Imagine fifty-three years ago a small group dreamed of a Southern Baptist Church. That dream became Oak Hill Baptist Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community.
In January 1960, this vision began in Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes’ home. Area missionary C.E. Wiley organized the meeting. Dr. E.H. Moore inspired them.
In June, the Missions Committee of Keck Avenue Baptist Church expressed interest. They sponsored the new work. On July 10, 1960, Oakhill Chapel formed. Twenty-five people attended.
Rev. Paul Bowles became the mission’s first pastor in September 1960. Keck Avenue helped purchase their first property. Worship began there in August 1961.
Rev. William Weedman served as interim pastor for five months. Then, in March 1963, Rev. William Tucker became the second pastor. Under his leadership, the mission acquired more land. It was at the corner of Oak Hill and Bergdolt Roads.
October 6, 1963, marked a significant day. Oakhill Chapel became Oakhill Baptist Church. Sixty-eight members celebrated. They broke ground for a new building in September. Rev. William Carter became pastor in August 1964. The new facilities were dedicated in April 1965.
Rev. Joe Hasson, Rev. Roy Jones, and Rev. Irvin Parrett followed as pastors. In March 1985, Rev. Glen Flowers arrived. Under his guidance, the church grew.
Oakhill Baptist Church embarked on a “Together We Build” program. This expanded educational facilities. Existing spaces were remodeled. The construction finished in January 1988.
For ten years, the church supported missions. This included local and global efforts. In 1997, they decided to build again. In 1998, a second educational space was completed. Church members provided cash and labor.
In 2000, the church enhanced its ministry to children. They started a weekday childcare program. OHBC Childcare began in April 2000. It continues to serve over 100 children daily. The focus is a Christ-centered environment.
After 21 years, Rev. Glen Flowers retired. Rev. Alan Scott became pastor in May 2006.
Another building was needed. A multipurpose space was begun in early 2008. It was dedicated in October 2008. It allowed for expanded worship and new ministries. Upwards sports ministry was one of the new programs.
Between 2006 and 2014, worship attendance more than doubled. They donated over $100,000 to missions each year. The church sent mission teams to various locations. They also added staff members.
Pastor Alan developed a vision for local outreach. The Life Change Central Ministry was formed. It focused on the Oakhill Food pantry. In August 2010, Oakhill partnered with Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. They became Oakhill Baptist Church: Trinity Campus. A new food pantry building was completed in March 2011. The OHBC Food pantry served over 2000 people in 2012 alone.
Martha Russell said, “God has truly blessed Oakhill Baptist Church.” She reflected on the fifty years since the initial meeting. Pastor Alan added, “God has even greater things for us to do!”