History of Olive Grove Baptist Church
Olive Grove Baptist Church was formed and organized by the grace God, under the leadership of Reverend George Odom in 1904 in a village known as Little Creek, on Azalea Garden Road in Norfolk, Virginia. In that same year, Brother Geno White, a member of the congregation was an overseer on the farms owned by Frank Whitehurst. God moved the heart of Mr. Whitehurst to donate a parcel of land upon which the founding members could erect a building in which to worship. God also led Mr. Oliver, the owner of Oliver’s Farm, to provide lumber to construct an edifice. Church members showed their gratitude to Mr. Oliver by using part of his name in the name of the church.
After some time on Azalea Garden Road, when Reverend W. F. Hill was Pastor, the congregation relocated to Lamb Avenue and built an edifice there. Olive Grove prospered and grew spiritually as God sent Pastors in the persons of Reverend J. Miles, Reverend V. Turner, Reverend J. M. Johnson, Reverend S. L. Brown, and Reverend W. F. Hill.
In 1965, while the Church was still under the leadership of Pastor Hill, city zoning restrictions resulted in the relocation of the church to its present location on Albert Avenue. Olive Grove enjoys a history of great singing, and lively worship and has always been well attended. Reverend Hill was a patient, kind, and true servant of God. He served Olive Grove until he retired on March 4, 1965, with these parting words of encouragement: “Don’t forget God.” After Pastor Hill’s retirement, Deacon John Barnes provided faithful leadership.
Following Pastor Hill’s retirement, Reverend Raymond Dean was elected Pastor. He was ordained and installed by his Pastor, Dr. C. H. Jordan of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia. The Lord abundantly blessed Olive Grove. The church prospered, and several new ministry auxiliaries were organized during Reverend Dean’s eight years as Pastor. Reverend Dean resigned in March 1973. Chairman Deacon, John Barnes, and other faithful speakers led the services.In March 1974 Reverend Moses L. Davis, Sr. was elected as Pastor. He served until 1977. Throughout his tenure, Olive Grove continued to grow in God’s grace. Pastor Davis left his farewell remarks, “Let us not be led into temptation,” which was inspired by The Lord’s Prayer.
In the absence of a shepherd, Deacon John Barnes again officiated the services until October 19, 1978, when he suffered a stroke. Vice-Chairman Deacon Earl F. White, Jr. provided leadership officiated during worship, and along with other Deacons and dedicated speakers provided care for the congregation.
On Sunday, September 2, 1979, the church elected Reverend Harry A. Davis as Pastor. He was officially installed by his Pastor, Reverend Harold Cason of First Baptist Church Campostella, on October 14, 1979. Reverend Davis was truly an anointed man of God. His love for God first, and his love for his church, were constantly exhibited as he continued to lead souls to Jesus Christ until his death on February 23, 2007.
For the next two and a half years, Chairman Deacon Thomas Wadley provided leadership, and several dedicated Ministers from within our church officiated services. God remained faithful and, in His timing, he brought our current Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Larry Williams, Sr., who was installed on September 27, 2009. We thank God for His continued faithfulness!