In 1869, four dedicated members, Mr. Dan King, Mrs. Dorses Williams, Mrs. Esther King, and Mr. Wright Williams began working to find another location for the church. These four courageous members pioneered the construction of the second Piney Grove Church. It was built directly in front of the Mason Lodge Hall. The church was located on the east side of River Road about one-fourth of a mile from the intersection of River Road and Highway 401. E. L. Lewis purchased the new church site from Carolina Power and Light Company for one dollar ($1.00). Mr. Lewis then deeded the three acres of land to Piney Grove Church.
 

In 1932, Mr. Dan Blue and Mr. Dan Elliott and others began cutting down trees and clearing the land for the new church. They took the logs to W. T. Reeves Sawmill to be cut into lumber for the third church. That church, our present church, was completed in 1933. This building has undergone a total facelift and numerous additions. Many of us can identify various parts of the old structure.  The chimney is all that remains visible of the old structure. Two small gas heaters were installed in the back of the church in 1961, and the chimney was no longer needed.
 

In 1925, Rev. Jimmy McLean was called to serve as pastor. Before this time, the church operated as a circuit church where the pastor came as often as he could, and the deacons performed the pastor’s duties in his absence. Services were held only once a month. Under Rev. McLean’s leadership, great things began to happen. Piney Grove added another Sunday of worship. Services were now held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Rev. McLean served for 15 years. Various auxiliaries were organized-the Mother Board, the Mission Circle, the Building Fund Committee, and Church Chorus.
 

In 1940, Rev. G. L. Elliott became our spiritual leader following in Rev. McLean’s footsteps. He began working with the Building Fund to expand and beautify the church. In 1952, the church was totally bricked, a cafeteria built at the rear of the sanctuary, and inside restrooms were also added to the rear of the church.  Rev. Elliott served for 42 years. Deacons, at that time, included George Allen, Henry Colvin, and Pink Thomas, Sr. Ordained under his leadership were Deacons Will Currie, Abe Elliott, Sr., Tobb Bell, Will Pitt, and James Reid. After many of these deacons were called into the ministry, the following deacons were ordained--Emory Knox, Jr., P. T. Thomas, Jr., James Penny, Abe Elliott, Jr. William C. Currie, J. P. Currie, Edward Elliott, Richard Thomas, Joseph Thomas, and Earl Thomas.
 

Rev. William T. Ford became our pastor in 1982 and served for 8 years before resigning in 1990. Under his leadership, church renovations were completed. More than $80,000 was spent on renovations. In 1983, the cafeteria was torn down and a new fellowship hall was built, later named the Emory Knox, Jr. Dining Hall after his death in 1997. This addition was a two-story structure at the rear of the church. The bottom story contained the kitchen and dining room, storage room, First-Aide room, and restrooms. The top level contained the Pastor’s study with a full bath, a secretary’s office, library, five classrooms, and baptismal pool.

 

Our present pastor, Rev. Kerby Haire, has served since 1990. Elder Haire ushered us into the new millennium with a new vision for the church. His new vision includes: (1) Youth rap sessions, (2) Youth bible study, (3) Evangelistic training, (4) New convert counseling, (5) Sanctuary additions, (6) Family counseling, (7) Athletic department, and (8) Transportation (van) ministry.
 

Early morning service (8:00 a.m. service) was implemented on the second and fifth Sundays. Physical additions and improvements continue to be made, such as the purchase of 2-3 acres of property on each side of the church. The property on the right of the church has a three bedroom house and the property on the left has a three bedroom double-wide mobile home. Each property has been used as rental property and has been rented at various times. We have added a surveillance security system to the church, resurfaced the parking lot, added vinyl siding and purchased upgraded and updated computers, copiers and other equipment and furnishings. Most recently, we have opened a successful and operational Community Food Closet and implemented a Summer Youth Camp for the children.