Rev. Lundy Savage, 1983

Rev. Lundy Savage was for many years the pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Champaign.

Savage Family, 1983. Carolyn Savage and children: Scott Lundy Savage and Christie Carol Savage.

Rev. Lundy Savage was born September 21, 1940 in Memphis, Tennessee, the fifth child of Fred and Ruby Savage. His family left Tennessee while he was still a baby and moved to Chicago, Illinois where he attended
Carver Elementary and High Schools. As early as the age 11, Lundy Savage knew he was destined to be a preacher. So in preparation for this ca 11, he was converted at age 11 and baptized by Rev. L. R. Jackson of Chicago. He started attending Sunday School, joined the Children' s Choir and was at church every time the doors were opened. He also carried a pocket New Testament around with him, and would read
it every day. However, many of his friends did not believe. At the age of 18, he accepted the call to the gospel ministry and in October of 1958, preached his first sermon entitled, "The Faith Of The Saints".
In 1961, he was ordained to the ministry by Rev. L. R. Jackson of Chicago. From 1960 - 1965, he attended Judson College in Elgin, Illinois, where he received a B. A. Degree in Christian Religion. While at Judson he served as treasurer of the senior class and president of the Religion and Philosophy Club. It·was also during these years he served the Lilydale and Shiloh Baptist churches of Chicago. Upon graduating from Judson College, he moved to Oklahoma to work with the National Baptist churches of that state. While in Oklahoma he married Carolyn Marie Scott of Chicago, and their first child, Scott Lundy, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also, while in Oklahoma, in 1968 he was called to the pastorate of of Second Baptist Church of Dixon, Illinois where he served faithfully for 2lz years. With his new wife, new baby, and new church Pastor Savage began his pastoral/preaching ministry. Also, their second child, Christie Carol was born in Dixon.

Feeling the leadership of the Lord, Pastor Savage was called to and accepted the pastorate of the Mount Olive Baptist Church where he has served for some 12 years. We have witnessed many spiritual blessings under the leadership of Pastor Savage. During these twelve years, he has taken into the church over 600.new members and baptized over 300. The teaching ministry has been enlarged and enhanced through  systematic, comprehensive Bible study classes; which includes foundation courses for new members on Sunday mornings, and various other classes during the week for entire membership. Pastor Savage preaches faithfully every Sunday morning the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, believing that the "gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth". (Rom. 1:16) As a result of much teaching and preaching, the Lord placed upon Pastor Savage's heart a vision for a new educational building that will include 12 spacious classrooms, pastor's study, church office, rest room facilities, finance room, choir room and an enlarged kitchen.

Pastor Savage has held various positions in civic and denominational organizations. Past President, Ministerial Alliance & NAACP; member, Better Housing Committee; Chairman of the Board, Mt. Olive Manor Housing Development; Chairman of Title VII Committee; Champaign School District; member, Religious Television Broadcasters. Presently Director, Public Relations, Baptist State Congress; Vice-President, Woodriver District Congress. During these busy years, Pastor Savage found time to earn an M.S. Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Pastor Savage is a natural devoted leader, led by the Holy Spirit to do what is best for the church and forever yearning to have the members become more aware of what the Lord expects of them.