Pine Grove Baptist Church
114 CR 277, Carthage, TX 75633Submitted by Barbara Bonner
Pine Grove Baptist Church Pastors
Holland Quarters Community, 1879-Present
Organized 1879
Reverend Calahan (white) from Macedonia Baptist Church of Carthage.
Helpers: Rev. Green, Rev. Bolton, Rev. Maxey, and Deacon William Alexander, Sr. from Bethlehem Baptist Church.
1st Pastor
Reverend George RobertsResigned after 1 year of service
1st Mother and Father of the church - Ben and Malilda Woods
1st Clerk - Mon Chadwick
1st Deacon - Bob Boyce
2nd Pastor
Reverend MaxeyDuring Rev. Maxey's term as pastor he organized the first Church School; the leaders were deacons.
1st Church School Deacons - Walter Rayson, Sr. and Burl Stevenson
1st Church Teacher - Daniel "Dan" Boykins
3rd Pastor
Reverend MayeResigned after serving only a short time.
4th Pastor
Reverend Jeff "J.J." Goodwinb. February, 1857 in Texas
In 1874 Jeff "J.J." Goodwin married Narcissus White (b, 1-1861 in Texas). To this union 13 children were born; only 12 of these children lived beyond childbirth.
Rev. Goodwin served as pastor for 18 years. In 1897, additional land was obtained. Four deacons' names appeared on the deed: Charlie Bryant, Bob Boyce, Charles Holland, and Burl Stevenson. The church was torn down and rebuilt in its present location, on the newly obtained land.
Rev. Goodwin also served as the 2nd moderator of the East Texas Bethel Association.
5th Pastor
Reverend BufordResigned after a short time
6th Pastor
Reverend Isaiah "I.S." BarronRev. Barron resigned after a few years and became moderator of the East Texas Bethel Association. From 1927/1950 he was Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, of Carthage.
7th Pastor
Reverend "A.F." Forney BlackThe Church once again needed repairs. During the 9 years Rev. Black was pastor of the church, it was completely rebuilt. The pulpit was on the west side of the present front door.
1921-Rev. Black baptized twelve-year-old Annie Lou Rayson in a goat hole across from the church.
Rev. Black served as the 1st president of the congress of the East Texas Bethel Association.
He was the son (member) of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Carthage.
After 9 loyal years of services Rev. Black resigned for a position at a different church.
8th Interim Pastor
Reverend Burt Solomon, Sr.b/d October 7, 1901/California, September, 1990
Interment - Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Tenaha, Texas
Burt Solomon, Sr., was the oldest of 14 children born to the parents of Billy and Lizzie Solomon.
Education: Graduate - Turner High School Carthage, TX
Butler College Tyler, TX
1920-At the early age of 19, Solomon was called to preach.
1928-Rev. Solomon and Selia Hawkins were married and made their home in Gary, Texas. The couple was blessed with eight children: Burt, Jr., Mary, Lizzie, Katherine (a school teacher), Rev. Lacy Kirk, Luster (infant death), Dorothy, and Billy. At an early age Rev. Solomon were called upon to pastor Pine Grove. He served for 1 year, with his young wife at his side before the 9th pastor was appointed.
He was the President of the Congress of the East Texas Bethel Association.
9th Pastor, 1931-1936
Reverend Jeff "J.J." GoodwinAfter 52 years and 8 preachers, the church was in need of a pastor once again. Goodwin was called upon to accept the appointment as the 9th pastor. He had previously served for 18 years as the 4th pastor.
His wife Narcissus, and twelve children were known and loved by many.
Rev. Goodwin was a devoted man of God. The members paid him 10¢ each, or they paid him in harvest crops (corn, tomatoes, etc.).
Goodwin still held his position as moderator of the East Texas Bethel Association.
Goodwin also served as pastor of Elysian Fields Missionary Baptist Church in Elysian Fields.
After 5 years of service Rev. Goodwin went back to the Texas/ Louisiana Association, with 23 years of service behind him at Pine Grove.
His legacy still lives at Pine Grove, his granddaughter-Beatrice Wallace-Gray through his daughter Linnie Goodwin and her husband Arthur Wallace, has been a member of Pine Grove since 1936.
Secretary: Dixon Brown
10th Pastor, June 7, 1936 (1st Sunday)/June 20, 1975
Reverend Huey Timothy Taylor, Jr.b/d March 29, 1907/June 20, 1975
Interment: Rose Hill Gardens Cemetery
Marshall, Harrison County, Texas
Funeral Director: Lewis Funeral Home
Huey Timothy Taylor, Jr. lived in Marshall, Texas; he accepted the appointment as pastor because he truly loved Holland Quarters. The people and church were his life.
Services were held once a month; later one additional Sunday was added for worship.
Huey Taylor married Louise (Louiza) McLemore; the couple had four children; Gloria Taylor-Bell, Thurman Taylor, Alvastine Taylor-Carr, and Raymond Taylor.
