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OUR HISTORY
Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church History
1875 - 2017
The Red Oak Baptist Church was founded in the 1870s by a small group of Christians as a testament to God’s saving grace, power, and everlasting love. Originally named Red Oak Grove Baptist Church, no written records of its earliest days were preserved; however, oral history tells us that the land for the first building was donated by Sallie Rollins. The church was located southeast of Eastman Road, on what was formerly the Sowell homestead, near the Harrison Gregg homesite.
The church grew under the leadership of many pastors. Reverend Rube Wright served as the first pastor, followed by Reverend Bartlett. Reverend H. Y. Jones, the third pastor, baptized many new members, while Reverend M. J. Walker also contributed to the community as a public school teacher. Reverend C. M. Butler, the fifth pastor, was honored with Butler College being named after him. Reverend H. C. Alexander served as the sixth pastor and was a longtime Moderator of the Kilgore District Board, an auxiliary of the East Texas Baptist Church Association. Reverend W. M. Hardeman, Reverend Leonard Harris, and Reverend J. H. Harris served as the seventh, eighth, and ninth pastors.
During the leadership of the eleventh pastor, Reverend J. J. Finley, the church was destroyed by fire on March 7, 1929. Worship services were temporarily held at Rollins School or the Hall of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor. After a brief tenure by Reverend F. A. Scott, the son of Reverend H. Y. Jones, helped sustain the congregation until a new pastor was called, even walking from Pleasant Green to Red Oak to lead services.
In 1932, Reverend L. R. Taylor was elected and served for nine years. The current church site was purchased from the estate of Anna Rollins Jacobs and C. B. Jacobs. Shortly after construction, the church was destroyed by a storm, but materials from the Knights and Daughters of Tabor building aided in rebuilding. In 1941, Reverend Taylor was called elsewhere, leaving the church without a pastor.
In 1944, Reverend J. E. Johnson began his ministry when the building was still a modest wooden structure. He expanded services from once a month to twice a month, including a youth-focused service, and was assisted by Reverend B. W. Lockett. Under his leadership, the church was bricked, the baptismal pool was moved indoors, classrooms were added, and new choirs were formed. Full-time services began in May 1954. Reverend Johnson served for over 22 years until his passing in 1966.
In 1967, Reverend B. B. Brown was elected pastor, and the church continued to grow, adding an educational wing, dining facility, and lounge. Musical instruments and a public address system enhanced worship. On December 30, 1984, the first service was held in a new building, followed by a dedication on May 5, 1985. After 20 years of service, Reverend Brown retired in 1987.
Later that year, Reverend H. C. Rockmore Sr. was unanimously called as pastor. Under his leadership, the church expanded significantly. In 1996, 3.296 acres of land were purchased from the Gus Mills family, adding 163 parking spaces. In 2001, construction began on a 6,500-square-foot educational complex and a 13,000-square-foot Family Life Center, both dedicated in 2002.
The church also expanded its ministries, including children’s church, scholarships for graduating seniors, youth choirs, and sports programs. In May 2010, 21 youth were baptized. A time capsule was buried during the 130th anniversary to be opened at the 150th. On September 12, 2015, the church was recognized as a significant part of local history with the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker.