Pastor Steven N. Dial Sr. of Rainbow Park Baptist Church picked up the Barbara Loar Community Award on May 26 for his efforts to promote literacy.

Dial was recognized for his commitment toward helping to make DeKalb 100 percent literate at the fifth annual DeKalb Council on Literacy Awards Banquet.

The council joined with the Technical College of Georgia and the State Adult Education Division in honoring Dial.

Since the church launched its GED program about three years ago, more than 600 students have received assistance and/or scholarships. Its Literacy Ministry also offers test preparation, adult basic reading, tutoring, job readiness, mentorship and spiritual guidance. GED and tutoring classes were an instant hit when they began in fall 2008.

Dial became the first African-American pastor at the 137-year-old Decatur church when he was installed in October 2007.  

Rainbow Park is at 2941 Columbia Drive. For more information, visit www.rainbowparkbaptist.org or call 404-288-1910.