In 1984, Myers Park Baptist Church continued to grow into its identity as a thoughtful, forward-looking congregation. It was a year shaped by meaningful transitions, deep investment in education and spiritual formation, and an expanding vision of ministry that reached both inward and outward. From the emergence of new leadership to the strengthening of programs that nurtured families, youth, and intellectual engagement, the life of the church reflected an intentional pursuit of faithful innovation rooted in community.

Welcoming Rev. William C. Treadwell, Jr. to a New Leadership Role
A major step toward strengthening the church's ministry was announced with the appointment of William C. Treadwell, Jr. as Senior Educator and Staff Coordinator, beginning January 20, 1985. Rev. Dr. Gene Owens explained that the new staff structure would bring worship, education, missions, pastoral care, and administration into closer coordination. Rather than operating through separate projects and departments, the church would work toward a more integrated and shared ministry.

Rev. Treadwell came with extensive experience as a pastor, minister of education, seminary instructor, and denominational leader. Most recently, he had served as pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Georgetown, Kentucky, and as an adjunct professor at Georgetown College. He was also co-author of Conflict Ministry in the Local Church. Myers Park Baptist Church warmly welcomed Bill and his wife, Louise (Lou) Johnson Treadwell, who served as Dean of Women at Georgetown College.

Investing in the Next Generation of Ministry
The church welcomed Jay Leach as Youth Intern Minister. A graduate of Furman University and a student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Leach began a ten-month internship funded through the church's Endowment Fund. Working alongside Dale Mullennix, he helped strengthen the congregation's ministry with youth and young people. Jay brought energy, insight, and a heart for ministry and was a warm and encouraging presence among the youth.

Celebrating Service and New Beginnings
The spring of 1984 marked both tender farewells and meaningful milestones in the life of Myers Park Baptist Church. Dr. Gene Owens offered heartfelt thanks to Dr. George Lynn, whose five-month ministry challenged and inspired the church community before his return to Colorado.

The church also welcomed home Jim and Ann Berry, celebrating their return with a reception and special worship service. Jim offered a fitting gift to the congregation by directing the Chancel Choir in a moving presentation of Gounod’s Saint Cecilia Mass—a work he and Dr. Lynn had carefully prepared with the choir. The performance served as both a celebration of their efforts and a meaningful moment of worship for the church family.

Just a week later, the congregation gathered for a significant occasion of affirmation and calling as Gene Owens and the church ordained Vikki Yeghoyan to ministry. The service was marked by joy, reverence, and hope, with Reverend Stephen Peterson, Librarian of the Yale Divinity School, delivering the sermon. His message added depth and encouragement to a day that highlighted the church’s commitment to nurturing and affirming ministry leadership.

Supporting Neighbors Through Crisis Assistance
The church combined creativity and compassion through a Talent Benefit supporting the Crisis Assistance Ministry. The Great Hall (now Heaton Hall) came alive with performances by Nancy Geer, Todd Geer, Robin Hicks (serving as M.C.), Thomas Moore, Ann Owens, Ray Owens, and Emilie Williams. The cabaret-style event demonstrated how joy, music, and fellowship could be harnessed in service to neighbors facing hardship.

Responding to Families Through Expanded Child Care
Recognizing the growing number of working parents and single-parent households, church leaders acted to meet an important community need by expanding Through-The-Week School to offer full-day childcare and appointing Julie Jay Carter as director.

This expanded program, which operated from 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., provided families with a dependable, nurturing environment for their children throughout the day. Under her capable leadership, the school flourished and operated as a self-supporting ministry, apart from utilities and custodial support graciously provided by the church. This initiative reflected the congregation's commitment to supporting families and caring for children beyond Sunday morning.

Strengthening Families Through Parenting Education
MPBC remained committed to equipping and encouraging parents in their vital role at home. In early 1984, the church hosted a six-session workshop titled “Parenting Your Young Child.” The sessions were held on Sunday evenings and were led by Laura Lawson, a Parent Educator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Sponsored by the Board of Education’s Family and Intergenerational Committee alongside the Pre-School Department, the workshop offered practical guidance, meaningful discussion, and encouragement for those raising young children.

Exploring Psychology, Faith, and Personal Growth
The church continued its tradition of thoughtful engagement with contemporary scholarship by hosting Dr. David Miller of Syracuse University. His lectures explored the relationship between the work of Carl Jung and Christian theology, including discussions of depth psychology, biblical interpretation, and practical applications of Jung's thought.

The “Jung and Christian Theology: A Dialogue” series included three sessions:

• “Descent into Hell: Christianisms and Anti-Christianisms in the Depth Psychology of C.G. Jung”
• “Working With Jung: A Dialogue on Applications of the Works of Jung”
• “Reading the Bible From the Underside: A Study of John 16”

Attendees engaged in thoughtful and sometimes challenging conversations about faith, interpretation, and the human experience—reflecting the congregation's willingness to explore faith through intellectual inquiry and dialogue.

Another educational highlight was a series of “Life-Positioning Workshops” sponsored by the Department of Religion at UNC Charlotte. Shalom Hall served as a center for reflection and learning led by Dr. Ira Progoff, creator of the Intensive Journal Method. Participants were invited into guided self-examination, discernment, personal growth, and spiritual awareness through a structured journaling process. Sessions included the Basic Intensive Journal Workshop and the Depth Feedback Workshop, illustrating the church’s commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual formation.

During the fall, the church continued its focus on personal growth and meaningful connection through events like the “Human Interaction Weekend,” led by Frank Johnson. Sponsored by the Training Committee, this weekend provided opportunities for deeper understanding, communication, and relationship-building within the church family.

Deepening Lenten Reflection with Dr. Ralph Wood
During Lent, church members were invited to explore the theme of redemption through a six-week course taught by Dr. Ralph C. Wood, a religion professor at Wake Forest University. Titled “The Comedy of Re-demption,” the series offered opportunities for thoughtful theological reflection and spiritual growth throughout the Lenten season.

As the year came to a close, one thing was clear: Myers Park Baptist Church was becoming the kind of community it envisioned—thoughtful, engaged, and deeply connected. The threads of leadership, learning, and service woven throughout 1984 created a tapestry of shared ministry that reflected both who the church was and who it was still becoming. The experiences of this year continue to echo as part of the church’s larger story—a reminder of what can happen when a congregation embraces growth, supports one another, and remains open to new possibilities.