MANSFIELD — Pastor Raymond Cochran knows “Dr. Walt” would be proud Saturday at the 10th Oasis of Love Church Block Party/Community Fair.
That’s because the event is exactly what Dr. Walter E. Jordan II would have wanted when he started it a decade ago as the church’s pastor.
“Dr. Walt, when he started this thing, he had a big vision for it to explode and I know he’s happy for what’s taking place now with it,” Cochran said.
Jordan passed away in 2020 after leading the church once guided by his father, Bishop Walter E. Jordan Sr.
The free event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the 190 Chester Ave. church on the city’s north side.
Every element of the event is free, including book bags and school supplies for students in grades K-12.
“We also will have free haircuts for children. Free food, prizes and other giveaways will be available for everyone,” Cochran said.
Cochran and other church leaders are thrilled how the event has grown, including even more vendors participating than in past years.
“We’re very excited, how it’s really grown the last couple of years,” he said. “We’ve tapped into just not Richland County, but also Crawford County and Huron County.
“We’re grateful that we have thousands of people are coming through here now, which is amazing,” he said.
“It’s a winning formula we have, we feel. Everything is just expanded. We’re going to have more food, more giveaways, more vendors … and everything is still free.
“It’s a four-hour event, so everybody can come out and enjoy their family and friends,” Cochran said.
The pastor said Oasis of Love Church is proud to be a part of what he called growing momentum in Mansfield.
“There is a lot happening around the city. I think people need to be open to the things that are happening that are going to help the community better. There are a lot of great minds coming together.
“When you have that happening, you’re going to have more events, more festivals, more things that will help to educate and bring people up. That’s what I’m excited about.
“There’s really a buzz in the city. I think everybody is starting to progress, which is really good to see,” Cochran said.
The block party/community fair is part of a busy summer for the church, which “adopted” the former Cyclops Park on the north side in 2024 and has turned it into the Oasis Sports Complex, now known as The Crown.
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“We thank God everything is coming together there,” Cochran said.
“We have a church league that plays, a co-ed league, and now we’re getting some travel ball teams that are coming in for tournaments. It’s just been great,” he said.
“Week after week, we’ve been able to have the games, tournaments and events.
“It’s just good to see the park back live again. We have so many people supporting us as well … a number of sponsors, as well.
“It’s been really good. I’m glad we kind of paused things last year to get ready for this year. I think it was a great thing because it really helped us have the success we’re having now.”
