A Celebration of Life: Christian Men and Women - Pressing On

Pine Grove A.M.E. Church like most black churches has its roots buried in slavery.  Approximately two years after the civil war, bands of former slaves from Swygert’s and other quarters met on Sunday afternoon for their Bush Arbor Services.  First on Shulers Hill, and then on Cooglers Hill.

With much hard work, determination and sacrifice, the former slaves’ dreams became reality.  In 1872, the first church was erected on the site where the present house of worship stands.  On a Sunday night in 1875, tragedy struck.  The church was burned and declared a total loss.

From the ashes of the burned church came desire, hope and determination of rebuilding.  The nation’s panic of 1873 held the worshipers in check but did not prevent their efforts totally to rebuild.  The previously built church was built on land owned by the former slaves together, but in 1897, Willis Steward donated his share of two and one-half acres to the trustees, Willie Richardson, Adam Metze, Wade Paris and Frank Washington for the construction of Pine Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jubilee was the type of music sang in the various churches in the area. Mr. R. L. Swygert and Mr. Willie Richardson organized Pine Grove’s Jubilee Choir in 1916.

A Junior Jubilee Choir was also organized by Mr. Swygert. It  was later reorganized by Mr. Julius Rawls.  The Junior Jubilee Choir was changed to become the Musical Choir under the guidance of Mr. Rawls, Ms. Nora Reeves and Mr. Thomas Kenly.

Jubilee has become extinct in many of the various churches but at Pine Grove, Jubilee is alive and well. The Jubilee Choir is under the presidency of Mr. Leon O. Smith, Ms. Novella Mills and Mr. Phillip Rhett, Sr.

Jubilee choir rehearsals and other church meetings were held in the church School built in the 1800’s.

History was lost during the early pastoral appointments of  Revs. Jackson, Martin, Lewis, Burt, Emmanuel, Dickerson, Robinson, Shaw, Logan Vance, Hendricks, Isreal, Cunningham, Williams, Gambrell and Simmons.

Due to the stabilization of the community, economic conditions and transportation, it is felt that very little growth and development was realized.

During the 1890’s and early 1900’s, Pine Grove held service only once during the month. A pastor had three churches under his care.  Revival on the third Sunday in August grew out of this condition. Pine Grove’s connectional churches were St. Paul, Young’s Chapel and Hopewell.

Rev. W.J. Robinson, a former pastor who later became Presiding Elder, began to make some changes in the general structure of the church in 1918.  Under the Robinson’s administration, the rough sidings were replaced, top was reshingled with a manufactured wooden shingle, and new windows of the gothic style were installed.

During the C.A. Dunlap pastorate, the first children’s usher board was organized.  Mrs. Ruth G. Smith was appointed president along with Mrs. Lina B. Ray as an assistant.  A Flower Club was also organized.  The committee was comprised of Mrs. Daisy Rhett, Mrs. Ruth Smith and Mrs. Lina B. Ray.

Rev. W.G. Owens’ tenure was very brief.  Mrs. Owens served as musician to the Musical Choir for a short period.

In 1953, during the Rev. S.J. Johnson’s administration, the pulpit was switched from the present front to the back of the church.  This change was made due to the change of the road to the church. Renovations have been completed three times but the basic foundation remains the same.  The original altar worn and defaced with time was rebuilt by Mr. Sumter Nixon.

The Rev. Clarke R. Hawthorne, young and energetic, followed the Johnson administration. An improvement in church lighting and the pulpit set was acquired during his pastorate.

Rev. Verseal Janerette, a caring minister, preached his first sermon at Pine Grove on November 3, 1957.  His first project was the completion of the first phase of the new Willis Steward Educational building.  The Men’s Club purchased and installed the heating and air conditioning in the sanctuary.  New sanctuary pews and finishing the interior were accomplishments of the Janerette era.  All paid upon completion of the project.

Programs developed under his leadership were the organization of Women’s and Youth Day.  The first Women’s Day was held in 1963.  Mrs. Minnie Lowman served as its first chairperson; Mr. Talmadge Kenly served as the first Youth Day Speaker.  As an outgrowth of Youth Day, the V.A. Janerette Choir was organized by Mr. Edward Blocker.

Rev. Janerette was accorded the first Pastor’s Appreciation Day.  Mrs. Elizabeth Able served as chairperson.  Ms. Nora Reeves, Mrs. Johnnie Patterson and Mrs. Lillian Hopkins served as musicians.  Miss Martha Suber as secretary and Mr. Matthew Foust as treasurer.  Rev. Janerette served as our spiritual leader for sixteen years.

Rev. George Ashford followed Rev. Janerette’s administration.  During his tenure the following were accomplished: On July 11, 1976, the mortgage for the remaining $6,000.00 for brick veneering was witnessed and rejoiced by the Pine Grove Church family and friends.  The second phase of the completed Educational Building was dedicated in 1975 as the Willis Steward Educational Building.

The first choir processional began under his administration.

