry I cannot make the 75th Anniversary. Kaycee’s recital is in Michigan and other scheduling conflicts will hinder our being present. We remember our days at Portland Avenue with very fond memories.
From Mr. & Mrs. Henry K. Williams, former members
Portland Avenue is special to us because we first began to tithe our income there (in 1966). We have never missed a tithe since then. Ken & Evelyn Moak were close friends of ours. The pastor was Dr. Dane.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Note from Lois Hollis, former member...
Hi Folks:
Thank you for the invitation. I am not able to attend. I love you all and wish I could be there. I am 91 years old, but I am doing real good.
Gene and I joined the church in 1963. He was a member for 35 years and I, almost 40 when I moved away.
I hope you all have a great time and tell Bill and Linda hello for me.
I am a member of Tallowood Baptist in Houston and go every Sunday I can.
Much love,
Lois Hollis
Hi Folks:
Thank you for the invitation. I am not able to attend. I love you all and wish I could be there. I am 91 years old, but I am doing real good.
Gene and I joined the church in 1963. He was a member for 35 years and I, almost 40 when I moved away.
I hope you all have a great time and tell Bill and Linda hello for me.
I am a member of Tallowood Baptist in Houston and go every Sunday I can.
Much love,
Lois Hollis
Memories of Brown Hudson February 28, 2009
1301 NW 178 Street Apt. 41
Edmond, Oklahoma
(if you would like the Brown's phone number please call the church office)
Pastor Frank Elkins asked me to lead the music for him in a revival at FBC-Granite, Oklahoma in the early 1960s. Becoming friends with Pastor Elkins, I joined Portland Avenue Baptist Church. I was employed as Director of Community Development for OKC, OK.
I enjoyed singing in the church choir. Bill Green was our director.
When Bill Green was called to be Director of Music for the General Baptists Convention of Oklahoma, I was asked to be interim director of music at Portland Ave.
After Pastor Elkins ministry, Dr. Dane was called as Pastor. Dr. Dane was loved by everyone. I was asked to be Training Union Director under Dr. Dane’s ministry.
In 1967, my work as a City Planning Consultant required that I take up residency in Wichita Falls, Texas. The wonderful members of Portland Avenue Baptist, gave me a leather bound Baptist Hymnal with signatures. They also gave me a framed certificate that read: “To the worlds greatest interim, unpaid music director.”
Portland Ave. Baptist Church was a consolation during one of the most difficult times of my life. Their love and guidance is beyond description.
I will be 89 years of age July 7, 2009. I do not drive any more. Therefore, it is difficult to keep appointments as much as I would like.
Tell Bill Green I would love to sing in his 75-voice choir, but I’m afraid he would leave and I’m not physically able to lead again at my age.
May our Lord-Jesus continue to do His work through Portland Avenue Baptist Church – OKC-OK.
Heart-to-heart love,
Brown and Jeanne Hudson
1301 NW 178 Street Apt. 41
Edmond, Oklahoma
(if you would like the Brown's phone number please call the church office)
Pastor Frank Elkins asked me to lead the music for him in a revival at FBC-Granite, Oklahoma in the early 1960s. Becoming friends with Pastor Elkins, I joined Portland Avenue Baptist Church. I was employed as Director of Community Development for OKC, OK.
I enjoyed singing in the church choir. Bill Green was our director.
When Bill Green was called to be Director of Music for the General Baptists Convention of Oklahoma, I was asked to be interim director of music at Portland Ave.
After Pastor Elkins ministry, Dr. Dane was called as Pastor. Dr. Dane was loved by everyone. I was asked to be Training Union Director under Dr. Dane’s ministry.
In 1967, my work as a City Planning Consultant required that I take up residency in Wichita Falls, Texas. The wonderful members of Portland Avenue Baptist, gave me a leather bound Baptist Hymnal with signatures. They also gave me a framed certificate that read: “To the worlds greatest interim, unpaid music director.”
Portland Ave. Baptist Church was a consolation during one of the most difficult times of my life. Their love and guidance is beyond description.
I will be 89 years of age July 7, 2009. I do not drive any more. Therefore, it is difficult to keep appointments as much as I would like.
Tell Bill Green I would love to sing in his 75-voice choir, but I’m afraid he would leave and I’m not physically able to lead again at my age.
May our Lord-Jesus continue to do His work through Portland Avenue Baptist Church – OKC-OK.
Heart-to-heart love,
Brown and Jeanne Hudson
Sunday, February 15, 2009
We were blessed to receive the following note from a former member!
Dear Portland Avenue Baptist Church,
Thank you for the invitation to the 75th Anniversary Celebration. I have such wonderful memories of the years we were members of Portland Avenue [1950 - 1954]. My husband Sam Rudd was ordained a Deacon at Portland and taught a men's Sunday School class there. I taught in the pre-school department. My oldest daughter Judy was baptized there by Dr. Vanderslice. Sam passed away 11 years ago. He continued teaching a men's Bible class throughout his life.
I still have wonderful friends there and am very sorry that I will not be able to attend the celebration. I have a prior commitment to be in San Antonio for the Senior Olympics that weekend. At 92 I'm the oldest member of our 80+ women's basketball team.
God bless you all.
