Piney Grove Baptist Church

Church History

 

 

HISTORY OF PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH
1870 – 2006

Piney Grove Baptist Church has been a pillar in the community for one hundred and thirty-six years. Piney Grove Baptist Church has helped lead many to become Disciples of Christ. The church has been through many trials and tribulations during its existence, but God’s Grace and Mercy has kept Piney Grove Baptist Church. From the Log Cabin Church to the edifice of today, Piney Grove Baptist Church has stood the test of time and is the second oldest black church in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The following ministers have served as pastors:

Rev. John Jackson
Rev. Samuel Jones
Rev. John W. Kirby
Dr. Willis Brown
Rev. Charles H. Moton
Rev. W.P. Curl
Rev. A.E. Owens
Dr. W. J. Lucas
Dr. J. A. Brinkley
Rev. Benjamin Roberson
Rev. R.S. Steele
Rev. Howard Grier
Rev. Charles A. Vinson
Rev. Todd C. Davidson

 

THE ERECTION AND GROWTH OF PINEY GROVE COMMUNITY
IN THE LOG CABIN CHURCH

Around 1870, a group of settlers came to the community. Finding the soil fertile and place thickly wooded, each selected his home and began to build up the community. Charles Jukes saw the necessity for a church and discussed the matter with Sister Sawyer. In the fall of 1870, the church was built. An acre of ground was purchased and a log cabin was built. This building was daubed with clay, covered with slabs and had a bush shelter at the door. Its value was approximately $35.00.

The following persons were members: Wiley Grandy, Telly Walke, Stanhope Riddick, Bill Booze, Nancy Booze, Winnie Savage, Harvey Frank, Joicy Griffin, Lewis Griffin, Charles Jukes, Joiney Sparrow, John Rogers, Wilson Parson, Malinda Jukes, Abram Savage, Isiah Savage, Lucy Savage, Delia Smith, Elick Ferebee, Olive Brown, Susan Ferebee, Stephen Smith, Alcora Savage, Hannah Riddick, Lucy Rogers, Jane Ferebee, Jeffrey Williams and Jane Williams.

The officers were as follows - Deacons: Benjamin Kittrell, Jim Williams, Charles Jukes; Secretary: Wilson Parson; Sextons: Brother Lewis Griffin and Sister Joicy Griffin.

The first burial was that of Charles Jukes. His body was surrounded with pine poles.

Sunday school was started in 1872. Soon afterwards, the Church joined the Norfolk Union Baptist Association. The first delegate was Brother Wilson Parson. The ministers during this time were Rev. John Jackson and Rev. Samuel Jones.

 

PINEY GROVE’S GROWTH DURING THE SECOND STRUCTURE

As the population of the Piney Grove Community continues to grow, so did the church membership. Eventually, The Log Cabin Church in which they worshiped became inadequate to accommodate the members. The members decided to build a more adequate church. As there were no churches among the colored population from which to get a plan or design and the members were puzzled as to what kind they wanted.

The plan of the old church used as a schoolhouse, was that of Rev. Willis Brown; thus, the two large pillars of columns in the center, the huge windows, etc. Rev. Simon Rogers and Brother Stanhope Riddick cut the sills with a ripsaw. The cost of the structure was about $800.

The little house, which was at the rear of the building, was built as a council room for the pastor and deacons to meet and formulate plans for the church. Rev. Samuel Jones was pastor at the time of the erection of this building. The church was both the spiritual and social uplift of the community.

After Rev. Jones term as pastor, Rev. John W. Kirby, a graduate of Richmond Theological Seminary, a strong and fearless preacher, a champion of cooperation, was recommended by Rev. Willis Brown (then Chairman of the Pulpit Committee) to serve as pastor.

There was nothing added to the building structure during Rev. Kirby’s pastorage, but the congregation continued to grow. Rev. Kirby served for four years before he resigned. He recommended that the Church ordain Rev. Willis Brown and call him for pastor. This they did, hence, Rev. Willis Brown became the pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church.

