Oak Grove Church
1875

Oak Grove Baptist Church
Ministers

Oak Grove Church
History

In the hearts and minds of its founders, Oak Grove Baptist Church began in the early 1870's. There is no official record of the exact date of its founding, however, records show that the first recorded business meeting was held on September 11, 1875, and at this meeting Rev. F. W. Claybrook was called as the first pastor.

During its first year, the church elected its first deacons and officially elected its first Trustees. They also began negotiations to purchase the old Methodist Church at Oak Grove, which they had been using as a meeting place. The building was finally acquired in 1878. In February of 1876, the church adopted a Constitution and By Laws. This Constitution was revised in 1957, and completely rewritten and adopted in May 1982. In 1877, the church sent its first delegates to the Rappahannock Baptist Association.

In the spring of 1917, the original house of worship was destroyed by fire. The church began at once to make plans to build a new house of worship. The construction of the present sanctuary began in 1918 and the building was completed a few years later, however, they began using it for worship before its completion. Electric lights were installed in the late 1920's to replace the old carbide lights that were installed at the time of construction.

Between 1952 and 1954, a new cement floor was poured and some Sunday School rooms were built in the basement, the front steps were replaced, and a Hammond organ was purchased. In 1957 additional Sunday School rooms were built in the basement and a hot air furnace was installed. During 1962-67, an air conditioning system was installed and aluminum siding was put on the building. In August 1972, the church built and dedicated a new addition, which included rest rooms, a nursery and a secretary's room.

In 1979, the church launched into a major building program. On September 9, 1979, a ground breaking service was held to begin the construction of a new education building of 7000 square feet, plus the renovation of the old sanctuary, and the installation of a baptistry. The work went well and on Homecoming Day, July 20, 1980, a dedication service was held to dedicate the new building of the Lord. The late Dr. Frank Voight, from the Virginia Baptist General Board, was the guest speaker for this occasion. In less than five years, the complete cost of the building was paid and a note burning service was held on December 2, 1984.

In the fall of 1986, new carpet and new pews were installed in the sanctuary. A dedication service for the pews was held on December 28, 1986. A much needed artesian well was drilled in February of 1987. In the spring of 1990, an elevator was installed to make the church more accessible to all.

In January 1991, Mr. Randolph Fogg and his wife Virginia, purchased and installed a steeple on the church. Mrs. Fogg also donated speakers which were installed in the steeple and connected to the sound system, which made it possible for chimes to be played through it. The steeple truly added to the beauty of Oak Grove Church, and the sound of the chimes are beautiful as one approaches the church on Sunday morning for worship. A dedication service was held for the elevator and steeple on March 10, 1991.

In 1990 Mrs. Lillian Pounds Dyer went home to be with the Lord. In her will she left her home and ten acres of land to the church. A pavilion and ball field were built on this property and in honor to her, it was named the "Dyer Recreation Center". The property is used throughout the year for picnics, kite flying, harvest parties, recreation and fellowship for all ages. It has been a great asset to the ministry of the church.

The King property next to the church came up for sale in 1992 and the church purchased the house and 3.221 acres of land. In 1984 a great improvement was added to the church with the paving of the parking lot.

Over the years Oak Grove Baptist has ordained five men to the gospel ministry. Rev. Lesley Cooke was ordained on November 27, 1894. Rev. Gordon George, Jr. was ordained in January of 1957. Both of these men were serving the church as pastor at the time of their ordination. On June 23, 1991, Les Greeley, the first person on record to enter the ministry from within the church fellowship, was ordained. Bobby D. Green was called in February of 1992 to serve as Minister of Youth, and he was ordained on July 26, 1991. In October of 1997, Steve R. Tillman was called as the first full-time Minister of Youth and he was ordained on July 5, 1998.

During the one hundred twenty-three years of Oak Grove's history, the church has grown from a small struggling bond of believers to become a large, active fellowship of faith. The Lord has been good and He has blessed abundantly, and He deserves all the praise, honor and glory. Let us not be content with the achievements of the past, but let us join our hearts and hands together, and in faithful service to our Lord, reach out and continue to make an impact upon this community and this world for Jesus.

Oak Grove Baptist Church
Westmoreland Virginia