News Summary
Birmingham is grieving the passing of Dr. Willie B. O’Neal, leader of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church. The church announced his death and is seeking community support during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Briarwood Presbyterian Church is in search of a new lead pastor, with Scott Redd as the potential candidate to succeed the late Rev. Harry Reeder III. Both events resonate deeply within Birmingham’s religious community.
Birmingham is mourning the loss of Dr. Willie B. O’Neal, the leader of Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church, who passed away recently. The church announced his death in a statement on their official Facebook page, expressing that he “transitioned peacefully from this life into eternal rest.” In this challenging time, the church is seeking prayers and support from the community while preparing to share arrangements for Dr. O’Neal’s celebration of life in the coming days.
Dr. O’Neal, a respected figure in the congregation, was born in Brighton and was noted for his sensitivity to the voice of God, as highlighted on the church’s website. His leadership and spiritual guidance have made a significant impact on both the church community and the city of Birmingham.
In a separate development within Birmingham’s religious community, Briarwood Presbyterian Church is set to possibly welcome a new lead pastor, following the death of its previous pastor. The search committee has identified Scott Redd as the candidate for the position, which has significant historical importance as Briarwood played a key role in launching the Presbyterian Church in America denomination. If confirmed by the congregation, Redd would succeed the late Rev. Harry Reeder III, who tragically passed away in a car crash on May 18, 2023.
Scott Redd is currently the president of the Reformed Theological Seminary’s campus in Washington, D.C. His admiration for Briarwood’s reputation for gospel-centered leadership and humility was expressed in his presentation materials prepared for the congregation. With a military family background, Redd is a graduate of The College of William & Mary and has previously worked in media consulting. He is married to Jennifer, and they have five daughters together.
The search committee for Briarwood Presbyterian Church has conveyed a strong sense of divine guidance in selecting Redd, following nine months of extensive evaluation and prayer. His involvement in the faith community includes regular preaching and teaching engagements at various churches in the D.C. area, notably as an ordained Teaching Elder at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. Additionally, he serves as a Scholar-in-Residence at Grace Downtown Church in Washington, D.C.
Redd’s academic contributions involve teaching at various theological institutions, including The Catholic University of America, the Augustine Theological Institute in Malta, and the C.S. Lewis Institute. As part of the confirmation process, if Redd is approved by the congregation, he will preach at two services on June 8 and engage with church members in various events thereafter.
A congregational meeting has been scheduled for June 15 to vote on Scott Redd’s confirmation as the new lead pastor. The legacy of Briarwood Presbyterian Church dates back to 1960 when the Rev. Frank Barker opened its doors and served as its founding pastor until his retirement in 1999. Under Barker’s leadership, the church flourished, expanding its membership base to over 4,000 and overseeing the construction of a $32 million campus in 1988. The church currently reports a membership of over 4,000.
As Birmingham’s spiritual community grapples with these transitions, the impacts of both Dr. O’Neal’s passing and the search for Briarwood’s new leadership resonate deeply within the city’s religious landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13 – Beloved Birmingham Pastor Dr. Willie B. O’Neal Dies at 86
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- AL.com – Major Birmingham Church Nominates Seminary President to be New Lead Pastor
- Google Search: Briarwood Presbyterian Church
- Ministry Watch – Briarwood Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Dead in Birmingham Car Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pastoral Counseling
- Albert Mohler – Remembering Pastor Harry Reeder of Briarwood Presbyterian Church
- Google News: 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
- CNN – 16th Street Church Bombing
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
