Scotch-Irish Preacher to Deliver Martin Luther King Jr. Day Message at Baptist Minister’s Conference

At 12:30 today Dr. Jerry O’Neill, president of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary on Penn Avenue in Point Breeze, will be the first person not of African-American descent to speak at the Baptist Minister’s Conference. O’Neill is scheduled to give the Martin Luther King Jr. Day message to his fellow preachers. The doctor, who is from Scotch-Irish roots, says he will avoid talking about changes in policy and speak more on how Jesus Christ changes hearts. He says although it is important to have legislation which encourages better race relations, true reconciliation requires a change of heart through Christ. The Conference is being held at Calvary Baptist Church on Wylie Ave. in Pittsburgh.