Home - Olive Grove Baptist Church
Olive Grove Baptist Church was formed and organized by Rev George Odom in 1904, under a bush shanty, in a little village on Azalea Garden Road known as Little Creek, Virginia. During 1904, while Brother Geno White, a member of the church family, was busy as an overseer on the farms of Mr. Frank Whitehurst, God moved the heart of Mr. Whitehurst to donate a parcel of land to build a church. At the same time, God led Mr. Oliver, the owner of Oliver’s Farm, to provide the lumber to build the church. The church members showed their gratitude to Mr. Oliver by using the first portion of his last name for the first part of the church name – “Olive.” As the church prospered and grew spiritually, God supplied Pastors in the persons of Rev. J. Miles, Rev. V. Turner, Rev. J M. Johnson, Rev. S. L. Brown, and Rev W F. Hill.
The initial renovation of Olive Grove occurred in 1948 on Lamb Avenue under the leadership of Rev. W. F. Hill. In 1965, city zoning restrictions resulted in the relocation of the church to its present location on Albert Avenue. The Lord tremendously blessed and added to the church, thus resulting in an overflowing congregation Sunday after Sunday. Rev. Hill exhibited the character of a patient, kind, and true servant of God. He pastured Olive Grove until he retired on March 4, 1965, with these parting words of encouragement: “Don’t forget God.” The church, at this time, was led prayerfully under the faithful leadership of Deacon John Barnes.
A few months late, Rev. Raymond Dean was elected Pastor. He was ordained by his Pastor, Dr. C. H. Jordan of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia. The Lord abundantly blessed Olive Grove. The church prospered, and additional auxiliaries were organized during Rev. Dean’s eight years as Pastor. In March 1973, he resigned, and Chairman Deacon, John Barnes, and other faithful speakers officiated the services.
In March 1974, the church elected Rev. Moses L Davis, Sr. as Pastor. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow in God’s grace. On November 5, 1965, the church purchased some land that was adjacent to the church. Rev. Moses Davis pastured Olive Grove for four years, leaving as his farewell remarks, “Let us not be led into temptation,” a portion of The Lord’s Prayer.
Once again, we were without an earthly leader. Deacon John Barnes officiated the services until October 19, 1978, when he was stricken with a stroke. The Vice-Chairman, Deacon Earl F. White, Jr., the Deacons, and other dedicated speakers officiated the services.