Descendants of Gus & Lillie Corbitt

Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church

 

 

God calls into being His own people for obedience to His will and to His mission everywhere in the world.  In Jesus Christ, He created the church, which is forever being empowered and renewed by the Holy Spirit.  He constitutes a community bound together in faith, hope and love united to its one Savior and Lord, and commissioned to serve Him in the service of men.

 

Accepting the faith, hope and love of the early Saints, the Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church had its beginning under a Brush Arbor.  Brothers Osborne Corbitt, Ednon Felder, Abraham Johnson, Louis Woodward, and Jake Schofield organized it.  Rev. John Williams was called as Pastor on October 8, 1870.

 

Nine acres of land was purchased and a frame structure was built.  Bounded on the North and on the East by land of Otis Williams, on the South by land of Proctor, and on the West by land of Quattebaum and Brown.  It is recorded in the Orangeburg County Courthouse, Book 327, and Page 389.  In 1990, Patrick Williams donated land for the use of burial plots.

 

Five churches have been organized from this church: Sardis, Samaria, Antioch, Gospel Temple and Flora Branch.

 

Pastors serving Oakey Spring from 1870-2015  are as follows: Rev. John Williams, Rev. Lee Davis, Rev. Jake Posey, Rev. Sidney Mitchell, Rev. R.D. Rice, Rev. C.D. Salley (11 years), Rev. J.M. Myers (7 years), Rev. John Reeves (1 year), Rev. Levi Jones (2 years), Rev. T.H. Crumpton (1 year), Rev. D.G. Smith (1 year), Rev. C.J. Adams (4 years), Rev. T.H. Hughes (1 year), Rev. O.C. Parker (2 years), Rev. E.A. Davis (4 years), Rev. N.G. Bryant (29 years, 4 months), Rev. James A. Gadson (19 years, 2 months), Rev.  Limuer Myers (2 years, 6 months) and Reverend Willie Wilson, III (18 years, 8 months).   Currently serving is Reverend Dr. Kenneth C. Perkins, 7 years, 11 months.

 

Seeing the need for improvement, Rev. Bryant and the officers suggested that the church be brick veneered in 1950.  This structure was destroyed by fire on July 24, 1956.  A block structure was built the latter part of 1957.  Services began in this building on June 13, 1958.  The Mortgage was burned on February 10, 1964.

 

Rev. James A. Gadson was called to the Oakey Spring Baptist Church on September 10, 1964.  As pastor, he worked hard until his death, in November of 1983, to make Oakey Spring and its membership outstanding.  Under his pastorship the church was completed inside and outside, a "Missionary Circle", "Sunbeam Circle", "Deaconess Club", "Pulpit Aide Club", "J.A. Gadson, Youth & Junior Choirs" and "Baptist Training Union" were organized.  New pews were purchased in June of 1967.  The Missionary Circle purchased carpet and had it installed in January 1968.  On March 24, 1968, the church was dedicated and a Corner Stone was laid.  In the summer of 1968, the Jubilee Choir purchased light fixtures.  In June 1968, the Usher Board purchased offering trays and a vacuum cleaner.  In 1969, a desk lamp and a large Bible were purchased.  A central heating and air conditioning system and a P.A. system were installed in February 1970.  In September 1971, the church was retopped.  The Missionary Circle installed a water cooler in July 1972.  In June 1974, one acre of land was donated to the church by Mr. Otis Williams to be used for a cemetery.  In 1974, a mimeograph machine was purchased.  In July 1975, the church was brick-veneered; a kitchen, dining room and educational building were added.  In August 1975, the Wise family donated cottas for use by the Youth Choir.  On March 20, 1976, interior work was done, including paneling and the ceiling blown.  A porch and columns were also added.  In April 1977, the Musical Choir purchased a new piano.  An outside bulletin was donated to the church by the Women's Missionary Union in 1977.  The Sunday School purchased a bus in 1978 for church use.  In July 1979, a second mimeograph machine was purchased for the church.  In December 1979, the Usher Board purchased the installment of two telephones.  In March 1980, a bulletin board was purchased for the vestibule.  In March 1981, the Baptismal Pool was installed and completed.  In April 1981, the Ushers, for the beautification of the baptismal area, purchased a mural.  On January 9, 1981, the Missionary Circle was expanded to Missionary Circle I (Springfield) and Missionary Circle II (Columbia).  A second pump was purchased in May 1981. In June 1981, tables and chairs were purchased for the dining area, a nursery was added, and the "Nurses Club" was organized.  In 1983, a hospital gurney was donated.  On June 18, 1983, an organ was purchased by the Musical and J.A. Gadson choirs and Missionary Circles I & II.  The Edwards family donated a P.A. system to the church in October 1984.  The kitchen was remodeled; ramp and exterior work was done in January 1985.

