Here at Pinegrove Church of God in Christ a unique story unfolds. I invite you to discover the profound history of Pine Grove Baptist Church. It is a story rooted in faith and community since 1868.
Pinegrove Church of God in Christ started with humble beginnings. Henry Hodges and Sam Hodges came together. John R.A. Tucker and John Yates joined. James Savage and Albert Roberts also met. They gathered in a tool shed near Henry Hodges’ estate. The date was Sunday May 24 1868. They sought to establish a church.
In 1870 they chose a building site. It was a centrally located pine grove. John R.A. Tucker owned it. He agreed to donate the land. His condition was that he would deed it. This would happen when the church operated properly.
The men planned and set workdays. They cleared the land when possible. They built a log building for services. It also served as a school. Sadly a wild woods fire destroyed it. Services then moved to homes. Brother Savage preached. The Tucker home was often used. On workdays wives packed lunch. They lent a helping hand. Brother Savage held a service during meals.
The church was organized in 1871. It was at John R.A. Tucker’s home. Twelve charter members were present. They included Jackson and Poly Ann Osteen. Henry and Penelope Hodges also joined. Sam and Samantha Hodges were there. John R.A. and Sarah Tucker participated. James W. and Elizabeth Savage attended. Albert and Dorie Roberts completed the group. Brother Williams Brother Yates and Brother Savage organized it.
In 1876 Brother Tucker deeded four acres. This was the pine grove given to the church. Around 1890 the second church was built. Rough sawed pine lumber was used. It came from a mill in Jacksonville. A motor launch brought the lumber. It traveled down the St Johns River to Lake Kane. Oxen and wagon hauled it to the church.
Pinegrove Church of God in Christ extends an invitation. Come worship with us. No matter your life’s journey you are welcome. Like the founding families we believe. God loves all creation. Through Jesus Christ we find fellowship. We are a family proclaiming God’s love. We share grace from God’s Word. All are welcome at Pine Grove. Believers and seekers alike find a home here.
Each service includes meaningful worship. We study God’s word together. We reach out with ministry. Caring for neighbors is our mission. We do this in Christ’s name. We serve locally and globally. Pinegrove Church of God in Christ enjoys fun and fellowship. We grow in faith as we enjoy friends.
You will discover exciting opportunities here. Our website introduces our spirit. We want you to feel at home. Feel comfortable here. We welcome you to our Christian community. It is growing and diverse. Please join us for worship. There’s a place for you here at Pinegrove Church of God in Christ.
Pastors have guided Pine Grove through the years. John B. Yates and Jim Savage were early leaders. Oscar Williams followed in 1909. Joseph Lawton and Ed Taylor also led. Brother Poe and Muria Taylor served. E.C. Gibture and L.Chetty guided the church. Grover Sparkman and Brother Stanford were pastors. W.W. Hancock and Joe Raulerson served. E.J. Prevat and Floyd Cox were leaders. J.P. Dawson and Brother Williams followed. Walter Lanier and Brother Dawling led. Henry Usher and Brother Siminane served. Brother Jennings and Brother Scharbour followed. R.A Guy and Brother Johns guided. Johnnie Kilpatrick and Brother Simons led. Jim Graw and John McDougle were pastors. William Warren served in 1956. A. C. Stancil followed in 1957. J. D Streetman led in 1972. Coy Talley served multiple times. Andrew “Buster” Phillips assisted. John D. Canada led many times. Mark A. Clark followed. David Slone served. Ron Silverman was pastor. Each leader contributed to Pine Grove’s rich history.