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Vol. 1 No. 2
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Fall 2007
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The Oakdale Express is published four
times a year with the next issue
planned for January/February.
To submit a story, photo, or an idea,
please send an email to:
headdenr121@oakdale-eagles.org
or mail to:
Regina Headden
434 Hillside Drive #19
Harriman, TN 37748.
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In this Issue:
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Oakdale United Methodist Church Turns 100
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As the Oakdale United Methodist
Church reaches a milestone, read
more about what the church has to
offer the community:
Church Records Preserve More Than
Membership History
The Oakdale United Methodist Church
Today
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Nestled on a hillside overlooking the town of
Oakdale and the western bank of the Emory
River stands the only remnant of the once
bustling town. The red brick structure with its
distinctively Victorian architecture is the
Oakdale United Methodist Church.
Organized in 1907, the original church building
was destroyed by fire in 1913. The current
building opened in 1917. It, too, has seen fire
damage through the years and miraculously
survived the great fire of 1958 that destroyed
four businesses located in close proxemity to
the church.
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For those who love to travel, an
Oakdale alumnae would love to
organize a trip. Take a look at the
following:
Alumni Travel Opportunity
Oakdale has joined the ranks of cities
with historical markers preserving
local history. Read about these
markers in:
Oakdale's Historical Markers
Check out what is happening with
Oakdale alumni in:
Alumni News
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The building has weathered many other
obstacles through the years, but it has
survived and is the oldest church structure
in Oakdale that retains a historical
significance with the town. The other
churches have a modern-era feel about
them while the Methodist Church holds
nearly 100 years worth of memories that
live on in past and present members.
There have been rennovations through the
years. The stained glass windows that
look like they have been there from the
beginning were installed in the 1970s. The
sanctuary ceiling was lowered in the 80s
then restored a few years later when a
new roof was put on the church. During
the latter rennovation process, much of the
dark interior woods were painted white.
Most of it has been restored to its original
color except for the doors across the back
of the sanctuary.
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Some parting thoughts on:
...where did Oakdale go?
Ideas for future submissions:
- Stories about growing up in
Oakdale
- Stories about local "heroes",
veterans, memorable sporting
events, etc.
- "Remember When ..."
- Old Oakdale Photos
- Reflections on life in Oakdale
- News about reunions or
upcoming events concerning
Oakdale or Oakdale School
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The church pews, the pulpit, and a small table
sitting behind the pulpit have been there since
the church opened in 1917. The original light
fixtures have been replaced; however, they
can be found buried in a storage closet in the
church.
As Oakdale's population has dwindled, church
membership has steadily declined as well. In
the first half of the 20th century, membership
was in the hundreds. Today, there are
between 50 and 60 names listed in the
membership book. Weekly attendance for
church services averages about 25.
At 100, the members of the Oakdale United
Methodist Church are ready to take on the next
100 years.
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