Live Oak Baptist Church History 

1952-2002
Church’s 50^th Anniversary

            Ever since the need of a mission was conceived in the spiritually alert minds of the pastor and membership of First Baptist Church, Jacksboro, Texas, Live Oak Baptist Church has recognized the “Great Faithfulness of the Lord” as He has given “Victory in Jesus” in touching many people in and around Jack County.  It was the overwhelming attendance at an open-air revival in the summer of 1949, led by Rev. A.R. Bilberry (then pastor of First Baptist Church) that revealed provision should be made to accommodate another Southern Baptist congregation in Jacksboro.

            Plans for starting the mission were made during a revival under a tent on Graford Highway in the summer of 1950, with Rev. Drewey Garner as evangelist.  Willie Lee and Pauline Walker recalled passing by and deciding to turn back and help provide some listeners for the lonely-looking preacher under that tent!  As a result, the Walkers became faithful members of Live Oak Baptist Church.  Rev. Jim Stevenson, an experienced worker in pioneer missions, was a great help in establishing the mission.

            Members of the First Baptist Church serving on their Mission Committee were George Herd, Ruall Gilley, Mrs. Stewart Castleberry, and H.E. Eichler.  The mission Sunday School was organized under the leadership of George Dewey Brownlee of First Baptist Church who at that time was Sunday School Superintendent of Jack County Baptist Association.

            The sponsoring church gave up choice workers for the new mission, including Bertram Fox as first Sunday School Superintendent (who served in that capacity many years), Audie Weir (who served as music director the first 18 years and later for 2 more years), Sue (Hutto) Garner (who served many years as church pianist), George Herd (a deacon and carpenter who donated much work on the first church building and built and donated many useful items to the church), and Mrs. George Herd (who became Live Oak’s first WMU president and served in this organization faithfully until her health failed).  Other First Church members also came and took on responsibilities.

            With the coming of cold weather in 1950, an abandoned service station was donated by Joe Bloodworth, a member of First Baptist Church.  This location on the Old Wichita Highway just off Live Oak Street became the meeting place first known as Live Oak Mission Chapel, with renovated and make-shift facilities.  The pastor was Rev. Drewey Garner of Tennessee, who continued to serve after the mission became an independent church.  Willie Lee Walker was the first treasurer and served many years in that capacity.  He and J.L. Jackson were the first deacons to be ordained in Live Oak Baptist Church, joining those who had come from First Baptist.

            The mission congregation grew in members and strength, such that on May 4, 1952, the Chapel became Live Oak Baptist Church with 60 charter members.  The first Church Clerk was Mickey (Christian) Woolsey.  In August of that year, the church affiliated with the Jack County Baptist Association and with the Texas and Southern Baptist Conventions.  Marie (Reaves) Griffin remembers that in February 1953, the church approved paying her a very small sum to clean the church.  Later, Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Ray assumed the job as custodians for a number of years.  Since then, several custodians have served, including Winfred and Ruby Shields and J.W. and Mildred Wood as more long-termed ones.  The current custodian is Amanda O’Shields.

            Construction on the present original building started in October 1952, and the congregation began to meet in it early in 1953, before the education section was completed.  Much of the labor was donated, and Texas State Missions made a supportive donation toward building expenses.  Mrs. Leslie Crum painted the baptistery scene still enjoyed.

            Bro. Garner resigned in June 1953 and Rev. Clay Frazier of Tennessee was called as pastor.  He pastored the church 7½ years before resigning to take a church in the pioneer mission field of Ohio.  It was during his ministry and in the 5^th year of the church that plans for a new educational addition took shape to provide larger quarters for 8 departments.  Mrs. Nola Nantz became the first paid nursery worker in February 1954.

            The third pastor was Rev. Ronald Wayne Peck, 1961-1962, who was followed by Rev. C.W. Hedrick, 1963-1964.  The fifth pastor was Rev. Ronald Griffin, 1964-1966, who led the church in a building renovation project.  He was followed by interim pastor, Dr. G.L. Munn of Southwestern Seminary, who later served again in this capacity.

