[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 173 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1440-E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF OAK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2018

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the 
Oak Grove Baptist Church of Sterling, Virginia, on the celebration of 
its 150th anniversary. In 1868, Reverend Robert Woodson, Pastor of Zion 
Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, moved to the town of Herndon in 
Northern Virginia. Finding that there were no Baptist churches that 
were welcoming to African-Americans, Reverend Woodson interested Mrs. 
Ellen Thompson, a fellow Baptist living nearby, to help him establish 
what was initially called the Colored Church, on October 10, 1868, in 
the community of Oak Grove, located in the town of Sterling. Oak Grove 
was one of five communities in Eastern Loudoun County that were founded 
by former slaves after the Civil War ended in 1865. The name of Oak 
Grove was adopted, in part, because of the stately oak trees 
surrounding the church grounds.
  Over the period of a century and a half, 13 pastors have served at 
Oak Grove Baptist Church. In addition to the important leadership 
exercised by these men, the church has been blessed with dedicated and 
faithful women leaders who greatly contributed to its success, 
including Ellen Thompson, ``First Mother'' and founder of the church, 
and Sister Ada Lee, who labored for 90 years, as the ``Second Mother'' 
of the church, before passing on in 1998, at the age of 107. There were 
many other unsung heroes during the long history of the church, 
including those whose financial generosity allowed the Oak Grove 
property to grow from ``a little ole' spot beside the railroad track'' 
to a six-acre property next to the current WO&D bicycle trail. Since 
2011, the congregation has been led by a gifted yet humble pastor, 
Gregory L. Spurlock, a native of Petersburg, Virginia. He is married to 
the former Lottie Cassandra Mickens, also of Petersburg, who is a 
school principal in Loudoun County. Pastor Spurlock and First Lady 
Lottie are the proud parents of three children, Ivana, Brandon and 
Gregory, Jr.
  The key to understanding how this church has thrived over its long 
and illustrious history is its clear and simple mission. Simply put, 
``The Oak'' exists to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. 
Beginning with the inspiring leadership of Pastor Spurlock and First 
Lady Lottie, coupled with the guidance of the elders of the church and 
the dedicated support of the Deacons and Deaconesses, each member of 
Oak Grove Baptist Church has pledged his or her life to Christ and has 
covenanted with each other to demonstrate His Spirit through worship, 
witnessing and ministering to the needs of others. Whether the church 
is engaged in ministering to the physical, spiritual and emotional 
needs of each church member and family or is taking a leadership role 
in the annual One Loudoun Revival, or putting on its Car Show and 
Community Day, or hosting a Women's Conference or a voter registration 
drive, ``the Oak'' has always been hallowed ground, where, through acts 
of faith and love, its members are tirelessly engaged in the blessed 
work of transfonning lives, one person at a time.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating 
the extraordinary history of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Thanks to the 
loving service of hundreds of disciples over the past 150 years, I am 
confident that the indelible mission, values and traditions of Oak 
Grove Baptist Church will guide the congregation's vitality and success 
over the next 150 years.

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