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Civil War & Reconstruction Oak Grove Baptist Church

Oak Grove Baptist Church

Oak Grove Baptist Church was founded in 1873.  Its original name was St. Ross Baptist Church which was housed in a log cabin.  Some of its first members were out of First Mount Zion Baptist Church, Dumfries, Virginia.  In 1879, a group of concerned parents held a meeting to strive for the advancement of their children’s education resulting in the Oak Grove School.  At that time, it was the first school for African Americans in the County.  Its educators were Caucasian.  The current location, 414 Decatur Road, Stafford, Virginia is the fourth edifice.  It was erected in 1947 under the leadership of Rev. C.D. Johnson of Washington, DC.  

Oak Grove Baptist Church was the church home of Harlem Renaissance artist, Palmer Hayden.

(photo: Owen L. Conner)