Church History

This history was complied by Rev. Eugene Spell in the early 1970s and updated by Rev. Johnny Armstrong in 1988.

In the late 1880's a small group of courageous families of what is now known as the Herring Community of Sampson County became concerned about a meeting place where they could learn more about God - a place to which they could direct their spiritual souls for nourishment and a little plot which would claim their physical bodies when earthly life was finished. Probably, amount this interested party were names such as Warren, Herring, McLamb, Gilbert, Weeks, Naylor, Tew, Strickland and other local family names which date back for several generations. Available records do not reveal to whom credit is due for planning, organizing, and building the church which records show was constituted in 1889.

It is reported that one of the first services was held in a little grove which was to become the site of the church. The preacher on this occasion is said to have placed his Bible on a stump which served as a lectern. In 1889, the church was constituted and took the name of Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church. The name probably came from the large hickory trees which were numerous in the immediate area at that time. All available records indicate that no other church was involved in any way in organizing and building Hickory Grove.

Records do not reveal the date the first building was completed, but church minutes of 1892 indicate the building was being used. The original structure serves as the sanctuary of the present building. The church never served the dal role that many churches served because a school was built on an adjoining site.

Throughout the years, the church has undergone three major remodeling jobs. The first phase, completed in 1935, added two classrooms to the side of the church. The addition on six classrooms and two bathrooms to the back of the original structure was completed in 1949. The third phase, completed in 1958, added two classrooms, a vestibule, and porch to the front of the original structure. A steeple was added in 1979. The church has also been involved in two new building projects. An eight room parsonage was completed in 1966 and an educational building was completed and furnished in 1972.

Hickory Grove has been fortunate in having pastors to serve the church throughout the years. A list of the pastors and their tenure of service follows:

Hickory Grove Baptist Church has long enjoyed a remarkable relationship with churches of other denominations in the immediate area, and together, they have created a spiritual climate conducive for the good life. Over the years, this spirit has been transplanted in many areas of our state, our nation, and our world, as members have gone out and settled in other communities and joined with other churches. Hickory Grove is proud of the expanded influence God has made possible and trusts that He will continue to use the church in making His will known to all mankind.

Founding Members September 3, 1892

(Copied as originally spelled)

Names of Male Members

W.R. Warren

Samson M Weeks

Wiley O. Gilbert

John E. Strickland

John A. Beaman

Blurman Holland

Emsly Kinsauls

Lovitt Warren

Martin D. Jackson

W.H. Jones

Hosey Jones

Nathan Jackson

A.H. Tindul

W. J. Beaman

Charley Beaman

Hayes Scinclar

William Strickland

Robert A. Carter

Bradley Jackson

Claudy Warren

Archy Strickland

Redic Warren

E.T. Edwards

Ruffus A. Holland

Melvin Bass

Troy B. Baggett

Erastus Herring

Samson T. Herring

John Tew

Needom Warren

M.R. Warren

Names of Female Members

Hester Weeks

Hester McCullen

Rhoda Weeks

Kisy Weeks

Pharoby Warren

Lulu Beaman

Sarah Warren

Aanner Boyett

Mary Jones

Cherry A. Strickland

Mariah J. Tindul

Rebecca Frank

Sarah E. West

Nancy Warrne

Lizza Jackson Hair

Susan Grantham Faircloth

Stevie Herring

Emer Vann

Dicy E. Vann Honeycutt

Virginia E. Beaman

Lenore Weeks

Lee Strickland Herring

Murittie Luis

Ellar Gilbert

Anna Strickland

Saley Strickland

Mary B. Strickland

Miney F. Baggett

Levina Scinclar

Jennett Jackson

Matilda Edwards

Mary E. Holland

Ruberta Herring Farrmer

Laura Luis Renalds

Nancy E. Edwards

Laurjane Bass Naylor

Tarsona Bass

Callie Herring

Lou Jones