Preserving The Past The Oak Run History Group

Oak Run Church History

A group of Christians, who were meeting in homes, were served by various Methodist Circuit Riders from about 1892-1897.
In 1896 they decided to build a church. Ground was donated for the church and a burial ground. As the foundation was laid, a parishioner died. The casket was laid on the foundation and services were held in the yard. That was the first person buried in the graveyard.

Most of the lumber in the building was furnished by a local mill. Maxwell mill. The work was done by members of the community, even down to making the pews. Poles were peeled for rafters and cross ties and shakes made for the roof. The building consisted of one room, which was finished around 1897. Several names of pastors are listed in the records from 1897-1899, then Chas Strayer became the pastor and served about 10 years. By 1909, many charter members had passed on, or moved away, so the church was deeded to the Millville Methodist Church in trust for the people in Oak Run. This took place around 1926. Services after that were very irregular, but were held from time to time.

In 1936, the local school burned and school was held in the church building for two years. In 1938, the Millville Church deeded the church back to the Oak Run Community with three trustees in charge.

In 1945, a group of residents contacted Reverend Kilpatrick of First Baptists Church of Redding and asked if he would be interested in starting regular services in Oak Run. After visiting in the community, he did so. He was here but for a few months and was called to pastor in Oregon.
Nelson Denton and mother, Winnie Denton, continued to help in the services for several months. Others came out from Redding with them to help in the work. All were a great blessing to us. The local group took over after Nelson Denton left and regular services have been held since 1945.
Several different denomination pastors have served since then.

Another room was added to the church and another building moved in to help provide enough room to serve the community.

The original building still stands as a testimony to the faithful of the past and in our new building on Althea Way, doors are open to any and all.