OAK GROVE CHURCH CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

On October 14, 1883 Brethren dedicated the meeting house near Low Point, Illinois. The Oak Grove congregation began as a preaching point of the Pigeon Creek Church. Thirteen (13) members formed the nucleus of the Oak Grove congregation.

The Oak Grove meetinghouse was built in “Bricktown” so called because of the brick kilns near the church location. Farmers say that bricks still show up in the fields when being prepared for planting. Michael Wagner donated one acre to build a church; He also gave land to build the Bricktown School.

After years without a permanent Pastor the congregation, in 1924, advertised in the Messenger for a Minister. Brother M. A. Whisler came to Oak Grove from McFarland, Iowa to accept the call to Oak Grove. He was paid $25 a month to lead the flock. The District Mission Board assisted Oak Grove in meeting expenses. Brother Whisler was ordained an Elder in 1928 and served with his wife, Sadie, until his passing in 1976.

In 1939 the Church burned to the ground after some children tried to start a fire in the stove. The congregation and community came together to build a new building which was dedicated on December 17, 1939.. Oak Grove was active in forming the Peoria Church of the Brethren, working from 1936 until the dedication of that church in 1948. Peoria celebrated their 60 Anniversary this year.

Sunday October 12th Oak Grove celebrated their 125th Anniversary with a special remembrance service held after a Potluck. Past Pastors, members and friends gathered in the sanctuary to hear a short history, sing a lined hymn, listen to remarks from the past and hear from Pastor Charles Buegel. Oak Grove’s oldest member, 96 year old Leona Hardman, attended the ceremony at the church. Heidi Renken prepared a DVD presentation of past and present events that have taken place at Oak Grove.

Some of the history that appears in this article came from “History” by David Shumate who was a Pastor at Oak Grove.

Submitted by Gil Crosby, Moderator, Oak Grove