Our History The Missionary Society, under the leadership of Sister Gladys Hall, is pleased to share the history of the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Unfortunately, there was very little recorded about our Church. Much of what is included is information that was provided by current and past members. Special thanks to each person that shared information with us. We pledge to continue to research and gather information so that we can complete and give more details to the story you are about to read. From reading, you can- be certain of one thing, God has and continues to bless us. We thank Him for Jesus and look forward to the time when we will reign with Him eternally. Getting Started

After months of worshiping at this location, several men began constructing a small building on the site where the Church is presently located. The original purchase price of the land was one hundred and fifty dollars. In 1914, the building was completed and worship began. Upon completion, the first Church building was approximately 25 by 30 feet. The wood-framed Church was one large room with no windows in the back, was lighted by hanging oil lamps, and heated by a wood burning heater. The members sat on wooden benches. It is from this location that members have been continued benefactors of God's grace and mercy.

Believing in Christ, a small group of worshipers began Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the home of Paul Williams, in 1912. This wooden framed house was located on the Paper Mill Road which is now 19th Avenue East The house was located behind the apartments just north of the Church and across the bridge. A small group met to worship at this location, Brush Harbor, every ·1st and 3rd Sunday. About 15 adults and children met every Sunday for Sunday School. This house was eventually destroyed by fire.

1912 - 1940
With Christ as the true Cornerstone, Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church grew under the leadership of several Pastors from 1912 ¬1940. These Pastors included: Reverend H. Green, Reverend W.M. Pickens, Reverend T. L. Green, Reverend Moses Finch, Reverend A. Lacey, Reverend James Foster, and Reverend J. C. Carter.
During this period of time, the Church membership grew as people moved from Holt, Alabama, Green County, and surrounding areas. The Church faced spiritual and Financial challenges. One spiritual challenge resulted in the formation of another Church in the Alberta community. Financially, the Church was unable to pay the pastors a regular salary. Individual members of the Church gave personal donations to the pastors. Even through the struggles, God continued to bless.
The mission of teaching and spreading the gospel was further emphasized. The Missionary Society with all auxiliaries was established. Three circles and young matrons were organized. The Church held the first Vacation Bible School. Three choirs with two musicians provided praise through music. Eight coed classes made up the Sunday School, BUTU, now called NBC was organized. Reverend Lacey planned the lessons for BUPU because there was no literature.

1940- 1971
Under the ministry of Reverend J. S. Lacy, 1940 - 1971, the Piney Grove Missionary 8aptist Church, witnessed tremendous growth. The congregation grew as many were saved and baptized in the baptismal pool outside the Church. Spring and fall revival services were held. Each Revival was preceded by one week of Prayer Meeting. Communion was observed regularly as the first communion set was purchased during this time. Before this purchase, communion was administered using one cup.
God led Reverend Lacey and the congregation at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church to carry out several renovations. Through these renovations, the Church was enlarged three times. With the first renovation, the Church was expanded from the back. Several feet were added to extend the back. During the second renovation, the back and sides were expand and concrete blocks were added.
The final renovation under Reverend Lacey included more expansion to the back and a wing being added to the north side that allowed for an upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs consisted of a choir stand, choir dressing room, C1assrooms, balcony, and a Pastor's Study. Downstairs ¬consisted of a kitchen, fellowship hall and an additional restroom.
The purchase of additional property was also made during Reverend Lacey's pastorate. The two lots in front of the Church were bought. The purchase of a house and lot northeast of the Church on Kicker Road was made as well as the purchase of land on 18th Court East. Reverend Lacey served Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church faithfully for 31 years until he became ill and retired.

1971 - 1992
During Reverend O. L. Morgan's ministry, 1971-1992, God continued to bless the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Members continued to be added to the Church. The O. L. Morgan Gospel Choir was established. Wednesday night Bible Study was implemented. Several members of the congregation were called to preach and were ordained. Vacation Bible school continued and was held the first week after the close of school. The Missionary Society met monthly. In an effort to broaden the spiritual base of the members, attendance in local and national meetings was important. The Church's attempt to meet the physical needs of the congregation and others resulted in the establishment of the food share bank. Reverend Morgan was the first salaried Pastor. During his administration the formal mortgage papers were burned and a cornerstone laid. The Lord blessed the Church with new pulpit furniture, a church bus, church van, cushioned pews, choir, robes, a renovated Pastor Study, a paved parking lot, a finance room, and central heating and cooling. Reverend Morgan retired from the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in 1992 after 21 years of dedicated service.

1992 - Present
The Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the ministry of Reverend Ulysses Lewis, 1992 - present, has continued to grow spiritually. The church membership has almost doubled. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Reverend Lewis has embarked upon a teaching ministry that has saved many souls and added to the Church. Under his leadership worship services are held weekly for the first time in the history of the Church. Communion services are held during evening hours. Emphasis has been placed on the study of the Word through weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. He works hard to develop Christian character
Through leadership training, a leadership meeting is held monthly to help insure that the needs of the Church are discussed and strategies to meet these needs are addressed. Pastoral counseling is available to individuals. New converts classes are held monthly. A ministry for deacons and ministers wives is also active.
His commitment to teaching and spreading the gospel manifest itself through the implementation or revitalization of several ministries including the senior adult ministry, singles ministry, teachers meeting, and bus ministry. Christian education is emphasized in Sunday school, NBC, Missionary Society, Vacation Bible School, and especially the Youth Department. Members attend the National Baptist Congress each year and also involvement in District and State Conventions have increased....
Major renovations and purchases have been made. The purchase of a van, computer, printer, sound system, air condition unit, and chafing table have all occurred under Reverend Lewis' leadership. Renovations include a classroom, the Pastor's Office and a new roof.
Reverend Lewis' vision for the Church includes systematic tithing to support all ministries. Tithing has increase 600%. Shortly after he came, a previously incurred mortgage was paid in full. A baptismal pool was moved inside. He has established a building fund that will be use to build a new church. In 1995 God gave Reverend Lewis the vision to build a new Church and a Family life center. An attempt was made to purchase a lot next to the Church. Through prayer and supplication, Reverend Lewis continued to seek land that was suitable for the new Church. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a parcel of land, just west of the Church at 402 Kicker Road, was purchased. God continued to bless Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church under Reverend Lewis' leadership, God allowed the signing of the contract for the new Church and family life center in January 2001. Through God's grace and mercy, the Ground Breaking Ceremony and clearing of the property for the new Church began in March 2001. Through prayer and commitment, the vision of God, the New Church was completed in March 2002. On March 31, 2002, early one Easter Morning the church marched from the old Church to the present location where the first service was held at the new Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Lewis' service to the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church remains committed to the uplifting of the Kingdom.