Faithful Since 1890

A History of Occanum Community Church

One little country church by the side of the road, and more than 136 years of people who kept its doors open.

  1. July 2, 1890

    Occanum Community Church began in a little building known as the “Peastown Schoolhouse,” located at the corner of Dunbar Road and what is now Dodd Road. Rev. F. James served as the first pastor from 1890–1891. In those early years, meetings were small—sometimes only five or six people—but a foundation of faith was being laid that would continue for generations.

  2. March 10, 1904

    The congregation was also known as the “Second Windsor Church of District 17.” Members of the community met at the schoolhouse and voted to incorporate the Second Windsor Church as a separate church with the authority to conduct its own business.

  3. The earliest known photograph of Occanum Community Church, a white clapboard building with a bell tower
    The oldest known photograph of the church

    May 9, 1907

    Members of the community who desired a permanent church raised $100 to purchase a house and property at the location where the church stands today. The property was owned by Rev. George White, with the agreement that the house would be converted into a church. The congregation became known as the Free Will Baptist Church and was served by a number of ministers over the years.

  4. 1920

    The church changed its name to Occanum Baptist Church.

  5. 1940s

    During the 1940s, the church building was moved onto its present foundation, where it continues to stand today.

  6. 1949

    An addition was constructed on the church, including the area where the pulpit now stands.

  7. 1952

    Church membership grew significantly.

  8. 1980s

    The congregation voted to change the name from Occanum Baptist Church to Occanum Community Church, reflecting its continuing ministry to the surrounding community.

Over the decades, generations of people worked faithfully to preserve the little country church. For many years it was heated by a wood stove. Eventually the basement was reconstructed, a furnace installed, indoor bathrooms and running water added, and the kitchen and fellowship areas improved.

  1. Occanum Community Church and its grounds
    The church and its grounds

    2004

    Landscaping was completed on the front lawn, with flowers and trees added to enhance the church grounds.

  2. 2005

    Additional landscaping was completed along the side lawn. A large pine tree was removed, flowers and shrubs were planted, and a blacktop sidewalk was added.

  3. 2006

    New kitchen cabinets, a stove, and a sink were installed. The outside of the church and porch were enclosed, a larger handicap ramp was added, two large maple trees were removed, and new shrubs were planted.

Pastors Through the Years

The historical pastor windows preserved at the church record many of those who served the congregation.

  • 1890–1891Rev. F. James
  • 1921–Rev. James Payne
  • 1930–1945Rev. T. Pert Gates
  • 1945–1959Rev. Lester Mallory
  • 1959–1975Rev. Franklin Lord
  • 1975–1978Rev. Russell Matthews
  • 1978–1982Rev. Loren Kinter
  • 1985–1989Rev. Douglas Smith
  • 1989–1991Rev. Paul Beatty
  • 1994–1996Pastor Joseph Mack
  • 1999–2000Rev. Earl Ford
  • 2001–2002Pastor James Herbert
  • 2003–2004Rev. Lewis Payne
  • 2004–2014Pastor Kevin Rolls
  • 2014–2025Rev. Mike Brazil
  • 2025–PresentRev. John & Candice Snider

A New Season of Revitalization

Beginning in 2025, Occanum Community Church entered another important chapter in its long history under the leadership of Rev. John and Candice Snider. The church began experiencing a renewed season of life, growth, ministry, and community involvement. Along with the spiritual revitalization of the congregation, significant work has been undertaken to care for and improve the historic church property.

  1. 2025 — Fellowship Hall Renovation

    The fellowship hall was renovated and refreshed, providing an improved space for meals, fellowship, ministry, and community gatherings.

  2. 2026 — Children’s Ministry Area Upgrades

    The children’s areas were improved and upgraded to provide better spaces for children and families and to prepare the church for continued growth.

  3. 2026 — New Chimney

    A new chimney was installed as part of the continuing effort to maintain and preserve the historic church building.

  4. 2026 — Water Pump Replacement

    The church’s water pump was replaced, providing an important infrastructure upgrade for the building.

  5. 2026 — New Handicap Ramp

    A new handicap-accessible ramp was constructed, improving access to the church and helping ensure that everyone in the community can enter and worship together.

These improvements represent more than renovations to an old building. They are part of a larger revitalization of Occanum Community Church—honoring those who faithfully kept the doors open before us while preparing the church to serve another generation.

From a handful of people meeting in the Peastown Schoolhouse in 1890, through seasons of growth, struggle, change, and renewal, one thing has remained constant: God has continued to use this little church by the side of the road.

Today, more than 136 years after its beginning, Occanum Community Church continues its mission of Loving God and Loving People.

We are grateful for those who came before us. We are thankful for what God is doing among us today. And we look forward with faith to what He will do in the generations still to come.

Occanum Community Church

Established July 2, 1890 · Loving God and Loving People