Our Pastor, Leon Oaks-Lee, came to First Baptist Church of Manlius in September, 2005. Pastoral ministry has been his life’s call, and he has enjoyed 34 years of nurturing spiritual growth, challenging congregations to serve others, and walking with people as they experience the daily highs and lows of life. Before coming to Manlius, he served as pastor at the United Church of Auburn (1990-2005), First Baptist Church of Ilion, NY (1983-1990) and the York-Mumford Baptist Parish (1975 – 1983).
He is married to Rosemary and is father to two adult sons, Benjamin and Nathaniel.
His education includes a BS degree from Cornell University, and MDiv degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He seeks to keep his ministry and leadership skills growing through various ministry and leadership programs. In recent years these have included:
Mary began her "formal" music ministry at the age of 13, playing the piano in her home church. Since coming to Manlius First Baptist. she has taken advantage of pretty much any musical opportunity that has come her way, including singing in the choir, solo and ensemble work, directing musicals, and accompanying others. Mary is a founding member of the Praise Team (formed in 1997) and has directed the team since 1999. After serving as accompanist for the Joyful Sounds children's choir for several years, she became the director in 2008. Mary's blessings include her large extended family and her job as Administrative Assistant with the American Baptist Churches of New York State.
Wendy Mapstone was raised in Meredith, NH and has been working with children since she was 15 as camp counselor. She attended Nazareth College in Rochester for Art/Elementary education and holds a Master's Degree in Reading from SUNY Cortland. She began the Playschool Program in 1996 with 8 enrolled children as a way to be with her own two children through their preschool experience. Today there are 75 children enrolled in Playschool divided between the preschool and Kindergarten Enrichment program. Wendy says she is, "... always very much amazed at how different each of their minds work and how much they have to offer and contribute. To witness and be a part of their achievements is a great gift."
Marge has been the director at King's Kids since 2004 and was co-director of the program from 1994 - 2004. She holds a BA from Houghton College in French and education and has spent most of her adult life teaching and providing child care. Marge has two children, David & Candace Guilford, who live in Buffalo, NY and Phoenix, AZ. Her husband, Tim, grew up in this church. She is a member of Christ Church, next door, and is also involved in the Manlius Monday Evening Club, the Town of Manlius Historical Society, and the Academy Street Book Club.