Education Nacogdoches County
1925 Bishop College, Dallas, Texas
In the 1940's-Central Baptist Church of Carthage, while remodeling their building, gave their bricks and windows to Pine Grove. The members went by wagon to bring back the material for the new Pine Grove. New pews were added for $2,500.00.
1964-The Annex was added which includes a modern kitchen, dining area, enlargement of the choir stand and other modern facilities.
During his lifetime Taylor expressed to his family and to the members of Pine Grove that he wanted to be buried in Holland Quarters Cemetery.
Taylor served as Moderator of the East Texas Bethel Association.
June 20, 1975 - Burris Mark Phillip and Margarette Diane "Boo" Brown were married by Rev. Taylor. After the ceremony, Rev. Taylor fell dead.
Taylor's family decided not to bury him in the cemetery. Taylor served as pastor for 39 years.
Ordained 10 Deacons
Baptized over 500 members
Prince Arthur Rayson was baptized by Taylor.
Married Many
Licensed 1 Minister
1936 Treasure: George Lynch
Secretary: Dixon Brown resigned to relocate.
Secretary: Nesbitt Holland served the last 13 years.
11th Pastor, 1975-1978
Reverend Prince Arthur Raysonb/d October 18, 1932/February 17, 1992
Parents: Herman Rayson and LeVenia Adams
On February 27, 1954, Prince Arthur Rayson married his high school sweetheart Marjorie Bell. The couple had four children: Gloria Rayson-Lusk, Roddris, Jeffrey, and Gregory.
Rayson accepted the position as pastor after the death of Rev. Taylor because of his love and devotion to the quarters. He had roots in the community because of his ancestors.
Church Services were held only twice a month. Pastor and Mother Rayson drove to Carthage from Houston on Saturday evenings and returned home on Sunday evenings.
Rev. Rayson was Baptized by Rev. H.T. Taylor, at Pine Grove.
Education Beckville Elemetary School
Beckville, Texas
Turner High School (graduate 1953)
Bachelor of Theology 4 years of seminary work
Union Baptist Bible College and Seminary
Houston, Texas
During Rayson's three years as pastor, Clyde Holt confessed his faith in the Ministry. Clyde Holt preached his first sermon in the presence of Rayson. Rayson considered him as his son in the ministry (resident ministry).
Rayson performed many baptisms, weddings, and funerals before he resigned his position.
Rev. Rayson died in Houston; his services were held at Pine Grove. Interment followed in Holland Quarters Cemetery along side his ancestors.
Secretary: Willie Rayson
Head of the Deacon Board: Wallace Thompson
Rev. Prince Arthur Rayson
12th Pastor, 2-12-1978 (1st Sunday)/5-1991
Reverend Edgar Tatum, Jr.Edgar Tatum, Jr., was born a native of Panola County on February 23,1954, to Edgar Tatum, Sr., and Velma Dee Willis.
Tatum first attended Panola County Schools in the Fairplay Community. Consolidation took place in the late 1960's. He attended West Side Elemetary School in Holland Quarters and also attended Turner High School in Carthage. Integration came in 1969, and he attended Carthage High School where he graduated in 1973. That same year he joined in holy matrimony with his high school sweetheart Sharon Gray. To this union four children were born: Shundra Tatum-Woods, Quinla, Marocka and Moseacke. He attended Panola Junior College for two years, earning an Associate of Science Degree. He went on to East Texas Baptist University for another 1 1/2 years, earning a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree. He attended Jacksonville Theological Seminary for an additional 2 1/2 years, earning a Master of Religious Education Degree.
The couple had been married only three years when Tatum was ordained as deacon at the early age of 22 years at Jerusalem Baptist Church of Fairplay, Texas, in 1976 by Rev. G.H. Williams.
In 1977, he publicly announced his calling to the ministry at the age of 23 years. He was also ordained and licensed by Rev. Williams that same year.
He received his first pastoral position as a young man of 24 years at Pine Grove Baptist Church on the second Sunday in February of 1978.
Tatum was the youngest pastor to be appointed to the Church. Mother Sharon Tatum sang like an angel; she helped in the church as much as possible. When her health began to fail, she became more determined to serve the Lord.
Tatum wanted the church to grow and prosper because Holland Quarters was home for him and his family and the home of his ancestors.
1979 - Began holding morning worship each Sunday of the month.
The church made much progress during Tatum's term as pastor.
Tatum baptized over 60 candidates into the church, married several, and funeralized many. Several were set aside to become deacons, but never fulfilled that obligation. Commitments were being renewed and the church was on the move.
1986/Present-Vice Moderator of the East Texas Bethel Association. Tatum is very much involved in the association.
In early 1990 the church made ready for the first Sunday in August Annual Homecoming Revival.
The choir stand and pulpit area were remodeled, the high ceiling was lowered, the window units were removed, central heating and cooling units were added, the front entrance was changed, and carpet was laid in the sanctuary.
The outside was also totally remodeled.
The red bricks and windows from the 1940's were replaced with gray brick and new windows.
Tatum worked in the hot sun adding the roof to the church. Most of the remodeling was done by Tatum.
