Pastor O. V. Latin was born January 30, 1921 to Pearline Struggs and Volley Latin in Caddo, Louisiana. He grew up in Shreveport, LA and attended the schools there. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army July 8, 1944. He met the love of his life, Louella Giles. They were joined in holy matrimony. They migrated to Northern California and finally settled in San Francisco. To that union three children were born – Willie James, Michael and Anita Paulette. Pastor O.V. Latin was licensed to preach on March 27, 1955 and later received his Ministerial Ordination. He worked in construction for 28 years, retiring at the age of 55. Then worked five additional years as a Custodian at Stonestown Shopping Galleria in San Francisco before going into full-time ministry. He organized the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church of San Francisco, CA on November 11, 1961. God blessed the labor of his hands, and allowed him to
celebrate his 42nd pastoral appreciation two days before his passing.
He and his lovely wife, Lady Louella Latin, opened their heart, their hands and their home to help those who were in need. He served as Secretary/Treasurer of Local Union No. 261. He served as Moderator of the Northwest Educational District Association. He served as Treasurer of the San Francisco Ministers Brotherhood. And he also served as President of the Banneker Homes. Under his leadership as Pastor of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church, he made sure that the qualified young people of the church were given scholarships to encourage and help as they matriculated to the next level of Education. He was a great supporter of the youth – hosting an annual youth revival, allowing young associate ministers to preach, sponsored summer programs for the youth to include arts and crafts that were sold at the Flea Market in an attempt to keep them off the street and out of trouble. He allowed some of the boys to be hired as the church custodian when they became of age.
Under his leadership, bagged lunches were prepared weekly and taken to the Golden Gate Park to hand out to the unhoused. The church gave away bread, pastries and cheese to the community. He also hosted community meetings with city officials and local clergy. Psalm 23 was his favorite bible passage. He definitely paved the way for generations to come to know how to reach out to the community and meet a need. His mantra “Never look down on someone unless you’re looking down to lift them up!