What does it mean for a church to care not only for its people, but also for the spaces that shape its life together? In 1981, Myers Park Baptist Church embraced that question with both vision and action—restoring beloved structures, investing in future ministry, and creating new opportunities for spiritual growth. It was a year that revealed how physical spaces and faithful people are bound together in the work of nurturing a living, growing community of faith.

Continuing the Work of Faith and Community
Throughout 1981, Myers Park Baptist Church continued to grow as a community committed to spiritual formation, public witness, and faithful stewardship—strengthening its identity as a congregation attentive to both its inner life of faith and its outward call to serve.

Stewardship and Care for Sacred Space
The church completed and paid for the restoration of the steeple, guided by the leadership of Tebee Hawkins, chairman and the Board of Deacons. Funding came in part from the sale of the Lake Norman property lease, with remaining funds thoughtfully designated for future maintenance.

At the same time, the congregation responded to a broader call to care for its facilities by launching a campaign to raise $300,000 for ongoing repair and restoration. With 162 families pledging $182,087, the effort reflected a shared commitment to sustaining the physical space for ministry, as encouraged by Gene Owens.

Developing Our Faith: Learning the Stages of Faith
The congregation welcomed James W. Fowler for a special weekend focused on “Developing Our Faith: Stages of Faith Development.” Through lectures and discussions, the church explored how faith matures over time and what it means to grow as both adults and Christians. The weekend culminated in a Sunday session, “Becoming Adult; Becoming Christian,” offering a meaningful framework for understanding personal and communal spiritual growth.

Music, Partnership, and Public Witness
Music became a bridge for connection beyond the congregation. The Chancel Choir joined voices with the choirs of First Baptist Church West and Johnson C. Smith University, strengthening ecumenical and community ties through a collaborative concert experience.

In September, worship extended even further as WBTV video-taped a Sunday service, featuring preaching by Gene Owens and music from the Chancel Choir alongside a string quartet from the Charlotte Symphony. In this moment, the church's ministry reached beyond its walls to the wider Charlotte community.

Leadership Transition and Gratitude
After more than four years of dedicated service, Church Administrator Winthrop Long (Win Long) announced his resignation. Serving part-time following his retirement from a distinguished career with the YMCA that included work in Japan, Win brought steady leadership and deep dedication to the life of the church. The congregation expressed heartfelt gratitude for his ministry as he concluded ministry among them.

Taken together, the events of 1981 tell the story of a congregation intentionally preparing for what lay ahead—caring for its sacred spaces, deepening its understanding of faith, strengthening community partnerships, and honoring those who led with dedication. It was a year marked not by a single defining moment, but by a steady, collective commitment to growth, stewardship, and shared purpose—foundations that would continue to shape the church’s life for years to come.