Gray’s Grove Baptist Church is an historic African-American congregation whose establishment likely dates to the late 19th century. The present church structure probably dates to the first decade of the 20th century, at the latest.

Update from 21 July 2026: I’m most grateful to Mrs. Clyrissa Brown for sharing the church history with me, summarized from the 138th Church Family Anniversary Service of 11 May 2014. Sis. Brown is the widow of Rev. Dr. Clarence Brown, the last pastor to serve at Gray’s Grove. With just five members remaining in 2016, he wrote: “We no longer have members physically able to maintain the building or the grounds,” and the last service was held 8 May 2016.

On the second Saturday in May 1876, a small group of congregants of McCullough Covenant Baptist Church decided to form their own church. “Rev. Anthony Clarke, Rev. J. C. Hickman, and Rev. Cooper, with the help of five members borrowed from Pine Hill Baptist Church, Bro. H. C. Lane, Bro. William Campbell, Bro. Guilford Chance, Sis. Henrietta Lane and Sis. Henrietta McCullough started this worship service. Rev. H. C. Lane was ordained to the ministry on that very same day and was immediately elected as pastor of the church. For three years he served as pastor and clerk.

“Such was the high purpose of rapidly increasing membership of this period. Now having an enrollment of 54 members their pride was shattered by harsh words from the land owner advising them to cease their worship on this spot. This year, 1879, was a very disturbing year for the sisters and brothers. Knowing that God is the father and the giver of every good and perfect gift, this church family went into prayer for a new home. God guided them to this present location and with His help they purchased this land from the late S. A. Gray and named the church Gray’s Grove Baptist Church. The church was admitted to the Walker Baptist Association in 1880.

“June 1894 brought another calamity to this family. The building was demolished and crushed to the ground by the falling of a large oak tree. Members feeling that their faith was being tested, didn’t let this stop them….therefore they looked upon this as a temporary setback. They banded together and pushed harder toward the mark of the high calling in Jesus and rebuilt the church.”