2020-08-12

2020-2021 Focus on Oak Grove City Guide Page 29 The Grace Baptist Church (formerly Broadway Baptist) began in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Arnett in the fall of 1958. Shortly afterward, the congregation moved to the basement of the red brick Methodist Church at 10th and Broadway. By this time, the church had its first pastor, the Rev. Bob Stevenson and 18 members. They were referred to as Grace Fellowship Baptist Church. By March 1, 1959, members had purchased the Methodist building and by the end of that year, they were formally orga- nized, with 36 members as Broadway Baptist Church. In 1980, it was evident that the building was no longer ade- quate for the membership and ministries of the church. On Sep- tember 7, 1980, Broadway Baptist Church broke ground at their present-day location, 600 SW Maple Lane. Their first service was held in March of 1981 with 171 in attendance. The church recently changed its name to Grace Baptist Church to reflect its roots and new location off Broadway. Grace Baptist has small groups meetings on Sunday mornings and various times during the week, as well as the revived Wednesday night “Meal and Ministry” at 6 p.m. where members gather to minister to each other and reach out to meet community needs. New Life Church began in 1968 with a handful of members and has grown to 1200 worshipers who regularly attend each weekend. Church is located at 801 SW 1st Street. Church mission is to have passion for God and compassion for people. The second Saturday of each month, New Life distributes twenty thousand pounds of food with no pre-qualifications. Prior to the start of school eachAugust, the church hosts a Teacher Appreciation luncheon for the Oak Grove School District teachers, staff and employees where the church provides a catered lunch, entertainment and prizes donated by area businesses. Church also hosts a backpack giveaway providing free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and lunch to hundreds of area children. New Life Church offers a clothes closet which is open from 8-11 a.m. the last Saturday of each month. Community Church history Paradise Outfitters Ministries , 1500 S. Broadway, was found- ed in 2008, first as an in-home Bible study for outdoorsmen and their families, and has now developed into three worship services throughout the week. Smaller services create a casual setting for people not comfortable in larger crowds. The church was designed specifically for outdoorsmen and their families who often feel uncomfortable in typical church settings. The church looks to build connections through hunting, fishing and camping, as well as motorcycles and cars. Archery range is open during designated times. Call 816-625-3552 for more information. Oak Grove Christian Church was founded in 1879. The church began as part of the Christian Church movement, one of the original independent/nondenominational movements in Christian history that spread across the American Frontier in the early 19th century. In 1909, members built the “Old Rock Church” on East 12th Street and met there for 58 years before moving in 1967 to the current location on SW 22nd Street. Today the church holds true to the tradition of Christian unity as a nondenominational church family, patterned after the church of the New Testament. The church actively supports many missions, and it is a meeting site for Narcotics Anonymous. Free, certified adult education testing and tutoring, including High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language and Citizenship Naturalization tutoring also is offered.

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