|
Our History The history of White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church began in 1892, when four faithful believers gathered in their homes for prayer services. Those early pioneers were Rev. Joe H. Davis, Mr. William Echols, Miss Jane Echols, and Miss Bertha Echols, who were officers and members of the White Oak Mountain Sunday School.
As the congregation began to take shape, several names were considered for the newly organized church. It is believed that Miss Bertha Echols suggested the name White Oak Grove Baptist Church, and the group agreed.
Land was later purchased from Miss Sallie Hutcherson, and the first church building was constructed. Rev. I.H. Fountain assisted with organizing the church and renamed it White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He became the church's first pastor and faithfully served for 29 years, until his death.
As the congregation continued to grow, a second church was built on the left side of the original structure. Both buildings were constructed of wood. The first worship service in the new frame building was held on the second Sunday in May 1902. On June 13, 1925, five dollars was paid to record the deed of the church.
In 1936, under the leadership of Pastor W.L. Heard, the church's name was changed to First Baptist Church of Dry Fork, Virginia. During his pastorate, the church purchased its first pews. After Pastor Heard's service ended, the congregation returned to its previous and cherished name, White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Throughout its history, four church buildings have been constructed. From a humble beginning of four faithful believers gathering for prayer, White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church has continued to grow in faith, fellowship, and service.
Today, the church supports eight missionaries and is blessed with 26 ministries dedicated to serving God and His people. Through the years, many souls have been saved, lives have been changed, and many have rededicated their lives to the Lord.
We give God all the glory for how far He has brought White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. His grace and faithfulness have sustained this church from generation to generation, and we remain thankful for the foundation laid by those who came before us.
To God be the glory for the great things He has done, and for the great things He continues to do!
Pastor's through the years are follows: Pastor I.H. Fountain - 1902 Pastor George W. Stephens Pastor Joe H. Davis, Assistant Pastor Pastor K.S. Coles - July 10, 1926 - August 13, 1927 Pastor J.C. Barnes - January 8, 1928 - August 1934 Pastor W.L. Heard - 1935 - 1939 Pastor R.H. Miller, Assistant Pastor - 1942 - 1968 Pastor E.L. McLaughlin - April 13, 1940 - February 10, 1967 Pastor James McLaughlin - June 29, 1967 - January 1968 Pastor Haywood Hodge - March 7, 1969 - December 28, 1973 Pastor Ollie Wilson - July 6, 1975 - April 1982 Pastor Edward L. Pope - January 1983 - July 2022 Pastor Donald W. Hamlette - December 31, 2025 - Present
|
White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Dry Fork, VA
Dry Fork, VA
|
|
Copyright © 2026 White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.