Rev. Hollis Clevenger, Jr.

Early Life and Family Background

Rev. Hollis Clevenger, Jr. was born on March 17, 1941, in Sunnyvale, Maddocha, to Hollis Clevenger, Sr. and Mildred Clevenger. He was the second of fifteen children in a lively household where family meals and chores were filled with laughter, friendly debates, and prayer. Hollis Jr.'s siblings were named with the same spirited uniqueness that marked the Clevenger family: Asa, Obadiah, Abijah, Gideon, Silas, Charity, Marigold, Marilla, Bunty, Prudence, Ephraim, Barnabas, Ezekiel, and Abner. The family lived, but their home was rich in faith and love, where church life and ministry were central to family activities. Hollis Jr. often joined his mother in volunteering at Sunnyvale Missionary Baptist Church, while his father worked as an air conditioner repairman in the community.

From an early age, Hollis Jr. was drawn to spiritual matters. At Sunnyvale Missionary Baptist Church, he showed a depth of understanding that set him apart, especially for one so young. At the age of 10, he gave his life to Christ during a revival meeting led by Rev. Luther Jennings. The preacher’s words stirred something in him, and he walked forward with his father at his side, committing himself to a life of faith. Hollis Jr. later reflected that he felt a peace that could only come from God and that it changed the course of his life.

A Calling to Ministry

Hollis Jr. felt his calling to preach at age 15 during a church revival at Sunnyvale Missionary Baptist Church. The preacher’s words echoed in his heart long after the service, and that evening, he shared with his father his sense that God was calling him to the ministry. Rev. Jennings and the church elders mentored Hollis Jr., encouraging him to lead youth Bible studies and occasionally preach at Sunday night services. As his heart for ministry grew, he led the church youth, guiding them in the scriptures and helping them build a foundation of faith.

Hollis Jr. continued to pursue his education, graduating from Sunnyvale High School in 1959. He then attended a local air conditioning trade school, where he trained in the family business. Starting as an apprentice to his father, he quickly developed into a skilled air conditioner repairman known for his diligence and honesty. Yet, even as he worked in his father’s business, he never lost sight of his calling to preach.

Ordination and Ministry Beginnings

In 1964, at 23, Hollis Jr. was ordained at Sunnyvale Missionary Baptist Church. His first sermon as an ordained minister was on John 15:5: "I am the vine, you are the branches." His voice and conviction stirred the congregation, and many sensed that God had big plans for him. He later became an assistant pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Sunnyvale, serving under Rev. Jacob Foster. He later continued as an assistant pastor at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Maplewood under Rev. Henry Matthews.

Rev. Clevenger’s sermons became known for their practicality, often drawing from his experiences as an air conditioner repairman to illustrate spiritual truths. One of his most memorable sermon series was "Fixing Our Spiritual Lives," where he spoke powerfully on topics like faith, humility, and repentance. He urged the congregation to “fix their attitudes” by submitting to God’s refining process in one particularly impactful message. He said, “If your attitude is stuck on resentment, let God be the one who fixes it. Just like it says in Psalm 51:10, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.' We can’t repair our own hearts; only the Creator can do that.”

Family Life

In 1965, Rev. Clevenger married Barbara Franklin, a woman of faith and strength who would become his steadfast partner in ministry. Sis. Clevenger was deeply involved in the church, leading women’s Bible studies and organizing community outreach programs. She was a quiet yet powerful influence, known for her dedication to prayer and support of her husband’s ministry.

Together, they were blessed with five children: Hollis Clevenger III (born 1967), Daniel Clevenger (born 1969), Lydia Clevenger (born 1971), Rachel Clevenger (born 1974), and Miriam Clevenger (born 1977). The Clevenger family was often seen attending services together, and Rev. Clevenger ensured his children were raised with a solid foundation in faith. Sis. Clevenger was deeply involved in the church community and led initiatives encouraging other families in the congregation.

The Call to Greater Glory Baptist Church

In 1975, while serving as assistant pastor at New Light Baptist Church, Rev. Clevenger received an unexpected opportunity. A pastor friend from Edmond, Rev. David Carver, knew one of the men who was a part of a group of believers in Edmond who were organizing a new church and were seeking a pastor to help them establish it. Knowing Rev. Clevenger's strong faith and natural leadership, Rev. Carver suggested his name to the congregation. After much prayer, Rev. Clevenger and his family accepted the call.

On May 15, 1975, Greater Glory Baptist Church was officially organized, and Rev. Clevenger was called its first pastor. From his first sermon, he captured the congregation's hearts with a powerful message from Psalm 24:7–8, proclaiming their church would bring “Greater Glory” to God in everything it did. He had a vision for a church rooted in the Apostles' teachings, focused on preaching, teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

Building Greater Glory Baptist Church

Just a month after the church’s formation, Rev. Clevenger led the congregation in breaking ground on their new building at 4576 Brooker Street. His background in air conditioning proved invaluable during construction, as he ensured every detail was carefully attended to and the air conditioning was top-notch. He was hands-on throughout, working alongside contractors and congregation members to bring the church to completion. By February 1976, the building was ready, with a modest sanctuary seating 150, a fellowship hall, and offices for church staff.

The church quickly became a center for spiritual growth and community outreach. Under Rev. Clevenger’s leadership, Greater Glory offered Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and weekly prayer services. Known for his sermons filled with practical wisdom and spiritual insight, Rev. Clevenger often preached on themes like perseverance, forgiveness, and humility before God. He believed that ministry extended beyond Sunday services, and he spent countless hours visiting members, counseling families, and even assisting other local pastors when needed.

Illness and Unwavering Faith

In September 1983, Rev. Clevenger was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer that is often difficult to treat. His doctors at Edmond General Hospital, led by Dr. Abraham Brockman, pursued a range of treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer was unresponsive. Despite the physical pain and limitations caused by his illness, Rev. Clevenger continued his ministry with unwavering faith, determined to shepherd his congregation for as long as he could. His health deteriorated over the years, but he refused to let it weaken his spirit.

As his illness progressed, Rev. Clevenger often said, “My calling does not depend on my body’s condition; it depends on God’s command.” Even on his most challenging days, he preached from the pulpit, sometimes sitting in a chair when standing was too painful. His faith inspired the congregation; many saw his perseverance as a powerful testimony of God’s strength. He also continued to conduct Bible studies from his home, where members would gather for prayer and encouragement. In his final months, he preached his last series on 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

A Legacy of Faith and Community

On September 21, 1984, after a year-long battle, Rev. Clevenger went to be with the Lord. His passing left a profound void in Greater Glory Baptist Church and the wider Edmond community, where he was remembered as a beloved spiritual leader, family man, and friend. His funeral, attended by hundreds, celebrated a life lived for God, with church members and fellow pastors sharing stories of his kindness, wisdom, and relentless dedication.

Rev. Clevenger’s legacy continued through the ministry he had built, which remained firmly rooted in the principles he had taught: faith, compassion, service, and humility. Under his leadership, Greater Glory Baptist Church had become a place where the Word of God was preached and lives were transformed. His family, especially his children, would carry on his legacy, deeply involved in church life and honoring the values he had instilled in them.

His life and ministry continue to inspire those who knew him, a testament to his steadfast faith and his unyielding commitment to bring “Greater Glory” to God in all things.