Under the inspiring leadership of Dr. George D. Heaton, our congregation continued to embody a progressive spirit—reaching outward, building upward, and singing joyfully along the way.

Caring for Families
In June, the church made a practical step toward inclusion by providing childcare for mothers with small children during worship. Trained nurses cared for little ones, ensuring everyone could experience the fullness of the Sunday service—a forward-thinking move that reflected our values of accessibility and care.

Building for the Future
By September, enthusiasm was high as members worked together to complete our church school building. Thanks to generous giving and faithful stewardship, we entered our sanctuary debt-free while courageously taking on new financial commitments to grow in ministry. The total building program reached over $1.1 million, a bold investment in education and community life.

Transitions and Blessings
As we celebrated new beginnings, we also blessed those moving on to new callings. Rev. Harold Malmborg, beloved associate pastor, accepted a new post at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. His time with us, marked by faithful service and compassion, helped shape our “pervasively expanding ministry.”

A Legacy of Music and Love
The year also saw the creation of the Living Memorial Music Scholarship Fund, a beautiful way for members to honor loved ones while supporting young people preparing for ministry and music leadership. This act of generosity echos our church’s commitment to nurturing future generations.

A Year of Music and Ministry
Music filled our worship services and our hearts throughout the year. Our choirs enjoyed special visits from faculty and students of Westminster Choir College, culminating in stirring performances of Handel’s Messiah that brought our community closer in worship. These musical moments reminded us of the beauty of sacred art and its power to tell the story of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.

Workshop on Floral Design for Sacred Spaces
In late November, the women of Myers Park Baptist Church, along with guests from neighboring congregations, gathered for a special two-day workshop led by Mrs. Roger V. Terry of Newport News, Virginia. Held in the basement of the new Sanctuary, the sessions offered hands-on instruction in the art of altar flower arrangements—an often-overlooked but deeply meaningful aspect of worship. With coffee provided and an invitation to bring lunch, the workshop fostered both learning and fellowship. Mrs. Terry, who has made a special study of floral design for sacred spaces, shared her expertise with warmth and grace, inspiring participants to see flower arranging as a spiritual offering and a form of creative expression.

Throughout the year, Myers Park Baptist Church continued to live out its progressive vision—welcoming families, investing in education, celebrating music, and deepening spiritual practices. From building projects to heartfelt farewells, from nurturing young leaders to arranging flowers for sacred spaces, each moment reflected our shared commitment to faith, beauty, and community. Guided by love and purpose, we stepped boldly into the future, forever forward.