Pine Grove Community Baptist Church
OUR HISTORY
“A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE, A GOD TO GLORIFY”
Much like our Black History, the history of Pine Grove church is based on facts passed down from generation to generation. The church was established in the 1830’s and the records in the Fairfield County Courthouse show that the property was purchased on July 12, 1873 and was bought for ten dollars an acre. Therefore, we know that the Church was founded before this date. The first building was a small wooden building that not only served as a church but also a school. Church property was bought by three men; Jack Broome, Washington Roberts, and J.R. Hendricks and has continued to grow both in the spirit and in numbers. We believe there was a choir formed about this time.
“UPON THIS ROCK I’LL BUILD MY CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT”
On this piece of land, purchased in 1873 for ten dollars an acre and blessed by Our God, today we celebrate over 170 years of continued service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is by no means any good we have done that made this possible but only through God’s Amazing Grace.
“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee”.
“I LOVE THE LORD; HE HEARD MY CRIES AND PITIED EVERY GROAN”
As the congregation became larger, a second church was built under the leadership of some great ministers and deacons. Soon, Pine Grove was one of the largest churches in the area. Service was held in this building until about 1968.
As with many organizations, there are good times and bad times and the history of Pine Grove is no exception. Pine Grove was one of the largest churches in the area for a long time. Time bring about change, as other churches were founded, and people began to migrate to other areas, participating membership dropped to a handful during the 60’s. There were times when there were no more than 8-10 people in the church. During these lean years Bro. Fred Bossard along with Bro. Corthan Manning Jr. saw to it that the church business was handled efficiently. But, as we all know, God is good all the time. With the leadership of Deacon Fredrick Bossard, and the assistance and support of other ministers, churches, and members, we began to build a church. In 1968, we moved into our present building. We have continued to add to the church by building on a kitchen and Sunday School room in the 70’s. Next, we were finally able to get water to the church and add restrooms. This new building program was started by Rev. D. C. Charles and continued under Rev. G. Brown. All of this was accomplished with a congregation of a few members, which was a major milestone.
In 1989 we were sent another great minister to lead us to higher grounds and this was Rev. Leonard Simmons. Under his leadership we grew tremendously; the church was remodeled completely, new pews were obtained, central air was installed, tables and chairs filled the dining room, a new front for the church, landscaping, new windows, and parking spaces.
Sunday School, Youth Adult Choir, Bible Study and other ministries support the spiritual needs of the church. The Church Anniversary is the third Sunday in May and Fall Revival is the first Sunday in September. The revivals were than as now, uplifting and filled with the Holy Spirit as we seek to encourage others to come along and join uplifting the name of Jesus.
In 2010, Pine Grove left the AME organization and became an independent church and remained an Independent Church until 2015. In 2015 and under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Johnny Gibbs, Pine Grove became Pine Grove Community Baptist Church. In January of 2020 God sent Pine Grove another Spirit filled leader Pastor Sheldon B. Wilson.