 

The "Oakey Spring Mass Choir" was organized on February 16, 1985 under the pastorate of Reverend Limuel Myers.

 

The Musical Choir purchased robes in August of 1985. 

 

The Missionary Circle purchased a 3-piece scarf set (for desk and table) in October of 1985.  Robes were purchased by the following:  The Junior Choir in May 1986, the J.A. Gadson Choir in June 1986, the Jubilee Choir in July 1986.  The Youth Choir had cottas donated to them in July 1986. 

 

Reverend Willie Wilson, III was called as pastor of Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church on November 8, 1987 and served until June, 2006.  As leader of the Oakey Spring membership, he assured us that his ultimate belief and desire is that every member come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Revered Wilson ordained seven deacons: Donald Fenlayson, Asia D. Ferguson, Jimmy Garvin, Joseph P. Garvin, Earl Tobin, Hayward Garvin and Lelon Belton Tobin.  Rev. Wilson added many members to the Oakey Spring Church Family on the profession of their faith. 

 

The physical accomplishments made under his pastorate are many:

 

In 1987, a new vacuum cleaner was purchased.  In July 1988, the Sanctuary was recarpeted, ceiling fans installed, interior/exterior work done, new furniture for the Pastor's Study purchased in July 1989; ceiling fans installed in dining area.  A water cooler was purchased for the dining area.  A freezer, stove and refrigerator purchased; walkway poured in September 1988. 

Sister Emma G. Reed donated baptismal robes in August 1989.  In the Spring of 1991, construction began on the Educational and Fellowship Building and on August 11, 1991, this building was dedicated and a Corner Stone was laid. This building is known as the Wilson Fellowship Hall.  Remodeling and enlargement of the Pastor's Study was undertaken, an office added for the secretary and a finance room in July 1991.  A Church van and a new P.A. system were purchased in 1992.  In November 1992 the J.A. Gadson Choir purchased a keyboard. In 1993 the Sanctuary was renovated to include stained glass windows, new pews and carpet.

 

The Mass Choir purchased robes in September 1993. The Tobin Family   (Belton & Lassie) purchased a heat pump for the church in 1993.  To the outside, a new steeple was added in 1994.  A copier was purchased in 1997, a new copier purchased in 2001.

 

A Finance Committee was formed in 1993 with the following members serving on the Committee:  Sisters Valerie Stroman-Boyd, Annie J. McCreary, Hattie Wood, Brothers Reginald Edwards and Jerry James.  This committee is inactive.  Pastoral Committee: Organized in 1994 and consists of presidents of all auxiliaries.  Presently the committee is inactive. The Barney Edwards, Sr.,/ James Washington Educational Building was erected and completed in April 1999 and dedicated on May 23, 1999.  The name of the Mass Choir was changed to The Sanctuary Choir, January 2000.  A weekly Bible study in Columbia and Springfield, as well as Noonday prayer every Tuesday and Prayer Team Ministries were initiated. They all are inactive now.  The Baptismal Pool was glass enclosed by the Pulpit Aide Club.  A new PA system purchased in March, 2003, a bus was also purchased on May 1, 2003 and sold in 2014.  The paving of the parking lot was completed in 2004.  Seven acres of land was purchased on April 8, 2005.  A new van was purchased on August 30, 2005.  A new copier was purchased in March, 2007.  A new air conditioning unit and slide projector was purchased in August, 2007, resurfacing of the roof in September, 2007 and screens for choir stand purchased in October, 2007.

 

Reverend Dr. Kenneth C. Perkins, Sr., was called as pastor of Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church on November 25, 2007.

 

The physical accomplishments made so far under his pastorate are:

Another van was purchased on December 1, 2007.  A Leadership Team was established in February 2008 to serve as advisory ministry to the pastor as well as conduct the business of the church.  Monitors in the fellowship hall were purchased in June, 2008 and curtains for the Baptism Pool were purchased in August, 2008.

 

A praise team, “Unlimited Praise”,  was organized in August, 2009 and the Youth Choir was re-activated September, 2009. The Youth Choir is inactive.

The Finance Committee was re-established in August 2009 to oversee the finances of the Church with the following members presently serving: 

Sister Eartha J. Corbitt, Sister Yolanda F. Martin, Sister Betty Casteal, Brother Ronnie Gatson, and Brother Sammie Jenkins, Jr. 

The drama club and praise dancers were organized with assistance from Sister Tokmeco James in   August, 2009. The praise dance ministry was re-organized in February 2012 under the direction of Sisters Kenissa Perkins, Desiree Salley and Brittney January.

