Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church origin can be traced to the year 1911. The residents of the Clark Hill Community were traveling miles to attend a church.

After a great deal of discussion and many prayers, Mr. E. Bunch and his wife Laura agreed to donate two acres of land for the erection of a Church sanctuary. A date was set for August 19, 1911. (Ephraim Collier and Willie Gardenhire) volunteered to build a brush arbor for the organizational service. The newly organized Church was given the name Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church in honor of Mrs. Laura Bunch who along with her husband donated the land for the Church.

The founders of the newly organized Church were: Henry Brisco, Mark Tenant, Robert Nixon, Bose Prescott, Leila Brisco, Malinda Middleton, Anna Nixon and Alice Prescott. Brother Henry Brisco was ordained as Deacon and Reverend Jack C. Middleton was called to Pastor the new Church at the Sunday night session.

ON the appointed Sunday, a large congregation gathered under the brush arbor for the most memorable occasion. Those present at the organizing service were:

Reverend W.J. Jennings, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church and his board of officers: Bose Gowdy, Israel Reed, Milledge Marshall, Jim Smith and Bettis Houston were in charge of the Church service.

After a spirit filled devotional service, Reverend G. Thomas Kenner came forward and delivered a profound message. Reverend Kenner’s text came from Matthew 16:18 “And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” After the message, Reverend Allen Williams asked for God’s blessings on what had been done on that night and he asked for the continual Spiritual guidance and protection in the many years to come. Later on, Mr. Ed Bunch gave remarks and extended the right hand of fellowship.

Since that time, Laura Grove has had the honor of being led by five distinguished Pastors: Reverend Clarence Middleton (1924-1926), Reverend Willie Middleton Freeman (1927-1966), Reverend Carlie Gardenhire (1966-1972), Reverend Alfred Holmes (1973-1987), and Reverend Paul H.Bush (1988-2010).

Seven Preachers have been ordained at Laura Grove Missionary Church: Reverend I. Collier, Reverend C. W. Washington, and Reverend W. M. Freeman, Elder Marcella Freeman Glover, Reverend Sherry Hunter Moore, Pastor Russell Brisco and Reverend Colie Irby. During the early forties Deacon John Norman became a Licensed Minister.

Since the origin of Laura Grove, The Church has continued to evolve. Services have been held in three sanctuaries. The first sanctuary was erected under the leadership of Reverend Jack C. Middleton. Reverend Middleton Freeman led the Church from its inception in 1911 until 1924. Under the leadership of Reverend Freeman a second sanctuary was built along with an elementary school. Reverend Freeman equipped the Church with electric lights and also put siding on the Church. Reverend Freeman did most of the work himself, he graciously did not set a cost but accepted whatever donations the Church offered him. A third sanctuary was also built under Reverend Freeman.


On March 21, 1965 (the 3rd Sunday) Reverend Freeman and the congregation assembled at the front of the Church for a Dedication service.

Reverend Freeman was a committed servant of God and was Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church family. The Church experienced growth and expansion in many areas. On April 29, 1966 Reverend Freeman answered a higher calling which retired him from labor to eternal rest.

On June 15, 1967 Laura Grove elected Reverend Carlie Gardenhire as the new pastor. Under Reverend Gardenhire’s leadership the Church continued to grow and make Sanctuary improvements. Reverend Gardenhire had the floors refinished, new pews were installed, a well was drilled and a pump was installed to provide running water for the congregation. A Pastor’s study was also added during his leadership.

Reverend Gardenhire was another committed servant of God. On September 16, 1972 Reverend Gardenhire also answered a higher calling which retired him from labor to eternal rest.

On August 18, 1973 Reverend Alfred Holmes was elected as the new Pastor of Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership on Reverend Holmes; a Baptismal was installed inside, the choir stands were enlarged and a new piano purchased. On March 22, 1987 Reverend Holmes resigned to focus on other duties of the Lord.

God has a plan for his people. In March of 1988 the Church elected Reverend Paul H. Bush as the sixth Pastor of the Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church. During his tenure the Church continued to grow. There is a “sweet, sweet Spirit” in this place. Under Pastor Bush’s direction Laura Grove developed a Christian Education Ministry, implemented a Mid-Week Bible Study, organized a Male Choir and established an every Sunday worship service. In 1999 Pastor Bush instituted the Clarks Hill Senior Citizen Ministry.

Under the leadership of Pastor Bush the Church was able to purchase two new vans, a new piano, a drum set, ceiling fans, covered pews and a Fellowship Hall was built. Pastor Bush helped in the process of purchasing 3.3 acres of land. Pastor Bush spearheaded the Clarks Hill Community Park project and the Clarks Hill Concern Citizen organization. As the Senior Pastor of Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Bush baptized 94, received by letter 52, restored 43.

Pastor Bush shared with us the vision of s new Church Sanctuary. The new Church Sanctuary would allow Laura Grove the chance to minister to God’s people; mind, body and Spirit. After years of “Building relationship through fellowship” which is our Church theme, our support for Pastor Bush’s vision came true. In May of 2008 Laure Grove was able to start worshipping in the new Sanctuary. In September 2010 Pastor Bush resigned as Senior Pastor of Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

In October of 2011, Reverend Colie Irby stepped in as Interim Pastor. As Interim Pastor Reverend Irby knew that there was no greater gift he could give Laura Grove than that of the Good news of Jesus Christ. In return Laura Grove realized there was a gift she could give Reverend Irby in return and that gift was prayer. “Let the thought sink deep into the heart of every Church, that their Minister will be such a Minister as their prayers make him… How perilous is the condition of that Minister… whose heart is not encouraged, whose hands are not strengthened, and who is not upheld by the prayers of his people.” .Garginer Spring (1785-1873).

Through God’s teaching we are still standing for we know and believe “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

On July 31, 2011 the Church elected Reverend Andre Saunders as the seventh Pastor of the Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church.