By Ivy Brown Bowens
Shady Grove Baptist Church, founded on February 15, 1867, is moving into the year 2025 with a renewed vision. The historic church celebrated its 158th anniversary on February 9, with a spectacular celebration full of praise and gratitude for all that God has done. Guest speaker Reverend Morrell Stokes, Sr. accompanied by the congregation of Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church delivered the message “Let It Shine” (Matthew 5:14) with the charge to all Christians: to be a beacon of light in a dark world.
Past – In February 1867 a group of 14 black men and women left Washington Baptist Church in Pelzer, SC and founded Shady Grove Baptist Church in a brush arbor, with the Rev. Peter Shorter as pastor. The first church building was built in 1875, and a newer building was erected in 1961; it served as the place of worship until December 2000, when we marched from the old to the new sanctuary. We were blessed to retire the mortgage on this new building in 2017. Each year Shady Grove continues to experience the riches of God’s faithfulness, providence and provision. Glory to his name!
Present – Shady Grove’s Pastor, Herbert Edwards, Jr. shared, “Our church vision is to create a community of authentic believers and to witness a community transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.” In line with this vision, the Community Garden, which began in 2015, continues to thrive with a tunnel and greenhouse. The fruit and vegetables planted and harvested by the church are distributed to church members and to the community regularly.
The Shady Grove Women’s Ministry fosters fellowship and being “my sister’s keeper” with monthly meetings, fitness activities and a book club. The Women’s Ministry is hosting a Women’s Conference on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with life changing workshops, unique vendors and more, followed by a one-of-a-kind worship service on Sunday. All are welcome.
The “G-Men”, as the Men’s Ministry is named, promotes brotherhood and bonding and creates an environment for men and boys to respond to God’s call for salvation and service. The G-Men assist with the upkeep of the campus, encourage men’s health initiatives and mentor young men. They meet on the 4th Saturday of the month.
In addition to these ministries, and many others, the membership has supported the Alzheimer’s Association for 18 years. This year the SC Chapter of “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” awarded Shady Grove the Top Fundraiser in the Faith Category. We are faithful and we believe that by working together WE WILL FIND A CURE!
Future – The church theme for 2025 is “Mission Forward” based on Acts Chapter 1:8 which reads:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Meaning we are to spread the Gospel message starting in Jerusalem and reaching to all people across the known world, serving as active witnesses sharing the good news of salvation.
The members of SGBC rejoice in the goodness of God, knowing that he will continue to be good for many years to come.
Shady Grove Baptist Church is located at 140 New Shady Grove Church Rd, Pelzer, SC, 29605. ALL ARE WELCOME!
