History Of Piney Grove Baptist Church
Anderson, South Carolina
“Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt 16:13
Piney Grove Baptist Church was established in 1910. It was bounded by the railroad and the Garrison property. It consisted of one-half acre and the property was purchased for $175. A real estate mortgage was secured on February 21, 1913 from H. N. Garrison and signed by the following trustees: William Morris, Washington Hardie, and J.W. White. The mortgage was retired on December 3, 1917.
Another parcel of land was purchased for Piney Grove Baptist Church on June 11, 1918 for the grand sum of $236 from J. Reid Garrison. It was sold to the following trustees acting on the church’s behalf: Perry Williams, James White, Willie Morris, Orange Coleman and Ernest Keese. The land was purchased with the following stipulation: for use as a public school or church for worship for colored people or both and for no other purpose. The land encompassed 2. 36 acres in Pendleton Township and is defined by the Blue Ridge Railroad on the north, and bounded on the north by G.W. Darby , on the east by W.E. Chapman, and on the south and west by J. Reid Garrison.
“Enlarge the place of your tent . . . For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited” (Isaiah 54:2-3).
In the early days, the baptismal pool was outside in the front of the church. The water was brought from the creek in barrels on a sled the night before a baptismal service to fill the pool. It was covered until the next day. The pool has since been filled in. Baptisms were also conducted in the Burns Bridge Creek.
Piney Grove Baptist Church true to its purpose operated a school for colored children. The benches and desks were homemade, but the knowledge imparted was professional. It was one of sixty-six colored schools in Anderson County. Although this school was not state supported initially, the teachers were prepared and possessed experience and professional knowledge of many subjects. However the uniqueness of this program was the expectations that the teachers and parents had for these students. These children had no transportation and no indoor plumbing. Yet, this school prepared its students to make a contribution to society, and many of these students have gone on to become outstanding pillars of the community.
The classes, covering primary through grade 6, were held in the sanctuary during the week until 1935, a school building was erected in the field behind the graveyard. There were 2 rooms, a stage and a kitchen. The meals for the students were cooked by Sisters Bessie Mae Styles Jones, Louise Smith, Meddie Williams and Anna Jo Kemp. Pots of soup would be prepared at home and brought to the school to feed the students.
Some teachers who served on the faculty at the school include Professor McLester Zimmerman, Mrs. Louise Mack, Mrs. Vivian Zimmerman, Professor A.O.A. Talley, Mrs. Georgiana Porter, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, Mrs. Edna Spear, Mrs. Van-Alma Toomer and Mrs. Mattie E. Jones. Trustees of the school were Roosevelt Coleman, Charlie Donaldson, Ollie E. Giles, A.D. Smith, Benjamin Spear, and Sonny Williams.
Piney Grove School held its last class in May 1955. On May 31, 1956 Roosevelt Coleman, Earl Maddox and Charlie Donaldson, representing the interests of the church entered into agreement with School District Number Four of Anderson County for the sum of $2500 agreed to have the school become part of the public school system. Piney Grove School consolidated with Mountain Spring Elementary School and Mrs. Zimmerman became the principal of the consolidated school.
In 1967, parts of the school were added to the church and presently are being utilized as the men’s bathroom, upper classroom, pastor’s study, and business office.
Piney Grove has faced adversity. “Trials were dark on every hand” when the right- -a-way for electricity and water were attempted to be secured. Being their own advocates and providing their own due diligence, difficult negotiations were made with Ennis Chapman, husband of Lillie Esther Garrison, who owned the property. Eventually we prevailed. But God is omnipotent and omniscient because the property that was such a source of contention now belongs to the church.
The church was rebuilt in January 1967 at that time the schoolhouse was moved and added to the church. Numerous changes have been made over the years. The baptismal was added along with a mural. The restrooms were brought up to code.
