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Rev. Blackshear is married to the lovely Rena C. Richardson. God blessed their union with five children, Gwendolyn, Marilyn, Belinda Gail, Otis Jr., and Kelvin; nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
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Our
Pastor |
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Rev. Otis L. Blackshear was born in Marianna, Florida to the late Rev. and Mrs. J.C. Blackshear. Having been brought up in a Christian atmosphere, our pastor accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He was licensed in the ministry on November 3, 1951, at his home church, St. John Baptist, located in a rural farm community. Nineteen months later, he was ordained in the ministry and moved to Tallahassee, Florida to serve as the assistant pastor of Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C.K. Steele.
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Rev. Blackshear received his preparatory education in Marianna, Florida after which he received degrees from Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida, and Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. |
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In March of 1958, the Reverend Otis L. Blackshear was called to the pastorate of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. He brought hope and intriguing faith, encouragement and the power of God to a waiting congregation. Rev. Blackshear has molded the church in the direction of addressing the physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of the community. |
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Rev. Blackshear, is an experienced pastor. This year marks his 51st year in the ministry. Some 50 years ago, when Rev. Blackshear came to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, there was a tremendous amount of improvements that had to be undertaken. The first order of business for Pastor Blackshear was to pay off the balance on the church. A loan was then secured to begin renovations on the church. |
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Every since his first sermon as pastor of Mt. Pleasant “The Man Who Came Back”, the church has been climbing to new and greater heights. |
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As a financier, Pastor Blackshear eliminated activities designed to solicit money for church programs. He instead, elected to follow Christ’s teaching and support the church through tithes and offering by members. |
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In July 2003, the new Family Life Center, a 2.5 million dollar facility was opened. The Family Life Center includes a gymnatorium, a chapel, a library, classrooms and a physical fitness center. Columbia/Blackshear Senior Residence, a 78 unite, has been built and presently is 100% occupied. |
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Realizing the importance of the church’s role in Christian Education and training, the following boards and auxiliaries were established:
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Board of Christian Education
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Board of Family Life Ministry
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Married Couple’s Ministry
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Single’s Ministry
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Children’s Church
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Scholarship Fund
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Clothes Bank
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Youth Ministry
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Men’s Ministry
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Family Life Ministry
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Rev. Blackshear has proved to be not only a leader in the church but a leader in the community as well. A well recognized and respected leader, he has served in the South Atlanta Community and the City of Atlanta in numerous capacities such as Personnel Advisory Board of Fulton County, Parole Officer for Fulton County Juvenile, Board of Directors at Atlanta Southside Healthcare, Member Manpower Development Committee, Board of Directors Urban League, Chaplain for the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary and many others associations. |
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Rev. Blackshear has been the recipient of numerous community service awards for his involvement and service rendered to the South Atlanta Community. |
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