MASSACHUSETTS – Oak Hill Bible Church marked its 175th anniversary on Saturday, September 20 with a joyful homecoming celebration filled with worship, gratitude and testimonies of God’s enduring faithfulness.
The church began in 1850 as the Second Advent Church of Worcester. After 130 years of ministry in Worcester, Rev. Art Stone and church leaders sensed, through prayer and study, the Lord’s leading to relocate. On May 17, 1981, the congregation dedicated a new facility in Oxford, complete with a sanctuary, gymnasium and classrooms, under the new name Oak Hill Bible Church. God continued to bless the ministry, and in 1991, a larger sanctuary was built to serve the growing congregation.
Today, the church continues its gospel witness under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Erik Reynolds, who began his ministry at Oak Hill in 2024. Dr. Reynolds welcomed the large congregation gathered for the anniversary service, where the theme Scripture was Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
A Service of Celebration
The service was a testimony to God’s faithfulness across generations. The worship team, composed of past and present members, led the congregation in singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness (Beginning to End),” while the homecoming choir offered “Grateful.”
Special greetings were shared by honored guests. Massachusetts State Senator Ryan Fattman presented the church with a Senate citation, while Representatives Joseph McKenna and Paul Frost presented a citation from the House. Rev. Tom Loghry, pastor of Rockland Community Church in North Scituate, R.I., and Rev. Bill Krulish, pastor of Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church in Springfield, Mass. and president of the Heritage conference, brought greetings on behalf of sister churches and the conference.
A Legacy of Ministry
One of Oak Hill’s enduring legacies is the number of pastors who have been raised up from its congregation. Rev. Josh Rice, Rev. Kenny Latimore and his brother Allen all grew up at Oak Hill and served on staff before entering ministry. Allen shared heartfelt memories of the church’s impact on his life.
Rev. Andy Rice, president of the Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies, spoke of the vital role Oak Hill played in helping him discern his call to ministry. His brother, Rev. Matt Rice, pastor of Dulin’s Grove Advent Christian Church in Charlotte, N.C., offered remarks and a prayer of thanksgiving for the church’s influence on his own life and service.
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
The Scripture reading, Ephesians 3:14–21, set the stage for the message from Rev. Art Stone, who pastored Oak Hill from 1976–1995. Rev. Stone reflected on God’s faithfulness during his years of service, emphasizing that Christ’s love — both for one another and for the community — has been the defining mark of Oak Hill’s ministry.
Rev. Dr. Glenn Rice, who pastored Oak Hill from 1996–2024, followed with a pastoral charge to the congregation, which was affirmed through a congregational call and response. Dr. Reynolds closed the service in prayer, after which the congregation enjoyed a meal and fellowship together in the church gym.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The 175th anniversary was more than a milestone; it was a reminder that the same God who has sustained Oak Hill for generations will continue to work through its people for his glory. As the congregation looks ahead, it clings to the promise of Hebrews 10:23: “He who promised is faithful.”