Rev. Brown was confided in and respected as a good leader. The Church continued to grow and the membership at that time was approximately 250. Rev. Brown pastored successfully for 20 years. During this time, Piney Grove Church was considered one of the leading churches of the community.

In this second structure, several more deacons were chosen: William H. Harris, Boston Brown, Solomon Ferebee, Tom Brown, Severn Hunter, Simon Ferebee, William Franklin, Jersey Brown and Elijah Whitehurst.

 

MUSIC

The church choir was organized in 1887. Some of the first members were: Miss Martha Brown, organizer; Solomon Ferebee, Maria Brown, Daniel Riddick, William H. Harris, Boston Brown, J.S. Riddick, Jersey Brown and John T. Willis Brown. In 1888 it was decided in church meeting to have instrumental music in church service. So the members voluntarily subscribed money for the purchase of an organ. Miss M.L. Brown was elected organist. The church paid her two dollars per month. Later there were more members added. They were: Olive Parson, Mary Susan Whitehurst, Victoria Parson and Johnson Ferebee. The requirements for joining the choir were a good report and the ability to sing any piece of music that was not familiar to the choir. Consequently, some were turned down but the choir was somewhat efficient in the reading of music.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

As the church membership grew, the Sunday School enlarged in proportion. The superintendent was Boston Brown. Three of the secretaries during Rev. Willie Brown’s time were Miss C.B. Shaw, L.H. Riddick and Daniel Riddick. There were eight teachers and eight classes.

 

DISCIPLINE

Every member was to obey the rules and regulations of the church. To disobey led to expulsion. Drunkenness, dereliction of duty, promenading, and gross and immoral conduct led to expulsion. There were twelve meetings during the year and in almost every meeting some members would either be expelled, restored, excused, called or call extended. In those days, people wanted to stay in the church so they would ask for forgiveness.

 

THE COMMUNITY’S GROWTH IN THE NEW CHURCH

Under the leadership and pastorate of Rev Brown, the third church was built. As the church was growing in number, wisdom and grace, it was decided that the church needed a better building in which to worship. The congregation wanted a church more conveniently arranged and more beautifully designed. At a church meeting the members decided to follow their leader in the erection of a new building to be placed across the road. The new structure was to have a baptism pool. The building was erected in 1901. Rev. Brown pastored Piney Grove Baptist Church until his death in September 1914.

A Pulpit Committee recommended that the Rev. James A. Brinkley be elected as pastor. The call was extended and not accepted. On May 15, 1915, the Pulpit Committee recommended the Rev. Charles H. Moton for pastor. He was unanimously elected. Rev. Moton was a man of rare ability, a product of Lincoln University and a good leader and preacher. The Church continued to successfully move on.

Rev. Moton offered his resignation in July 1916, which was accepted by the Church. A committee composed of Willis Sawyer, Clarence Cooper, George Parson and Daniel Riddick were appointed to work with the board in selecting another pastor. This committee recommended the Rev. W.P. Curl as pastor of the church. He was elected in December 1916.

Rev. W.P. Curl was a graduate of V.N.I.I., a schoolteacher and preacher. He was very conscientious, steady in purpose and work hard to keep up the standards of the church. Under the pastorage of Rev. Curl, three deacons were chosen namely: Willis Brown, Danson Spellman and Willis Sawyer. Charles Riddick and George Parson were elected as trustees for the church. Rev. Curl died in September 1918.

On May 17, 1919 the church elected Rev. A E. Owens as pastor of the church. Rev. Owens was a powerful preacher who had pastured at Piney Grove, Creeds. The Delco lighting system was installed. The parsonage for Rev. Owens was in the home of Emanuel Gould.

The next pastor was Rev. W.J. Lucas. Rev. Lucas was a graduate of Union University, Richmond, Virginia. Rev. J.A. Brinkley recommended him to the church. The church was repaired and a junior choir was organized. Mrs. Ola Riddick was organist for the junior choir. The church and Pastor worked well together.

