Calvary Cemetery Page Header

Reverend Oscar J Allen

Calvary Cemetery
Section 17, Block 17, Lot 255, Space SW
(March 4th, 1889 – July, ? 1942)

 Rev. Oscar J. Allen  picture

Rev. Allen was born in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1889, to Victor and Ellen Allen. In 1906, he was ordained as a Baptist Minister. He was appointed pastor of a church in Waceo, North Carolina, were he remained until 1911. During this same period, he earned a degree from Biddle College in Charlotte and spent two years as principle of a public school in Waceo. From 1911 to 1914, he served as pastor Shiloh Baptist Church in Shelby. His next appointment was to a church in Statesville, in which he served from 1914 until coming to Norfolk in 1924.

He was the pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church on Henry Street for 18 years, from 1924 until his death in 1942. In addition to being pastor, he served in variety of other capacities. From 1937-1942, he was the president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. He was a member Baptist World Alliance, and traveled extensively. He conducted evangelical programs as far away as Canada, Germany, and the Bahamas.

In 1909, he married Ellen Mae Christian. They had two daughters, Hattie Allen and Mary Copeland, and one son, Lionel. In Norfolk, they resided at 1015 Anderson Street.

Citizens Pay Final Tribute To The Late Rev.O.J. Allen
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Jul 11, 1942;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B2

Death Claims Dr. O. J. Allen After Lengthy Illness
CLIFTON WILLIAMS
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Jul 11, 1942;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)            
pg. A18

Popular Pastor Is Mourned
CLIFTON WILLIAMS
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Jul 11, 1942;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 12

First Calvary Pastor Closes His 18th Year
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); May 16, 1942;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. C11

Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.

Visitor Information

Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Free parking inside cemetery.

Admission Cost: Free

Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504

Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries

Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site:

www.norfolksocietyforcemeteryconservation.org