Rev. Dr. L. R. Drinkwater, Sr. is the son of the late A. J. and Callie Drinkwater of Wewoka, Oklahoma. After graduating from Douglass High School in 1952, he attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. He furthered his education at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Johnson Memorial Institute and the King is Coming Bible Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Pastor Drinkwater was called to the ministry in 1960, and preached his first sermon on April 13, 1960: “AND LO I AM WITH YOU”, Matthew 28:20. Following his licensing to preach on May 5, 1961 at St. Joseph Baptist Church in Wewoka, Oklahoma, he was ordained on December 9, 1962. In his early ministry, Pastor Drinkwater pastored in Ada, Weleetka, and Wewoka, all in Oklahoma.
Pastor Drinkwater is the Pastor and Founder of the Redeemed Missionary Baptist Church. He has served in this capacity since March 9, 1969. Over the years, he has become nationally recognized for his preaching, but his compassion for serving God’s people has not changed. While many preachers of today are focused on fame and prosperity, Pastor Drinkwater remains focused on serving God’s people. He is concerned about every member of the congregation. He makes sure the youngest to the oldest know about Jesus and His saving power.
Pastor Drinkwater was employed by the State of Oklahoma as a State Investigator and retired in 1981 after 20 years of service. He is married to Barbara Jean (Vickers) Drinkwater, who is his great source of encouragement. They have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
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Rev. Dr. L. R. Drinkwater, Sr. |