[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16820]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF OAK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH, 
                       LITTLETON, NORTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 28, 2015

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 150th 
anniversary of Oak Grove Baptist Church located in my congressional 
district in Halifax County, North Carolina in the town of Littleton. 
The Church was founded in 1865 by Reverend Lovely Brown, Sr. and 
several faith leaders who devoted themselves to spreading the word of 
God.
  One hundred fifty years ago, Reverend Brown and his small 
congregation of parishioners gathered to worship under a ``bush 
arbor.'' Through steadfast faith and an unwavering dedication to its 
mission of faith and service, Oak Grove has grown from those humble 
beginnings to become a pillar of hope for its congregation and a 
cornerstone of the Littleton community.
  On April 2, 1966, the church was destroyed by a devastating fire. 
Pastor J.W. Wiley rallied the congregation and the community to 
rebuild. The following year, Oak Grove held its first service in the 
newly built ``Heritage Sanctuary.''
  Oak Grove is pastored by Rev. Dr. Charles McCollum, Sr. where the 
church continues to prosper under his leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rev. 
Dr. McCollum, the parishioners of Oak Grove Baptist Church, and the 
residents of Littleton on this historic milestone.

                          ____________________