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A Brief History of White Oak United Methodist Church
In the summer of 1927 a tent revival was held at the corner of Memorial Drive and Lyndon Avenue. As a result of this revival a decision was made to establish a Methodist church to be the first church in the immediate area. On August 28 and September 25, fifty-five persons became the charter members of White Oak Methodist Episcopal, South. On October 3 Rev. Woodall Johnson was appointed as minister and soon a building committee was appointed. This building became “The Tabernacle” and the first service was celebrated on December 10, 1927. This was a frame church with a bell in a small steeple and two “pot-bellied” stoves in each front corner providing the heat and paper fans and open windows were the cooling system.
It was determined in December 1939 that a larger building was needed, and a fund-raising drive began. Work began in 1941 and the building was completed in September 1943. Lumber from The Tabernacle was used as framing so the final service in The Tabernacle was on August 10, 1941. Until the first floor was completed services were held at White Oak Elementary School. This building was built by the hands and with the love of men of the congregation.
Directly beneath the sanctuary was a large assembly room and a kitchen. Sunday school rooms were contained in a 3-story structure at the rear of the sanctuary. The formal opening was September 5, 1943.
On November 13, 1960 the first service was held in the present sanctuary. This building program planned for a sanctuary to seat some 500 persons, twelve new classrooms, and office space. This is White Oak’s third sanctuary and is located on the site of the original “Tabernacle.” The 85-foot steeple houses the same bell that was located in the small steeple of the Tabernacle. It still calls the community to worship and is rung on special occasions and at the death of church members.
The first kindergarten in the area (September 1947) and the first senior citizen group in the area (October 23, 1962) were offered at White Oak UMC. We were able to repay the White Oak Elementary School for using their facilities during our early days by having classes in our church when the school burned.
Today, the facilities are used daily by our many Ministry Partners and church groups. We are proud to be celebrating our Centennial Birthday in 2027!
United Methodist Church
White Oak UMC is a member of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church, in the Scenic South District under supervision of the Rev. Mickey Rainwater.
Traditionally, we have emphasized the following.
- God will comfort, guide, and forgive every person, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.
- The Bible is the word of God, and the foundation of our beliefs.
- Jesus, the son of God, died on the cross for all everyone.
- Serving others and Christian faith go hand in hand.
- God loves everyone and wants every person to experience the joy, peace, and power of living in relationship with him.
- People need a community of grace for their spiritual journey; a place where they are loved, accepted and feel safe in which to grow.
In practice, we are similar to other Protestant denominations, as we affirm our beliefs through the sacred symbols of baptism and communion.
Through baptism, we accept God’s gifts through Jesus. There is no strict rule among United Methodists about how baptism must be performed, although sprinkling water on the head of the person being baptized is most common. Everyone is accepted and welcome at the communion table, whether members of the Church or not, children or adults.
The modern history of United Methodism can be traced back to John Wesley, who felt his own heart strangely warmed nearly three centuries ago. After this experience, he was compelled to reach out to England’s poorest citizens, which he did with the help of his brother, Charles. Their work launched a movement that spread to the American colonies and took hold with a fervor that still exists almost 300 years later.
During that time, our hearts have led us to build almost as many schools as churches, as we were among the first to create institutions of learning for settlers, women, and newly freed slaves. There are now 120 United Methodist institutions, including schools outside the U.S., most notably Africa University in Zimbabwe.
Today, United Methodists comprise the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Our churches are connected by a system to guide our work and govern our policies. We continue to take the lead in social, spiritual, political and moral concerns. In the tradition of John and Charles Wesley, our members study scripture, encourage thoughtful debate, and confront the tough issues of the day. We still lead with our hearts, keep our minds open, and welcome everyone through our doors.
For more information regarding the United Methodist Church or the Holston Conference, please visit https://www.holston.org/

Welcome!
Pastor Rev. Amy Nutt-
Amy is an Ordained Elder in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. Amy received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Bryan College and her Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta; GA. Amy is also a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist as well as a Certified Chaplain with the International Conference of Police Officers and serves with the Red Bank Police Department.

Pastor Amy is in her tenth year serving the White Oak United Methodist Church located in Red Bank, Tennessee. Pastor Amy believes in a Servant Leadership style of pastoring and receives joy when she is empowering those around her to fulfill their God-given gifts. Building community and bridging relationships are a passion of Amy’s. Through the vision God gave her, Amy has built an “incubator of ministry partnerships” at White Oak UMC. Currently, five different non-profit social service agencies are housed at White Oak UMC, for the gospel of social justice to enhance, serve and empower the community of Red Bank.
With over 20 years in ministry, Rev. Amy Nutt’s experience has resulted in a true passion to disciple others in love and grace to exemplify an open and authentic relationship with God. Her transparency in teaching biblical truths and using her life as an example helps to lead others to an authentic walk with God. Amy deeply desires that everyone experiences being in the presence of the Holy Spirit and is positioned to hear from God.
Pastor Amy encourages living victoriously and speaking life as a daily discipline. She is passionate about sharing the Word of God with real-world applications, personal experiences, interwoven with humor and wisdom, to help others overcome life challenges with the direct application of the scriptures.
Amy shares life with her best friend & husband of 36 years, John, and two very hyper Jack Russell’s, Mary J. & Jack, who keep life exciting and provide many, sermon illustrations. She and John are proud grandparents of a beautiful, sweet girl, Magnolia Leigh, from daughter Hillary and son in law, Jahmes Morgan. To God be the Glory!
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us in the right path. Reading and understand Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God.
Youth Ministry
Youth is a unique period of life, one filled with exploration, discovery, excitement and fulfillment. The youth leaders at White Oak work hard to promote fellowship among the teens and provide encouragement along their spiritual journeys.
Children's Ministry
The Gospel has a message for everyone, of every age, and in every language. Exposing your child to the Lord's path when they are young gives them guidance, hope and strength that lasts a lifetime. Our children's ministry focuses on helping our youngest members and guests build a strong foundation in Christ.