Founded in 1871, just six years after the Civil War, the Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association (TROGMBA) stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of its founding churches and leaders, particularly Reverend Stephen Scott. Rooted in a mission to promote Christian fellowship and advance God’s Kingdom in the hearts of humanity, the Association has remained faithful to its constitution and God’s Great Commandments.

As a proud affiliate of the General Baptist State Convention, organized in 1867, the TROGMBA shares a rich heritage of equipping Baptist churches through education, ministerial development, and mission outreach. This includes longstanding support for Shaw University and Divinity School, the South’s first Historically Black College, and the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission, extending the light of Christ to Africa.

In 1902, the Association expanded its mission by founding the TROG Collegiate & Industrial Training School to provide quality education for African American students. Under the leadership of pioneering principals such as Professors Hector Kemps, W.F. Hill, W.W. Parker, and later Rev. J.T. Kerr, the school became a beacon of hope and opportunity. The collective strength of member churches, united through “The Union,” funded teachers’ salaries and school operations. A notable alumnus, Rev. Dr. E.W. Wooten, graduated in 1931.

With the state assuming responsibility for Black education in 1932, the school transitioned into Georgetown High School, led by Principal J.W. Broadhurst until 1966. The original school site is now marked by a monumental obelisk honoring the visionary founders and the legacy of education they established.

Although the school itself closed, the spirit and purpose of “The Union” endured. Shifting its focus, the Union began awarding scholarships to students pursuing higher education. In the mid-1980s, the Union expanded and was reorganized into Union #1 (Onslow County) and Union #2 (Jones and Craven Counties), now representing a fellowship of 22 churches within the Association.

Birthed out of TROGMBA’s commitment to holistic ministry are several vital auxiliaries that continue to strengthen our collective witness: the Women’s Home and Foreign Mission, the Church School Convention, the Usher’s Convention, and a collaborative partnership with both the Deacon’s Union and Deacon’s Wives. These ministries reflect the Association’s deep-rooted commitment to service, discipleship, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom across generations.

Today, TROGMBA continues its unwavering mission: strengthening church fellowship, empowering Christian leadership, and investing in future generations. The seeds of sacrifice and service planted over 150 years ago continue to bear fruit—blessing lives and glorifying God.

PRESERVING THE LEGACY, WHILE BUILDING A LEGACY