Church History

Enjoy Our Rich History!

In 1897 a group of five people, A. L. Fulp and wife Ada, Hampton Brooks and his wife Celia Ann, and Richard Kelly wished to become members of a Missionary Baptist Church. A. L. Fulp sought the advice and counsel of the Reverend George Holland, who was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Reverend Holland was also desirous of establishing a Missionary Baptist Church in the Walkertown Community.

The following year 1898, Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church was established...

A vision became a reality. Brother Hampton Brooks served as deacon and chairman of the board. Brother A. L. Fulp served as secretary of the board, Brother Brooks, Fulp and Kelly served as the Trustee Board, of which Brother Kelly served as chairman. 

All worship services and business meetings were held in the Methodist church under the guidance of Reverend Holland. In the meantime plans for constructing a church home were discussed. Finally, A. L. Fulp wanting to see a definite move, purchased half an acre of land from Mr Parnell. The land was deeded to the church and used as a building site. Mr. Fulp, along with th other four founders began soliciting funds for the building of the church, they succeeded in raising $48.00 by soliciting funds.

The first building was framed and enclosed and made suitable for use. The first worship service was held in the unfinished building on January 12, 1900. A vision became a reality. The church was named Oak Grove because it was built in the middle of a grove of Oak Trees.

The following men served as Pastor of Oak Grove down through the years: Reverend Abe Fulp was the first pastor, followed by Reverend R. T. Gore and Reverend J. W. Jones, Reverend Pinkney Joyce, Reverend W. T. Johnson and Reverend W. M. Neal. During Reverend W. M. Neal's leadership, the old building was replaced with a new one. Reverend Neal and Reverend A. Lewis, Reverend Buie and Reverend F.S. Smith completed the church in 1943. The church was destroyed by fire in August of 1954. Reverend J. A. Dudley was the next pastor followed by Reverend  Nathaniel Young. Reverend I. L. Anthony was chosen in June 1965 and served for 46 years. The church was again destroyed by fire in 1981. The church was rebuilt in 3 months time. The first service held in the new blue church was held on the 2nd Sunday in November 1981.

Pastor Anthony had a vision to build a new church that would meet the needs of our congregation and the future children that would grow up here. On Sunday June 8, 2003, led by our pastor, the late Reverend Ira Lee Anthony, we marched info our new church facilities. A vision became a reality. Reverend Anthony's wife of many years, Mrs. Willie Mae Dalton Anthony passed away during the building of the church. Her passing left a hole in his heart that could never be filled. On Sunday, August 11, 2011 Pastor Anthony went home to be with the Lord.

Pastor Anthony licensed and ordained over 9 ministers, as well as, the only female minister of Oak Grove, Evangelist Toni Lowe.

The burning of our church mortgage was held on our 119th  Church Anniversary, on the 2nd Sunday in November 2017.

Our new pastor, Reverend Graylin Carson was installed Sunday, January 14, 2018.

For over 121 years, Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church has stood as a testimony that, "A Vision Can Become A Reality"! To God Be The Glory For The Things He Hath Done!

Reverend Graylin Carlton, Pastor


 

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