About Us
A Brief History of the Grove
Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1959. Deacons Horace Jones, James Jackson, Fred Bailey, Robert Barkins, Emanuel Johnson, Harvey Watson, Tobie Erwin, J. Evans and the congregation were designed as a mission. The congregation met in a basement of a house for a short time, then moved to another building on Montgomery and State Streets. Among the Deacons were Isiah Miller Jr. and Alex Mason.
The early 1960’s was a time of transition for Bellegrove. In 1962 Bellegrove moved onto Montgomery Street where the late Rev. Murray pastored the congregation. During the year, several served as pastors, including the late Rev. James Montgomery and Rev. White. Under the leadership of the late Rev. White, the church moved several times including a move to Oswego Street where Rev. Allen was called to pastor for a short time.
Following Rev. Allen, Rev. Isiah Miller, Jr. served as interim Pastor. Following this period of transitional leadership and worship locations, the church was incorporated in 1968 and moved to its present location in 1974. Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church is a body of Christ’s baptized believers acknowledging Christ as the Head, united in the belief of the gospel, agreeing to maintain its ordinances and obey its precepts. Meeting together for worship with one common objective: to give vent to the Holy Spirit, to accept the teachings of Christ, and to do what He has commanded. Since its incorporation Bellegrove has experienced three developmental periods during a span of fifty years, and three pastors.
The Establisher: Rev. Joseph H. Carter was called to serve as Pastor of Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church on March 12, 1968. It was through Rev. Carter’s guidance and leadership that our Church was incorporated on May 19, 1968. Under Rev. Carter’s leadership, many ministries were formed. Bellegrove also became active in local, state and national associations. In 1973, Bellegrove started our building fund drive and in 1974, we purchased property at our present location, 219 West Castle Street to build a place of worship. We moved into our new edifice on January 16, 1976. Under Rev. Carter’s visionary leadership, the church purchased additional property for future expansion and programming. Rev. Carter served as Pastor of Bellegrove from 1968-1997.
The Revitalizer: On Saturday, September 8, 2018, Rev. Dr. Ray A. King was elected as Pastor of Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church, and preached his first sermon as Pastor on October 7, 2018. During his short time as Pastor, Rev. King has implemented new midday and evening Bible Study programs, increased participation in our weekly Sunday School and mid-week prayer service, reimplemented our Junior Ushers and implemented a training program for prospective Junior Deacons. With a strategy designed to relaunch, reclaim and reposition, we eagerly await what God will do through Bellegrove under the leadership of our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Ray A. King.