The congregation of Oak Grove Church of God invites the public to come and worship with them Sunday, Sept. 15, as they celebrate a century of service to God.
Pastor Danny Miller says, “The public is always invited to attend our services, but we want to offer this special invitation to our families, friends and neighbors.”
Miller says, “The church is going to have a good, old-fashioned homecoming to celebrate the heritage of our history, and make more memories as we continue until Jesus comes.”
The special services on Sunday will begin at the usual time; however, rather than Sunday School the program will include songs, testimonies and stories, said Miller.
A pot luck lunch and fellowship on the grounds will follow the Sunday morning service.
The church’s written history and articles written by Grace Skipper (published in The Prospect-News) were valuable in helping planners understand the time line.
The Murray family moved to the Oak Grove Community in 1900 and were among the first parishioners.
Although historians appear to be uncertain as to why the community came to be called Oak Grove, in time worship services were held at the Oak Grove School house.
The original 24-foot x 36-foot Oak Grove Church structure was built on donated land in 1924.
According to local folklore, the community referred to it as the “Sway Back Church,” so called because the roof sunk in and the walls bulged out.
However, three of the Murray sons helped repair the structure.
The church, which today inhabits a handsome brick structure, is located on 21 North, near Doniphan.
Watch for a complete history of the Oak Grove Church of God in the upcoming Progress edition of The Prospect-News, which will be published in November.