In August 1928 Rev. W.J. Lucas resigned as pastor of the church to take a larger church on Eastern Shore, Virginia. As a preacher, Rev. Lucas’s messages were profound in content and eloquently delivered. His persuasive evangelistic emphasis led many to accept the Lord and be saved.

On September 11, 1928 a business meeting was held to elect a pastor. By motion, Rev. J.A. Brinkley was elected pastor of the church. The call of Dr. J.A. Brinkley was extended and accepted. On the third Sunday in October, 1928 he took charge as pastor of the church.

In August 1929 the church adopted the weekly envelope system for collecting finance. Also in 1929, the church had to struggle through a nation-wide depression. The pastor suggested that all workers be paid less money and he is to be paid $40 instead of $50. This cut continued for nine years. In 1929 the following brethren were chosen for deacons: George Whitehurst, Edward Hunter, Caleb A. Riddick, C. R. Lamb and Daniel Riddick.

Dr. Brinkley was the third Princess Anne County man to pastor this church and the second one of the community. The Rev. A.E. Owens was reared in Princess Anne County. Dr. Willis Brown spent all of his religious life in Piney Grove church. Dr. Brinkley, when a boy, attended the Piney Grove Public School and Sunday School. He was converted in the Piney Grove Church and was under its influence. He attended Union University from which he graduated and for a number of years taught New Testament Greek.

Dr. Brinkley and his wife drove down from Richmond, Virginia twice a month to serve his church. Under his capable leadership, the church made great progress. In 1942, the Church was completely remodeled. A cement walk, brick steps and landscaping were done. Electric lights were installed and a new Hammond organ was purchased. The baptism pool was fixed and an electric pump installed to furnish water.

The Piney Grove Baptist Church had Sunday school every Sunday morning at 10:30am except the Sunday on which the Sunday School Union convened. The pastor was present unless something unusual prevented him from doing so.

More and more interest was taken in the youth. Each Sunday morning, Dr. Brinkley, in the morning services held a "Children’s Hour". The service consisted of a song and a Bible story questionnaire or other fatherly advice. Children were requested to sit in the middle aisle front seats. The pianist for the Children’s Hour was Mrs. Ruby Riddick.

Other deacons installed while Dr. Brinkley was pastor were: Walter Russell, Millard F. Reid, Johnnie Lamb, Maurice Riddick and Artmore Riddick.

In January 1953, the Church, under Dr. Brinkley, launched an all out fund drive for a complete renovation of the Church. Dr. Brinkley did not live to see this vision come true. Dr. Brinkley died in February 1953. The Church suffered a great lost.

In February 1954, the Piney Grove Baptist Church called Rev. Benjamin Roberson as pastor. He was installed during the third week in February. An attempt was made to have services every Sunday, but soon the idea was abandoned. During his pastorage, Choir No. II was organized and the church membership grew rapidly. In August 1955 Rev. Roberson resigned for a larger field in Richmond, Virginia.

On November 1, 1956 the church elected the Rev. Roger S. Steele as pastor of the Piney Grove Baptist Church. Under his leadership the building was remodeled. Bathrooms, Sunday school rooms, and a Pastor’s study were added to the church. New lights were installed, a new heating system was installed, a kitchen was built in the old church, new floors were put in and a parking lot was erected.

The following brethren were chosen as deacons: Lloyd Williams, James F. Fentress, Robert Setzer, Walter Whitehurst and Isaac Reid. The following ministries were organized: Woman’s Club, Floral Club and the Deaconess. Services were held four Sundays a month. In January 1969 Rev. Steel resigned to become pastor of a church in North Carolina.

On October 26, 1971 the Church elected Rev. Howard Grier as pastor until his resignation in 1973. The following brethrens were chosen as deacons: Isaac Smith, John T. Cherry and Thomas Brockett.

