History

The following historical chronicle of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Simpsonville, South Carolina, is an attempt to recount the efforts of those who counted it a privilege to sacrifice so that the Word of the Lord might be heard, taught, and lived. Thus, it is with a deep sense of indebtedness and thanksgiving that a special salute is extended to those both -living and dead who have made outstanding and sacrificial contributions to the growth of our spiritual heritage. Thus, the following historical record is offered for the reader’s examination, appreciation, and inspiration.

During the Post Civil War period, Blacks in Simpsonville prayed for their own place of worship. Their prayers were answered when Tom Moore, a local white citizen , donated several parcels of land to be used for a place of worship. Clothed in armors of faith and determination, this group of Christian warriors, under the leadership of the Reverend Tom Jones, completed the construction of a brush arbor in July of 1870. Because of the density of cedar trees surrounding the building, the church was named Cedar Grove.

These pioneers were not only imbued with the Holy Spirit, but they also possessed vision, perseverance, and wisdom. Consequently, they recognized the inadequacy of the church’s physical facilities and made plans to build a new church in 1876. Constructed of pine and poplar logs, the church was completed during the summer of 1877, just in time for the members to hold their first August revival.

In 1937, a membership exceeding two hundred necessitated the need for still a larger church. Therefore, a frame structure was completed in 1938. The existing building was renovated and bricked in 1962. An educational wing was added in 1972. As a result of additional membership growth, groundbreaking services were held December 8, 1985, for the construction of the present edifice which contains a sanctuary that seats more than three hundred and fifty, offices, educational classrooms, a library, and a baptistery. On Sunday, October 5, 1986, members marched from the old sanctuary to the new sanctuary where the first worship service was held. The new edifice was dedicated Sunday, November 16, 1986. The $332, 000 loan for such was liquidated in 1992.

Since we have a biblical mandate to minister from a holistic perspective, the need for additional space was acknowledged. Consequently, groundbreaking services for a 2.2 million dollar Family Life Center were held on Sunday, June 11, 2000. This much-needed facility contains three offices, four classrooms, a conference room, a gymnasium with a stage, a walking track, a family room, an exercise room, a family room, a weight room, and a commercial kitchen.