First Missionary Baptist church will be celebrating 70 years in Oakdale with a special event on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The church organized with 22 charter members on Jan. 3, 1947. Located at 1141 Walnut St., Oakdale, the church congregation invites all to come celebrate with them on Saturday. Services start at 3 p.m. and dinner will be served following.

The church is also inviting the community to come and meet its pastor, Richard Carnes.

“I am truly passionate about the gospel ministry and always eager to connect with diverse individuals and families who share my belief in helping others to flourish and thrive in their spiritual lives,” the pastor said. “My favorite moments are when I know I have made a difference in someone’s life; be it a Church member, a student, a colleague, or a complete stranger.”

Licensed by Liberty Missionary Baptist Church of San Fernando 1992, he was ordained in 1997.

He pastored Grace Missionary Baptist Church of Tulare from 1997 to 2010, earned a BA in Social Science and MA in Psychology, MFT (Marriage & Family Therapy) from Chapman University.

Previously, Carnes owned and operated three retail businesses in Southern California for more than 30 years. The businesses sold and serviced products ranging from bicycles to fitness equipment to furniture.

He has been married to his wife Leslie for 31 years and she is a preschool teacher. They have two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Pastor Carnes and his wife have lived in Oakdale since June 2015.