OAKLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH
EARLY CHURCH HISTORY
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) grew out of two movements seeking Christian unity that sprang up almost simultaneously in western Pennsylvania and Kentucky - movements that were backlashes against the rigid denominationalism of the early 1800s.
Thomas and Alexander Campbell, a Scottish Presbyterian father and son in Pennsylvania, rebelled against the dogmatic sectarianism that kept members of different denominations - and even factions within the same denomination - from partaking of the Lord's Supper together.
Barton W. Stone in Kentucky, also a Presbyterian, objected to the use of creeds as tests of "fellowship" within the church, which were a cause of disunity, especially at the Lord’s table.
"Christians," the name adopted by Stone's movement, represented what he felt to be a shedding of denominational labels in favor of a scriptural and inclusive term. Campbell had similar reasons for settling on "Disciples of Christ" but he felt the term "Disciples" less presumptuous than "Christians."
The aims and practices of the two groups were similar, and the Campbell and Stone movements united in 1832.
Barton W. Stone
Thomas Campbell
Alexander Campbell
1882
1984
OUR CHURCH HISTORY
Oakland Christian Church first opened its doors on May 5, 1859 with thirteen members in a log house. They quickly merged with the Baptist church in town, due to member and minister shortage. In 1882, they finally built their own church. It went through many changes and increases in membership over the years, including changing location. In 1905, the old church on Kearney Ave. was remodeled to most resemble what it looks like today. It survived tornado damage, financial issues due to the great depression, and the fuel shortage of WWII. Several Pastors gained and lost members, improved the parsonage and church, added ministries, and kept the church moving forward over the course of 150+ years. It's been a fruitful endeavor, fought bravely with Christ at its center. Prayers and member support have been the rock of this church from its meager beginning to the current day. The church currently resides in a donated building at 603 Pioneer Ave, and can be seen from Highway 59. The parsonage was also donated, and is on Walnut Ave.