Pine Grove History Recalled

(Published in The Franklin Press, 26 June 1958)

By Lawrence Wood

Though there were many miles to walk or ride horses, the early settlers went to the old Buck Creek church.

It stood about where the Franklin-Highlands highway runs in front of the old Isaac Peek home.

About 75 years ago, a group of members from Pine Grove decided they should have a church closer home. They saw John Corbin and he gave them land for the church. The Pine Grove Baptist Church was then organized with the Rev David Vinson as pastor.

First deacons were Z I Peek, Dave McCoy, Tom Dills, Andy Evans and Calhoun Henderson.

Twice A Day

Communion service was held in the month of May. And, in the old days, revival meetings were held in August after all the crops had been laid by, so the people could attend twice a day. As at all the old time revivals, there was much shouting and testifying. There also used to be all-day singing and dinner on the ground at the church.

Some of the old members still attend church, like "Aunt Isabelle" Holland, who supplied information for portions of this article.

Three generations of the Vinson family have served as pastors of the church, David, Tom and James I Vinson.

Church Burns

In 1932 the old church burned. But, the people saw the need for a place to worshio, so they had services in the schoolhouse until a new church could be built.

That is the present church, which was started in July, 1932. The following were on the building committee: W M Holland, John Dills, Charlie Henderson, W T Tilson, and John Keener

125 Members

At present, the church has about 125 resident members. Deacons are W T Tilson, Briscoe Dills, George Keener, and Raleigh Gibson. Fred Rogers is superintendent, Sharon Dills is secretary, Briscoe Dills is treasurer, and W T Tilson is chorister.

Pastors who have served both the old and new church include David Vinson, John Owens, Tom Vinson, John Kinsland, Pink McCracken, Isaac Peek, John Brendle, Billy Potts, Joe Bryson, George Cloer, Frank Holland, Lawrence A Crawford, John Baty, Oscar Nix, C C Welch, James I Vinson, Wiley McCall, Frank Reed, Arvil Swafford, Eldon Owens, Corsey Hopper, and the Rev W K Shields, the present pastor.

(transcribed January 26, 2006)