 

 A “new members” class was started August 2009, but is now inactive.

 

The Pastor’s Care Ministry was organized on November 28, 2009.

 

The Care Closet Ministry was organized on February 28, 2014.

 

God gave Pastor Perkins a vision, and on February 9, 2014, the International Inter-denominational Coalition of Churches was founded with the following member churches: Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church, Revelation Ministries, Grace International Ministries and St. Matthew Church of Deliverance.

 

A new television monitor for the kitchen was purchased in July 2013.  The educational building was re-named the “Freedom Educational Center” and re-dedicated on May 25, 2014. A new riding lawn mower was purchased by the men of the church in May 2014.

An on-the-line Bible Study began in June 2014 for members of Oakey Spring, Revelation Ministries and others in the community.

 

A new vacuum cleaner was purchased on August 17, 2014 by the Sanctuary Choir. The Pastor’s Care Ministry purchased a new Bible for Pastor Perkins in August 2014.

 

Called to the Ministry: Rev. Mose Corbitt, Rev. J.C. Corbitt, Rev. W.B. Corbitt, Rev. Harry Corbitt, Rev. O.A. Salley, Lic. Arthur Johnson, Rev. Henderson Green, Lic.  Joseph Milhouse, Rev. Willie Corbitt, Rev. C.J. Adams, Rev. A.J. Lotte, Rev. Asia Ferguson, Jr., Rev. Willie M. Wise, Rev. Matthew Johnson and Rev. Annie M. Tobin. All of the above mention have been called to rest from their labor with the exception of Reverend Sister Tobin and Reverend Matthew Johnson.  Evangelist Lucia Mae Mincy joined the Oakey Spring Baptist Church through Christian Experience in July of 1991and served faithfully until her death.  

 

Under the leadership of Pastor Perkins, the following persons were licensed to preach the Gospel - dates indicated: Deacons Donald Fenlayson (10/24/2010) and Asia D. Ferguson (11/14/2010), Sisters Margie Perkins (1/9/2011),      Gail Yon (1/9/2011) and Brother Darryl Salley (1/9/2011).  On September 29, 2013 all of the above mentioned were ordained. Minister Arnold Ray was licensed on August 3, 2014 and ordained on March 1, 2015.

 

Deacons Ministry: Deacons Taft Staley, Willis Fulmer, Charlie Woodward, Osborne Corbitt, Ednon Felder, Louis Woodward, Daniel Tyler, Henry Hay, Boyd Prophet, G.L. Corbitt, Tom Faust, James Faust, Will Young, Sr., Dainty Jenkins, Louis Corbitt, Herman Jackson, Boyd Tobin, Henry Jones, Thomas Brown, Willie Garvin, Frankie Garvin, Casper Corbitt, Theodore H. Inabinet, Timothy Tobin, James Washington, David Wise, Sr., Rivers Tobin, John C. Corbitt, Levi Corbitt, David Washington, Lelon Belton Tobin and Jesse Thomas who reunited with Oakey Spring in 1991.  Deacon Asia Ferguson, Jr. was called to the ministry.  All of the above have been called to rest from their labor.  Deacons Donald Fenlayson and Asia Ferguson, III were called to the ministry.  Inactive Deacons include Joseph P. Garvin (1995 to June 2010), Harold Amos Robinson, III (January 2010 to June 2010) and Harold Amos Robinson, Jr. (January 2010 to June 2010). They are no longer members of the church.  

 

Actively serving is Deacon Christopher Robinson, who was ordained on August 3, 2014.

 

Deaconess Ministry:  Currently serving are:  Sisters Eartha Corbitt, Asenath E. Ferguson, Burna Fenlayson, Letha Ferguson, Debra Salley and Reverend Margie Perkins.

 

Clerks/Secretaries: Brothers David Johnson, Dole Corbitt, Louis Gordon; Deacons Boyd Prophet, G.L. Corbitt, Levi Corbitt; Sisters Hattie F. Wood (elected twice), Asenath E. Ferguson, Eva A. Wright and Deborah S. Thomas.  Sister Letha J. Ferguson is presently serving.

 

Sunday School Superintendents: Brothers Harry Corbitt, Mose Corbitt, John Thomas; Deacons G.L. Corbitt, Will Young, Sr., Theodore H. Inabinet, Herman Jackson, Levi Corbitt, David Wise, John C. Corbitt (elected twice), Earl Tobin Sr., Donald Fenlayson and Sis. Annie J. McCreary.  Sister Ruthie Wise is presently serving.

