The History Of Piney Grove Baptist Church
The Piney Grove Baptist Church was organized in 1864 under the leadership of Reverend Lewis Gaston. The first meeting was held in a brush arbor. The first structure that was built burned to the ground. The Church was rebuilt on the present site. Knowledge of our history for the first 50 years is limited, however, from what we know the following deacons served and helped in the rebuilding and organization of the new church. Wylie Ervin, Tom Scott, Major Towslen and Ed Winbush.
In the late 1920’s Reverend Andrew L. Culpatrick, Sr. was called as Pastor. He served for many years before becoming ill and resigning. During his illness, Reverend Emmet Bowles and Reverend Andrew Culpatrick, Jr. assisted in preaching. After the elder Culpatrick’s resignation, Reverend W. M. Willis was called in 1934 as pastor. In 1937, the church began to grow. Some of the deacons serving were Earnest Gates, Chairman of the Board, Raymond Lindsey, Superintendent Of Sunday School, John Lindsey, Albert White, Roy White, Royce Bowles and William “Bill” Harris, Sr. Deacon Harris later became Chairman of the Board.
During Reverend Willis pastorate, he ordained the following eight deacons: Joseph Daniel, Clabon Gates, George Gates, Roy Freeman, Wilbur Hayes, William Harris, Jr., Andrew G. McGhee and Fred Jennings. Deacon Williams Jr. became the Chairman of the Board in 1962 and continued to hold the position until illness.
Under Reverend Willis leadership, the following auxiliaries were organized. Deacon Board, Mother Board, Adult Usher Board, Gospel Chorus and the Missionary.
Upon Reverend Willis resignation in 1949, Reverend G. V. Harding was called as pastor. He served one year.
In November 1950 Reverend E. T. Strozier was called as pastor. He served for seven years and three months before resigning. As pastor, he set aside Matthew Hinton as a deacon.
In 1958, Reverend Ross was called as pastor and served a short period. During that same year, a Junior Usher Board was organized by Sister Ruth Talley.
In 1960 Reverend J. C. Ashford was called as pastor. He served for seven years. While pastor, he ordained Matthew Hinton, Edward White and Leroy Gates as deacons.
During 1967, Reverend Bruno was called as pastor. After two years he resigned due to illness. Within this two-year period he ordained Willie James Anthony as deacon.
In 1969 Reverend Elis was called and served one year.
In 1970 Reverend J.C. O’Neal was called and he served nine months.
In March 1971 Reverend W.H. Steverson was called as pastor. He served as pastor for 19 years. While pastor, he ordained James Culpatrick, Melvin Talley, Preston Wimbish Jr., Joseph Brantley, George Jenkins, Charlie Slaton, Wilson Slaton, Walter Talley and Deacon Charlie Gates came by letter.
In 1984, the members decided to add the Second Sunday Service, Reverend Milton Holston presided over this service initially. While Reverend Holston was presiding a Youth Choir was organized.
In February 1991 Reverend B. Orr was called as pastor. When Reverend Orr was pastor, he reorganized the Sunday School. Brother J.B. Hinton served as Superintendent and Sister Mary Hill was Secretary. He ordained Steve Riley as a deacon.
We are very proud of the accomplishments made during the nineties, the renovation of the sanctuary, the building of the fellowship hall, the additions of the baptizing pool and air conditioning. Here at Piney Grove, we know that there is no limit to what God can do each day.
On an annual basis we have many events to include Mother Board Anniversary, Choir Anniversary, Women’s Day, Men’s Day, Usher Board Anniversary, Pastor’s Appreciation, Weddings, Baby Christenings, Spring and Summer Revivals and Homecoming.
In the later part of……… Reverend Sims became our pastor. He was with us for a short time. He went on to be with the Lord in 1995.
In the month of March 1996 until 2010, Pastor Johnny Strickland served 14 years at Pinery Grove Baptist Church. Pastor Strickland ordained the following deacons: J.B. Hinton, Jessie Jones, Jerry Anthony, Vinson White and Willie Kirksey. Under Pastor Strickland leadership, the addition was Bible Study, Asphalt Driveway, paved parking lot and the church was remodeled.
After the resignation of Reverend Strickland, various ministers came and preached for Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Next came Reverend Booker who drove from Alabama each 2nd and 4th Sunday for (2) years. He faithfully attended church events and participated in other occasions.
Next came Reverend Henry Plumber who served 2 years.
Next came Reverend Jeremy Head who came to us the second Sunday in September 2016. Since his presence we had Bible Study every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm over the phone and through periscope. Reverend Head came preaching the word and spreading God’s word. Reverend Head resigned in October 2019.
On the fourth Sunday in October 2020, God saw fit to send us a shepherd that would continue feeding His flock. His eyes fell on Pastor Robbie Scandrick. Pastor Scandrick came preaching his first sermon, “Everything Is Going To Be Alright.” The fourth Sunday in October 2021, Pastor Scandrick was installed as pastor here at the Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Pastor Scandrick’s Corner.………..
Tis the season to be jolly and may you all continue to be blessed beyond measure. Psalm 100:5 says, For the Lord is good ; His mercy endures forever, and His faithfullness to all generations. "The Best Is Yet To Come"! Be blessed.
Get ready for a wonderful BAPTISM on SUNDAY DECEMBER 10, 2023 @9:00am,
SUNDAY SCHOOL @10:00am and
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE @11:00am. Praising God for saving souls.