In June 1982, Lester Orwig and his family settled in Talala, where he took on the role of pastor at the First Baptist Church. A Tulsa native, Lester's roots run deep in Oklahoma. He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1967, carrying with him the values and traditions of his upbringing.
Lester's commitment to Talala extends beyond his pastoral duties. Since 2001, he has been an influential member of the town's board, dedicating approximately nine years of service as mayor. His leadership has been a guiding force in shaping the community.
Talala, in Lester's eyes, has always been an ideal place for family life – a sentiment that has only strengthened over the years. His tenure as pastor for over four decades has offered him a unique perspective on the community's evolution. Lester has witnessed the full spectrum of life in Talala, from watching young children of the early '80s grow into adults, start their own families, and see their children mature, creating a continuous thread of community and kinship.
Reflecting on the growth of Talala, Lester takes pride in the town's development. It's not just the infrastructural or economic advancements that stand out to him, but the deepening sense of community and the enhanced quality of life. For Lester, witnessing Talala's transformation and being a part of its journey has been a profoundly gratifying experience.