Our History

Vision Statement

Excellence for God’s Glory


The vision of the Oblong Children’s Christian Home is excellence in providing Christian homes and programs for at-risk and troubled youth where they are disciplined to become responsible, productive, maturing Christians.

Our History

The Deatherages gave 60 acres, including their home and outbuildings. The dream began to take shape in the late 1960s when area churches joined together to incorporate a name. The initial idea for developing the gift was to create a Christian service camp. The churches further considered the needs that existed. The area had several camps, but there were no homes for abused and troubled children. A decision was made to use this gift to begin such a home.

David and Myrtle Deatherage donated their farm to area Churches of Christ and Christian Churches.  They wanted God to use their land to introduce children to Jesus and help youths grow academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  In 1970 the first child came to live in the farm home in a stable, loving Christian family.  Over the years, hundreds of children have lived at the home.  Funds from churches and individuals (we receive no state funds) have expanded the facilities since that beginning.

  • 1974  The tri-level home was built to house the children.

  • 1989  A combination administration building and residence was erected, replacing the farmhouse.

  • 1999  The Talitha Koum Home (girls’ home) was built, doubling our capacity for children.

  • 2001  Volunteers built Our Father’s House (boys’ home).

  • 2002  The main level of the tri-level home underwent renovation.  It is now the relief houseparent home.  This provides consistent care when houseparents have time off.

  • 1998-2006  Programs expanded.  Added were:

    • Program for parents including parenting skills & family counseling,
    • Horsemanship,
    • Full-time counselor, and
    • Added interest groups.

  • 2004 The Zion home was built by volunteers and housed girls.

  • 2006 The Zion became a boys’ home to meet the need for boys in placement.

  • 2010 New Life Academy, on-campus school, was started.

  • 2012 The Red McCoy indoor riding arena for our horsemanship program was constructed.  New school building for New Life Academy was also constructed.

  • 2017 Welcome Center wing was added to the New Life Academy school building