| Our History |
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Nearly eighty-five years ago a small group of Christians met for cottage prayer meeting. It was there that plans were made to organize a church. The first service of this newly formed church was conducted in a dugout under the front porch of a house. Thus, the Church of God in Danville opened its doors, September 9, 1925, blessed with 22 people in Sunday school. It was quite an improvement in April 1926, when the little church moved from the dugout to an old store front building. With the triangle and tambourine and hearts full of worship and praise, they made a joyful noise into the Lord. Over the next three years the church moved into several different store buildings, until finally a permanent structure was secured for worship. When the building was completed, the Dula Street Church of God at last had a building to call its own. In their first revival, 38 souls were saved and 24 added to the church. During the years, 1944-1951, the church went through many valleys, but faith and dependence on God and their times on the mountaintop sustained them. It was during this time that property was purchased on West Main Street. For six years progress was slow and painful (the stone understructure standing bleak and windowless by the road). At one time efforts were made to sell the property, but there were no buyers. In 1952, the Reverend Herbert Stone came to pastor the church and during this time, a spirit of sacrificial giving came over the congregation. It was not uncommon during this time for men to work all week, sign their paychecks and drop them in the Sunday collection. This giving was phenomenal and the more they gave, the more God poured out His Spirit and rewarded them for their faith. A loan was secured and the building was completed. In only a few short years the congregation had seen its greatest dissension, its greatest sacrifice and its greatest victory. They moved into their beautiful new facilities and became the West Main Church of God. In August 1974, Reverend Walter Mauldin assumed pastorate of the church. Shortly after his arrival the church made its final payment on its indebtedness. It was under the leadership of Pastor Mauldin that the church purchased from Dan River Inc. a beautiful building site at the corner of West Main Street and RiverOak Boulevard. “One plants, one waters…” The Reverend Dean McKinney followed Pastor Mauldin as pastor of West Main. The church prospered both spiritually and financially under his capable leadership, and plans were drawn up for out new church. Following Pastor McKinney, the Reverend Phillip Hammond came with a vision to fulfill the dream of his two predecessors and the congregation. In a short time everyone was excited – for our new church was being erected. In July 1983, we held out first service as RiverOak Church of God. In October 1985, the Reverend John Walker assumed pastorate and RiverOak continued to prosper. Under Pastor Walker’s capable direction, we purchased our own television equipment and extended our outreach. Also, an additional 10.4 acres of land was purchased from Dan River Inc. to enlarge our building and parking facilities. In August 1988, the Reverend Lloyd Womack assumed pastorate and during his brief tenure, led us into extended church planning programs. Then in February 1989, God sent us the Reverend Tim Hill. His anointed ministry was a blessing to RiverOak and the City of Danville. The church indebtedness was significantly reduced during his tenure here. With his phenomenal energy and talents, our church was led to a new level of worship. In August, 1996 God favored us as Reverend Tim Nuckles became our pastor. Under his leadership we purchased 31 acres of land on the corner of 58 West and Vandola Road. Plans have been drawn up for a new church and a senior retirement community on this future campus. Now fresh winds of worship and direction are blowing as new pastor, Rev. Donnie Anderson and his wife Debra serve our congregation. We celebrate together as God’s Spirit draws our sons and daughters throughout the city to Himself and to RiverOak. New guests are coming every Sunday, and since August 2008 a spirit of revival is producing increase in every area. The congregation is enjoying what God is doing and looks with great expectation and excite |
