Here's a man sent from God by way of the late Rev. William Copeland and Mrs. Evelyn Copeland, reared and nurtured under the admonition of the Lord. Dr. Anthony Copeland attended the public school system in Suffolk, Virginia and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1974. He attended Tidewater Community College and Paul D. Camp College where he majored in Business Administration. He furthered his education at Virginia Seminary and College. He is married to the former Miss Jacqueline Wilson and they are the parents of one son, Jonathan.

      Dr. Copeland was licensed to preach on December 12, 1982 and ordained under the administration of his father Rev. William Copeland on April 28, 1983. The congregation of voted him in as the pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church on January 2, 1984. Immediately after his installation the members knew there were some changes to be made, we had to call on God to give us renewed energy to keep up with this young minister of the gospel.

        Under this new and active leadership the membership immediately started to grow and prosper. In 1986 a new building was erected and consisted of an upstairs, the Pastor's Study with three rooms, a Finance Room, One Sunday School Room, Two Public Bathrooms and a Baptismal Pool; downstairs two public rest rooms, usher room, choir room, one Sunday School room, nursery, choir loft, balcony and all new furniture. This was a 15-year mortgage of over $100,000.00 but Dr. Copeland under the direction of God Almighty led the congregation to pay of the mortgage in 18 months. In 1990, Dr. Copeland saw need for more room in the sanctuary and a complete renovation was done with the cost being over $400,000.00. The renovations included the addition of 8 new Sunday school rooms, and the enlargement of the fellowship hall. This 30-year mortgage was paid off and burned within a 2-year period. Since that time many wonderful things have come to pass because of the vision that God has given him to lead the people of Oak Grove. The entire parking area was re-paved, comfortable cushions on the pews, a complete music department with the hiring of a Minister of Music, the purchase of 4 vans, the Feeding Ministry refined with equipment for transporting food to the sick and. shut in. Stove, refrigerator purchased. A totally equipped office with the purchase of cameras, computers, color copiers, printers, etc., new rooms added for Church School, garage built and renovated, new mural over the pool complete with new curtains.

        The church building is maintained with periodic painting and necessary upkeep, most recently a new roof was added, and the steeple beautified All of the material things that is being added to this church under the administration of our present Under Shepherd, Dr. Anthony Copeland, is not selfishly motivated, he will always share whatever he can to help anyone that he can.

        The life of this Preacher is a simple yet profound proclamation of God's Word, divinely ordered by the Lord to Minister with such a caring and giving spirit to his family, friends, foes and peers. This vessel does so with such wisdom and warmth that leads to God's great joy. We often hear him say, "I won’t complain about anything , because I am too thankful for everything."

        March 2, 1996 marked his entrance as Pastor for 13 years and on that same Sunday morning during Worship Service 13 Souls accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour, Glory to God! God really does work in mysterious and wonderful ways! This year Pastor Copeland celebrates his 21st year as Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He reminds us that a people without vision will perish. Through his vision many new ministries are in place here at Oak Grove, many have been revived and more are in the process of being born. The following are the Ministries that have yielded results under the direction and loving kindness of God and the obedience of our Pastor: The Children's Church, Youth Counsel, Drama Ministry, Praise Dancers, Praise Team, Boy and Girl Scouts, Women's Ministry, Feeding Ministry; Video Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Combined Choirs, Albert Shepherd Scholarship Committee, Male Ushers, Combined Men/Women Day, Family & Friends Day Combined with the Family Picnic, Financial Committee, Joint Church & Pastor Anniversary, New Member/New Convert Ministry, Noon Day Prayer on Wednesday, Saturday Hour of Power, Fellowship Dinner each month, Institution of Tithing, Honoree Service for two persons each year, Men's Basketball Team, and The Associate Ministers Auxiliary.

      Dr. Anthony Copeland is a man of God and all of his accomplishments cannot be put down on paper and it will not go down in history but we know that we don't have to worry about those things that are not seen or the good things you never hear of from man, God is the ultimate score keeper and in the end only how He tallies the points will count.

      Continue to pray for this magnetic, dynamic and interesting man of God