WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for our core beliefs. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statements of the “The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for our core beliefs. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statements of the “The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.
History of Live Oak Baptist Church
Celebrating Faithfulness, Growth, and Ministry Since 1952
Founding and Early Beginnings
Live Oak Baptist Church was officially established on May 4, 1952, in Jacksboro, Texas. The idea for a mission church was first conceived by the pastor and members of First Baptist Church, Jacksboro, who recognized a spiritual need within the community. Their vision was inspired by an overwhelming response to an open-air revival held in the summer of 1949, led by Rev. A.R. Bilberry, then pastor of First Baptist Church. The revival's remarkable attendance made it clear that there was a need for another Southern Baptist congregation to serve the people of Jacksboro and surrounding Jack County.
Live Oak Mission Chapel: Humble Beginnings
As colder weather arrived in 1950, the growing congregation was offered an abandoned service station located on the Old Wichita Highway just off Live Oak Street. This generous donation provided a meeting place for the church, then known as Live Oak Mission Chapel. The facilities were renovated and made functional with a spirit of resourcefulness and dedication. Here, the mission congregation flourished, both in membership and in strength.
Becoming Live Oak Baptist Church
The growth of the congregation culminated on May 4, 1952, when Live Oak Mission Chapel became Live Oak Baptist Church with sixty charter members. In August of the same year, the church joined the Jack County Baptist Association and affiliated itself with both the Texas and Southern Baptist Conventions, marking its place within a larger network of Baptist churches committed to ministry and fellowship.
Building the Church Home
Construction of the church’s original building began in October 1952. Demonstrating the unity and commitment of its members, much of the labor for the building project was donated. Texas State Missions also contributed a supportive donation to help with building expenses. The congregation began meeting in the new facility early in 1953, even before the education section was fully completed.
Legacy of Faith and Family
While time and space do not allow for the recognition of every historic moment or every dedicated member in the church’s journey, the defining characteristic of Live Oak Baptist Church remains the outstanding family spirit built on love and faithfulness. This sense of community and devotion is widely regarded as the foundation of what the church has become today.
Moving Forward in Ministry
Live Oak Baptist Church continues to advance as a New Testament church, rooted in the teachings of God’s Holy Word. The congregation maintains an attitude of gratitude, continually thanking the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, for the many victorious years of ministry and fellowship. The church presses forward, determined to remain faithful and impactful in its service to the community and its mission.
Note: The original history was prepared Georgie Fae Jackson for the Church’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration May 4-5, 2002 and was revised October 8, 2025.
Live Oak Baptist Church was officially established on May 4, 1952, in Jacksboro, Texas. The idea for a mission church was first conceived by the pastor and members of First Baptist Church, Jacksboro, who recognized a spiritual need within the community. Their vision was inspired by an overwhelming response to an open-air revival held in the summer of 1949, led by Rev. A.R. Bilberry, then pastor of First Baptist Church. The revival's remarkable attendance made it clear that there was a need for another Southern Baptist congregation to serve the people of Jacksboro and surrounding Jack County.
Live Oak Mission Chapel: Humble Beginnings
As colder weather arrived in 1950, the growing congregation was offered an abandoned service station located on the Old Wichita Highway just off Live Oak Street. This generous donation provided a meeting place for the church, then known as Live Oak Mission Chapel. The facilities were renovated and made functional with a spirit of resourcefulness and dedication. Here, the mission congregation flourished, both in membership and in strength.
Becoming Live Oak Baptist Church
The growth of the congregation culminated on May 4, 1952, when Live Oak Mission Chapel became Live Oak Baptist Church with sixty charter members. In August of the same year, the church joined the Jack County Baptist Association and affiliated itself with both the Texas and Southern Baptist Conventions, marking its place within a larger network of Baptist churches committed to ministry and fellowship.
Building the Church Home
Construction of the church’s original building began in October 1952. Demonstrating the unity and commitment of its members, much of the labor for the building project was donated. Texas State Missions also contributed a supportive donation to help with building expenses. The congregation began meeting in the new facility early in 1953, even before the education section was fully completed.
Legacy of Faith and Family
While time and space do not allow for the recognition of every historic moment or every dedicated member in the church’s journey, the defining characteristic of Live Oak Baptist Church remains the outstanding family spirit built on love and faithfulness. This sense of community and devotion is widely regarded as the foundation of what the church has become today.
Moving Forward in Ministry
Live Oak Baptist Church continues to advance as a New Testament church, rooted in the teachings of God’s Holy Word. The congregation maintains an attitude of gratitude, continually thanking the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, for the many victorious years of ministry and fellowship. The church presses forward, determined to remain faithful and impactful in its service to the community and its mission.
Note: The original history was prepared Georgie Fae Jackson for the Church’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration May 4-5, 2002 and was revised October 8, 2025.
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
- Gayle Baucum 2009-2010
- Kenneth Reiter 2010-2015
- Gayle Baucum 2015-2017
- Adam Lazarine 2017-2023
- Travis Jonas 2023-Present
