In the early years, Piney Grove East Missionary Baptist Church was called “The Brush Arbor” or “Singwell.” In 1887, three white men, H. B. Griffin and Elbert Gardner, acting as Trustees on behalf of the members of the church located at then Beaver Dam, North Carolina, purchased about 1-1/2 acres of land for $1.00 from J.W. Marsh and his wife, Irene. Because of the respect they had for the members of the church and in consideration of the respect and admiration they had for the Christian religion, the Marsh’s granted land for the exclusive use of divine worship. This land purchase was consummated on the 30th day of March 1888. The church was given the name “Piney Grove” because it was organized in an old pine field with only a cemetery and pine trees.

The first building was a rectangular wooden structure that originally sat across the road less than a mile from the present location. On January 15, 1908, Deacons H.C. Broadway and Mac Bivens purchased the first acre of land for the church form H.P. Bass and his wife for $60.00. There were about 57 members at the time. Baptism was first conducted in Jack Branch Creek and later in Broadway’s pond. When Reverend J. A. Little came to the church as pastor, a baptismal pool was constructed in the church yard.

On January 31, 1913, Deacons Nelson Rushing, Bob Bivens, and Stokes Leak purchased the second acre of land for the Piney Grove cemetery from H.P. Bass and his wife at a cost of $50.00. During the decade of the 20’s two rooms were added to the church – one was the pastor’s study and the other was a multi-purpose room.

On February 27, 1956, Reverend C.C. Craig, Jr., preached his first sermon at the church after Reverend J. A. Little was called to his eternal rest on January 5, 1956. Reverend Craig’s predecessors were: Reverends Isom Lytle, Andrew Redfern, John F. Davis, B.B. Sturdivant, and J.A. Little. In 1960 the first brick church was constructed and dedicated. It included a baptismal pool. During the early 1960’s the church purchased additional land for the cemetery and in 1965 a fellowship hall was erected. An education building was added in 1971.

The following organizations were installed under Dr. Craig’s administration: Usher Board; Baptist Training Union; Vocal Choirs – Youth Choir, C.C. Craig Gospel Choir, Chorus, and Men’s Choir; Missionary Circles; Layman’s League; Tape Ministry; Tutorial Program; Education/Scholarship Fund; Senior Citizens Fund; Evangelism Ministry; Grief Ministry; Youth Outreach Ministry; Fact-Finding Committee; and the Ever-Ready Men. Since 1965 the church has employed several musicians to train the choirs and prepare music for worship services. Kenneth Barrett is the current director of the senior choir and Donna Livingston Barrett is the director of combined choirs.

On June 8, 1984, the church purchased additional land for the cemetery and in 1996 three acres of land were donated to the church by Tyson Foods. The present edifice was erected on this site and on May 19, 1998, the congregation marched from the old brick structure to the new sanctuary (seating capacity of over 400) where it is presently located. The former sanctuary was renovated and is currently the Fellowship Hall. A youth center was established by the youth missionaries in the downstairs area of the educational building. A fitness center was established in 2010 for all members and friends.

On June 29, 2008 the church had a “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” to celebrate paying the new sanctuary’s debt in full within an unprecedented time of 11 years. The ceremony was followed by the “Laying of the Cornerstone” which lists the pastor and the names of all Deacons and Jr. Deacons.

Dr. Craig served the Piney Grove East Church for 54 years. He passed in August of 2010. Under the same leadership for that period of time, when he passed, we were distressed. Our congregation was without a Shepherd for almost 2 years. During that time, the Lord was shaping our next Pastor. We did not know who he would be, however, when God sent him, we listened.

In April 2012, we held a vote for our next pastor and with 97% of the congregation, a Pastoral invitation was extended to Dr. Matthew D. Rouse, III.

Dr. Rouse’s first Sunday as Pastor was in May on Mother’s Day, 2012 and he was officially installed on September 16, 2012. Pastor Rouse is very methodical and has been very diligent in his progression at Piney Grove East.

  Ministry

As the scripture commands in Matthew 28:19 and is the core of the mission and vision of Piney Grove East, Pastor Rouse acts throughout his assignment in obedience of God’s command. This is evident through Pastor Rouse’s implementation of several ministry conferences such as: Singles, Women, Marriage, and Men. Each ministry hosts a two-day conference open to all persons within our surrounding communities in hope of addressing all nations. Additionally in ensuring the kingdom is equipped to enforce God’s command in Matthew 28:19, Pastor Rouse believes highly in teaching the Kingdom to ensure we are adequately equipped to fulfill our assignments. Pastor Rouse believes the teaching begins with a church’s leadership; therefore, we held our first leadership institute. Pastor Rouse also designed a class specifically for new members. This class requires each new member to attend classes to discuss and learn about what it means to be a Christian and church member, as well as who Jesus is to us as believers. He believes in diversified teaching methods and materials such as self-made worksheets and workbooks, as well as a book study series, such as “Not a Fan,” and having a worship experience on the first Wednesday of each month in lieu of bible study, called our WOW (Word on Wednesday) Worship. Through Pastor’s commitment to effective teaching and training, the membership is growing for Sunday Worship Experience, Bible Study, and our Church Training Union.

  Other New Ministries Created & Organized by Pastor Rouse are:

• • Held 1st Annual Single’s & Marriage Conferences
  • Annual Women’s & Men’s Ministry Conferences
  • Unifying different denomination in worship
  • Healing through the power of God – laying of hands and prayer
  • Saving Souls through the word of God – members growth

 

  Administrative & Aesthetics  

• Implemented First time visitor/welcome information cards
• New personalized Tithes/Offering envelopes
• Instituted Church cleanup and revitalization Day
• Created Facebook/Twitter/Short Codes forms of communication
• Purchased New Office Computers
• Installed new church management software
• Created Vision & Mission Statements & Logo
• Renovated Pastor’s Office & Church Vestibule
• Installed new copier
• Initiated a $10,000 Grading Project, paid in full
• Reconditioned the Sound room & DVD quality
• Put up Announcement board
• Installed alarm and video security systems.

  Outreach

In reaching all nations, we must first explore, aid, and minister through giving to our surrounding communities. Annually the members of Piney Grove East donate school supplies to provide materials to hundreds of children who come out for our Annual “Back to School Bash.” Pastor also requires the members to make donations for 30 families during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our new and upcoming ministry is our College Ministry in which we are reaching out to the students of Wingate University to provide a “Home Away from Home.” The college students are provided with transportation to our worship service and occasional meals and outings.

  Music

Often as Christians we underestimate the significance of music and it’s relevant purpose with our worship experience. Here at Piney Grove East, Pastor Rouse has made significant changes to ensure the music is conducive to the atmosphere. Pastor Rouse unified all choirs into a combined choir, upgraded the sound system and microphones, purchased a Hammond A100 Organ and Leslie, hired our first Minister of Music, and created a Worship Team and New Day Youth Choir. One of the unique traits of Piney Grove East is our ability to offer diverse types of music for all age groups.