On Sunday, Sept. 13, Oklahoma City, Portland Avenue celebrated the reopening of their children’s building after a fire destroyed it in 2025. They celebrated with two ribbon cutting ceremonies for the building and new playground, along with bringing in food and ice cream trucks.
“It wasn’t just a celebration of the opening of the building, but also of God’s sustaining grace,” said Harvey Sparks, lead pastor. “The past few years have been challenging for us, but that Sunday was a day to celebrate in the midst of those and know God has been faithful and sustaining us and walking us through it all.”
On the morning of Wed., June 25, 2025, a fire broke out at in the Children’s Building. The Oklahoma City fire department (OCFD) responded swiftly and was able to get the fire under control. The building sustained some fire, water and smoke damage, but was prevented from causing more significant damage thanks to the works of the OCFD.
Alongside the children’s building, a new playground was also opened named “Ms. Gina’s Playground” in honor of Gina “Ms. Gina” McKean who served as the church’s Director of Children’s Ministry for 30 years. McKean had plans to renovate the playground. After her passing, people donated a substantial amount of money to help fund her vision. A portion of those funds was used to help pay for the new children’s building as well as the new playground.
“She welcomed little ones with joy and pointed them to Jesus,” a plaque at the playground reads. “May every laugh, game and moment of friendship here remind us that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm127:3), and may her legacy continue in the lives of those she loved and served so well.”
Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher sent a video message to the church congratulating them on the opening.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Portland Avenue,” he said. “You have such a history of faithfulness to the Lord, to His Word, to proclaiming the Gospel and I am so grateful that the Lord has brought you through this time of trial.”
