Live Oak Baptist History
Celebrating Faithfulness, Growth, and Ministry Since 1952
Founding and Early Beginnings
Live Oak Baptist Church was established on May 4, 1952, in Jacksboro, Texas. The idea for the mission grew from the pastor and members of First Baptist Church, Jacksboro, after the strong response to a 1949 open-air revival led by Rev. A.R. Bilberry. That response showed the need for another Southern Baptist congregation in Jacksboro and Jack County.
Live Oak Mission Chapel: Humble Beginnings
In 1950, the congregation was given an abandoned service station on Old Wichita Highway near Live Oak Street. Renovated into a simple meeting place, it became home to Live Oak Mission Chapel, where the congregation continued to grow.
Becoming Live Oak Baptist Church
On May 4, 1952, the chapel became Live Oak Baptist Church with sixty charter members. That August, it joined the Jack County Baptist Association and affiliated with the Texas and Southern Baptist Conventions.
Building the Church Home
Construction on the original church building began in October 1952. Much of the labor was donated, and Texas State Missions helped with expenses. The congregation began meeting there in early 1953, before the education section was finished.
Legacy of Faith and Family
Though not every milestone or member can be named, Live Oak Baptist Church is defined by its strong family spirit of love and faithfulness. That spirit remains central to the church’s identity.
Moving Forward in Ministry
Rooted in God’s Word, Live Oak Baptist Church continues forward with gratitude to the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ for many years of ministry and fellowship.
Note: The original history was prepared by Georgie Fae Jackson for the Church’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration May 4-5, 2002 and was revised May 27, 2026.
Live Oak Baptist Church was established on May 4, 1952, in Jacksboro, Texas. The idea for the mission grew from the pastor and members of First Baptist Church, Jacksboro, after the strong response to a 1949 open-air revival led by Rev. A.R. Bilberry. That response showed the need for another Southern Baptist congregation in Jacksboro and Jack County.
Live Oak Mission Chapel: Humble Beginnings
In 1950, the congregation was given an abandoned service station on Old Wichita Highway near Live Oak Street. Renovated into a simple meeting place, it became home to Live Oak Mission Chapel, where the congregation continued to grow.
Becoming Live Oak Baptist Church
On May 4, 1952, the chapel became Live Oak Baptist Church with sixty charter members. That August, it joined the Jack County Baptist Association and affiliated with the Texas and Southern Baptist Conventions.
Building the Church Home
Construction on the original church building began in October 1952. Much of the labor was donated, and Texas State Missions helped with expenses. The congregation began meeting there in early 1953, before the education section was finished.
Legacy of Faith and Family
Though not every milestone or member can be named, Live Oak Baptist Church is defined by its strong family spirit of love and faithfulness. That spirit remains central to the church’s identity.
Moving Forward in Ministry
Rooted in God’s Word, Live Oak Baptist Church continues forward with gratitude to the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ for many years of ministry and fellowship.
Note: The original history was prepared by Georgie Fae Jackson for the Church’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration May 4-5, 2002 and was revised May 27, 2026.
Pastors of Live Oak Baptist Church
Drewey Garner 1952-1953
Clay Frazier 1953-1960
Ronald Peck 1961-1962
C.. W. Hedrick 1963-1964
Ronald Griffin 1964-1966
John Hollingsworth 1966-1969
E. M. Hay 1969-1973
Paul D. Hampton 1973-1975
David Barclay 1976-1978
Jimmy Davis 1979-1983
Woody Singleton 1983-1996
Craig Lile 1996-2009
Kenneth Reiter 2010-2015
Adam Lazarine 2017-2023
Travis Jonas 2023-Present