In May, 1991, Rev. Edgar Tatum, Jr., resigned his position as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church after serving for thirteen faithful years.
Secretary: Willie Rayson, resigned his position.
Secretary: Doris Pitts
Music Directors: Billie Jean Allison
Yolanda Brown.
13th Pastor, 9-8-1991/10-1995
Reverend Lee Marion Jonesb, March 4, 1946
Rev. Lee Marion Jones stepped in as the 13th pastor of Pine Grove Baptist. He was married with two children.
Jones believed in providing spiritual and moral guidance. His objective was to obtain a position that would enable him to utilize his theological background as well as his pastoral experience.
EDUCATION, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
August 29, 1972 Licensed to Preach
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Houston, Texas
1973/1977 Jasper Circuit (3 churches), Jasper,
Texas Student Pastor
1974/1976 Bachelor of Arts, Wiley College,
Marshall, Texas
Major: Religion & Philosophy
1977/1978 Student Pastor (performed pastoral duties)
Haven Chapel UMC, Dennison, Texas
1978/1979 Rivertown UMC, Atlanta, Georgia
Student Pastor
1978/1981 Master of Divinity-Interdenominational
Theological Seminary (Gammon) Atlanta, GA
1978/1981 Crusade Scholar
1979 Ordained Deacon UMC - Texas Conference
1979/1981 Hamilton Parish, Atlanta, GA - Pastor
(performed pastoral duties)
6-1981/6-1983 5th Ave. United Methodist Church-Gary, IN
1982 Ordained Elder UMC North Indiana Conference
1983/1984 Completed residential work for the Master
of Sacred Theology, with a concentration in
Homiletics at Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, NY
6-1983/6-1986 Clair Memorial UMC, 679 Communipaw - Pastor
Jersey City, NY
7-1986/Present Associate Dir. of Admissions & Recruitment
Wiley College, Marshall, Texas
6-1987/1988 Sonny Grove UMC, Marshall, Texas
6-1989 Red Oak UMC, Marshall, Texas
After four years of faithful service Rev. Jones resigned by letter his position as pastor of Pine Grove.
Secretary: Doris Pitts
Music Directors: Billy Jean Allison-resigned after a short
time under the leadership of Rev. Jones.
Yolanda Brown
14th Pastor, March 3, 1996/2-1997
Reverend Earnest O. Springs, Jr.One hundred and seventeen (117) years after the birth of Pine Grove Baptist, the 14th pastor, Earnest O. Springs, Jr., accepted the appointment as pastor of PGBC, a church on the move once again. Words of wisdom to the new pastor - Preach the word, Preach the word.
January 9, 1951, Earnest O. Springs, Jr., was born to Earnest O. and Leola Springs, Sr., in Longview, Gregg County, Texas. He had a happy childhood, attending East Ward Elementary, Magie B. Hudson Junior High, and graduating from Mary C. Womack High School in 1969. He took Pre-Med at Prairie View A & M College in Prairie View, Hempstead County, Texas. On November 29, 1973, his son Christopher Russ was born. While working at Sears and Roebuck Department Store in Longview, he met and courted Ms. Susan Brown, and on June 5, 1982, of this marriage three daughters were born: Ashley, Deidre, and Courtney.
ACHIEVEMENTS
1983/1992 Trustee at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
1984/1995 East Texas Deacon and Layman Council
1986/1988 Restaurant Manager/Owner
6-24-1987/present Mason St. Luke #173
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Texas and Jurisdictions Free and Accepted Mason
1993/present Instructor in the East Texas Baptist
Congress of Christian Education
1993/1995 Sunday School Teacher for Red Oak Baptist Church
1994 Certificate of Recognition for Active and
Cooperative Participation in Church Training
Workshop
1995/present Vice President of the Longview Drug Task
Force-South East Partnership
2-1995 Announced his calling to the Ministry
3-19-1995 Licensed to preach the Gospel
3-19-1995 Preached his 1st sermon at Red Oak Baptist
7-25-1995/present Longview Police Department Citizens Police
Academy
11-26-1995 1st sermon at Pine Grove Baptist Church
as guest pastor
2-25-1996 (1) Moved membership
(1) Candidate for baptism
3-10-1996 (1) Moved membership
3-17-1996 Ordination
3-24-1996 (3) Baptized
(1) Missed baptism due to illness
(1) Moved membership
(1) Candidate for baptism
4-13-1996 First marriage ceremony performed
April 15-19, 1996 Spring Revival (Rev. Ricky Moore)
(1) Moved membership
(1) Special Prayer
4-21-1996 (1) Moved membership
5-5-1996 (2) Candidate for baptism
5-11-1996 Second marriage ceremony performed
6-2-1996 INSTALLATION SERVICES
Clerk Historian: Barbara Jefferson-Bonner, 1996/1997
Secretary: Doris Pitts
Music Director: Yolanda Brown until December 1996
15th Pastor, June 1998/______ 2001
Reverend Charles Lawrence, Jr.11-26-1998 1st marriage preformed (Thanksgiving Day)(All white couple)