Oak Grove UPC - Morgantown

Johnny Magee received the Holy Ghost on January 27, 1919., in Morgantown, almost certainly at the Church of God. He was 18 years old. When W.E. Johnson preached the Oneness message in Morgantown in 1920, John Magee was “clerk” of the Mount Carmel Church of God. As mentioned above, this church accepted the Oneness message and left the Church of God. Brother Magee embraced the new message and began preaching almost immediately, becoming a leading proponent of Oneness in south central Mississippi and southeast Louisiana. He conducted revivals, founded, and pastored churches in Braxton, Mississippi; Bethel, near Tylertown, Mississippi; Inverness, Mississippi; as well as Bogalusa, Louisiana. He would start or pastor churches in Poplarville, Mississippi (Oak Hill Church) and Jayess, Mississippi (Powell’s Grove Church), returning to Bogalusa in 1941.

Due to the early association with the Oneness Pentecostal Message that was preached in brush arbors, tents, and in different converts houses, the area of Morgantown was fertile soil for the continuance of spreading the Gospel.

Thus in 1946, Jimmy Johnson became the first pastor of the Oak Grove United Pentecostal Church. During his tenure, the first church building was erected. His pastorate was a long one ending in 1964. Following him as pastors were, R.L. Tolbert, Howley Cupstid, Clem Peak, who served during 1964-1966. Johnny Hamilton was elected pastor in 1967 and served until 1973.

Following his tenure, Larry Magee was elected in 1973, and served for a short time. In 1974, Alford Kerbow served for about a year. Upon his resignation Jerome Bourn was elected as interim pastor for three months until Joseph (Joe) Slade was elected in 1975 and labored as pastor until his passing from cancer in 1988. James Rushing was elected in 1988 and served until 1996. M.D. Sterling followed him for about one and a half years. Gary Walley followed him in 1997, and served for about one and a half years until he was killed in an automobile accident.

God had prepared Felix Arnold to become pastor in 1999, and he continues leading the church in revival and growth. This being one of the first areas in south Mississippi that the Oneness Pentecostal Message was preached, it has been a privilege to have some of the greatest pastors to lead this congregation in revival and keep the home fires burning. To each pastor who has served at Oak Grove United Pentecostal Church, you have been a blessing to the church and the Kingdom.