Drawn together by a shared vision. That’s how Oxon Hill Baptist Church started. It began in the summer of 1958. A small group from First Baptist Church of Herndon Virginia wanted to start a mission Vacation Bible School in Chantilly. The mission was so successful that it led to a church.
Oxon Hill Baptist Church held its first worship service on October 5 1958. The service took place in the Chantilly Fire House. The church purchased a house in the Ox Hill subdivision of Chantilly less than a year later. This became their regular meeting place. Reverend Grady Nowell became the church’s first pastor in 1960.
Reverend Thomas Anderson was called in 1964 as the mission church grew. Ox Hill Baptist Church was officially constituted on September 23 1967. There were 77 charter members. Dr Walter Farrar began serving as pastor in December 1958. During the 70s Dr Farrar provided long-term leadership. He oversaw remarkable growth. Land was donated and a cornerstone laid in 1970. A new church home was constructed. It was dedicated on June 20 1971.
The church flourished with many good works under Dr Farrar. A Mother’s Day Out program opened in 1978. It operated for 45 years closing in the summer of 2023.
Dr Wallace Hale served as pastor in the early 1980s. The church purchased more land under his leadership. They started to focus on international ministry.
After Dr Hale’s retirement Dr L Dean Majette was called. He served faithfully for 33 years. The church’s reach expanded in multiple ways under Dr Majette. The budget increased and more staff were hired. The facility expanded. The church saw tremendous growth during the 1990s. They began two Sunday morning worship services. These services ran for over 20 years. The church also had thriving children’s and youth ministries. Kids participated in weekly activities and yearly trips around the world.
English classes started in the early 2000s. More members of the international community moved into the area. These classes continue today with around 80 participants each week.
Reverend Paul Brill was hired. He served as the Minister of Youth and Music. Later he became the Associate Pastor of Music and Worship. He retired in February 2024 after 34 years of service. The music ministry grew quickly. Multiple choirs of all ages participated weekly. Handbells became a vital part of the music ministry. The annual Christmas Cantata was a highlight. It often had over 500 attendees between two services.
Another milestone was the beginning of a Spanish-speaking church. This was Iglesia Rio Poderoso in 2010. Reverend Wilson Maca still serves as its pastor. Dr Majette’s tenure at OHBC provided steady leadership. It allowed the church to use its resources and gifts. The church struggled in the 2010s with declining membership and transitions. This culminated in the difficult pandemic years.
Today Oxon Hill Baptist Church looks to thrive. Reverend Bradley Boberg was called in 2019 and is the current pastor. The church has worked to update its facilities and infrastructure. It has also expanded its ministry to the local community and beyond. An emphasis has been placed on spiritual disciplines. This has changed their approach to Sunday School and discipleship. The church also changed its organizational structure. It updated its bylaws. They put forth a strategic plan that looks towards a brighter future. Oxon Hill Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of faith and community service. Its rich history guides its path forward.