The following families installed stained glass windows in the sanctuary in memory of their deceased: Blocker, Curry and Swygert, Graham and Smith, Spencer and Clark, Redmon and Lowman, Kenly and Lowman, and Paris families.  Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kenly gave the cross and candleholders for the altar in memory of their son, Mr. Talmadge A. Kenly.

The church was enriched through services of the Acolytes and the Young Peoples Division (YPD) trained by Mrs. Lydia Glover and assisted by Mrs. Ollie Washington.

Mr. Albert Linton came as Minister of Music and strengthened the choirs by singing a variety of sacred music during the services.  Other musicians were Mrs. Felicia Elliott, Mrs. Gwendolyn Block, Ms. Beneta Bell and Mrs. Martha Riley.

The Big Sisters’ Club, a community organization, was also involved in the life of the church.  The Baptismal Font was given by the Big Sisters’ Club in honor of Mrs. Cora Curry and in memory of Mrs. Martha Clutts and Mrs. Suzanna Graham, founders of the Big Sisters’ Club organization in October of 1934.

The outside bulletin board, renovation of the kitchen, offering plates and the Pastor’s table in the pulpit were all contributed by the Big Sisters’ Club.

Elements for sacrament were purchased by the Women’s Missionary Society.  Mrs. Ellen R. Ward served as President.  Additional hymnals were purchased and church members donated others.

In October 1978, one of the most meaningful and enjoyable events during the Ashford’s administration was the first celebrated anniversary.  Families and friends came from all parts of the U.S.A. to join in the celebration.  Our guest speaker was the great-grandson of one of the pioneers of the church and community, Rev. William Franklin Richardson, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, New York.

Our Sunday afternoon service was sponsored by the Gospelettes of  Newark, New Jersey: Mrs. Girlena Spencer was directress.

In 1980, Pine Grove’s first mass choir was organized under the direction of Mr. Albert Linton and a special performance as “Saturday Night Live” was always held on the Saturday night before the revival.

The Rev. Joseph A. Darby’s era was one of many firsts.  He was the first Appointee of Pine Grove as a station church.  Membership increased greatly and members were involved in the life of the church through commissions and other organizations.

Children’s Church was organized and coordinated by Mrs. Margaret Warren.  The Sons’ of Allen, a new organization to our church with Mr. Johnnie Deas as president, helped sponsor and decorate Pine Grove’s first Christmas float.  A monthly newsletter was published by the Young’s People’s Division (YPD).

The first Black History Program was observed and sponsored by the Social Action Committee under Rev. Darby’s leadership.

The Lay Organization was organized.  Presidents during this tenure were Mr. Bernard Mills, Mr. Michael Block and Mrs. Cleonice Rhett.

The Sunday School also increased in membership under the guidance of Mr. Thomas Kenly and Mr. Phillip Rhett, Sr.

Exterior and interior improvements were also extensive.  Installation of a new roof was Rev. Darby’s first major project.  Interior and exterior painting, new doors and locks were replaced.  The first telephone was installed and a copying machine was purchased.  The pews and altar were padded as well as new lights in the sanctuary, donated by the V.A. Janerette Choir and a memorial to Mr. & Mrs. H.P. Rhett by Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Rhett.  A bronze cross for the pulpit was given by Mr. William R. Parris, Jr. in honor of Mr. & Mrs. A.P. Richardson.  A memorial garden was cultivated and a permanent cross mounted and used extensively at Easter by Stewardess Board Numbers One and Two.  Mrs. Cora Curry furnished the Ladies Lounge.  Sunday School classrooms were carpeted in memory of the Mills and Baxter families.  The Young Peoples’ Division (YPD) donated a Prayer Bench.  The Senior Jubilee Choir purchased choir chairs.  The interior of the sanctuary was semi-paneled and floors refinished by Mr. John Blocker, contractor.

Rev. John C. Roberts served only one year (1991-92) but was putting into place provisions to asphalt the parking lot.

The Women’s Missionary Society was under the leadership of Ms. Verna Starks, membership increased and the society was involved in many outreach projects.  The Women’s Missionary Society’s new perspective was understanding and caring for the needs of the elderly of the church and community.  The WMS was involved for eight years with the Department of Juvenile Justice young ladies.  The society elected Mrs. Ellen R. Ward as a delegate to the 1998 Women’s Missionary Connectional meeting held in Detroit, Michigan.  Also, Mrs. Sophie Johnson, Mrs. Ellen Ward and Mrs. Ollie Washington were honored at a special Episcopal luncheon for fifty years of dedicated and committed missionary service.

Rev. Stephen Singleton was assigned to Pine Grove in the year 1992.  Several visions became a reality during Rev. Singleton’s 14 years of Pastoral Leadership. We added to our proud past.