Mrs. S. J. Rudd [Lillian]
Dear Portland Avenue Baptist Church,
Thank you for the invitation to the 75th Anniversary Celebration. I have such wonderful memories of the years we were members of Portland Avenue [1950 - 1954]. My husband Sam Rudd was ordained a Deacon at Portland and taught a men's Sunday School class there. I taught in the pre-school department. My oldest daughter Judy was baptized there by Dr. Vanderslice. Sam passed away 11 years ago. He continued teaching a men's Bible class throughout his life.
I still have wonderful friends there and am very sorry that I will not be able to attend the celebration. I have a prior commitment to be in San Antonio for the Senior Olympics that weekend. At 92 I'm the oldest member of our 80+ women's basketball team.
God bless you all.
Mrs. S. J. Rudd [Lillian]
Friday, February 13, 2009
75th Anniversary Schedule
Schedule of Events:
Saturday, March 28
8:00 AM 75th Anniversary Golf Tourney
Hefner North Course. $40 per person
Includes: green fee, cart, lunch, prizes
Contact Roger Burns at (405) 946-0453 to sign up!
3:00 PM Anniversary Choir Rehearsal
Bro. Mike Branson wants at least 75 in the choir for
our anniversary weekend. All current and former
members are invited to join us for rehearsal. (Auditorium)
5:00 PM Music Ministry Reunion Fellowship
Current and former members come together for a great
time of fellowship celebrating the wonderful musical
heritage of Portland Avenue. Light supper served. (FH)
Sunday, March 29
9:30 AM Coffee Fellowship
Join with current and former as we reminiscence about
days gone by! (FH) NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:30 AM Special Children's Activity (Children's Bldg)
10:45 AM Morning Celebration Service (Auditorium)
NOON Catered Luncheon (Family Life Center)
Tickets are $7.50 per person
1:30 PM 75th Anniversary Celebration (Auditorium)
3:30 PM Anniversary Reception (FH)
Join former members and guests for a great time of
fellowship. Light refreshements served.
Saturday, March 28
8:00 AM 75th Anniversary Golf Tourney
Hefner North Course. $40 per person
Includes: green fee, cart, lunch, prizes
Contact Roger Burns at (405) 946-0453 to sign up!
3:00 PM Anniversary Choir Rehearsal
Bro. Mike Branson wants at least 75 in the choir for
our anniversary weekend. All current and former
members are invited to join us for rehearsal. (Auditorium)
5:00 PM Music Ministry Reunion Fellowship
Current and former members come together for a great
time of fellowship celebrating the wonderful musical
heritage of Portland Avenue. Light supper served. (FH)
Sunday, March 29
9:30 AM Coffee Fellowship
Join with current and former as we reminiscence about
days gone by! (FH) NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:30 AM Special Children's Activity (Children's Bldg)
10:45 AM Morning Celebration Service (Auditorium)
NOON Catered Luncheon (Family Life Center)
Tickets are $7.50 per person
1:30 PM 75th Anniversary Celebration (Auditorium)
3:30 PM Anniversary Reception (FH)
Join former members and guests for a great time of
fellowship. Light refreshements served.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
PABC Memories from Mark Garner
I came to Portland Avenue Baptist Church in the fall of 1985, my senior year at Oklahoma Baptist University to serve as Music associate with Jerry Billingsley. Ginger and I were married at Portland Avenue on June 14th, 1986. I then served as music associate and youth pastor till Jerry left and then I served as Music and Youth pastor through May of 1991, when I moved to the First Baptist Church of Pryor, Oklahoma. My memories of PABC are fond, Ginger and I started our home in a trailer park on South McArthur then moved to a rental house at 1736 Warren Avenue. The church family of PABC walked with us through the birth and death of our first son Garrett who only lived 3 days. It was a low valley for us, but the family of PABC surrounded us with love and support during those difficult days. I remember taking the youth on a youth choir tour to Florida with the youth of FBC Yukon, Oklahoma. We also remember trips to Falls Creek, and Six Flags over Texas. Ginger and I served FBC Pryor for 6 years, then Alamo City Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, and now we serve First Baptist Church in Hurst, Texas for the past seven years. God blessed us while in Pryor with a daughter Jordan who is 17 and a junior in high school, and our son John Mark who is a seventh grader. Portland Avenue will always have a special place in our heart and when we are in the City we always drive by and check out what’s happening at PABC. We celebrate with PABC it’s seventy five years of history and know that the best is yet to come!
Blessings, Mark, Ginger, Jordan & John Mark
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Welcome to the Portland Avenue Baptist 75th Anniversary Blog!
Here are some old pictures from history of Portland Avenue. Receognize someone? Know something about these pictures? Let us know. Share your thoughts on this blog.
The Annivesary Weekend is planned for March 27-28, 2009.
Complete details of the weekend are available at http://www.portlandavenue.org/. Just click on the 75th Anniversary tab of our homepage.
We would love to hear your stories and remembrances about Portland Avenue. For 75 years this church has reached out to community around it touching many hearts and lives for Christ. Did you come to trust Christ while attending Portland Avenue? Who led you to Christ? Were you baptized here? By which pastor or staff member? Have a remembrance of a special Sunday School teacher or someone who discipled you? Who at Portland Avenue influenced your life? The list of remembrances is almost endless, but we look forward to you sharing them.
Here are some old pictures from history of Portland Avenue. Receognize someone? Know something about these pictures? Let us know. Share your thoughts on this blog.
I hope you join the weekend of March 27-28, 2009 for the 75th Anniversary of Portland Avenue Baptist Church.
Till then,
Walter Mullican
Pastor
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