By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – A 108-year-old preacher spoke Feb. 27 to the congregation at Union Missionary Baptist Church as part of the church’s Black History Month celebration.

In addition, the McIntosh County Shouters performed in the church’s sanctuary.

Bishop Otis Clark, who at 108 is older than the state of Oklahoma, spoke for about eight minutes. He spoke alongside his granddaughter, Starr Williams.

Williams, who was crowned Miss Oklahoma in 2003, is an associate pastor for Life Enrichment Ministries, which Clark founded.

Clark and Williams spoke as a team of sorts, with Williams reading a Bible verse and Clark commenting on it afterwards.

The church presented Clark, Williams and the McIntosh County Shouters with resolutions honoring them for their work. Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe presented the resolutions on behalf of the church.

Lowe praised the church for its involvement in the community under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Stewart.

Under Stewart’s direction, Union Baptist is a “church on fire” for God, Lowe told the congregation.