#OGAMEZ REVOLUTIONARIES
Welcome to Oak Grove
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church!
“THE FREEDOM CHURCH”
Gaithersburg MD 20882
On December 19, 1878, the Zion Wesley African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was established by a group of freed African American slaves, who lived in the Mount Zion neighborhood of Olney Maryland.
The founders of Zion Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church, (which was renamed Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on January 16, 1968), had all been freed prior to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1893.
These former slaves earned, bought their freedom, or had been freed by the predominantly Quaker residents of the area by 1860.
They were among the first African Americans to be formally educated and bequeathed a rich heritage of Christian and family values to their descendants.
The land for building Oak Grove was donated by friends and neighbors living on and around Zion Road. Mr. Green Howard loaned the small group of dedicated, loyal, and determined church members the money, without interest, for the construction of the building.
The members of Oak Grove, many of whom were related by blood or marriage, established the church not only as a center of religious observance but also as a center of community life.
For example, one of the senior members (Mrs. Marie Russell, now deceased) recalled that Mrs. Lydia Bowen, an early church member, visited the members of the community, on foot, sharing companionship, a cup of tea, a piece of bread, and Christian fellowship.
Another faithful member, Mrs. Jane Swailes was always there providing a helpful hand and preparing delicious cakes and meals for everyone.
- The OG Express 2020-2021 Community Newsletter Downloads
- Oak Grove AMEZ Community News Letter 1st Edition 06-14-2020
- Destiny Is Calling Us! ~ ++#JoshuaPaul
- He Went Through Hell For Us! ++#JoshuaPaul #ResurrectionSunday #COVID19 #WarRoom #Worship
- “Who Is This?!” ~ ++#Joshua Paul – War Room Worship – Palm Sunday 04-05-2020
- God Is Our Stronghold! – WAR ROOM WORSHIP ~ ++#JoshuaPaul
Previous Posts and Updates Here
On September 9, 1990, Rev. Pearl J. Selby was appointed interim pastor of Oak Grove AMEZ.
- In June 1991, she was appointed pastor of the church. Under the pastorate of Rev. Selby, the church continued to grow and flourish.
- On October 3, 1993, the church held a ground breaking service for their proposed educational annex.
- The extension to the existing building will include multi-purpose rooms that will be used for Sunday school classes, meetings and conferences, and also new restrooms and a kitchen.
- In the mist of this project, the congregation voiced concern about the condition of the existing church furniture.
- The Young Adult Choir of Oak Grove had longed envisioned the purchase of new pews for the church.
- Rev. Selby spearheaded a project that resulted in the entire refurbishing of the main sanctuary.
- This project embraced the vision of new pews, pulpit furniture, new carpet and repainting of the sanctuary.
- Dedication services were held on Sunday, February 26, 1995.
See Oak Grove AMEZ Videos On Demand Here
In June 1991, Rev. Dr. Pearl Selby was officially appointed pastor of the church. Under the pastorate of Rev. Selby, the church continued to grow and flourish.
On October 3, 1993, the church held a ground breaking service for their proposed educational annex. The extension to the existing building will include multi-purpose rooms that will be used for Sunday school classes, meetings and conferences, and also new restrooms and a kitchen.
In the mist of this project, the congregation voiced concern about the condition of the existing church furniture. The Young Adult Choir of Oak Grove had longed envisioned the purchase of new pews for the church.
Rev. Selby spearheaded a project that resulted in the entire refurbishing of the main sanctuary. This project embraced the vision of new pews, pulpit furniture, new carpet and repainting of the sanctuary. Dedication services were held on Sunday, February 26, 1995.
OUR PASTOR
The Oak Grove membership with the support of its pastors, friends, presiding elders and Episcopal leadership, has worked diligently to continue the work of God in their corner of the world.
The members have worked hard to maintain and enhance the building, but the congregation believes that the work of Jesus Christ includes more than the rebuilding of an edifice.
The Oak Grove membership has been actively involved in opening its doors and inviting all who would like to join in worship.
With the help of God, the membership of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion church pledged to continue to do God’s will and to praise God’s Holy Name.
We are excited to embrace the mission, ministry, and leadership of our newest pastor, Joshua Paul Logan.
