Heritage Church (formerly Oak Ridge Church of God) was organized March 19, 1945, during World War II with 19 charter members. Oak Ridge was an integral part of the Manhattan Project developed to help win the War. Because of the shortage of church buildings, at that time, Oak Ridge Church

of God (now Heritage Church) shared the worship space of the Grove Community Center with one other church. In 1953, property was purchased at 145 Iroquois Road, and a new church building with seating for 225 was completed in 1954. In 1963, James and Betty Bandy became Pastors of the church. In 1969, renovations were completed and in 1971 a new multipurpose/gym facility was

added along with a preschool called Lollipop Lane. The church had grown in attendance and on October 25, 1992, broke ground on our current property and in May 1994 celebrated the dedication of the 900-seating capacity main auditorium. Since then, Heritage Preschool has grown with almost 100 children enrolled and is recognized as one of the top certified preschools in Tennessee. Pastor James and Betty Bandy retired in 1996, and Fred Garmon, their successful Youth Pastor, returned to the 400-member church as Lead Pastor until 2004. Dr. Garmon helped the church reach out to the world by directing multiple mission trips to Nicaragua, Africa, Romania, and Trinidad/Tobago. Dr. Paul Metler, former Heritage Associate Pastor, was elected to the role of Lead Pastor. During their 10-year tenure, the Sunday School and education departments became a strong outreach of the church. Mission trips continued and local outreach events, Trunk or Treat and the Christmas Toy Run were initiated. Jason and Nicole Prater served as Lead Pastors from 2014-

2019. Jason and Christina Sharpe accepted the role of Lead Pastors and celebrated their first worship service on November 18, 2019. They immediately began casting vision for the future of Heritage Church. A remarkable history, but an even more exciting future.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME.