Our Church History

From a Bush Arbor to a Blessed Legacy

Throughout history, people of faith have created places where they could worship God, strengthen their communities, and pass their beliefs from one generation to the next. The church has long served as a spiritual and social foundation—a place where the message of faith, hope, service, and unity can be shared.

The history of Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church is the story of devoted Christians whose faith, courage, sacrifice, and perseverance established a blessed foundation for generations yet unborn.

Because few written records remain from the church’s earliest years, portions of this history have been preserved through the oral accounts of members whose forefathers and foremothers were instrumental in organizing and building the church.

Our Beginning

In 1892, a band of devout Christians who shared a strong belief in the Primitive Baptist doctrine organized Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church.

The first worship service was held beneath a bush arbor near the Patterson Mills area of Cabarrus County, now known as the Roberta Mills community. The church received its name from a grove of holly trees located near the original worship site.

These early services were conducted under the leadership of the Reverend H.E. Elm and were attended by both Black and white worshippers.

Among the founding members who helped organize Holly Grove in 1892 were:

• Joe McClure

• Ida Hall

• Angeline Ford

• John Cauthen

• Ollie Cauthen

• “Dad” Spring

The congregation eventually moved its meeting place from the bush arbor to a location farther up the creek. There, the members constructed a small wooden-frame church with three windows on each side.

The building was erected on one-half acre of land purchased from the J.W. Morris Estate. Under the supervision of Deacon Edward Lawing, the building was later enlarged to include five windows on each side.

Growth and Development

In 1936, additional land was purchased from Audie and Nannie Dover. A Register of Deed was issued to:

• Deacon Henry Robinson

• Deacon Thomas Johnson

• Deacon E.D. Brown

• Deacon Charles Moss

• Brother Jess Leach

In 1959, through the will of God and the faithful dedication of Deacon Edro Byers, a new church building was erected. Deacon Byers designed the building, supervised its construction, and personally completed much of the work.

Through the faithfulness and sacrifice of the members, Holly Grove held a mortgage-burning ceremony in 1971.

Our Denominational Heritage

Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church is proud to be affiliated with:

• The Southwestern District Primitive Baptist Association

• The North Carolina–Virginia Primitive Baptist State Convention

• The National Primitive Baptist Convention of America

Holly Grove is recognized as the oldest Black Primitive Baptist church in Cabarrus County. Several other congregations grew from the ministry and influence of Holly Grove, including:

• Silver Hill Primitive Baptist Church — Concord, North Carolina

• Halls Chapel Primitive Baptist Church — Salisbury, North Carolina

• Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church — Harrisburg, North Carolina

Ministers Who Came Through Holly Grove

Holly Grove has been blessed to nurture and encourage several men who answered God’s call to the ministry. They include:

• Elder Silas Johnson

• Elder Ike Bush

• Reverend Silas Johnson Jr.

• Minister Edro Byers

• Elder James Byers

• Elder Scotty Gore

• Elder Harry Love

• Reverend Luther Johnson

• Reverend Robert Cohen

• Elder Roger Mallory

• Reverend Antonio Johnson

Mother Frances Thrasher has also faithfully served as an evangelist at Holly Grove.

Pastoral Leadership

Throughout its history, Holly Grove has been blessed with pastors who possessed the faith, courage, perseverance, and spiritual commitment necessary to sustain the church and guide its members.

Early Pastors

Holly Grove’s pastors have included:

• Elder H.E. Elm — First Pastor

• Elder Bill Massey

• Elder Joe McClure

• Elder O.S. Moore

• Elder Chis Elloitte

• Elder Barnes

• Elder Sam Smallwood

• Elder Frank Stafford

• Elder Leo C. McClory

All of the pastors listed above are deceased.

Elder L.W. Washington

In 1932, Elder L.W. Washington, a God-fearing and faithful preacher, was elected as Holly Grove’s tenth pastor.

Under his leadership and God’s guidance, the church moved forward with great anticipation. A new church building was constructed, and a memorable mortgage-burning ceremony was held in 1971.

During his pastorate:

• New church furnishings were purchased and paid for.

• Central air conditioning was installed.

• Additional land was purchased.

• Numerous improvements were made to the church property.

Elder Washington served Holly Grove for 44 years, from 1932 until 1977, making him the longest-serving pastor in the church’s history. He resigned in 1977 because of failing health.

Elder Fredrick H. Thompson

Elder Fredrick H. Thompson became Holly Grove’s next pastor.

Several ministries and programs were established during his pastorate, including:

• The Male Choir

• The Youth Movement

• The first official Mothers and Deaconess Board

• Weekly Bible study

• Midweek prayer meeting

• Vacation Bible School

• A church scholarship fund

Several improvements were also made to the church property, including:

• Paving the parking lot

• Padding and covering the pews

• Completing the church basement

• Other building and ministry improvements

Elder Kenneth Smith

Elder Kenneth Smith faithfully served as pastor of Holly Grove for 14 years, continuing the church’s tradition of spiritual leadership and service.

