History

Pine Grove Baptist Church No. 1 traces its beginnings to 1858, when a small group of believers gathered under a simple brush arbor for worship, Christian fellowship, and the sharing of the gospel.

 

The following year, in 1859, the church was formally chartered as Pine Grove Baptist Church of Christ, with Rev. Seaborn Wilson serving as its first part-time pastor. At that time, services were held once a month. In 1899, W. C. Brant began Sunday School classes, and in 1900, the Woman’s Missionary Society was organized. From that foundation, Pine Grove became a mission-minded church, faithfully supporting mission work and causes. Over the years, many members have entered the missionary field, while others have dedicated their lives to Christian service, teaching, and leadership.

 

In 1951, Rev. Marshall Simpson became Pine Grove’s first full-time pastor, leading a growing congregation of 475 members. Just a few years later, in May of 1955, tragedy struck when a fire completely destroyed the church building. The congregation quickly responded by electing a building committee and beginning reconstruction. By the first Sunday of November 1955, the new brick structure was sufficiently completed to hold a special Thanksgiving homecoming service.

 

Like any congregation, Pine Grove has faced seasons of challenges and concerns among its members and leadership. Yet, through God’s grace and guidance, the church has endured and persevered. From its humble beginnings under a brush arbor in 1858, Pine Grove continues to pray that it will remain a shining light and a lighthouse for its members and community for generations to come.