East Clarksburg Baptist Church - Our Pastor's Biography

Larry was born to O.W. (Jake) and Mabel Ashcraft Fleming on June 21st 1935 at Wallace, WV. The youngest of seven siblings. He attended all twelve years at the only school in Wallace. He graduated in 1953. He had a passion for hunting and the woods anytime after school he could go as a youngster.
Tinkering with automobiles and seeing what made them run was a pass time. He always had an older car to work on especially a Dodge with a ruble seat that held a lot of good times as a teenager.

After graduation he went to work as an auto mechanic in Shinnston, and later at the Firestone in Clarksburg.

On April 1st, 1958 he was inducted in the United States Army. He served One year 5 months in Okinawa and was honorably discharged on March 8th, 1960, as Sergeant of the Motor Pool. His honors were the Good Conduct Medal, Motor Vehicle Mechanic Badge and Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle).

On May 20th 1960 he married his high school love at the Smith Baptist Church in Wallace. At this time he went to work for P.K. Alker at Alker Tires and Supply in Clarksburg.

He had moved from Lake Ridge, Bridgeport to Chub Run Road in September 1964. It so happened next door to a United Brethren Church in which he was converted and became quite active. Especially, singing tenor, in the church choir.

On April 17th 1965 a son, Larry Roger II was born to him and wife, Florence Ann. Roger was involved in the church and singing with his parents from two weeks old to the time he married and left home.

Larry and Florence Ann sang duet and churches began calling for special appearances. At this time Lonnie and Anita Jones and Anita's mother Mildred Curkendall and Roger joined the duet to make up "THE WOODLAND FOUR QUARTET". That was the beginning of singing with different groups and the singing ministry in many churches of the area as well as out of state.

Larry began some lay speaking and was a leader in the Chub Run Community Church. After retiring from Chenoweth Lincoln Mercury June 21st, 1996 he answered his call to the ministry speaking at different churches in the area. On November 14, 2004 the First Baptist Church of Wallace called Larry to preach for them. They issued a license for him to preach the gospel in April 2005. On July 24th, 2005 he was ordained as a preacher of the gospel and received his State License July 27th 2005.

Upon recommendation of Don Fowler, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Nutter Fort, The East Clarksburg Baptist Church called Larry for his first sermon September 9th 2007. On Sunday February 17th 2008 they held an installation service for Larry as their Pastor. He has held this capacity as well as the singing ministry when called upon to do so.

Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:2

You can contact Pastor Larry at pastor@ecbc1907.org.