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The following historical outline has been the tireless result of many historians of the past, Church Clerks, Associational Clerks. Teachers and writers of history, even those who collect libraries or old writings and historical events. Many important events will be left out of this account, because complete information can not be obtained. As you read, please feel free to correct any misspelled names, or add to this effort additional information, if you have it. May I be allowed to add a word of apprection for the courtesy or Crockett's Creek, Nevilles Creek and Model Baptist Church Memberships for having this history printed.

Rev. A.R. Nelson, Jr. Stewart County Baptist Associational Missionary

The Stewart Co. TN Genealogy site is indebted to Chuck Allen, his father Charles L. Allen, and Brother William Gray of the Stewart County Baptist Association for making this material available to researchers of our site. Full copyright belongs to the Stewart County TN Baptist Association and this material may not be reproduced or used at any other site or reprinted in any other format without the express written permission of that entity.

In order to move more quickly to items of interest in the below document, you may choose to use these links, however, many surnames exist within the document that are not bookmarked!

Oak Grove Baptist Church

In the year 1934-1939 the community of Oak Grove had a major problem, illegal liquor making. With this in mind the Christians began planning for preaching services in the area Sunday School and Prayer Meeting were held in the home of Rev. J.T. Wiggins for several months. In 1939, Rev. Winford E. Hicks was asked to hold a revival service, and during the meeting discussion was held about having a church built in this community.

Several men such as Tom Bailey, who helped cut timber, and Smith Brandon who was not a member of the church, who helped haul the stone, along with Neal Allen. Men like Auburn Sills, Harmon Wallace, George Wallace, Edmond Barrow, Joel Pettit, and Rev. J.T. Wiggins, who gave the property, and many others aided in this project. Rev. Grover Cleveland was called as the first pastor of the church. He served in 1939-1940.

Church Pastors

As a result of the Between the Lakes Park the church property was taken by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the disbanding date was set for May 29, 1966. The church furniture was divided among the sister churches. The piano was given to New Haven Mission. The church building was given to Walnut Grove Baptist Church. The Oak Grove Baptist Church met at 11:00 a.m. on May 29, 1966 for the purpose of Disbanding and a Memorial Service because the In Between the Lakes Park was established by the TVA.

The service was opened by song led by A.R. Nelson, Jr. the Missionary, followed by the Devional by the Pastor, Max E. Bailey. Another song with a Historical Outline of the Oak Grove Baptist Church read by Rev. Luther Compton, both pastors of the past, with a short history given by Rev. Vernon Bailey, a member in the past, followed by Brother Joel Pettit, the first Sunday School Superintendant at Oak Grove. Rev. A.R. Nelson, Jr. brought statistical report on the church in its work for the last 27 years. Special music - a duet accompanied by Mrs. Max Bailey at the piano. Dr. Henry Huey, Executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation of Nashville brought the Message. Following the message the Pastor, Rev. Max Bailey called the church onto a business conference. All business being new, the church presented the records to the custody of the Missionary and the Tennessee Baptist Historical Commission. Then the Church presented the check through Bro. Brown Crutcher the treasurer, to Rev. Henry Huey, for a Memorial Fund. Bro. Joel Pettit, chairman of the deacons were called upon for the benediction. Adjournment for the noon meal. Bro. Max Bailey led in prayer. The afternoon session began with singing, and special numbers. Rev. Luther Compton brought the message, followed by a message of thanks from the Associational Missionary, Rev. A.R. Nelson, Jr. The Church was called into a brief business session to determine the placement of the piano, church furniture, building, and extra funds in the treasury. The draperies were given to Mrs. Brown Crutcher. Benediction was given by the pastor, Rev. Max Bailey.

In the 27 years of existance the church baptized 59 converts and contributed to all phazes of the church work the amount of $10,944.87. Through the Association Missions was given $59.55 and through the Cooperative Program $455.45, and through direct missions $352.32.

The clerks of the church have been:

• Lester Garland
• James Bailey
• J.B. Crutcher
• Mrs. Auburn Sills
• Idell Atkins
• Dillian Faulks
• Mrs. Glyn Milton
• Linda Jackson
• Frank Ray
• Letha Graham

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The Sunday School Superintendants have been:

• Joel Pettit
• Mrs. Auburn Sills
• Joe Bailey
• Mary E. Barrow

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The Associational Messengers have been:

• Joel Pettit
• Noel Bailey
• Haron Wallace
• Mrs. J.B. Crutcher

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The Obituary List:

• 1957- J.T. Wiggins
• 1963- W.E. Hicks
• 1965- Edmond Barrow, Mrs. Joel Pettit, Mrs. T.J. Wiggins

TRUST AGREEMENT

Whereas, because of the formation of a Between the Lakes Park, it was necessary for the members of Oak Grove Baptist Church, located in the Between the Lakes Park, Stewart County, Tennessee, to sell the church property and vite to disband said church; and Whereas, said church, by official action recorded on its minutes, has also instructed the Trustees of said church to transfer and deliver the proceeds from the sale of the church property to Tennessee Baptist Foundation, Nashville, Tennessee, in trust for the purposes hereinafter set out; Now, therefore pursuant to official action of the church, this Trust Agreement is made and entered into by and between Joel Pettit, Brown Crutcher, and Shirley Thompson, Trustees of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Stewart County, Tennessee, hereinafter called the "Church" and Tennessee Baptist Foundation, a corporation, Nashville, Tennessee, hereinafter called the "Trustee".

WITNESSETH: That The Church has transferred and delivered to the Trustee the purchase price of $5,743.40 cash, to be held intrust and handled as follows: 1. Said trust is to be known as the "Oak Grove Baptist Church Memorial Trust." 2. The Trustee is authorized, empowered, and directed to manage and control said trust fund, and any additions thereto, and to invest , reinvest, and keep invested, said funds in good and safe investments so that the fund may bring the best possible income, with full power and authority in said Trustee to do any, and everything requisite, necessary or advisable for the efficient discharge of its duties hereunder. In making investments from time to time, the Trustee is given as full and unlimited power and discretion as if said trust were its own absolute estate, not limiting the Trustee to such investments as Trustees are by law authorized or required to make, but giving it full power may deem desirable. 3. 50% of net income from said Trust shall be paid annually by the Trustee to the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention for the use and benefit of the Cooperative Program of Tennessee Baptist; 25% to be paid to the Stewart County Baptist Association for mission work in that area; and 25% to be paid to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes.

The Trustee shall make an annual report to the Stewart County Baptist Association of the existence of said Trust and income paid for the above mentioned causes.

Signed and witnessed by the parties this 7th day of April, 1965. Oak Grove Baptist Church: Braun Crutcher; Joel Pettit; Shirley Thompson, Trustees. Tennessee Baptist Foundation, Inc. By: Dr. Henry Huey. Witnesses: Mrs. Joel Pettit; Mrs. Zippora Crutcher; Cathey Futrell. Witness: Rev. A.R. Nelson, Jr.

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