By PAUL C. DOWDENI have always kept my opinions to myself. Now it’s time to speak out.
I was stuck with a custody situation that required me to pay all expenses as all fathers got in the 1990’s. That didn’t matter; I got six months of custody per year with my young daughter. I paid all the travel across the country several times a year, it was all worth it, money means nothing compared to being a great parent.
I work at the Lab so daycare was most important. It meant that I could afford her Mother’s mistakes but daycare actually was good for her socialization.
After trying a few daycare facilities in town I thankfully found Busy Bee day care at First Baptist church on Diamond Drive.
This was a great facility. I got involved and was always encouraged by the staff, they were great. Valera became the coordinator and the individual classroom teachers were excellent. Everyone there remembers Miss Margaret.
My daughter was there five years, I chaperoned many outings, I attended and helped with many local events, I repaired the bus when there were issues. It was an ideal situation for dozens of kids and families alike.
Until…Pastor Paul Cunningham took control of the First Baptist Church. Every one of us was devastated when he decried that day care must be shut down since it encourages DIVORCE. What a crock we all thought.
We weren’t to be heard. He shut down the best day care that encouraged socialization and interaction among kids and families, he shoved an unrealistic ideal down our throats, he upset untold numbers of families, he ruined a great environment for our children.
I can tell you as I was always involved; it was the safest environment I have ever seen as a father of a young daughter.
Now the truth comes out. He’s been arrested as a suspected pedophile. A “MERE” 400 images and videos of child sex conduct found on his computer and fired by First Baptist in March. As a parent, that’s the lowest of the low.
I poured my life into being a great Dad in light of a divorce I didn’t want. A supposed “man of God” destroyed a great thing in our town. That’s all old news that nobody opposed, but now the news that he’s a sick pedophile. What is wrong with supposed pastors. I hope he pays not only for his exposed sins but also for destroying those of us who tried to do the right thing for our kids in light of situations we never asked for.
Pedophiles are the lowest in prison; I pray the pastor finds his place.
