Frank Barker

Frank Morehead Barker, Jr. (born January 31, 1932; died December 27, 2021) was the founding pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

Frank graduated from Ramsay High School and attended Auburn University. After graduating with an engineering degree, Frank became a Navy Jet Fighter Pilot, serving during the Korean War. During his time in the Navy, he also flew with the Blue Angels as their official photographer.

In 1960, he started Briarwood Church in a storefront in Cahaba Heights, and in 1961 he and Barbara Brown were married in that storefront. Frank oversaw the foundation of Briarwood Christian School, Birmingham Theological Seminary, Campus Outreach, Briarwood Ballet, as well as Camp Briarwood and ministries to business and medical professionals. In 1973, Frank was instrumental in the formation of a new denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America - a conservative break from the mainline Presbyterian Church (USA).

He and his wife, Barbara, had three children; Anita, Frank Barker, III, and Peggy.

References

• Barker, Frank Morehead obituary. (December 30, 2021). AL.com.