Oak Grove Baptist Church • Promiseland Ministries, Inc.
In 1865, a group of Baptist preachers—the Reverend Lovelace “Lovely” Brown, Sr., the Reverend Annias Buck, and the Reverend Blake Snow—organized what has become Oak Grove Baptist Church Promiseland Ministries, Inc. of Littleton, North Carolina. Prior to the establishment of U.S. Highway 158, the church was originally sited along what was then known as “Mill Path.”
The Rev. Lovely Brown, Sr. served as the first pastor, and with a small group of baptized believers, regular worship services were held beneath a bush arbor. In 1866, Rev. L. Brown and Oak Grove were among the founding members of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association, later renamed the Neuse River Missionary Baptist Association.
As the congregation grew, the members of Oak Grove desired a more permanent place of worship. According to an 1869 deed signed by F. A. Bobbitt (Grantor) and John H. Eaton (Grantee), it is believed that the first framed church had already been erected on the present site—land then owned by Francis “Frank” A. Bobbitt.
Under Rev. L. Brown’s leadership, Rev. John “Jack” Mays inspired the people, along with Oak Grove Church—as it was often referenced—to organize the Reedy Creek Association in 1878. In 1885, Francis “Frank” A. Bobbitt donated the land on which the church stood to Trustee Robert Jones along with the Officers and Members of Oak Grove. According to the Reedy Creek Association minutes, Rev. L. Brown Sr. faithfully served as pastor of Oak Grove for over twenty years. The second pastor, Rev. John “Jack” Mays, was a prominent leader in the community who served until his passing.
In 1907, the Reverend George G. Edmonds of Weldon, North Carolina was called as the third pastor. The church continued to grow and in 1918 purchased two acres of land from John Eaton deeded to Trustees Henry H. Faulcon, Farrell Tabron, Henry W. Faulcon & Willie Williams. Rev. G. G. Edmonds served the church twenty-eight years.
After a brief period of interim ministers, the deacons extended a call to Rev. Peter C. Davis, who served two years as the fourth pastor.
In 1937, Rev. J. E. Cherry of Littleton was called as the fifth pastor. Under his leadership, the Historic Church was modernized with running water and other projects to enhance the church. As his years advanced and his health declined, he resigned after twenty-five years of service.
The Reverend Joseph W. Wiley of Rocky Mount was called in October 1960. On April 2, 1966, a fire completely destroyed the church and all of its furnishings and records. Under Rev. Wiley’s leadership, the church was rebuilt after the devastating fire that burned the historic structure facing the cemetery. Enon Baptist Church graciously allowed the members of Oak Grove to continue worship until the new building was completed. The first regular service in the new structure—now facing U.S. Hwy 158—was held September 3, 1967. Rev. Wiley passed in October 1968.
Destroyed by fire April 2, 1966
Completed 1967 • Dedicated September 3
The church continued under visiting ministers until Rev. Hugene Fields of Gatesville, NC, was called in August 1969. He served faithfully until December 1970.
In April 1972, Rev. S. G. Dunston was called and led until his passing in April 1975.
In December 1975, Rev. Charles E. McCollum Sr. of Burlington became the ninth pastor. At that time, Oak Grove held worship only on first Sundays as part of a preaching circuit. Under Dr. McCollum’s visionary leadership, services expanded to first and third Sundays and later every Sunday, marking a season of growth and renewal.
In 1981, the church parsonage was built on land generously donated by Deacon James and Deaconess Perleen Powell. On August 1, 1992, the multi-purpose building—later named the C. E. McCollum Fellowship Hall—was dedicated, with Bro. Arthur Rainey as contractor. In 1996, the parking lot was paved and a covered drive-through added.
Dedicated August 1, 1992 • Contractor Bro. Arthur Rainey
Completed August 2005
Dr. McCollum expanded Oak Grove’s reach through innovative media and community engagement—launching the “Rays of Hope” radio ministry, Divine Unity League Youth Ministry, In-Betweens Orientation, Oak Grove Child Development Center, Eastern Carolina Christian College & Seminary (formerly Eastern NC Theological Institute), and the Tri-County Unity Center.
Additional ministries established include Greeters, New Members Orientation, Hospitality, Armor Bearers, Security, Media, Floral & Bereavement, Children’s Church, Bible Babies, Awareness Outreach, and Praise Dance. Rev. McCollum was the first in the community to incorporate praise dance into Sunday worship and created the Leadership Council to unify ministries.
In January 2002, Dr. McCollum initiated Oak Grove’s first Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Program, followed in 2004 by the MLK Day Parade on Main Street in Littleton — now an annual community tradition. The Hospitality Ministry continues to bless others through its annual Thanksgiving Day dinners for the elderly and families in need.
The PromiseLand Sanctuary, completed in August 2005, fulfilled Pastor McCollum’s long-held vision. This beautiful worship facility includes a bookstore and gift shop, expanded offices, and a state-of-the-art media center. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Oak Grove extended its reach through live-streamed virtual worship and social media ministry.
To God Be the Glory!