Pastoral History
The pastoral lineage of Babers Temple Church of God in Christ reflects a legacy of faithful, Spirit-led leadership. Each pastor has contributed uniquely to the growth and spiritual development of our congregation, carrying forward the vision of those who came before while bringing their own God-given gifts to the ministry.
Elder Washington
Elder Washington was among the founding leaders of what would become Babers Temple Church Of God In Christ, then known as "The Holiness Church." He served under the leadership of Bishop A.J. Thompson in the early days of the congregation's ministry in Hollis, Oklahoma.
Elder Copenhagen
Elder Copenhagen served as pastor for several years in the congregation's formative period, continuing the work begun under Elder Washington. His faithful leadership helped lay the groundwork for what the church would become under subsequent pastors.
Elder Otis Lee Babers Sr.
In or about 1956, Elder Otis Lee Babers Sr. and First Lady Katie Mae (Crowder) Babers took over the leadership of the congregation and renamed it Babers Temple: Church of God in Christ. Under his watch, the church moved to its current location at 1102 E. Jones St., the building and land were paid off, and the congregation grew into a spiritual home for generations of families in Hollis, Oklahoma and the surrounding communities. Elder Babers was known for his consistent, steadfast holiness teaching and his deep devotion to God and his congregation. He faithfully led Babers Temple for over six decades until he was emeritized as Pastor in 2019. He passed in 2020, leaving a legacy that continues to guide everything the church does today.
Elder Keven Ward
Elder Keven Ward was born to Louis and Pattie Ward in Nashville, Tennessee. He is one of 15 children and has a twin brother. He entered the United States Air Force in February 1989 and was licensed as a minister that same year while serving at Victory Temple Church of God In Christ in Plattsburgh, NY, where he also met and married his wife, Tamara, on July 1, 1990. Together they have five children: Jozalyn, Mylan, Jeremiah, Ebriannah, and Covina. Elder Ward was saved in 1987 at a revival in his hometown of Lebanon, TN, received the baptism of the Holy Ghost while stationed at Plattsburgh AFB, and was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ in 1997 by Bishop Lee V. Broom. During his Air Force career, he served at Vance AFB in Enid, OK; Misawa Air Base, Japan (where he was appointed Pastor of the Misawa COGIC and served as District Superintendent); Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. Elder Ward retired from the Air Force in September 2010 after 21 years of dedicated service. He first came alongside Babers Temple in January 2012 to assist Pastor Otis Babers Sr., and later served as Assistant Pastor at Blessed Believers Ministries COGIC in Belleville, Illinois. Elder Ward and his family returned to Oklahoma in July 2023 to serve as Pastor of Babers Temple Church Of God In Christ. He was formally installed as Pastor in January 2024 by Bishop Brandon Porter, COGIC General Board Member. He currently also serves in the Veterans Health Administration of St. Louis, MO.