Oakdale Baptist Church
Pastor: Tony Daniels
Pastor Tony Daniels grew up in the Sugar Loaf/ Vashti Community and lived there his entire life. He was blessed to marry his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Connolly in July of 1991. Together they have 3 children and 8 grandchildren, three of whom live with them. In February of 1983, Tony gave his heart to Christ and was saved. As a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Alexander County, he served as Sunday School superintendent and a deacon.
The Lord called Tony into the ministry in 1988, with White Plains Baptist Church as an interim pastor, then Pastor. In 1995 he attended West Lenoir School of Ministry, where he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Divinity in Christian Education. Pastor Tony Daniels’ resignation from White Plains in January 2022 has allowed him and his family to transition to Oakdale Baptist Church.
Music Director: Currently none
Youth Director: Currently none
Pianist: Joann Anderson
My husband, Ray and I joined Oakdale the Sunday before our 2nd daughter was born on Jan 27, 1979! When the Allen Organ was installed, I became the 1st organist. After our 3rd daughter was born in Nov of 1980, I became the pianist and have served in that position ever since. I have been playing in church off and on since the 3rd grade. In college I had the wonderful privilege of playing for and touring with the Ambassador Choir of Columbia Bible College for 1 year. I am now retired from Manheim Statesville Auto Auction and have many opportunities to serve Oakdale in other ways beside being the church pianist.
Secretary: Ginger Whalen
Ginger has been at Oakdale since August, 2015. Ginger is married to John Whalen, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Harmony. She has a B.S. degree in secondary education from Oaklahoma Baptist College. Ginger taught at Gospel Light Christian School and then went on to home school her two daughters, Betsy and Katie, for 15 years. She also worked as secretary for a construction company in Landis, N.C. for 10 years. Ginger and her husband reside in the North Iredell area.