A Short History Of Oakland

“According to tradition Oakland Church began when Mrs. Creed Hanks and Mrs. Newel Stoneman were concerned about raising children without the influence of Sunday School. After being told by Mr. Hanks that he would get the land if they could get the funds for a building, Mrs. Hanks and Mrs. Stoneman carried a petition about the community securing donations. When the funds were secured Mr. Hanks made good his promise.”¹

“On the 23rd. day of May, 1881, an acre of land between the Piper’s Gap Road and the Soap Stone Road was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, by James S. Hanks and Julia, his wife. This land was deeded to the following Trustees: C. L. Hanks, Martin Hanks, Edward Hanks, Isaac Bedsaul, and Newel Stoneman for the erection of a church ‘for the benefit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South;’ but, ‘said house to be free for the use of all denominations in good standing for preaching when not used by them.’”²

The original building was completed and dedicated in October 1881, debt free. This building was in the midst of some large oak and chestnut trees. This site was chosen so the horses, mules and oxen that pulled the wagons and buggies to preaching services would be protected. Tradition also says that the trees played a part in naming the church. In 1886 additional land was purchased for parking.

The Reverend B. F. Nuckolls, pastor of Oldtown Circuit for a number of years, is reported to have done much in helping the young church organize and grow.

During the next several years the Oakland Church was part of several local circuits as the district and conference grew. At one time Oakland was even a part of the Radford District. Some of the circuits Oakland has been a part of are as follows: Hillsville Circuit, 1881-1888; Oldtown Circuit, 1889-1893; Hillsville, 1893-1903; Blue Ridge Circuit, 1903-1926 (during this time it was moved to Radford District and back again); Woodlawn Circuit, 1926-1931; Galax Circuit 1931-1943; Blue Ridge Circuit, 1943-1990. In 1990 Oakland became a Station Church, meaning it did not share its pastor with other churches on a circuit.

Oakland has also been in several denominational changes. In the 1930’s the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Methodist Protestant Church merged to form The Methodist Church. Then in 1968 The Methodist Church and the Methodist Evangelical United Brethren, merged to form the present day United Methodist Church.

While all of these changes were happening Oakland Church was not standing still. In 1926 coves were built on each side of the building for stoves and a bell tower was built around this time too. In 1937 a Sunday School Room addition and a partial basement were completed. In 1943 an addition to the Sanctuary was completed along with a classroom on the east side of the church. 19945 two classrooms were added in the basement. “In 1948 the doors of the church opened up to the community in a unique way. The upstairs classroom and later the basement rooms were used by Oakland Elementary School due to overcrowding there. This arrangement lasted for five years during the time local citizens, working with the school board, drew up plans, procured funds and constructed a new school building.”³ In 1949 a Pastor’s Study and restrooms were added. In 1973 the congregation broke ground for a new (present) building. In 1974 the present building was Consecrated. In 1978 the paving of the parking lot was completed. In 1984 the present building was Dedicated. The cross on the front of the present building is made from wood taken from the original part of the old building. Also the bell which hung in the old steeple has been preserved and hangs on the front of the present building. In 1988 the ground was broken for the new parsonage.

From small humble beginnings the Oakland Church has grown into a church with membership of 300. Although average attendance does not reach this high. On these pages we have listed some of the organizations and groups that make up Oakland Church. People come and go, groups fade away and others take their place. We would like to make Oakland Church a cornerstone of the community. We invite you to come and Worship with us and become involved in your community’s church.

¹Oakland United Methodist Church 1981 Directory “History of Oakland United Methodist Church” 1981 ²Deed Book 14, Page 433, Carroll County Court House.
³Oakland United Methodist Church 1981 Directory “History of Oakland United Methodist Church” 1981