Ox Hill Baptist Church

In 1958, a small group from Herndon’s First Baptist Church embarked on a mission. They held a Vacation Bible School in Chantilly. This simple act sparked something extraordinary. It led to the birth of Ox Hill Baptist Church. Ox Hill Baptist Church held its first service in the Chantilly Fire House on October 5, 1958. Soon after, the small congregation purchased a house in the Ox Hill subdivision. This house became their meeting place. In 1960, they called their first pastor, Reverend Grady Nowell. Growth continued under Reverend Thomas Anderson, who arrived in 1964. A pivotal moment came on September 23, 1967. Ox Hill Baptist Church officially became a church with 77 charter members. Dr. Walter Farrar became pastor in December 1958. He guided the church through significant growth and change throughout the 1970s. A new church building was dedicated on June 20, 1971, after land was donated and the cornerstone laid in 1970. A testament to their community spirit, the church ran a Mother’s Day Out program for an impressive 45 years, starting in 1978 and closing only recently in the summer of 2023. Dr. Wallace Hale led Ox Hill Baptist Church in the early 1980s. He focused on international ministry and oversaw the purchase of additional land. Following Dr. Hale’s retirement, Dr. L. Dean Majette became pastor. His 33-year tenure was a period of expansion. The church budget grew, staff increased, and the facilities expanded. The 1990s were a time of particular flourishing, with two Sunday morning services running for over 20 years. Children’s and youth ministries thrived, with activities and trips around the world. Ox Hill Baptist Church continued to adapt to its community’s needs. English classes began in the early 2000s to welcome the growing international community. These classes continue today, with about 80 participants weekly. Reverend Paul Brill, initially the Minister of Youth and Music, became Associate Pastor of Music and Worship. He served for 34 years, retiring in February 2024. The music ministry flourished under his guidance, featuring multiple choirs and the introduction of handbells. The annual Christmas Cantata became a highlight, attracting over 500 attendees. In 2010, Ox Hill Baptist Church welcomed a Spanish-speaking congregation, Iglesia Rio Poderoso, led by Reverend Wilson Maca. Dr. Majette’s leadership provided stability and opportunity for the church, but the 2010s brought challenges with declining membership and transitions, exacerbated by the pandemic. Today, Ox Hill Baptist Church thrives under the leadership of Reverend Bradley Boberg, called in 2019. The church has renewed its focus on spiritual disciplines and community outreach. Facility and infrastructure updates, along with a revised organizational structure, bylaws, and a new strategic plan, point to a bright future for this vibrant community of faith.