On May 13, 1976 the Rev. Charles A. Vinson was elected as pastor. During the early years of Pastor Vinson’s tenure, many improvements were made to the church’s edifice. The church was rewired in order to carry a heavier electrical load. The pastor’s study was redecorated with paneling, carpeting, curtains, and drapes. A coffee maker, a refrigerator, chair and air conditioner were added.

The Church experienced spiritual growth through his proclaiming of God’s Word. The membership, as well as the financial standing of the church greatly increased. A Junior Church, B.T.U., Nursing Corps, Hospitality Committee, New Members Committee, Sunbeam Choir, Education Committee, Floral Club, and Mass Choir were organized to the Glory of God.

Pastor Vinson advocated tithing for the members of the congregation and thus a tithing box was placed in the church. Under Pastor Vinson leadership in the third structure, several were ordained as deacons. They were as follows: Simon McPherson, James Kelly, Maurice Etheridge, Charles Winslow, Samuel Thompson, William Harris and Isaiah Hubbard. Also the Trustee Board was increased to include Raymond Singleton, Joseph Rodgers, Walter Howard, Carter Gilmer, Louvenia Pride, Audrey R.W. Cornick and Arlene Ferebee.

The Lord blessed the Piney Grove Baptist Church family and nurtured many ministers through Pastor Vinson. They were Rev. Joseph M. Etheridge, Rev. John T. Cherry, Rev. Percy Jones, Rev. Raymond Singleton, Rev. Alfred Kirk, Rev. Anthony McCants, Rev. Calvin Reap, and Rev. Juan Turnes. Rev. Joseph M. Etheridge was ordained and on December 2, 1988 he was elected to serve as pastor for the New Bethel Baptist Church in Boykins, Virginia.

 

PINEY GROVE: THE FOURTH STRUCTURE

Pastor Vinson shared his vision for a new church building with the congregation and on August 23, 1987, Piney Grove Baptist Church had a celebrated Ground Breaking Ceremony. In 1989, through the guidance of Pastor Vinson and the dedication of the Piney Grove family, the Lord blessed and made the building of the New Piney Grove Baptist Church a reality. A dedication service was held on May 14, 1989.

More deacons were installed under Pastor Vinson’s pastoral ministry in the new structure. They were Clavon Snowden, Joseph McCree, Norris Danzey, Sidney Davis, James Roberson, Garry Dunnington, Charles Beckett, Kevin Singletary, James McNeill, Nathaniel Mitchell, Clifford Haynes, Ronnie Ferebee, David Franklin (Deacon-Elect), James Laster, Travis Harrison, Grayland McPherson, Little Joe Gibson, Harry Lashley, Taylor Schofield, and Tythus Kimbrough. More Trustees were installed. They were Chester Hunter, Willie Cuffee, Wendell McClure, Ronald Frink, Cassandra Keys, Bruce Thorpe, Howard Bonds, Janice Kimbrough, Lillian Urquhart, and James Holloway.

Many ministers accepted the calling of the Lord. They were Rev. Karen Hayes, Rev. Sidney Davis, Rev. Howard Langford, Rev. Charles Winslow, Rev. Norris Danzey, Rev. David Franklin, Rev. Ernest Burden, Rev. Janice B. Small, Rev. Margie Berry, Rev. Patricia Harrison, Rev. Rich Etta Weathersbee, Rev. Ronnie Ferebee, Rev. Gregory Fowlkes, Rev. Cheryl McNeill, Rev B. J. Vickers and Rev. Cassandra Keys. Ministers Anthony McCants, William Harris, and Sidney Davis were ordained under Pastor Vinson pastorage in the new church.

The following ministries were organized: Christian Men’s Fellowship, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Willing Workers Ministry, Children’s Church, CAV Angelic Choir, Voices Of Praise Choir and The Evangelism Ministry. The Youth Choir was scheduled to sing during the 11am service on the first Sundays.

The Sunday School has had the following superintendents: Wilson N. Parson, Willis Brown, John R. Cooper, T. Brown, Daniel Riddick, Laura Cooper Adams, Artmore Riddick, Joseph Walton, Anthony Cooper, Isaac Reid, and Gary Dunnington. The present superintendent is Rev. Roderick W. Sharpe.

