1908 marked the year that a group of 20 faithful believers began meeting at each others homes for bible study when they desired a church in their community for worship. These 20, often met at the home of Christopher Lockley.

Under the leadership of Rev. William S. Jones, who came to the area with a goal of establishing a church, The First Baptist Church of Oakeloa was organized.

Dr. Alvah Hobart, a professor at Crozer Theological Seminary and a friend of Rev. Jones, purchased property from the late Blanch C. Morgan of Oakeola (Presently Glenolden). The Riverside Association of the American Baptist Convention (formally The Northern Baptist Convention) financed and supervised the project. Rev. Jones, who became the church’s first Pastor, was also a builder, and helped complete the church and the doors of the church opened for the first time in 1915.

In 1943, the Women’s Day committee was formed and helped make expansions to the church such as a new kitchen and new Pastor’s Study.

In March of 1977 the Lord blessed FBCO when additional land was donated by Deacon and Mrs. Robert Underhill. A building committee was then formed to oversee the rebuilding of the new church that would sit on the same site.

Everything the church needed was paid for by the congregation members. Brother Gerald Cruthfield, who is also a present day member of our congregation, built the Pulpit Lectern, the bible stand, and the cross over our baptismal pool.

The banquet hall located in the cellar of the church was named after the late Rev. Charles W. Baxter who was the pastor from 1960 to 1984. He was not only a preacher but a psalmist and formed the Baxter Ensemble and various Choir Groups throughout his tenure. On December 6, 1992 the banquet hall was dedicated in his honor.

In 2000, FBCO ordained and licensed their first female preacher, Rev. Anna Grant, under the leadership of then Pastor Rev. Edward E. Grant. This marked a major milestone for female leadership in the church.

“small church with a big heart” is changing Praise and Worship all over Delaware County.
Presently, FBCO is under the leadership of the dynamic Pastor W. Lonnie Herndon who as a child attended the First Baptist Church of Oakeola until he joined the military. Pastor Herndon was installed as the new pastor on March 24, 2006. Under the leadership of Pastor Herndon the church has been transformed tremendously. Over 100 new members have joined the church, members are growing spiritually in their walk with God, and the building has taken on a whole new look, with new computers, painting has been done throughout the building and Baxter Hall is being newly renovated. This “small church with a big heart” is changing Praise and Worship all over Delaware County.