Hickory Grove Christian Church

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“Flint Ridge Christian Church” (a bush harbor church) was organized in 1850, and was erected where the current cemetery now exists. By the turn of 1919 the name would be changed to Hickory Grove Christian Church.

 

The existing location was at that time a part of the Lynn Family plantation, which was donated to the tenants for the purpose of erecting a church or worship place which later became a school.

 

The first pastor of record was Rev. Brustus Young. The turn of the 1900’s brought about an increase in leadership under the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Dugger. Other pastors serving in the early 1900’s were: Rev. Byrd Allen, Rev. Joseph D. Hill, Rev. Upchurch, Rev. Clem Harper and Rev. Lonnie Cross.

 

Rev. John W. Meadows became pastor in 1919 and served until January of 1954. During Rev. Meadow’s tenure the Usher Board was organized by Field Workers from the Western District Union 1 & 2. The church was remodeled in 1946, and the first instrumental choir was organized in May 1947. 

 

In 1954, Rev. J. T. McPhatter came to serve as pastor until 1960. 

 

Rev. John Percy Mangrum would serve as pastor for fifteen years. Rev. Mangrum led the congregation into building the current edifice in 1970 with the mortgage burning taking place on the 4th Sunday in November 1971. During his leadership, the merger of four denominations; Christian; Congregational Christian; Evangelical and Reform Church would become known as United Church of Christ, hence we became Hickory Grove United Church of Christ.

 

Rev. Robert A Talley became our pastor in from 1977-1980. The Male Chorus was formed in the term of his pastorate. 

 

Rev. Emmett M. Meadows (grandson of Rev. J. W. Meadows) served as pastor from 1981-1983. A third Sunday worship was added to the month under his leadership. A Youth Choir was formed, and the Deacon Board was re-organized along with Praise Service and Wed. Evening Bible Study. 

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Rev. Christopher Lee, our Associate Minister became our next pastor in 1983 and remained with us until Dec. 1986. 

 

Following Rev. Lee, Rev. Dr. George G. Latham came to serve as Interim Pastor and was elected to serve as Pastor in September of 1987. 

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Rev. Dr. William H. Garner was called to serve as pastor in December 1994-1997, serving well and continuing Bible Study and promoting church growth.

 

In  1998-2000, Rev. Ricky Allen, an associate minister from Poplar Springs Christian Church was called to serve as pastor

 

Rev. John N. Davis, a member of Mt. Vernon Christian Church, Clayton came to serve as pastor in 2000-2003.

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The next seven years 2003-2010 would be led by the Rev. Sidney W. White, Jr.  Under his administration the church sanctuary was renovated in 2007.

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Needless to say, these first hundred and sixty years have not gone by without great trials, tribulations and even some embarrassments, but we remained with God and He’s always been faithful to keep us, to teach and guide us. If but a remnant, we’ve held fast to the faith and trust that if God brought us to it, He’d remain faithful to take us through it.

 

From May 23, 2010 until July 31, 2010 the pulpit would be covered and directed by the supports of Rev. Roscoe Davis and Minister Marjorie T. Keith.

 

On August 1, 2010 Rev. Roscoe Davis was elected to serve as Interim Pastor. Rev. Davis has maintained a strong concentration on teaching with very active participation from the body in Sunday school, Bible Study, Sunday School Teachers Conference and Deacon-Trustee-Ministry Training. A Bible-based Missions Ministry has been set in place.

 

On July 30, 2011 the Hickory Grove Christian Church Conference convened and the first new agenda item was the calling of a pastor. Without delay, the saints utilizing their time and process to maximum efficiency agreed unanimously to call Rev. Roscoe J. Davis, Jr. to serve as senior pastor.

 

Rev. Davis was installed as the nineteenth senior pastor of Hickory Grove, on November 6, 2011, and the church has taken off with the focus and commitment to the vision; “To Re-align, To Re-form, and To Re-build.”

 

Out of this focus and concentration, the Lord has blessed us to make measurable improvements with advanced and extensive bible teaching, officers and leaders training for youth and adults; new plumbing, exterior and interior painting, upgrades to heat and air systems, upgrades to electrical system; new surveillance and security system installed, new exit doors installed, quarterly newsletter distribution, informative and inspirational website, and the payoff and the burning of yet another mortgage to name a few.

 

We are committed greater than ever before to maintain our focus and concentration on the vision which God has given to re-align; re-form and to re-build.



                 Note: Effective September 18, 2013 the Hickory Grove Christian Church cemetery is closed.