Our History
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The
church is not a building, the church is the people. But the building in
which people worship also has a history so we'd like to begin with the
history of our buildings. From a prayer meeting held at the home of
William Griffith in the year 1912 the present Oakland UMC came into
being. A little wooden frame building 30X40 feet, complete with steeple
and bell was built by the men of the church for a cost of $1,100. In
1954 ground was broken for a new church building. This truly was a
community project as the members, along with their neighbors, built our
current sanctuary and fellowship hall starting with only $700 cash.
Since then many physical improvements have been made with again much of
the work being done by members of the church. The Educational Wing was
constructed and dedicated in 1972. In 1986 the front of the building
received a new entrance, narthex and balcony. Skateland Motors was
purchased and then torn down to provide additional parking space. In
1995 the mortgage was paid off. Multiple projects were completed in
1997-1998: new sanctuary roof, air-conditioning to the sanctuary,
remodeling of the parlor and kitchen and asphalting of the lower lot.
In 1999 the front of the sanctuary was remodeled and a new sound system
and multimedia system were installed. In 2001 the Grand Slam building,
behind the church building, was purchased and remodeled over the next
two years. On April 17, 2003 the building was dedicated with the vision
of serving our community as a youth and community center. However, nine
days later, heartache set in as fire totally destroyed the building! |
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 All
of the details are just details unless we look at them in the light of
the people who make those details come to life. Throughout all these
events there have always been men and women who have served their church
well through the care of the building, but also through a desire to seek
God and to grow spiritually. Over the years the Word has been preached
and many people have come to a saving relationship with our Lord. In
1998, Oakland became a Purpose Driven Church as a way of focusing on the
five purposes God outlines in the Scriptures and how the lead people to
spiritual growth and maturity and therefore a closer relationship with
God. Over our years of history, there have been many tears cried, tears
of sadness, but also tears of joy. However, God promises to walk with
us through all those times, if we will let Him, and the people of
Oakland UMC have persevered. We believe that the future is pregnant
with god's possibilities and the God wants to birth many miracles in our
town. Our mission continues to be "Making passionate and
compassionate followers of Jesus Christ."
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OUMC 100th Anniversary
Beginning in 1987, with the big
celebration of OUMC's 75th Anniversary, there has been a special event
planned every 5 years. The year 2012 is not far off. It will
mark the 100th Anniversary of Oakland United Methodist Church.
That will be a special event to look forward to! Anyone who may
still have photographs of church events and old directories that would
be of interest, is asked to please contact Jane Naylor with a note left
in the office. For additional information, please contact the
church office at 269-3678 or email
oumc@atlanticbb.net. |
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