"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." The writer of Proverbs 29:18, with this philosophy, could have easily served on the Building Committee of First Baptist Church in Rock Hill in the early 1940's when the vision of a mission church appeared to members. Oakland Baptist Church was born of that vision, has been sustained by a vision, and now flourishes because it has kept alive the vision that represents the very best of Baptist history: a free church in a free state rightly dividing the Word of Truth which sets all people free.

       The vision of Oakland Baptist Church experienced its conception at First Baptist under the leadership of Dr. R.A. McFarland, who served as pastor from 1933-1942. The place of its birth was decided with the purchase of its present site in 1940. Complications due to World War II delayed the building of the new structure, but plans for its financing continued.

        On January 22, 1947, at the first meeting of the Building Committee, concrete plans were made for its construction, and suggestions for names given: Ebenezer Road Baptist Church, Winthrop Drive Baptist Church and Oakland Baptist Church. The name Oakland Baptist Church was agreed upon at a later date. In July 1949, the cornerstone was laid. The Evening Herald announced this event with these words: "A date stone for the new Baptist Church on Oakland Avenue will be laid in ceremony at 4:30 PM Friday, July 22, 1949." On July 9, 1950, Dr. A.B. Hawkes, Pastor of First Baptist, preached the dedication sermon. One year prior to the dedication, the Building Fund had a balance of $100,000 and ground was broken. The first regular worship service was held on July 16, 1950. Upon completion of the original facilities, an indebtedness of $70,000 remained. First Baptist and Oakland each assumed and paid half of this debt. From First Baptist Church came the vision, the sacrifice of labor, time, and money; and even charter members.

        For almost 60 years, Oakland Baptist Church has been a stable force in the city of Rock Hill. She has been led by the Holy Spirit through her capable pastors: Dr. William Ball (1951-1960), Rev. Coit Troutman (1960-1966), Dr. Kirk L. Smith (1967-1972), Dr. Henry T. Finch, Jr. (1974-1982), and Dr. Robert Dale Shrum (1983-present). Through these years Oakland Church has also been blessed with leadership of loyal and competent ministers of education, youth, and music, and with numerous talents of the laity, members who have been willing to give of themselves sacrifically with little or no public recognition. It is because of this combined talent, energy, and devotion to the cause of Christ, that Oakland Baptist Church has kept the vision that gave her life originally and that has nurtured her through good and bad times to remain the vibrant church that she is.

        In 1992 one of the earliest visions and most persistent dreams of Oakland became a reality. On October 25 of that year, the Rev. Harold A. Shirley was called to be the Founding Pastor of Oakland's first mission church. Together with his wife, Betty, they provided dynamic leadership as the fledging church quickly grew to 200 members with a budget of $200,000 and a new sanctuary/multi-purpose building costing $600,000. The new church was named NewKirk.

        Within two years of giving birth to a new church Oakland turned its attention toward its own facilities which ha become quite needful of repair and renovation. In an amazing display of faithful stewardship, the people of Oakland pledged $1.2 million toward a $2.4 million renovation project. In the spring of 1997, dedication services were held to celebrate the completion of a project which renewed every square foot of the campus buildings with the exception of the sanctuary. From its beginnings in 1950 to the present day, the real story of Oakland Baptist Church is to be found in the spirit of its people. From the smallest to the greatest mission enterprises, the people of Oakland have tried to give their best to the Lord of the church. We have tried to be a blessing to others because we have been greatly blessed.