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October 31, 2008

Church celebrates 132 years

94-year-old deacon has seen most of them

By Travina Coleman

First Missionary Baptist Church is holding its 132nd church anniversary Sunday morning and it’s recognizing one of its oldest members, W.G. Parker, 94. He has been a deacon at First Missionary for more than 60 years.

“He is a tremendous asset to our church,” said Deacon Darrell Elliott. “He used to be a teacher in the Muskogee school systems and he has transferred that passion into church service and farming once he retired.”

The church is the oldest organized Baptist church within the Muskogee city limits, Elliott said.

“It was established in 1876,” he said. “The building, erected in 1903 still stands and was placed on the National Register of Historical Buildings in 1987.”

Over the years Deacon Parker has contributed to the congregation in many ways.

“He has served in many capacities over the years at First Missionary,” Elliott said.

Parker was the Sunday School superintendent, teacher, treasurer, chairman of deacon, trainer and mentor of deacons and officers of the church.

Elliott said Parker led the church in developing it’s mission, constitution, financial system.

“He has been a consistent voice for standing up for what is right,” Elite said. “He has been a fixture and a pillar on biblical advice to pastors and members.”



Reach Travina Coleman at 684-2901 or tcoleman@muskogeephoenix.com.

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