Civil rights leader, Fairview Baptist Church minister the Rev. John A. Reed dies at 86

The Rev. John A. Reed Jr. . a prominent Oklahoma City minister and civil rights leader, has died. He was 86.

Reed, who died Monday, served Fairview Baptist Church in northeast Oklahoma City for more than 60 years.

Several civic and state leaders paid tribute to Reed on Monday.

"Today, our nation lost a statesman, Dr. John A. Reed Jr.” Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, said in a statement. “When you look at the walls of history in Oklahoma, you will find that Dr. Reed played a vital role in leading the Civil Rights Movement and other movements in our state. He pastored many leaders in our nation and I am grateful he served as my pastor for the last several years. My prayers are with his family, Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, and our community."

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt also shared comments.

“Pastor Reed is one of the most impactful residents our city has ever known," Holt said in a statement.

"Due to the way stories were told in this community, and in many others, that wasn’t always widely known. But it was certainly known to the leaders of this city."

Reed's congregation held a gala to celebrate his 60th pastoral anniversary in 2023 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Local and state dignitaries attended the event, along with people from across Oklahoma City and the nation.

This is a developing story.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Civil rights leader, Fairview Baptist Church minister the Rev. John A. Reed dies at 86