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About Us
Oak Grove Baptist Church Promiseland Ministries
1865 - 1998
In 1865, a group of Baptist preachers -- the Reverend Lovely Brown, Sr. the Reverend Annias Buck, and the Reverend Blake Snow -- organized what became the Oak Grove Baptist Church of Littleton, North Carolina. The church was sited on what is referred to as "Mill Road" near US Hwy 158. The Reverend Lovely Brown, Sr. was the first pastor, and a small group of baptize believers began worship services under a bush arbor.
The second pastor was the Reverend J. Mays. The group desired a better place in which to worship. As a result, the present site, with frontage on US Hwy 158, was donated by Mr. Frank Bobbitt. Through sacrifices, the members of Oak Grove were able to build a small frame building in which they worshipped for several years. Under the Rev. Mays' leadership, the people were inspired to organize the Reedy Creek Association in 1883.
In 1907, the Reverend George G. Edmonds of Weldon, North Carolina was called as the third pastor. He served the church twenty-eight year.
After a brief period of interim ministers, the deacons extended a call to the Reverend Peter C. Davis. The Reverend Davis accepted and served two years as the fourth pastor.
In 1937, the Reverend J. E. Cherry of Littleton was called as the fifth pastor. As the years of Reverend Cherry's administration advanced, his health began to fail He resigned after twenty-five years of service.
The Reverend J. W. Wiley of Rocky Mount was called in October, 1960. On April 2, 1966, a fire completely destroyed the church and all of its furnishings. Under Reverend Wiley's leadership our present home was built after a devastating fire that burnt the existing church down that was facing the cemetery along side of what is known as the Oak Grove church Road. Our first regular service in the new building that is now facing US Hwy 158 was held on September 3, 1967.
In October 1968, our hearts were saddened by the death of Reverend Wiley. Once again, the church continued for several months though the service of visiting ministers until the Reverend Eugene Fields of Gatesville, North Caroling was called in August, 1969 . He was a man of great dedication and served until December, 1970.
A seasoned, conscientious and enthusiastic Reverend S. G. Dunston was called in April, 1972. He lead Oak grove until his death in April, 1975 after three years of service.
In December 1975, The Reverend Charles E. McCollum, Sr. of Burlington, North Carolina accepted the pastorate of our congregation. Under his inspiring leadership and steadfast guidance, the church has continued to edify Christ.
In 1981, the first parsonage was built. The land for the parsonage was donated by Deacon James & Sister Pearlean Powell. We dedicated our new multi-purpose center on August, 1992. Brother Arthur Rainey was the contractor for this wonder facility. The center was later named the C. E. McCollum, Sr. Fellowship Hall.
The "Rays of Hope" radio ministry, the Divine Unity League youth ministry, the In-Betweens orientation ministry, Oak Grove Child Development Center, and The Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute/Tri-County Unity Center have all been organized under Dr. McCollum's Leadership.
In December 1975, Rev. Charles E. McCollum, Sr. of Burlington, NC became the ninth pastor. Under his inspiring leadership and steadfast guidance, the church has continued to edify Christ.
In the year 1981, the first church parsonage was built. The land for the parsonage was donated by Deacon James Powell and his wife Deaconess Perleen Powell. On August 1, 1992 our current multipurpose building was dedicated and years later named the “C. E. McCollum Fellowship Hall.” Bro. Arthur Rainey was the contractor for this God-given facility. In the year of 1996 the asphalt surfacing of the parking lot was completed and a few years later a covered drive through for loading and unloading were annexed to our Fellowship Hall. During this time Dr.. McCollum also organized a television and radio outreach Ministry. The "Rays of Hope" radio ministry, the Divine Unity League youth ministry, the In-Betweens orientation ministry, Oak Grove Child Development Center, and The Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute/Tri-County Unity Center have all been organized under Dr. McCollum's Leadership.
Under Dr. McCollum’s leadership several new ministries were organized including the Greeters, Church Orientation, Hospitality, Armor Bearers, Security, Media, Floral & Bereavement, Children’s Church, Bible Babies and Praise Dance. As part of his outreach ministry, on January 2002 the first MLK Holiday Program was held, in 2004 the first MLK Day Parade was held on Main Street in Littleton and has become an annual event. The Hospitality Ministry’s Annual “Thanksgiving Day Dinners” are delivered to the elderly, sick & shut-in and families in need. Rev. McCollum was the first pastor in the community to have praise dance during Sunday worship services. The Leadership Council consisting of representation from each ministry has been implemented under his administration. The PromiseLand Sanctuary, “the vision” of this man of God and was completed in August 2005 and includes a bookstore and gift shop. To beautify the grounds, the parking lot in the rear was paved and landscaping was updated. “To God We Give the Glory!”