In August 1917, during revival, fire destroyed the Mineral Springs Baptist Church, about 3 miles from here. Since several families from this community had attended Sunday School and worship services at this church, meetings were held to discuss whether to rebuild at the Mineral Springs site or in this area. (Some of these meetings were held at a spring which would become the source of water for Oakley after the church was built).

On September 12, 1918, a group of people met at the one-room Oakley schoolhouse to further consider organizing a Baptist church in this community. In this group was a Presbyterian brother, J. T. Womble, who offered them a plot of land near the schoolhouse on the Bennett Road to build on. His offer was accepted and the present church building is on a portion of this land.

On December 29, 1918, the organizational meeting for the Oakley Baptist Church was held at the schoolhouse. Rev. Thomas Carrick presided; Dr. George Paschal acted as secretary. The purpose of the meeting was stated and a call for applicants was given. Thirty-five from Mineral Springs and four from Love’s Creek came for membership. Thirty-nine charter members constituted the first membership of the new church.

The New Hampshire Articles of Faith were read and adopted, the church covenant was read, and the charge given by Moderator Carrick. The thirty-nine members then exchanged the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Carrick was called as pastor; N. R. Dixon was elected as church clerk; Ira White, treasurer; H. J. Dixon, deacon; Ira White, J. A. Dark, and O. D. Clark, Building Committee.

Enthusiasm for building the church spread rapidly among the members and other residents of the community. The work began as they brought wagons and teams and cut logs. T. Ira White and J. M. White, saw mill owners, sawed the logs free of charge. W. A. Dixon, a carpenter, then working in the shipyard in Norfolk, VA, donated vacation time to lay off and frame the roof and make wood girders. Others donated labor, cash, and other materials.

Sunday School and worship services were held in the schoolhouse while the building was being erected. By May 1919 services were being held in the new building, although the walls were unceiled and pews had to be borrowed from the Springfield Methodist Church. As soon as money was available an organ, hymn books, and pews were purchased. W. A. Dixon and J. C. Dixon contributed a bell cast by Glascock Foundry of Greensboro (cost was $38.00). The two men delivered the bell to the church in a 1917 Model T Ford. When the building was completed it was debt free.

Dr. Forrest Feezor conducted the first revival in August 1919. Prayer meeting was held at 10:30 AM, with preaching at 11:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. The first baptismal service followed in September 1919.

On May 29, 1921, the house of worship was dedicated with Rev. Walter M. Gilmore preaching the dedication service. Oakley was received into the Sandy Creek Association in October 1919. The annual meeting was held here for the first time in 1926.

Through the years Oakley has experienced a steady growth requiring additional space. In 1944 the interior of the building was remodeled and five Sunday School classrooms added. In 1954 four classrooms were added. The parsonage was built in 1957 on land given by Wade Paschal.

On June 8, 1963, ground was broken for a new sanctuary. The dedication service was conducted March 22, 1964, by Rev. Earl Moseley. In June 1973 ground was broken for an educational building. It was completed in 1974. The parking lot was paved about 1976.

Over the past 87 years Oakley has had fifteen pastors. Three young men have gone into the ministry. The present pastor is Rev. Brian Sandifer, who began his ministry here in September 2005. Under his guidance the church enjoys a spirit of living and growing with mutual love and concern for others.

            The reason for the organization in 1918 was for a place of worship and the great opportunity of doing good for the souls of men and the glory of God. Members of Oakley Baptist Church today pray that it might continue to grow to the glory and praise of God!