Deacon Frank Murray, Sr. donated land for the sanctuary.
Our History
Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Rooted in faith. Strengthened through generations of worship, leadership, service, and community.
For more than a century, Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church has stood as a witness of faith, perseverance, and Christian service. The church's recorded history reaches back to 1886, when Deacon Frank Murray, Sr. donated land for the sanctuary. In 1887, the congregation was established as Central Oak Grove, having been formally known as Goodwill Baptist Church, and a church was built on the Old Baynard Tombs site along Highway 278.
Through changing times and generations, the congregation continued to grow. A new church was constructed near the present location in 1952; the edifice was modernized in 1964; and the current building was dedicated in 1986. Each milestone reflects the commitment of members who gave of their time, talents, resources, and faith to preserve a strong place of worship for generations to come.
Milestones in Our Journey
Key moments preserved in the church's historical record.
Central Oak Grove was established, formally known as Goodwill Baptist Church. A church was built on the Old Baynard Tombs site along Highway 278.
Another church was constructed near the present location.
The church edifice was modernized.
The current church building was dedicated.
The Gullah Ministry sponsored the first Gullah Camp in July, supporting Gullah Geechee cultural heritage revival and preservation.
The church celebrated its 132nd anniversary under the theme "A Purpose Driven Church…Blessed by God," with Acts 2:42-47 as the anniversary scripture.
A Legacy of Pastoral Leadership
Central Oak Grove has been blessed by pastors and interim ministers who guided the congregation through seasons of worship, growth, change, and ministry.
Reverend James H. FairPineland, South Carolina - served 25 years
Reverend C. B. ChaneyfieldRidgeland, South Carolina - 1933-1942
Reverend Peter J. ScottRidgeland, South Carolina - 1942-1970
Reverend Henry L. JonesRidgeland, South Carolina - 1970-1993
Reverend Al ChatmanInterim Pastor - 1993-1994
Reverend James R. Watkins, Sr.1994-1997
Interim Ministers1997-1998
Pastor Louis JohnsonBegan serving in 1998 and was pastor at the time of the August 2019 anniversary record
Faithful Service Across Generations
The history of Central Oak Grove is also the history of faithful members who served as deacons, deaconesses, church mothers, clerks, trustees, musicians, teachers, ministry leaders, and volunteers. Their service strengthened the spiritual and organizational life of the church and helped extend its ministry into the community.
Deacons remembered for faithful service throughout the years include Mike Bryan, Arthur Murray, Sr., Richard Chisolm, Frank Murray, Sr., Samuel Ferguson, Sr., George Washington, William Ferguson, Sr., Henry Wiley, Luke Graham, Julius Williams, John Holmes, Sr., and Perry Williams.
Women have also held important roles in the life of the church. The 2019 historical record recognizes church mothers, church clerks, deaconesses, ministry leaders, and other women whose service helped sustain worship, administration, care, fellowship, and Christian formation.
Ministry, Worship, and Cultural Heritage
By the church's 132nd anniversary in 2019, its ministry life reflected a broad commitment to worship, discipleship, fellowship, health, youth, culture, and communication.
Deacon & Deaconess Ministries
Trustee Ministry
Gospel Choir Ministry
Dance Ministry
Gullah Ministry
Media Ministry
Health Ministry
Christian Education Ministry
Hospitality Ministry
Pastor's Aid Ministry
Usher Ministry
Women's Ministry
Youth Ministry
Summer Reading Camp
Preserving Gullah Geechee Heritage
A particularly meaningful part of this ministry legacy is the church's Gullah Ministry. Under the historical record associated with Dr. Louise Miller Cohen, the ministry supported Gullah Geechee cultural heritage revival and preservation and sponsored the first Gullah Camp in July 2018.
Purpose Driven and Blessed by God
"A Purpose Driven Church…Blessed by God" - Acts 2:42-47
In August 2019, Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 132nd anniversary with this theme. It captured a central truth in the church's story: Central Oak Grove has endured and grown because generations of believers remained devoted to worship, fellowship, service, teaching, and the work God entrusted to the congregation.
Today, the church honors that heritage by remembering those who came before, serving faithfully in the present, and preparing the next generation to continue the work of ministry. Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church remains committed to being a Christ-centered community where faith is nurtured, people are served, and God is glorified.
Historical Leadership & Ministry Record
The following names are preserved from the church's August 2019 132nd Anniversary historical presentation.
View the 2019 Historical Leadership & Ministry Roster
Historical note: This is a dated 2019 roster and should not be read as a statement of current leadership.
Deacon Ministry
- Deacon Daniel Ferguson, Jr. - Chairman Emeritus
- Deacon David Murray - Deacon Ministry Chairman
- Deacon Michael Bell
- Deacon Irvin Campbell
- Deacon Richard Jenkins, Sr.
- Deacon Albert Mitchell (listed as deceased in the 2019 record)
- Deacon Jonathan Murray
- Deacon Herman Neal
- Deacon Jessie Williams
Deaconesses
- Sister Gail Bell
- Sister Carolyn Campbell
- Sister Renee Jenkins
- Sister Gwendolyn Murray
- Sister Diane Neal
- Sister Rose Williams
Women / Church Mothers / Clerks
- Sister Julia Ferguson - Church Mother
- Sister Sandra White-Jones - Church Clerk
- Sister Florrie Nicholson - Church Mother Emeritus
- Sister Sharon White - Church Clerk
- Mother Daisy Ferguson
- Sister Cynthia Sutton - Church Clerk
- Mother Lillie Varner
Trustees
- Brother Alex Brown - Chairperson
- Sister Lee Ola Jones
- Brother Gary Carter
- Sister Helen Knighton
- Brother William Dent
- Sister Cynthia Sutton
- Sister Stephanie Frasier
- Brother Richard Williams
- Brother Phil Gee
Gospel Choir Ministry
- Sister Gail Bell - Minister of Music
- Sister Vanessa Williams - Choir Director
- Sister Chydonna Chambers - Choir Director
- Sister Tracy Mitchell - President
- Jasmine Campbell - Drummer
- Jashawn Frazier - Drummer
- Harold White - Drummer
Dance Ministry
- Instructors: Vanessa Roberson-Williams and Chydonna Thurston
- Dancers: Jocelyn Harper, Sharvae Natravia, Chynna Jazmine, Amani Jahmaya, and Mhakayla Amaria
Gullah Ministry
- Dr. Louise Miller Cohen
- Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Revival and Preservation
- Sponsored the First Gullah Camp - July 2018
Media Ministry
- Sister Tashia Aiken
- Sister Ebony Perry
- Sister Jennifer Snider
- Brother Sherrod Thurston
- Brother DesJuan Clark
- Sister Gwen Taylor
Health Ministry
- Sister Carolyn Campbell
- Sister Linda Ferguson
- Sister Duchett Hylton
- Sister Diane Neal
Other Ministries
- Christian Education Ministry - Deacon Campbell
- Hospitality Ministry - Brother Richard Williams
- Pastor's Aid Ministry - Sister Stephanie Frasier
- Usher Ministry - Sister Denolis Polite
- Women's Ministry - Sister Duchett Hylton
- Youth Ministry - Sister Tosha Suggs and Sister Linda Ferguson
- Summer Reading Camp - Sister Linda Ferguson
Source: Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 132nd Church Anniversary presentation, August 2019, "A Purpose Driven Church…Blessed by God," Acts 2:42-47.