            Coming as sixth pastor was Rev. John Hollingsworth, 1966-1969, during which time Sunday School, worship attendance and church membership escalated.  Following as seventh pastor was Rev. E.M. Hay who was first called in April, 1969, as interim youth director and then in June of that year was called to take the pastorate.  He served until 1973.  The eighth pastor was Rev. Paul D. Hampton, 1973-1975, followed by Rev. David Barclay as the ninth pastor, 1976-1978.  Bro. Barclay answered the call as a missionary to Indonesia and later to the Philippines, the first vocational missionary from Live Oak.  The Barclay’s maintained contact with Live Oak, sharing first-hand foreign mission experiences and needs. 

            Serving as tenth pastor was Rev. Jimmy Davis, 1979-1983, during which time a number of outreach and expansion efforts, including the Family Life Center (converted gym now the Worship Center), were accomplished.  Following Bro. Davis, Rev. Joe Motsenbocker of Paradise, Texas, was interim pastor from May until August 1983.

            Rev. Woody Singleton served from 1983-1996 as the eleventh pastor.  During these years the church renovated the sanctuary, some of the Sunday School rooms and the offices.  The church was repainted and some of the equipment updated.  Ministries became ongoing at both Pine Manor and Bent Tree apartments.  A new ministry was begun at Jacksboro Nursing Center.  As a ministry, the church furnished space for a shot clinic, which continues to the present.  Cause for special praise was the 192 persons baptized over these years.  Following Bro. Singleton, Rev. Frank Barnes, then of Oklahoma, served as interim pastor until September 1996.

            While the parsonage was vacant, it was renovated, primarily with volunteer labor by the church members, making it a beautiful dwelling ready for the Lile family in September.

            Craig Lile became the twelfth pastor in September 1996 and continues to serve to the present day.  With new vision as a priority, plans were made in this direction.  On Sunday, November 10, 1996, “THE UNVEILING:  Live Oak Vision Sunday” was observed, revealing a fresh direction and vision for LOBC, celebrating the glory of God.  In the worship service a specially designed canvas painting presenting the LOBC Vision was unveiled signifying Christ as the Chief Cornerstone.  The painting currently hangs in Fellowship Hall.  After a catered celebration meal, a ceremony with prayer, and a time of dedication a symbolic planting of a Live Oak tree on the southwest corner of the property was held.  At this time, Live Oak adopted a Mission Statement:  “A church using God’s gifts to branch out under the revelation of the Lord our God”, and a Vision Statement: “A gifted body of believers, built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit, fulfilling its mission of worship, fellowship, ministry, evangelism, and discipleship.”

            Over the past five years improvements have included renovation of most of the church facilities, the major undertaking being that of converting the gym into a beautiful new Worship Center.  For this as well as for succeeding projects, our members donated much time, labor and financial support.  The original sanctuary is presently used for the Youth Department.  The first Sunday in the new Worship Center was November 15, 1998.

            Building Committee members at this time who worked countless hours for months were Clinton Farris, chairman, Darrell Crnkovic, Nolan Dunlap, Marvin Hamby, Kendall King, Alton Morris, Todd Plaster, and Pete Woolsey.  Primarily overseeing the entire project was Larry Shields, Associate Pastor of Music and Outreach who joined the staff in 1997.  Member workdays continue to be held periodically in efforts to complete renovations and keep up repairs of the facilities.  Gail Holman is credited for painting the beautiful Biblical scenery wall murals in the newly refurbished nursery and preschool area.

            Of utmost importance and challenge has been the AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) Children’s Bible Club, which began Wednesday night, September 2, 1998.  It consists of six clubs, ranging in age from 3-year olds through 6^th grade children.  These clubs are Cubbies, Sparks, Chums, Pals, Guards, and Pioneers.  The emphasis is evangelism and discipleship through Bible memory as they also participate in game, handbook and council times, with each club having its own emblems and achievement awards.  This program has been most successful with over 100 workers and children present at any given time.

            On January 17, 2000, the Church Council recommended and the church approved the following to serve as the church’s first Long Range Planning Council:  Lee Dunlap, Billy Joe Easter, Clinton Farris, Robert Hughes, Kevin Kelly, Jean Kelso, Don Lively, Donna McCanlies, Aldon Nash, Mike Voyles, Pete Woolsey, Larry Shields, Craig Lile, Mary Lively (ex-officio as Treasurer), and Clint Lile (ex-officio).  This Council was to address questions concerning the growth of church ministries, facilities, and goal setting and bring recommendations back to the church.