In the year 2002, 2.891 acres were purchased located at the corner of Chapman Rd. and Clemson Blvd. (Hwy 76)
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
The ministers who have served faithfully as pastor of Piney Grove Baptist Church are: Rev. Zeberdee Anderson, Rev. Drummond ,interim; Reverend T. B. Williams, Reverend J. C. McDowell ,who has the distinction of serving 50+ years; Rev. Willie W. Williams, Jr., Dr. M. P. Robertson, interim; and Dr. Thomas V. Davis. Rev. Benjamin Watkins, 2009-2013, Dr. Grady O. Butler, Interim 2013-2014. The present pastor is Dr. Cory O. Williams who was installed on November 27, 2014.
Our leaders strive for excellence and preach with a sincere confident faith. They are committed to the community, dedicated to their calling and always doing much more than required.
Several ministers have been set aside for the purpose of administering the gospel. Rev. C. A. Latimer was licensed to preach on December 15, 1991. Rev. LaMar Lucas preached his initial sermon in 1994. Minister Darryl Hopkins preached his initial sermon on April 27, 2003. He was quickly followed by Minister Ronald K. Moss who preached his initial sermon on June 8, 2003. Minister Roy Foster was licensed to preach on August 21, 2011 . Minister Renita E. Williams preached her initial sermon on March 6, 2016.
Deacon Members who have gone on to receive their reward include: Deacons Orange Coleman, Earnest Keese, James Keese, Earl Maddox, Charlie Donaldson, Eugene Mattress, Samuel Hunter, Roosevelt Coleman, Sr., John Jones, T.C. Mattress., Benjamin Giles, Waymon C. Hunter, Sylvester Keese, and C. A. Latimer. Another deacon who have served include Nathaniel Barnes. Deacons Sylvester Keese and Augustus Galloway were ordained on March 25, 1979. Deacons Waymon C. Hunter and Harry Humphrey were ordained on May 22, 1994. In 2008, Chris Crosby and John Williams were ordained. Thomas Hunter and Stanton Greenlee were ordained on March 18, 2012. Nath Williams and Charles Blanding were installed on January 29, 2017. Present deacons serving are Nath Williams, Chair; Thomas Hunter, Vice-Chair, Charles Blanding, Clifton Dendy, John Williams, Stanton Greenlee, and our first female deacon, Tecora Giles.
Stewarts in faith of this church who served as deaconess include Sisters Lou Ida Maddox, Bessie Jones, Edna Coleman, Eria Mattress, Josephine Stowers, Clareta Donaldson, Minnie Keese, Bertha Keese, Leonia Smith, Mildred Jones and Jeanestal Barnes.
The present Deaconess Ministry consists of the following: Sisters Dorothy Williams, Chair, Bonnie Dendy, Lois Jones, Margiree C. Latimer, Ethelena Mattress, Johnnie Williams, Odella Williams, Bobbie Holms, and Tonnie Jackson.
The present Trustees Ministry includes the following: Brother James Webb, President, Charles Blanding, Sister Addie Blanding, Vice-President, Nath Williams, Rayfus Jones, Willie Mattress, Angela Guess, Dorothy Williams, Odella Williams, Henry Guess, Kinyida Greenlee, and Tyson Dotson. Dr. Justin Lewis and Jonathan Campbell serve as Junior Trustees.
Sunday School Superintendents throughout the years have been , Bro. Washington Hardee, Dea. Roosevelt Coleman, Sr., Dea. Eugene Mattress, Tr. Willie E. Mattress, Deaconess Margiree Latimer, Bro. Thomas Hunter, Dea. Tecora Giles and Sis. Angela Guess. Presently Dea. Stanton Greenlee.
This moment in time matters and what we do now has lasting ramifications. We must make the most of every opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God.
Today we are a church that appreciates the past but looks toward the future. Through a well attended Sunday school and Bible Study, dynamic dance ministries and vibrant youth activities, our church is reaching out to teach future generations.
While the history is part of what makes us unique, the members of the congregation make it truly wonderful. They are warm and loving, generous and caring. We fellowship, by sharing joyous hugs freely along with warm words of encouragement. Although we enjoy fun, we are serious when it comes to loving Christ and each other. Our future promises to be as bright as our past.
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. “ Ephesians 3:20-21