LAWTON—On Sunday, Jan. 11, leaders and members of Lawton, Friendship held a special note burning service and ceremony. Pastor Walter Wilson and others planned the service, which was called a “Celebration of Thankfulness” for God’s Great Blessing.
The note-burning was a culminating moment of paying off the church’s building debt. Various leaders participated in the service, including Wilson and his wife Velma, Alvin Jasper, Pamuela James, Donte Gettens, Tammi Whittman.
A special recognition was presented to the church by Lawton Mayor Stan Booker. Alan Quigley, who serves as Oklahoma Baptists associate executive director, spoke at the event, which featured special music by the Friendship Church Praise Team and Pam Gettens.
Wilson, who has served in the ministry for more than 40 years, has pastored the church for more than 17 years. He expressed his “deepest gratitude to God for the individuals and other churches whose generous support made this day possible. All glory to God!”
Wilson and the church also presented a letter of appreciation at the ceremony to Todd Fisher and Oklahoma Baptists, stating their “heartfelt gratitude for your faithful support and partnership.”
Lawton, Friendship has been actively involved in the community, and Wilson, who serves as Oklahoma Baptists African American ministry partner, is a recognized leader in Oklahoma and on a national level with the National African American Fellowship.
