The Raleigh Baptist Association first recognized the church as a place of worship on Sept. 20 in 1859. At that time, White Oak was known as Archer Lodge Baptist Church. It held its first services in the Archer Masonic Lodge which was established five years earlier.

The lodge building was razed by Union forces in 1865 and was rebuilt. The church worshipped in the lodge for 24 years until it moved into its own building in 1883. The land was donated by merchant and landowner Elias G.Barnes.

The building was surrounded by a grove of white oak trees - giving the church its name.

Now in its third building on the same site, White Oak remains at the center of the Archer Lodge spiritual community. It sits on Buffalo Road, adjacent to the Archer Lodge Community Center.

The homecoming tradition began in 1959 in celebration of the church's 100th anniversary. The day includes a number of special events including the traditional "dinner on the grounds," at the community center immediately after the worship service.

This year, a commemorative video was shown, recapping the church's 150-year history. Past ministers took part in the service. Members and guests placed flowers on graves in the adjacent cemetery in honor and recognition of family members and friends who are buried there.

"You only celebrate 150 years once," said Dara Edwards who headed up the church's celebration. "We want to ensure that those in attendance and those who will continue to enjoy this film over the years will have an appreciation for the incredible people who have built this church and this community."

The placement of flowers on graves in the major Archer Lodge cemetery is a new tradition church members hope to continue at future homecoming services.