Oakland Avenue Baptist Church grew out of First Presbyterian Church and was discussed as early as 1901, with the first definite plans made in 1909. The leaders of First Presbyterian required that a new church be built before any members left the old church. It was intended to serve the faculty and students at nearby Winthrop College, now Winthrop University. This Gothic Revival church, built in 1912, was designed by Charlotte architect C.C. Hook and held its first services in December 1912. The church was formally organized in September 1913, then dedicated that November. Rev. Alexander Martin, who served both First and this church from 1912 to 1914, became the first full-time pastor here in 1914, serving until 1931.