            A service of praise and thanks to God was held Sunday, August 27, 2000, as the culmination of a 2-year negotiating process resulted in the church’s purchase of seven acres of land north of our property, which connects and also provides frontage on North Sixth Street.  Special thanks was expressed to the Building Committee and negotiating representatives Clinton Farris and Pete Woolsey, Budget Committee, trustees Don Lively, J.W. Wood, and Pete Woolsey, and all who prayed, encouraged and contributed to the debt-free purchase.  Work is being done to clean up the property, and the Long Range Planning Council is studying future use in furthering the ministry of Live Oak Baptist Church.

            The church’s first youth director was Larry Shields, who served on a voluntary basis in the summer of 1968.  Music and/or Youth Directors since have included E.M. Hay, Bill Baker, Carl Cleland, Eddie Graber, David Curry, David Suddath, Phil Gilbreath, Guy Estave, and Novice Northington.  Next was Terry Shields who was the first full-time staff member in the Music/Youth position.  He later resigned music responsibilities and remained as Youth Director while maintaining music leadership on an interim basis until a Music Director could be found.  (Rev. Jimmy Davis and Terry Shields became Live Oak’s first full-time pastor/music-youth team.)  Lonnie Massey accepted the call as Minister of Music November 1981 and served until September 1984.  After Terry Shields resigned in January 1982 as Youth Director, this position was filled by Ray Ferguson on an interim basis from March 1982 to September 1982.  Hal Mayer served as Youth Director October 1982 until May 1984.  Doug McHenry followed briefly as Music-Youth Minister from May 1985 to November 1985.  Steve Sullivan then served briefly as interim Minister of Music and Youth March 9, 1986 to April 30, 1986.

Mikel Caywood began his duties as Music-Youth Director August 3, 1986, remaining at Live Oak until February 1989.  Eugene Weldon served as interim Youth Director on a volunteer basis April 1989 until August 1989.  On August 13, 1989, Mark Enoch was called as Music-Youth Director.  He resigned in December 1990, moving to Oregon to work in a mission church.  Dennis Phariss, Michael Phariss and Ralph Barrett gave many hours of their time volunteering to work with youth and leading the music.  Judy Abernathie and Karen Beckham were the church organist and pianist at that time and were both very willing to give of their time and talent.  Bill Owsley served as part time Music and Youth Director 1994-1997, leaving to pastor a church in Mineral Wells.  Gail Holman filled in with interim music leadership.

Larry Shields was called March 3, 1997, as full-time Associate Pastor of Music and Outreach.  He accepted the call to come “back home” after serving elsewhere several years, feeling the Lord’s leadership to be a part in the great challenges evident in the church’s future.  And now, through his ministry, Sunday School structure, organization, leaders and training have improved tremendously. Margie Hamby is the present pianist, with assistants Karen Beckham and Juanita Pyle. 

Mary Lively replaced longtime Treasurer Lou Easter on December 12, 1999.  In early years, Lola (Hobson) Elliott followed first Treasurer Willie Lee Walker.  Harry Gaskin who preceded Lou followed Lola.  Mary also serves presently as Church Clerk.

Serving as present paid Nursery Coordinator is Jamey Ricks.  Shawn Easter was the first paid coordinator and she was followed briefly by Debra Leatherwood.

            Special contributions and accomplishments have been made during the ministry of each pastor and music and/or youth minister and their families, and all have been loved and appreciated for their efforts and service.  Likewise, this feeling by the membership in general applies to all the staffers, deacons, leaders and teachers over the years that have touched the lives of others.  As time has progressed, paid personnel of the church has come to include, along with pastor and music-youth ministers, a custodian, secretary, part-time nursery workers, and most recently, Nursery Coordinator.  The first hired part-time church secretary was Lee Dunlap in January 1969, followed by Brenda Adams, Debra Rhoades, Effie Singleton, Darla Voyles, Crystal Morris and currently Margie Hamby, who is the first full-time secretary, beginning February 1, 2000.

