“Can you imagine a church serving as a schoolhouse?” our guide asked, pausing dramatically. “Well, right here, in the heart of Dallas, stands Pine Grove Baptist Church, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the African American community in Dies.” Pine Grove Baptist Church wasn’t always situated here. Its story starts in the late 19th century, nestled amidst the Dies community. Originally, it stood tall near the Old Pine Grove Cemetery, a silent sentinel to the passage of time. However, Pine Grove, like life itself, has seen its share of change and relocation. As the community gravitated southward, towards Woodville, the church followed suit in 1912, finding a temporary home on land generously donated by Frank Herring. Disaster struck in the 1920s when a ferocious storm ripped through the area, leaving the church in ruins. Yet, the spirit of Pine Grove remained unbroken. In 1928, a beacon of hope emerged when Reverend Henry and Mrs. Vicey Frazier donated land, paving the way for the church as we see it today. But Pine Grove’s impact reached far beyond its role as a place of worship. With no formal school for African American children in Woodville at the time, the church opened its doors to education. From as early as 1889, children from grades one through six filled its hallowed halls, their thirst for knowledge mirroring the community’s thirst for spiritual growth. This act of dedication continued for an incredible six decades, with Pine Grove School becoming a cornerstone of the Dies community, finally closing its doors in 1949. The church’s building itself, while initially a simple sanctuary, expanded over time to embrace its growing community. Additions in the 1950s, like the choir stand, pastor’s study, bell tower, and foyer, tell a story of a community coming together, their faith echoing within the very walls of Pine Grove Baptist Church.
Harrison Cemetery Plaque
Is it possible for a place to hold so much history in just one acre? You might not think so,