Rev. Lewis Newton McDonald, who led the Oak Grove Baptist Church congregation for many years, died from cancer Dec. 11 at his Aberdeen home. He was 77.
Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 28, at Oak Grove Baptist Church at 2106 Churchville Road in Bel Air, at 1:30 p.m. with a memorial service following at 3 p.m.
Memories and tributes may be sent to the family at 3940 Grimm Road, Jarrettsville, Md. 21084. Those who desire may make a donation to Great Hope Bible Church, 1128 Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville, Md,. 21084.
Born March 30, 1937 in Waco, Texas, Rev. McDonald graduated from Baylor University in 1960 and Southwest Seminary in 1963.
On Aug. 16, 1958, he married Patsy Lee Akridge, whom he met at Baylor. Following seminary, Rev. McDonald began a career in preaching that spanned more than 50 years, including pastoring at South Avenue Baptist in Texas, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Poolesville United Methodist, Chestertown Church of the Nazarene and Great Hope Bible Church.
During his ministry, he achieved many distinctions, including trustee of Southwest Seminary, president of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, Who's Who in America, Personalities in America, Notable Americans, International Platform Association and International Men of Achievement.
Spreading the gospel was an emphasis of his ministry. Rev. McDonald considered some of his highlights to include being senior pastor during the implementation of "The Living Christmas Tree" at Oak Grove, ordaining seven full-time ministers, baptizing his three sons and publishing his book "Pieces," a collection of his sermons on The Prodigal Son.
Rev. McDonald will be remembered for his quick wit, story-telling and gift of preaching. He will also be remembered for his passion for sports; cheering for the Cowboys and Orioles, or pitching for the church softball team. Rev. McDonald was a dedicated husband and father. One of his favorite sayings was "love is a four letter word spelled TIME." Rev. McDonald lived that saying throughout his life and ministry with his final baptism being that of his grandson.
Rev. McDonald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy Lee; his three sons, Steven, David and John Mark; three daughters-in-law, Janet, Alana and Beth; three grandsons, Kevin, Jonah and Dylan; granddaughter, Chrissy, and her husband, Greg; great-granddaughters, Julua and Reba; his sister-in-law and her husband, Carolyn and Danny Powell.