 

Treasurers:  Deacons Willis Fulmer, Taft Staley, Henry Haynes, Theodore H. Inabinet, Herman Jackson, Trustee Henry Nesbitt, Sister Eartha Lee James, Deacon David Wise, Sr., Trustee Barney Edwards, Trustee Reginald Edwards, Brother Harold Amos Robinson, III, Sisters Yolanda F. Martin and Betty Garvin.  Sister Betty Casteal is presently serving.

 

Custodians: Brothers Wood Corbitt, Dan Moody, Alton Fulmer, Jake Thomas, Joseph Milhouse, Israel Garvin, Earthel Garvin, Richmond Wise, Sister Gladys Thomas, Deacon John C. Corbitt, Trustee Willie M. Jackson, Sister Fannie Mae Gatson and Brother Larry Johnson.  Sister Dorothy Robinson and Deacon Christopher Robinson are presently serving.

 

Musicians:  Sister Johnson, Sister Sanders, Sister Deborah S. Thomas.  Reverend Asia D. Ferguson, III, and Sister Jacque' Ferguson are presently serving.

 

Trustee Ministry: Brothers Addison Wise, Simon Brown, Ben K. Garvin, Thomas Garvin, Allen Davis, Earthel Garvin, Henry Nesbitt, Willie M.  Jackson, Barney Edwards, Preston Ferguson, Robert L. Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Boy James and Robert Ferguson have all been called to rest from their labor.  Brother Hayward Garvin Jr. was ordained as a Deacon.

 

Harold Robinson, Sr., was ordained as a Deacon in January 2010.  Will Young, Jr., Clary James, Sr., Jeffrey Edwards, Reginald Edwards, Donnie Edwards, Walter Edwards, Larry Johnson, Gary Lee Prophet, Louis Odom, Calvin Anderson, Simon Jones, Robert Boyd and Sis. Lorraine James and Sis. Betty Garvin (who was appointed by Reverend Dr. Kenneth C. Perkins), are all inactive and, with the exception of Brother Larry Johnson, these persons are no longer members of the church.

 

Brother Ronnie Gatson, Sr., Brother Sammie Jenkins, Jr., Sister Betty Casteal, and Sister Eartha Corbitt are presently serving. Brother Dalton Pough, and Brother Charles Corbitt are inactive.

 

Ushers Ministry:  Reverend E.A. Davis and Sister Hattie Wise organized the Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church Ushers Ministry on the 2nd Sunday in May, 1922.  Sister Wise became the first Matron and she served faithfully until her death.  Deacon Herman Jackson was elected as the first President and served dutifully until his health required him to resign.

 

Ushers presently serving are:  Sisters Dorothy Corbitt, Dorothy Robinson, Ruthie Wise and Reverend Gail Yon. In May 2014, the Junior Usher Ministry was organized. Young people presently serving are: Shantasia Jenkins, Sameiah Jenkins, Shalaysia Pyos, Camryn James, Jamyla Doe, Erykah Williams and Shawn Roman-Davis.

 

Mothers of the Church: Sisters Lula Clemons, Laura Fulmer, Marion Prophet, Lillie E. Corbitt, Vastine Corbitt and Mozell Argrow, served faithfully until their passing from labor to reward.  This ministry was re-activated by Pastor Perkins in May 2014. Presently serving are: Mothers Gladys Thomas, Asenath E. Ferguson, Evelyn C. Ferguson, Eartha J. Corbitt and Bernice R. Jenkins.

 

Children's Church:  Because of the vision of Sis. LaTanya Garvin, Children’s Church commenced on September 15, 1996.  It is inactive.

 

New Members in 2014/2015:         None

 

Deceased members in 2014/2015:  (1) Sister Allie Mae Davis

 

Marriages in 2014/2015:  Brother Charles Lavern Corbitt & Sister Germaine Brown Jamison

 

Memorials: In 1997, Bro. Eugene Washington established a memorial in memory of Bro. Barney Edwards, Sr. Donations to this memorial were given each year in the month of January.  In 1998, Bro. Tyrone Hart established a memorial in the honor and memory of his father, Bro. Preston Ferguson.  Donations to this memorial were given each year in the month of March.  Donations are no longer given by Brother Eugene Washington. 

 

Sisters-In-Christ was organized in February 1999 by Sister Carrie Garvin.  The Sisters-In-Christ is inactive.

 

Brotherhood was organized in January 1998 by Deacon John C. Corbitt.  Brother James Brown served as president until his death and Minister Asia D. Ferguson served for a while. The Brotherhood is inactive.

 

The Church’s web page: www.oakeyspringbaptistchurch.com/

The Church Facebook page:  Oakey Spring Missionary Baptist Church

 

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