4850 Kingston Hwy, Lenoir City, TN 37771, (865) 986-2594

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Church History

What a name...

We are often asked, why the name "Oral"? The short answer is that the church is named for the surrounding community. The origin of the community name, however, is less clear. We do know that the name has been in use for much longer than we in the Oral Community can remember.

U.S. Postal records show that sometime in March of 1880, the postmaster of nearby Eatons Crossroads proposed locating a secondary post office in our community. He originally chose the name "Brook" for the new office. Other Postal officials, however, thought there were already too many post offices by that same name. When the local citizens were asked to select an alternate name they chose "Oral." No one seems to know the inspiration for that choice. The Oral Post Office operated until sometime in 1892. An Oral Grade School was subsequently established nearby in 1912.

Beginnings

Our church grew out of prayer meetings held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Harvey during the spring and summer of 1931. It was during the Depression, and cash was in short supply. But, the group had a sincere desire to have a Baptist church in the area. After much prayer and planning, a log church building was started on land donated by the Harvey family. People gave what they had - some logs, some only labor.

On September 6, 1931, Oral Baptist Church was constituted with a grand total of about 13 members. A pastor was called and two weeks later the first revival was held. During that three week event, the church more than doubled in size when 20 additional people joined. The next year, Oral joined the Providence Association which is now known as the Loudon County Baptist Association.

Additions were made to the log building over several years and it served the church well until 1963 when the present sanctuary was built. Not only were additions made to the buildings at Oral, but more importantly, many souls were added to the Lord's Kingdom. Since Rev. Charlie Helton served first in 1931, a total of 19 pastors have ministered at Oral Baptist, each leading and contributing to God's work in his own unique way.

(Thanks to Helen White, who has now gone to be with the Lord, for providing most of this information.)

 

 

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