Memories of Wallace Heritage - Official website of Rev. JO Wallace

John Kennedy relates memories of the Oak Ridge Church beginning
During World War II, Oak Ridge was highly secure because of involvement in the nuclear
weapons development. My parents along with other Pentecostal believers in Oak Ridge, had
been praying for God to send us a minister. Brother Wallace came to Oak Ridge to meet with
the group, but did not have directions nor security clearance. He went to the Oak Ridge Police
department for help. Somehow, he convinced them to give him clearance and directions to my
parent’s home. For over a year, he drove from Nashville to Oak Ridge to meet with us in our
homes and at a local meeting hall. He helped the group purchase property on the city’s main
turnpike. Brother Benson came later and helped the group build a church and parsonage.
I remember Brother Wallace as a kind gentleman, who was deeply respected by my parents. He
would tell how God would protect him on the long drives to and from Nashville. Often he would
so sleepy that he would ask hitch hikers to drive.
Memories of Wallaces by Marie Yarbrough, UPC co-worker of J. O. Wallace
J.0. Wallace - great friend, colleague and innovator: It was a drastic change for me to leave good
old New York and come to St. Louis to work in the Publishing House. My employment in N.Y.
was excellent, however I felt it would be pleasing to the Lord to render my services in the
Publishing House. It was here that I met and worked with a wonderful manager named J.O.
Wallace. His creative ideas for change were very successful and productive to the advancement
of the organization. His friendship was the cause of my very first visit to the 'Tennessee
Campground where I was invited to stay in the Wallace family cabin. My companion was his
sister, Bonnie. Her dad would wake us up in the morning by throwing biscuits over the wall and
then serving us a full southern breakfast. What a treat. Lots of fun.
J.W Wallace camp cabin