The land site for Oak Ridge Baptist Church, consisting of two acres, was
donated by M.H.
Wooten and wife, Nancy J. Wooten. The deed made to the church and its trustees
was dated April 26, 1895. Indications are that soon after this date a building
was constructed which stood west of the present building.
On February 15, 1896, at Cross Roads Baptist Church, a petition for the
organization of a church at Oak Ridge was presented. Upon motion a committee was
named as an arm to set apart and organize said church. Upon request Cross Roads
granted letters of recommendation to about thirty-five members who desired to
become members of Oak Ridge.
Two weeks later, on February 29, 1896, this committee, composed of Isaac
Cranfill, F.M. Danner, J.W.D. Baity, F.M. Hendricks, Nathan C. Cranfill, and
J.V. Howell met with a group at Oak Ridge. George W. Baity acted as moderator
and I.J. Cranfill as clerk. All of these were from Cross Roads (now Courtney)
Baptist Church. Reverend S.S. May and Joel Reavis were added to the arm for the
purpose of organizing the church. Reverend S.S. May read the sixteenth chapter
of Acts and preached from a portion of this scripture. Upon motion the clerk
read the names of all who requested letter of recommendation from the mother
church. William A. Brandon and N.H. Comer were recognized as deacons coming from
Cross Roads. William A. Brandon (Fish Brandon's father) died on March 23, 1896
and was the first person buried in the cemetery. The body was recognized as a
properly constituted church and Reverend W.A. Myers was elected the first
pastor, and Charlie M. Reavis, clerk.
The first revival was held in August, 1897 and was called the "Big Meeting."
Since that time revivals have been held twice a year.
In 1917 Oak Ridge was received into the Yadkin Association. It has sent
delegates since July, 1896.
On January 2, 1929, the church voted to build a new house of worship. As a
result, the
present building with four Sunday School rooms in back, minus the east and west
wings, was completed in August of the same year. The building was dedicated on
May 29, 1932.
In 1947 the church was designated as South Oak Ridge Baptist Church. From
the time of organization until 1947, the church held regularly what was known as
"Saturday Meetings." Fourteen rules of decorum were adopted, and business
meetings have held on Sunday since 1947.
In the early 1950's Bynum and Ila Reavis provided funds for graded driveways
and adding gravel on the drive around the church. Later the church added
blacktop.
In 1954 Sunday School enrollment increased and the need arose for more
space. The east wing was constructed and consisted of four Sunday School rooms,
two halls, a stairway, two restrooms, a punched well on the grounds, and water
in the building. The following year the church was debt free. The first Sunday
in November 1955 the new addition was dedicated.
In 1958 construction was begun on the west wing and was dedicated in August
5, 1962. Among the many features added to the church during this construction
was a fellowship hall, a kitchen, the brick veneering of the sanctuary, new art
glass windows, the baptistery, choir space, and new pulpit area. Flossie Reavis
donated the windows, Troy Reavis donated the baptistery, and Tuttle Reavis
bequeathed a donation to the church.
In 1961, a library was established. The church voted on a plan of rotation
for deacons.
In 1972 the picnic shelter and barbeque fireplace was built.
In 1977 an acre of land was donated by the Z.H. Reavis family and an eight
room pastorium was begun. On November 7, 1977 dedication services were held for
this beautiful church home.
In 1987 the new Fellowship Building was constructed. This building
includes additional Sunday School rooms This new building was built over the
picnic/barbeque area.
In April of 1995 renovation of the sanctuary was started with special work
including: new carpet, pew cushions, choir chairs, light fixtures, sound
systems, finishing all woodwork, new doors and handles, and refurbishing and
painting the unique tin-work on walls and ceilings. The dedication of this new
sanctuary was held Sunday, June 4, 1995.

In June of 1984 an initial Bible study was held in a member couples home,
During the summer months, a former welding shop became available as a meeting
facility, a backyard Bible club was held, and a continuing mission Bible study
was established, The mission was name The Bread of Life Chapel.
In October of 1984, South Oak Ridge Baptist Church, along with the Yadkin
Baptist Association, voted to continue sponsoring and supporting the newly
formed group as a full time mission with Phil Kitchen continuing as the mission
pastor on a part time basis.
Attendance and member ship grew over the next two years. The Bread of Life
Chapel was constituted as a church on April 20, 1986. South Oak Ride is the
mother church to this neighboring new church which is now self-supporting and
growing.
The 100+ years of life of South Oak Ridge Baptist Church has been very
fruitful. The church is a member of the Yadkin Baptist Association, North
Carolina Baptist State Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
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"Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our
God is holy."
Psalm 99:9
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