About Oakland

History of Oakland

Oakland, established in 1858, is the oldest Presbyterian Church USA in Johnston County. The church was formed by a small group of people in the Cleveland community who met in a bush shelter and made plans to build the structure. Although it was a Presbyterian church, practically everyone in the community, even those of other denominations, contributed generously in materials and labor to the project.

The original group which formed the church was composed of Mrs. Charity Williams Jones, Mrs. Sarah Sanders, who gave the land, Miss Sarah E. Sanders, Miss Lauretta W. Sanders, Mrs. Louenze McLean, John W. Hodges, and John W. McLean, who was the instigator of the movement. Rev. T. B Neill became the first pastor on October 30, 1858.

Although the original church structure was burned, it was rebuilt almost immediately, showing the ardent interest of the members in their church. A new front was added to the structure in 1910.

There was an addition to the church, with a new sanctuary, dedicated in 1952. A manse was added on the church property in 1964. A fellowship hall and Sunday School wing were dedicated in 1974.