In 1994 Mrs. Martha Riley was elected president of the Women’s Missionary Society. Under her leadership ladies continued attending local, area and conference meetings. The society donated a lapel microphone for the pastor and continued to serve the needs of the needy in nursing homes, hospitals and the community.    In 1996 and 1997, several ladies began attending the State WMS Retreat to enhance their spiritual growth.  The local society meets every second Monday of the month.  The WMS began seeking young ladies to organize a unit from the society to become missionaries for the future.

We began having two worship services each Sunday. Early morning praise service at 8:30 a.m. and traditional worship at 11:00 a.m. To God Be the Glory.  Both services continue to grow in spirit and numbers.  Mr. William Sweeper and Mr. Michael Felton served as Musicians. Mr. Nicholas & Seldric Blocker continue to serve as musicians.

Rev. Singleton was an advocate for young people.  Under his leadership, the church’s first tutorial program was organized and the number of students and church volunteers “Lending Support” increased each year.

The second Sunday in January, 1997, the Pine Grove A.M.E. Church commemorated the first Martin Luther King, Jr. observance at 11:00 a.m.  The theme was very fitting: “Remembering His Principles - Peace, Justice and Liberation”.  Mrs. Verna Starks served as chairperson.  Committee members were Mr. Leon Smith, Mrs. Pauline Richardson, Mrs. Ellen Ward, Mrs. Telicious Kenly-Boyd, Ms. Novella Mills, Mrs. Cleoniece Rhett and Ms. Julaunder Davis.  Guest speaker was Mr. Thomas Jones.  The Musical Choir rendered old spirituals and many youth participated in the program.  The celebration was one to be remembered. The church was filled beyond capacity.

Pine Grove’s first associate pastor and first female pastor, Rev. Julia Tillman served two years.  Rev. Kylon Middleton served one year as assistant pastor.  Rev. Middleton’s ministry was youth-oriented.  He is remembered for his love and compassion for the congregation.

The congregation celebrated Women’s Week in April with ministers Julia Tillman and Elaine Eskew as guest speakers.  Sis. Thelma Griggs coordinated the services.

In February, in commemoration with Black History Month, we witness ecumenical service with McGregor Presbyterian Church.  Rev. Tom Glenn delivered the message and the McGregor Choir blessed us with music.  In May, Pine Grove A.M.E. Church was invited to fellowship with McGregor and Rev. Singleton was the guest minister along with the Musical and Youth Choirs rendering music.  Both services created new acquaintances and friendships.

The men of Pine Grove gathered in June to fellowship and enjoyed their first Prayer Breakfast.  Bro. Leon Smith coordinated the event and the celebration continued with nightly services with the following guest pastors: Rev. Ellis White, Bluff  Road United Methodist, Rev. Preston Winkler, First Nazareth Baptist and Rev. Ronnie Brailford, Bethel A.M.E.  Several men of the congregation were honored: Dr. Isaiah Davis (Community),  Mr. Tazzle Able (Longevity) and Mr. Bernard Mills (Commitment).

We celebrated Family and Friends Day with Rev. Michael Evans as guest Speaker.  The Youth choir blessed us with music.  The service was a joyous occasion.  Sis Thelma Griggs served as chairperson.

In the year 2000 a new 600-seat sanctuary was constructed adjacent to the old sanctuary. Approximately 6 acres of property was purchased for the use of the church. The old sanctuary was converted into a fellowship hall and named in honor of Mr. Fletcher H. Bouknight. 

New ministries under this administration were the Spirit of Praise Dancers (Liturgical Dance Performers), Single/Single Again Ministry, Men in Prayer (MIP), Women of Prayer, Proclamation and Praise Ministry (WPPM), Married Couples’ Ministry, Children’s Bible Study, Youth Bible Study, and Young Women’s Initiative (YWI).  We have additional Clerical and Ministerial staff and adoption of a Bantu Family.  The improvements were the purchase of property for additional parking and future growth of the church, installation of an alarm system and additional lighting in the rear of the church.

At the end of conference year 2006, Rev. Lavern Witherspoon was assigned to Pine Grove.  His tenure was very brief.

Our Presiding Elder, Rev. Joseph Postell served as Interim Pastor from the middle of October 2007 until the middle of November 2007.

The Pastoral appointment was then assigned to Rev. Dr. James S. Cooper by the Rt. Rev. Preston Warren Williams, II., Presiding Bishop in November 2007.

As we continue to journey into the 21^st century, we must think positive and collectively demonstrate Love.  Let us do so with the determination to keep making history as our predecessors and as the Apostle Paul said:  “Let us lay aside every weight and sin which so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us.” The church should be a meaning part of each life, as we move toward the future we need to be visionaries and actionaries.

The challenge now is to do more, to do better, to do the impossible.  We bear witness to the inclusive Love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as we celebrate and witness God’s richest blessings.

In the spirit of gratitude to our Heavenly Father, to each of you assembled here today, and in reverent memory to our forefathers for their service and sacrifices down through the years – We Thank You.  We pray that Pine Grove A.M.E. Church will continue to serve as a beacon of light on this hill radiating throughout the communities … a true spirit of Brotherhood, Love and Service.