Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, will celebrate 140 years of faith and ministry with a monthlong 140th Church Anniversary Celebration in August. Founded in 1886, the congregation has grown into one of the largest and most influential churches in Wyandotte County, emphasizing worship, biblical teaching, and family and community outreach while adapting to meet the needs of new generations.
The anniversary theme—“Reflecting, Celebrating, and Envisioning Our Future”—is drawn from passages including Joshua 4:21-24, Psalm 103:1-2, and 1 Corinthians 2:9. Scheduled events include special Sunday worship services throughout August, with guest preachers appearing on Aug. 2, Aug. 9, and Aug. 16. On Aug. 23, the church will welcome Rev. Dr. Jerry Young, president emeritus of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., as the featured anniversary speaker. The celebration concludes Aug. 30, when Rev. Dr. Ricky D. Turner delivers the closing anniversary message, with the Oak Ridge Reunion Choir offering a musical tribute.
Additional programming includes a 140th Anniversary Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m., at The View at Briarcliff (4000 N. Mulberry Drive) in Kansas City, Missouri. The guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Reginald E. Bachus of Friendship Baptist Church in Chicago. Community members are invited to join in fellowship and Christian programming as the congregation reflects on its legacy and future.