            Much appreciation is due faithful deacons serving over the years, as well as committed Sunday School directors, officers and teachers, discipleship leaders, mission organization leaders and the many committees that get the work done in all areas.

            Woman’s Missionary Union has had a big part in the life of Live Oak, keeping mission fires burning.  Mrs. George Herd became president during the organization led by Mrs. George D. Brownlee, who was then associational WMU president.  WMU has been active ever since.  Mrs. J.E. Gray, who in later years often called herself the church’s “antique” member, served as scrapbook historian, beginning with a WMU scrapbook initiated by Georgie Fae Jackson, phasing into church scrapbooks she kept until 1979.  Lorraine (Ogle) Phariss then kept the scrapbooks until 1984, and presently they are in the hands of Bessie Cain and the History Committee.  Bessie has kept the scrapbooks since 1988.  WMU was later divided into Baptist Women, Baptist Young Women, with auxiliaries including Acteens, Girls in Action and Mission Friends, which were maintained for many years.  Brotherhood and Royal Ambassadors were active a good part of the time in earlier years.  Presently, women active in WMU are called Women on Mission.

            Along with a strong Sunday School, Church Training (formerly Training Union) was available for all age groups on Sunday evenings for many years.  Special study courses have been taught periodically throughout the life of the church.  Vacation Bible School has always been an annual summer highlight.  The church nursery, begun in 1954, has been a strengthening aid to many areas of ministry.  Countless prayed-for and planned-for revivals over the years have helped sustain Live Oak people in efforts to be a “lighthouse” witness for Christ to whomever they have touched.

            Church property has enlarged through periodic purchase of additional land around the church property and a parsonage on 7^th Street.  One parking lot east of the building was donated by Charlie Geer; in 1986 the property of Mrs. Ara Craig adjoining the church grounds on the east was deeded to Live Oak.  For a while, a small rock cottage west of the auditorium was used as the week-end residence of music-youth directors and lastly a home for the Mexican Mission pastor and family.  It has since been torn down.  Over the years there has been an extension of the auditorium, a steeple, brick trim, new fiberglass baptistery, covered walkway, improved driveways, heating and cooling, and considerable remodeling, using much volunteer labor.

            It was in the summer of 1980 that plans for a Mexican Mission began to materialize.  A backyard Vacation Bible School held in the parsonage home of Rev. and Mrs. Jimmy Davis was the beginning of what is now First Hispanic Baptist Church in Jacksboro.  Bro. Eulogio Puebla was the first pastor of the Mexican Mission, serving from 1980-1982.  He was followed by Bro. Enrique Martinez, 1982-1983.  The next pastor was Bro. Dino Salazar who served from 1983 until 1992.  Rev. Antonio Banta was called in February 1992.  After about 8 years as a mission, the Mexican people desired to become an independent church.  In 1991 with the help of Live Oak Baptist Church Mission Committee, the Area Missionary, and many interested individuals, plans were made to constitute “The First Hispanic Baptist Church of Jacksboro.”  On October 20, 1991, the Mexican Mission was constituted into “First Hispanic Baptist Church.”  With the help of many people in Jack County, a building at 505 N. Main was purchased in 1991.  The Hispanic Church provided Sunday School for all ages, as well as Church Training, WMU Organizations, and Brotherhood.  Mickey Woolsey faithfully served the Mexican people as their church pianist for many years.  Jewel (Williamson) Campbell served as Mission and Church Treasurer from 1980 to March 1992.  These faithful women were much help to the Mexican people.  The congregation of First Hispanic Baptist Church say “To God be the Glory for great things He has done” and express the desire of their hearts to help more people come to know the Lord as they serve Him.

            A bus ministry was started several years ago with the purchase of a bus, and later vans for Live Oak Church and the Mexican Mission.  In May 1986 the church borrowed money for a new van that was constantly used to bring people in to Sunday morning services and provide transportation for both youth and adults to various meetings and activities.  The church continues operating a van.  A tape ministry, as well as a puppet ministry, has been active periodically.  Presently there is a revived on-going tape ministry and a bread ministry to worship service visitors.

