This past Sunday morning I attended the South Garland Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. They were celebrating twenty-five years with their pastor, Larry Davis. I shared in the service some reflections about my longtime friend in ministry.
I met Larry while we were young youth ministers. He was a youth minister at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas with Dr. Bruce McKeever, and I was at Willow Meadows Baptist Church with Dr. Ralph Langley. Both of these pastors were encouragers to young ministers. We learned early on how to do church and how to relate and love the people of God.
Larry, Dickie Dunn, and I formed what was one of the first large youth camps anywhere. I was in charge, or so they let me think, and they did the dirty work. Larry kept us organized and balanced the budget. Larry was sure we stayed on track … as best he could. Boy, were those fun times for us. We had fun at the churches we served, and the kids in our groups learned to grow in the Lord. They watched us serve, but also watched us with our young families. Our own kids had a ball watching their dads do their “thing” … minister to kids. We laughed until we thought we would die the entire time. We held on tight with those friendships because Larry made sure we did.
These are the words I think about when I think about Larry:
- Gentleman
- Kind
- Considerate
- Embracing
- Integrity
- Reconciling
- Thorough
- Sensitive
- Healer
- Leader
- Father
- Pastor …
- Friend
Larry was the first to call in good times and in bad. When I found out I had cancer three years ago, Larry was the first to pick up his phone and call. I could not ask for a better example of the love of Christ than in this great and dear friend.
I congratulate South Garland Baptist Church for valuing Larry and his wife, Marilyn, for all these years. The church couldn’t have done better than to choose this one who serves God with his whole heart.
Happy twenty-fifth at South Garland, Larry and Marilyn!
The tenure, life expectancy, shelf life of a Southern Baptist pastor is 2-1/2 years. Larry has accomplished ten times that.
This 25 year anniversary celebration in many ways, goes both to Larry and the church as well for this milestone. Congratulations … together you made it!
Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24 NASB)
When I think of those days, I still get a good giggle. All of you were really awesome to be around. Thanks for the tribute to Larry. Congratulations to all of the Davis family.
I met Larry just out of high school when he was on the campus of El Centro college. I worked for him while attending school there. Larry was a mentor and encourager. My husband and I were able to re-unite with Larry and Marilyn at Wishire. Our girls enjoyed a fun friendship. I was sad when they moved on to their new church but always new that they would do great things. I will always be thankful for the influence that Larry showed me early on of the power of security in God’s grace. Congratulations to them and their church.
I enjoyed this article that a good friend shared with me. My late husband Larry & I met at Wilshire & remember what a wonderful church it was, & still is. We didn’t meet Larry because we were in the Singles Class & had no children of our own yet. Congratulations to Larry & Marilyn for this wonderful life of service to our Lord & His people.
In 1992 I felt a strong calling from the Lord to come out of the world and be baptized as one of His. SGBC was less than a mile from my home so I chose to visit for several Sunday’s, finally making the decision to join that fellowship by baptism. Brother Larry did the dunking 😉 and over the next several years became a very good friend and confidant. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him and his family.
Appreciate this message! I went to Baylor with Ralph Langley and Bruce McIver. I knew Larry Davis at FBC Garland. I believe Dickie Dunn is Gale Dunn’s son. We knew him from Gaston Avenue Baptist. So, we have many connections.