It was here at Oakwood Acres Baptist Church (then known as Powell Memorial Baptist Church) where I was ordained into the Gospel Ministry. Then I became pastor of the McConnell's Baptist Church for one year, then moving on to pastor the Woodvale Baptist Church for a period of 30 years. After experienceing poor health for a number of years I finally had to retire. I did recover some ability to minister and spoke at several churches. Finally I decided to again try an active ministry, but it was not to last very long. I only got to spend 10 short months serving as pastor at Oakwood Acres Baptist Church but it proved to be a very pleasant part of my 35 years of ministry. Unfortunately my health did not allow me to continue. The people in the congregation were the sweetest spirited, most generous hearted and loving that any pastor could ever ask for. I will continue as a member of the church but will sorely miss the relationship of pastor and congregation we had together. Allowing me to come back home at the close of my ministry insures Oakwood Acres Baptist Church will always have a special place in my heart.