Elder Dr. Pedro Billinger

Elder Dr. Pedro Billinger was installed as pastor of Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church on November 12, 2023.

Under his leadership, Holly Grove has continued to grow and move forward. Accomplishments have included:

• Installation of new carpet in the church sanctuary

• Installation of a new front door

• Growth in church membership and attendance

• Establishment of a new Youth Department under the guidance of Holly Grove’s own Minister Lamonte McCrae

These are only a few of the accomplishments made during this period of leadership. With God’s continued help and guidance, Holly Grove looks forward to continued spiritual growth, ministry development, and improvements to the church.

Those Who Served

Deacons

The following deacons faithfully served Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church:

• Deacon Ed McClure

• Deacon Charles Moss

• Deacon Lawrence Hall

• Deacon Nathan Samuels

• Deacon John Black

• Deacon Henry Robinson

• Deacon E.D. Brown

• Deacon Ed Lawing

• Deacon Alexander Clawson Byers

• Deacon Walter Byers

• Deacon Edro Byers

• Deacon Arthur L. Byers

• Deacon Hope Cook

• Deacon Oscar Johnson

• Deacon Elemuel Mackin

• Deacon James Bennett

• Deacon Waddell Gayden

• Deacon Carey Williamson

• Deacon William Byers

• Deacon Robert Watts

All of the deacons listed above are deceased. We honor their faithful service and lasting contributions to Holly Grove. Deacon Jessie Gore Jr serves as our current Deacon.

Trustees

The following trustees served Holly Grove and are now deceased:

• Boyd Allen

• Henry Flake

• Wallace Green

• William Burns

• Alexander Clawson Byers

• Grady Stowe

• Wilson Miller

• Sam Walker

• Jessie Allison

• Richard Howard

• Monroe Washington

• Chester Stowe

• Sonny Butler

Holly Grove’s current trustees are:

• Wilbert Scott

• David Weaver

• John Davidson

• Jessie Gore Jr.

• Michael Davidson

• Randy Wike

• Richard Howard

Mothers and Deaconess Board

The following mothers and deaconesses served Holly Grove and are now deceased:

• Anna Spears

• Lottie Stowe

• Veenie Byers

• Louise Washington

• Alzalee Gayden

• Thelma Byers

• Gertrude Mackin

• Eula Johnson

• Julia Cook

• Cora Goodson

• Cathleen Bennett

• Gladys Gayden

• Margie Byers

• Dorothy Watts

• Lyndia Gabriel

Those currently serving include:

• Mother Frances Thrasher

• Mother Gracie Byers

• Mother Mildred Nurse

• Deaconess Yvette D. Butler

• Dorothy Anderson

• Dawn J. Smith

Sunday School Superintendents

The following individuals have served as Sunday School superintendents:

• Lawrence Hall

• Grady Stowe

• Edro Byers Sr.

• Chester Stowe

• Lyndia J. Gabriel

Lawrence Hall, Grady Stowe, Edro Byers Sr., Chester Stowe, and Lyndia J. Gabriel are deceased. Jessie Gore Jr. currently continues the ministry of Christian education and discipleship.

Missionary Presidents

The following individuals have served as president of the Missionary Ministry:

• Mother Lottie Stowe

• Mother Anna Spears

• Mother Louise Washington

• Mother Betty Gore

• Mother Grace Byers

Mother Lottie Stowe, Mother Anna Spears, Mother Louise Washington, and Mother Betty Gore are deceased. Mother Grace Byers continues this legacy of missionary service.

Usher Presidents

The following individuals have served as president of the Usher Ministry:

• Sister Alberta Stowe

• Elder James Byers

• Sister Gertrude Mackin

• Mother Dorothy Watts

• Deaconess Yvette D. Butler

Sister Alberta Stowe, Elder James Byers, Sister Gertrude Mackin, and Mother Dorothy Watts are deceased. Deaconess Yvette D. Butler currently continues this ministry of hospitality and service.

Matron Presidents

The following individuals have served as president of the Matron Ministry:

• Sister Martha Green

• Sister Kay Scott

• Mother Grace L. Byers

• Sister Debra Byers

Sister Martha Green and Sister Kay Scott are deceased. Mother Grace L. Byers and Sister Debra Byers continue the ministry’s legacy of Christian service.

Celebrating 134 Years of Faith

From a humble bush arbor to our present church, Holly Grove’s history testifies that trusting in the Lord and walking by faith have brought us this far.

We are deeply grateful to our ancestors and former members—not only for their courageous work and sacrifice, but also for laying the spiritual foundation upon which Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church continues to stand.

As we celebrate our 134th church anniversary, we recognize that our work is not finished. We, the members of Holly Grove Primitive Baptist Church, ask God to continue giving us the dedication, willingness to sacrifice, and determination necessary to share the message of Jesus Christ and His love for all humanity.

We honor those who came before us, faithfully serve in the present, and look forward with hope to what God will accomplish through Holly Grove in the generations to come.

“Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” — 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV)