Welcome to Oakdale UMC. Oakdale UMC has a long history of serving the christian needs of the Jamestown NC area. Oakdale UMC was originally founded by a small group of Methodist believers in the late 1800's. Out of our church grew a history of outreach ministry, service to our communities and giving of thanks to God for the rich blessings he has bestowed upon each of his children. While the size and demographics of our community has changed dramatically since the founding of our church the mission of our congregation has not.
Our church has maintained a committment to helping our brothers and sisters in our community and around the world through a variety of mission and outreach programs. We would like to encourage you to visit our church and see for yourself the joy that a committment to service for others can bring to your life.
Did I hear someone say that it is too cool in the sanctuary? Is it because of the air conditioning? When this church first began, the sanctuary was equipped with natural air conditioning.
As early as 1876, the people of the community met in homes and held prayer meetings. Later, Mr. Joe Ragsdale and the mill officials offered to assist in the building of an arbor to hold religious meetings. People responded with help and the arbor was built. It was build on Oakdale Road where the McClure house stands. Approximately in the year 1878. The old well in the middle of ht road was built about the same time.
People were very excited about the arbor. Preachers from various denominations came to preach in the protected meetings in the summer. There was a great deal of shouts of praise, clapping of hands and shouting often awaking small children.
Little Sunday sessions were held and that led to Sunday school which was held at 2:00 pm. Big revivals and dinner on the grounds were a big part of the arbor.
So, if you complain about the air conditioning being too cool, remember the early days of the brush arbor and think how it would be to have church outside on one of these July Sundays.
Jane Haney
