Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church - Bolivar, TN

In 1885, the Oak Hill Mission was in the process of becoming a church. Three men by the names of Bro. Marcus Joy, Bro. Henry Cheshiers, and Bro. David Brown had a vision within their hearts that there was a need of a church in their community. They knew that under God's leadership, and being commissioned by God, the needs of the people would be met.

Grover Cleveland was the President at this time. The war of the states had changed many things during the last quarter of the 19^th Century. Negro families were coming together and organizing churches of their own.

On August 29, 1885, a white citizen of Hardeman County by the name of Robert Carter donated land to the deacons of Oak Hill Mission.

At the time, Oak Hill Mission became Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Robert Carter made the following statement:

"I, Robert Carter, of the county of Hardeman and state of Tennessee for and in construction of the high estimation which I have for the cause of the Christianity, have this day given, granted, and transferred unto Marcus Joy, Henry Cheshiers, and David Brown, the deacons of the colored Missionary Baptist Church, for the purpose of a church and no other.

(taken from Record Deed Book /ee, p. 610)