            Live Oak members took on a challenge in 1981 with the Together-We-Build endeavor to make it possible to have a large new Family Life Center, complete with kitchen, Fellowship Hall, restrooms, gym and extra classrooms.  In an all-church banquet March 18, 1981, the unified effort was put into motion leading members through door-to-door contact to pledge $120,000.00 to be paid over a 3-year period…a larger total than expected!  This plan of equal sacrifice fulfilled the dream of being able to have a facility to glorify the Lord in both winning and strengthening people.  The Center was dedicated on Sunday, May 2, 1982, during the Homecoming Celebration of Live Oak’s 30^th birthday.

            Among special memorable times was the Note-Burning Ceremony held Sunday,
March 19, 1978, making Live Oak debt-free for the first time in its life at the age of almost 26 years.  But in keeping with the church’s nature of foresight for expansion and ministry, and the conception for will-and-way under the Lord’s direction, new loans were subsequently secured to meet outreach and sustaining needs at hand.  A second celebrative Note-Burning Ceremony was held Sunday, February 24, 1985 when indebtedness on the Family Life Center was eliminated.  Several projects, purchases and renovations over the years have been made debt-free by donations and volunteer labor.

            Another “first” for the Church was when a team of Live Oak members took part in  “Mission to Brazil” in the summer of 1982.  Pastor Jimmy Davis and his wife Nancy made the commitment to go and challenged our church members to go.  Seven more members went including Stephania (Burleson) Browning, Susan (Ogle) Phariss, Michael Phariss, Beatrice Watson and Melba Weaver.  Over 4,000 people accepted Christ on this crusade.  This was just the beginning mission trip for some.  Melba went back to Brazil 3 times, made mission trips to South Africa and Australia, and to Russia in July 1992.

            Members of Live Oak Church family have made numerous trips to Mexico.  There they had evangelistic crusades, Vacation Bible Schools, and participated in many work projects such as building a house for an elderly man, painting parsonages, building outdoor toilets, and adding indoor plumbing in some parsonages.  One group delivered a load of blankets from the Jack County Baptist Association.  Some of Live Oak members participating in these trips to Mexico were Melba and Howard Weaver, Deanna, Sammy and Michael Turner, Bro. Woody, Effie, Brian and Angel Singleton, Eric White, Annette Denny, Heather Carter, Mike and Darla Voyles, Bertha Phariss, Wendell Thompson, David Jernigan, Mikel Caywood, Anita, Sam and Lynn Fagan, and Della and J.R. Pinckney.  God has blessed each one taking a mission trip as they shared their love and time with people in other countries.  It has been a privilege for Live Oak Baptist Church to be a part of the “Great Commission” around the world, in person as well as through annual Weeks-of-Prayer and offerings to state, home and foreign missions.

            Throughout the life of Live Oak Baptist Church, countless donations of equipment, furnishings, appliances, instruments, supplies and special gifts of money, service and labor have been of great value and sincerely appreciated. 

            Six pictorial directories have been printed during the life of the church: 1963, 1973, 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1999.  Anniversary celebrations were held for Live Oak’s 15^th, 20^th, 25^th, 30^th, 35^th and 40^th birthdays.  The church history has been written and updated for each celebration with the help of Georgie Fae Jackson, a charter member.  This 50^th Anniversary Celebration has been made possible by the efforts and dedication of the church staff, various committees and the entire church body.  The Anniversary Committee has worked on celebration plans for two years, meeting almost monthly.  Pam Cavitt receives the credit for designing the two chosen anniversary logos.  Early in planning, the Committee adopted the theme “Great is Thy Faithfulness, O Lord, unto Live Oak Baptist Church.”

            Time and space do not permit the mention of many other history-making experiences in the life of Live Oak Baptist Church or the names of so many deserving and responsible members, but the characteristic Live Oak folks are most proud of is the outstanding family spirit manifested through love and faithfulness, which people feel has made the church what it is today.

            And thus, Live Oak Baptist Church presses forward in the ministry of a New Testament church made acceptable in God’s Holy Word, ever thanking the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, for fifty victorious years of ministry and fellowship!

Note:   This updated history was prepared for the Church’s 50^th Anniversary Homecoming

Celebration May 4-5, 2002