"It is good to be in the house of the Lord, but it is better to be a child of God," are the words so often spoken by Pastor Vinson as the congregation assembled for morning service. Pastor Vinson served as pastor for twenty-five years. The church accepted his letter of retirement on September 24, 2001, honoring his salary until December 31, 2001.

The Deacon’s Ministry elected Deacon Harry L. Lashley as Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry with Deacon Charles Beckett as Vice-Chairman until the January church meeting, where the Church will elect these officers. At the January meeting, Deacon Lashley was elected by the Church to remain as Chairman and Deacon Kimbrough was elected as Vice- Chairman. Trustee Audrey R. W. Cornick was and currently is serving as Chairman of the Trustees’ Ministry with Trustee Willie Cuffee as Vice-Chairman.

The Church was looking for a Shepherd to lead them to reap Heaven’s reward. While Piney Grove Baptist Church was without a pastor, Deacon Harry L. Lashley working with the Administrative Ministry, Minister’s Ministry and the support of the congregation, kept the Church doing the work of the Lord. A Pulpit Committee was put in place in accordance to the By-laws of Piney Grove Baptist Church, to seek out candidates to present to the congregation for the election of a pastor. The Pulpit Committee consisted of Dr. Leon Bailey, Trustee Audrey Cornick, Trustee Howard Bonds, Deacon Little Joe Gibson, Deacon Tythus Kimbrough, Sister Willie-Mae Smith, Sister Elsie Etheridge, and Sister Blanche Robinson. Deacon Harry Lashley served as Chairperson and Church Clerk Phyliss McMillan served as the Recorder. The Pulpit Committee presented two candidates Rev. Toney McNair and Rev. Anthony Williams, to the congregation. Neither of the two candidates received enough votes to be called as the next pastor.

After the vote, the church decided to increase the number of members on the Pulpit Committee. Dr. Leon Bailey, Trustee Howard Bonds and Mother Willie-Mae Smith resigned as members of the committee. The new Pulpit Committee consisted of Minister Cassandra Keys, Trustee Audrey Cornick, Trustee Ronald Frink, Deacon Little Joe Gibson, Deacon Tythus Kimbrough, Deaconess Zaramae Baucom, Deaconess Sandra Haynes, Sister Elsie Etheridge (entered eternal rest while serving on the committee), Sister Sandra Parrish, Sister Blanche Robinson, Sister Jan Taylor, Brother Capus Peterson, and Brother Terrance Evans. Deacon Harry Lashley served as Chairperson and Church Clerk Phylis McMillian served as the Recorder.

 

CHURCH GROWTH UNDER PASTOR DAVIDSON

On January 24, 2004, the three final candidates for pastor, Rev. Michael Watson, Rev. Anthony Williams and Rev. Todd C. Davidson, were presented to the Church for the election of a Pastor. The Church called Rev. Todd C. Davidson as the Pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Davidson accepted the call and is presently serving as Pastor. Pastor Davidson’s Installation Banquet was held on June 12, 2004, at 6:00 pm., at the Ramada Plaza Oceanfront (57th Street & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach).  Pastor's Installation Service was held at Piney Grove Baptist Church on June 13, 2004 at 3:00 pm.

Pastor Davidson was licensed in June 1997 to preach by Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Norfolk Virginia and ordained in May 1998 by the Old Dominion General Association to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Pastor Davidson served as Assistant to the Pastor and Youth/Christian Education Director of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church under the Pastor Dr. Donald F. Taylor. Pastor Davidson was employed as a Dean of Students at James Blair Middle School of Norfolk Public Schools. Pastor Davidson personal mission statement is empowering congregates, with an attitude of service and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to maximize their potential, while helping them become fruit bearing Disciples of Christ. Pastor Davidson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government & Education at The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia and his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Virginia Union University School of Theology, Richmond, Virginia. At the time of this writing, he is pursuing a Doctorate of Education at the College of William and Mary with special emphasis on Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership.

