History
The story of Oakhurst Full Gospel Church's orgins began in 1947. Starting off as a tent revival, it has now grown into what you see today. Many changes have been made in Oakhurst from 1947, but the only thing that remains unchanged, the church.
The name has changed, but God has not and the small mission church dedicated to God 70 years ago continues to be a light in this community. Its light was made brighter in 1999 with the dedication of the new sanctuary.
In 1947 the first tent revival was held at what would be called Oakhurst Full Gospel Church. Evangelist Emil and Selma Burger, Rev. Floyd Durham and their party of pastors preached their hearts out and the first revival lasted 5 or 6 weeks. The revival proved to be successful with over 100 people being baptized.
Around 1950 A.W. "Bill Botard" became pastor of the church. In the 60's, visiting preacher William Kelley recommended that the name of the church be changed as it was no longer a mission. The church was then renamed Oakhurst Full Gospel Church.
Also in the 60's Walter Cooksey became the Assistant Pastor. Bill Botard and Walter Cooksey co-pastored the church through the 60's, 70's and early 80's. Brother Cooksey became the pastor and resigned as pastor in 1984 due to poor health.
Brother Bill continued to preach and there were many other preachers who filled in when needed. One such preacher was Roy Botard, Brother Bill Botard's youngest brother. Brother Roy was saved during one of the tent revivals. Brother Bill resigned in 1989.
There were two interim pastors, David Barker and W.J. Smith until a permanent pastor could be found. In October, 1989 Charles and Margaret Denman came to lead the services and then again in January 1990. In September, 1990, Denman became the pastor of Oakhurst Full Gospel Church.
The church we are now in was started in February of 1998 and the services began in the new building in March of 1999. The new building was established with the support of church members and volunteers from the church community working with dedicated effort and leadership of Pastor Charles Denman.
The new church building was dedicated at the homecoming services on June 6, 1999.
Glenn and Joanna Cooksey were called to
