White Oak General Baptist Church celebrates 70th anniversary

Beginning as both a school and church, the building which housed the original church was located eight miles east of Marmaduke and was constructed in 1906. In those days, the seats were benches made of rough wood, with kerosene lamps and lanterns used to illuminate the interior.

White Oak General Baptist Church first formed in 1939 by Rev. A.F. Gould, its first pastor, and F.L. Thrasher, clerk. While there had been previous worship services at the site, this marked the organization of the church, as well when it joined the MOARK association. The group paid MOARK dues of 30 cents for its first year of membership.

The church remained in the original building for several years, with many repairs made to the structure during that time.

In 1953, after purchasing the land and building from the Shelton family for $1, the original building was torn down with construction beginning on the building still used today. With labor and materials coming from church members and volunteers, the new site was dedicated March 14, 1953.

Since then, other new additions, such as a kitchen and fellowship area, have been added.

Today, the small church continues its weekly services. Pastor David Floyd, who attended White Oak as a child, is happy to be a part of the rural church's history.

"I'm blessed because I was able to return to a church which has meant a lot to me," Floyd said. "I'm able to pastor with the same people that helped me when I was a toddler."

Floyd noted the importance of former White Oak pastors Rick White, Adell Foster and Sherel Jetton in strengthening his bond to the church.

"I guess that's where I learned the most," Floyd said. "They are the people who helped me realize I wanted to be a pastor."

The church holds morning and evening services at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each Sunday. Sunday school is held at 10 a.m.

Current staff and organizers for the church include: trustees Earl Parrish, Burl Rogers, Leroy Mills and Verlin Covert; Sunday school teacher Neil Stallings; Mary Jones, treasurer; Linda Parrish, secretary, and Becky Floyd, who plays the piano for services.

Part of what makes the community church so special is the closeness shared by its 30 members.

"Everyone helps out any time something comes up," pastor Floyd said. "All the ladies of the church pitch in and help keep it clean. It's a group effort all around."

While time has changed many things, Floyd said White Oak has remained constant in its original intent.

"It's still the same old church it's always been. Hopefully, it will stay that way for another 70 years or so."