Harold ‘Preacher’ O’Chester, longtime Texas pastor, gifts library to Southwestern

Harold “Preacher” O’Chester presented his library of more than 5,000 books, collected over decades of ministry, to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary on March 26, with the goal of assisting students and encouraging others to do the same.

“We are so grateful to God, for both of you, for your love for Christ, how you have exemplified that love and commitment to the Gospel through the years, and the wonderful gift you have provided for us,” President David S. Dockery said. “… You have helped us and blessed us with this wonderful library. It will serve not only as a testimony to your ministry, but it will serve future students as they prepare to be proclaimers of God’s Word in faithful ways in years to come.”

President David S. Dockery expresses gratitude to Harold and Barbara O’Chester for the gift of his library.

O’Chester, now 97 years of age, grew up in New York as a staunch Catholic, but became a follower of Christ as a young man. He then followed a call to ministry that brought him to Mississippi College, where he graduated in 1954. He also holds an MDiv from New Orleans Baptist Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity from the California Graduate School of Theology.

His ministry as a pastor spanned about 70 years, including 34 years as senior pastor of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin before retiring when he was 75 years old. In 2021, O’Chester was named the recipient of the L. R. Scarborough Award, annually given to those who have given or directed significant gifts to the seminary.

Southwestern faculty, staff, and students gathered with O’Chester and his wife, Barbara, and some of their friends and family at the revealing of the library located in the Center for Effective Preaching, in Fleming room 220. The O’Chester library also includes framed photos, letters, and other documents such as confirmed pages from an original Gutenberg Bible.

Southwestern faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered with the O’Chesters for the revealing of the O’Chester Library.

“The honor is all mine and Barbara’s,” O’Chester said, adding he enjoys supporting Southern Baptists personally and by encouraging others to give to seminaries such as Southwestern.

O’Chester also took time to share his heart for seeing believers prioritize Christ above all else, trusting Him as the sovereign Lord and following Him in prayer, evangelism, and discipleship.

“Thank you for your investments,” said Chandler Snyder, vice president for institutional relations. “And, more importantly, thank you for your faithfulness over the decades that gives us incredible examples that we can point to and challenge our students with.”

Dockery expressed appreciation for partnerships such as that with the O’Chesters that continue to help Southwestern in its goal of equipping students for their ministries.

“What you have done allows us to equip the next generation to live out their calling and service to Christ,” Dockery said. “And so, we don’t take this for granted in any way. We don’t take your partnership or your friendship for granted. It’s a wonderful gift of grace to us and we pledge to steward it well.”