Under the leadership of Pastor Davidson, God has blessed the church spiritually, financially as well as in attendance and membership growth. The mortgage on our current structure has been paid in full, and on December 31, 2005, we celebrated the burning of our mortgage.

Under Pastor Davidson, the following ministers have been licensed: Minister Linda Isaac and Minister Angela Lambert. Other members currently on the Piney Grove ministerial staff include: Rev. Dr. Leon Bailey, Minister Charles Winslow, Minister Roderick Sharp, Minister Cassandra Keys, Minister Margie Berry, Minister Lavern Etheridge, Minister Juanita Ivery, Minister Ronnie Ferebee, Minister John Cherry, Minister Howard Langford, Minister Antwan Houser and Reverend Morris Ivery (passed on March 27, 2006).

Under Pastor Davidson, the following deacons were ordained in October 2005: Deacon Joseph McCree, Deacon Ron Taylor, Deacon Kevin Keys, Deacon Capus Peterson and Deacon Herbert Thrower. Other members of the Deacon’s Ministry include: Chairman Harry Lashley, Vice Chairman Tythus Kimbrough, Deacon Clifton Haynes, Deacon Grayland McPherson, Deacon Charles Beckett, Deacon Little Joe Gibson, Deacon James Roberson and Deacon Taylor Schofield.

The Trustee Ministry is chaired by Trustee Audrey Cornick and includes the following: Trustee Ron Frink, Trustee Wendell McClure, Trustee Bruce Thorpe, Trustee Janice Kimbrough, and Trustee Lillian Urguhart.

Under Pastor Davidson, the following members have been appointed to the Deaconess Ministry: 
Georgia A. Thrower, Moncella McCree, Jan Taylor, Osia Evans, Helen Evans, Helen Roberson, and Melissa Peterson. Other members of the Deaconess Ministry include: Catherine Bailey, Zaramae Baucom, Ida Beckett, Sandra Haynes, Virginia Munden, Phyllis Winslow, Elmira Roberson and Renee Gibson.

The Piney Grove Baptist Church held a homegoing service for Pastor Vinson on December 27, 2004.

In January 2005, Minister Cassandra Keys was appointed to serve as the Youth Minister. Other ministries implemented under Pastor Davidson include the Cultural Arts Ministry and a Prayer Warrior’s Ministry.

Piney Grove Baptist Church continues to serve as an outreach to the community through the church’s website at http://www.pineygrovebaptistchurch.org and through the radio ministry with live broadcasts every Sunday from 12:00-12:30 PM on Rejoice 100.9 FM.

On May 2, 2006, Pastor Davidson was elected to serve on the Virginia Beach City Public School Board.

Under Pastor Davidson, the church is currently seeking ways to expand its ministry offerings and property holdings to further engage the work of ministry. As God continues to guide us, we can look forward to the following: The building of a world-class residential facility for seniors; The erection of a multi-purpose facility that includes a gymnasium, weight-training options, and a dining hall; The establishment of a fully functioning and accredited pre-school and daycare center; The development of a GED and SAT preparation program; The renovation, remodeling, and/or rebuilding of our sanctuary and classrooms; and The organization of the Piney Grove Business District to include a Beauty Salon and Day Spa, a Credit Union, a Catering Service, and other community based businesses to strengthen our community…but, most importantly, we will continue to be a church…a church where serving God and strengthening our families are our priority. We are traveling from the vision God has set forth to our glorious victory, and we will access our victory as long as we travel together. Together, we will reach the summit of our expectations; together we will lift the downtrodden; together we shall behold the King in all of His splendor and glory; together, we shall continue to overcome.

As we take a look at our past, let us be inspired to reach out and do more to enhance God’s Kingdom. Let us work diligently until God returns. The Church has and always will serve as a pillar of strength in a community and show the Way to Heaven.

Return to top of page

 

Email Me:

 

 

 

Email The Web Master with your comments about this site: