In the year of our Lord 1897, one of our forefathers, Mr. Washington Arnold moved into the Fayette County community. Not seeing any church in this particular part of the community, this faithful servant along withothers decided to have Sunday school and church services in an old abandoned house. They wanted their children in church on Sunday. After having services in this manner for nearly a year, they pondered ways by which they could better their worship experience. Upon learning of their desires for a church and a school in the community, Mr. Flimester Arnold, a white gentleman, gave them enough land for a church and a school. The next step was to decide upon a location. Coming to this spot with its beautiful grove of trees, they stood under a large oak tree and there they
made their decision. Having acquired the land and the location they now needed building materials. Mr. Arnold, out of the goodness of his heart, gave them stock from which they acquired lumber for the building project. In the year 1899, the first building was constructed on this spot, and thus Holly Grove A.M.E. Church was organized.

Today we bow in reverence and humble submission before Almighty God, thanking Him for the vision of those forefathers, and the Rev. H.S. Stamps, Pastor. For it was through their vision, sweat and toil that they left a spiritual legacy and a place of worship for their children and generations to come. Rev. Stamps pastored for four years under the presiding Eldership of the Rev. R.D. Stinson.

 

After many years of service in the first church, the founders of Holly Grove passed on from labor to reward. They left the church in the able hands of the next generation. In the persons of Mr. J.G. Arnold, Mr. Ephron Rowe, Mr. J.W. Arnold, Mr. Alonzo Hunt, and others who carried on working faithfully with each pastor. Progress continued and in 1905, the Rev. M.W. Pryor came to Holly Grove. He was followed by the Rev. J.H. McFarland in 1909. In 1910, Rev. J.W. Lancaster, in 1911, Rev. J.E. Harris, in 1913, Rev. W.C. Credell, and in  1914, Rev. L. Daniel continued striving, each trying to gain souls for the Lord. In 1916, Rev. S.H. Rome came and served until 1920. He was followed by Rev. A.H. Hayes, with the Rev. J.H. McFarland serving as Presiding Elder. In 1933, the pastor was Rev. G.F.Patterson, followed by Rev. W.F. Slater with the Rev. P.E. Ealey Serving as Presiding Elder. Rev. W.P. Foley served from 1937 until 1940, then came
the Rev. R.T. Bussey.

The worship structure by now had become old and unsafe for services. It was decided that it was time to rebuild. This was done under the leadership of Rev. R.T. Bussey. In 1941, the Rev. L.A. Pradd came and served with the Rev. H.C. Carswell as Presiding Elder. Rev. Pradd was followed by Rev. Edward Dyson in 1942 and Rev. J.F. Booker In 1943. This structure stood until 1943 when a tornado completely demolished it. Only the Holy Bible and the chair in which Bro. J.G. Arnold sat were left. This horrible tragedy left the people without a place to worship, but having a young energetic pastor, in the person of Rev. J.F. Booker, plans were immediately drafted for a new building. He worked hard and faithfully to initiate the project. In 1944, Rev. R.L. Alexander came, and under his
leadership, the building was completed. In 1945, the Rev. O.F. Maddox came and under his pastorship, the indebtedness was completely paid. In 1946, Rev. K.M. Dunlap came and served a short while, followed by the Rev. W.H. Shaw in 1947 and the Rev. W.M. Whiters in 1948. In 1951, Rev. A.W. Appaling came, followed by Rev. L.H. Holmes in 1953, with the Rev. T.J. Davis as Presiding Elder. In 1954, Rev. N. McKeith came and served, followed in 1956 by the Rev. C.D. Mitchell; who served until August of 1957. Rev. Mitchell was followed by the Rev. J.T. Robinson. The church at this time was in need of repairs. Under the leadership of Rev. Robinson, the church was remodeled inside and out. Rev. Robinson worked diligently with the members to complete the remodeling. A few years later,
there was other work done on the inside of the church structure.

In February of 1964, Rev. J.H. Jackson came and served a short while. In October 1964, Rev. J. Byrd was sent to Holly Grove and under his leadership much work was accomplished. Then came Rev. Herman Thompson in November 1969, with the Rev. L.J. Jones as Presiding Elder. Under Rev. Thompson, the church progressed, both financially and spiritually. Many of those who had drifted away from the fold, returned with renewed dedication to serve their church. Rev. Thompson worked faithfully and under his leadership, the present structure began construction. Rev. Thompson served until 1976 and was followed by the Rev. G.W. Worthy who served faithfully until 1978. He was followed by the Rev. Michael Jones who promoted many programs to raise funds for the support of the church. Rev. Jones served Holly Grove for eleven years.The present sanctuary was completed under his leadership. In 1989, Holly Grove was
served by two pastors for a short time who were followed by the Rev. Ralph Tutman, our last Fayette county circuit pastor.

In the year of 1995, God blessed us with a young and vibrant leader by the name of the Rev. David T. Batts. He was our first full time pastor. The church under his leadership elevated to a higher level of spirituality. Plans were put in place for a fellowship hall where members and the community could come together to break bread and hold classes to share the word of the Lord.

Pastor David Morrow was the next leader of the flock in 1997. He hit the ground running, as under his leadership The Hall of Praise became a reality and the first historical marker in Peachtree City was bestowed upon Holly Grove A.M.E.

We received our first female pastor in 2007, Reverend Eyvonne Hudson Whitman. Under her leadership Holly Grove studied God’s word and reach out to our members and the Fayette County area. The participation in various parades and community events earned The Grove a prominent place in the fiftieth year anniversary of Peachtree City.

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The Rev J. Larry Ervin II and First Lady Jacqueline Ervin, Director of Music ministry, were sent to lead God's people from 2011 until 2016. On June 13, 2016, Pastor Rev. Henry Oliver and Assistant Pastor Rev. Patricia Oliver were appointed to Holly Grove. During their time, the roofs were replaced on both buildings and the ceiling was replaced in The Hall of Praise. They led the congregation through the Covid-19 pandemic with education, supplies, and safety measures. God's word and prayer sessions were held on Zoom.

 

Rev. Dr. Andrea Lewis came to Holly Grove on June 14, 2024. In the first six months of service, several projects were completed including the reorganizing of the boards, replacing the gutters on both buildings, trimming of trees, refinishing the steeple, enhancing social media, building a website and streaming church services. She is presently serving with great enthusiasm in the spirit of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

In the history of Holly Grove, we have seen much change and the Lord has blessed and prospered his church through good times and bad. In the tradition of our foreparents hold to God’s unchanging hand, knowing that He is able. The membership looks forward to doing greater works in the Lords vineyard in the years to come.

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Revised January 12, 2025