Sandy Grove AME was organized by freedmen circa 1875, and as its name would imply, held its first meetings in a grove, or brush arbor as it is more commonly referred to in Georgia. They had an early association with Johnson Grove Methodist Church but acquired this property in 1875 and established their own congregation. They eventually built a small frame church, which was replaced with this structure in 1911.

The church was a symbol of pride for the Black community in Warren County and architecturally, is perhaps the most significant remnant of a history that hasn’t yet been fully documented. The congregation held on for as long as it could but faced the same challenges affecting rural churches all over the country.

Sandy Grove believed in the power of literacy and education, and like many rural Black congregations, they built their own school to educate as many children as they could. County-operated schools for African-Americans at the time were substandard at best and churches took up the slack.

These resources are among the most endangered in Georgia and it is sad to see them forgotten.

Roof damage has created a permanent threat to the church building and its impacts may be irreparable. It is a real shame to see this important structure in this condition.