PINEY GROVE THROUGH THE YEARS

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“Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ...” (Ephesians 5:24)   “And He is the head of the body, the church...” (Colossians 1:18)
 

In the shadows of Reconstruction, with Jim Crow waiting in the wings, freed Black men and women in Augusta, Georgia, planted a seed of hope and faith. Though they did not yet own the land, they claimed God’s promise. From that promise, Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church has stood for generations — a pillar in Augusta, a light in Georgia, and a testimony to the United States that God remains sovereign.

The Piney Grove Baptist Church of Richmond County, Georgia, was officially organized on Sunday, July 5, 1880, after Mr. John Dicey, a white humanitarian, deeded land to the congregation. Two faithful veterans of the cross, Deacon Moses Sam and Deacon Harry Perry, led the establishment of this church. Its name, Piney Grove, was inspired by the abundance of pine trees flourishing on the property.

From humble beginnings, Piney Grove was nurtured and strengthened by a succession of pastors, each contributing to the church’s rich legacy:

1. Rev. John Curtis — A kind and sympathetic leader who guided the early congregation.
    
2. Rev. A.W. Wilson — Served faithfully, performing his evangelical duties with dedication.
    
3. Rev. C. Nobles — Instrumental in establishing Piney Grove as a leading church in Richmond and surrounding counties.
    
4. Rev. Alex Cooper — A son of Springfield Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia.
    
5. Rev. Mitchell Crawford — A strong stalwart, known for his bold preaching against sin.
    
6. Rev. J.H. Wilborn — Elevated the church’s reputation and influence in the community.
    
7. Rev. Charles H. Gardner — Led the church into a variety of Christian activities, expanding its ministry.
    
8. Rev. William Bennett — One of Piney Grove’s own sons, who returned to shepherd his home church.
    
9. Rev. R.L. McCord — Played a pivotal role in constructing a new church building.
    
10. Rev. J.C. Gardner — Another son of Springfield Baptist Church; a spiritual leader, excellent organizer, and devoted trainer of singers of Zion’s songs.
     
11. Rev. Willie J. Jackson — Served first as a third Sunday pastor before officially becoming full-time pastor.
     
12. Rev. James L. Reid — A bold spiritual leader and member of Springfield Baptist Church in Thomson, Georgia. He served as interim pastor for two months before the congregation prayerfully and unanimously chose him as pastor on December 2, 2016. He faithfully led Piney Grove until his passing in 2023, comforting the congregation and community with God’s word.
     
13. Rev. T. Chris Johnson — Installed in September 2024 as Piney Grove’s current pastor, continuing the legacy of faith-filled leadership.
     

Now, more than 145 years later, Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church still strives to honor and perpetuate the vision and profound determination of our founders. We have not reached perfection, nor attained all that is possible; but we recognize there is always room to grow and accomplish more.

As our history continues to unfold, our hopes are beautifully summarized in these words:

We still have faith; we must press on, Our goals are built on pioneers gone.
And as our history continues to grow, God’s Spirit we will strive to show.
This church was built on faith and prayer, Of pioneers faced with trials to bear.
With Christian love, they accomplished much,
And so today we honor with pride Their hope and faith, which we keep alive.
 

Through wars, segregation, civil rights struggles, and times of peace, Piney Grove has stood as a beacon of faith, prayer, and perseverance. Today, we remain committed to proclaiming the gospel, serving our community, and shining God’s light, just as our founders dreamed in 1880.