Wednesday, February 25, 2004
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Wednesday, February 25, 2004 |
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Holly Grove AME celebrates Black History this Sunday With the theme of “Her Story: We’ve Come This far by Faith,” Holly Grove A.M.E. Church will celebrate Black History this Sunday, Feb. 29, at 11 a.m., tracing the contributions made by women in the African Methodist Episcopal Church from 1783 to the present. Special guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson from Nashville, Tenn., the historiographer of the A.M.E Church. In addition, Dr. Jacquelyn Grant will be on hand to sign her book, White Women’s Christ, Black Women’s Jesus, and the Holly Grove Church History Room will be open for tours. One of the oldest churches in Peachtree City, Holly Grove is the only church in Fayette County which displays a historical marker. The church was established in 1897 near the bank of Camp Creek in western Fayette County. “This was a period in history that was very close to the end of slavery,” a spokesperson said. “It was a time characterized by a strong determination by many white people to see to it that former slaves were denied the right to vote and the right to an education — opportunities that were available to the white majority.” In 1897, Washington Arnold and others living in the area saw a need for a church in their community. Flem Arnall, a white man who lived nearby, donated land and building materials to build that church. In addition to holding church services, members also operated a school in the church, until a separate school building was added later. The original building was used until 1908 when it was destroyed by a tornado. Despite limited funds, members rebuilt the church on the same site. It has been destroyed and rebuilt four times. The present building was constructed in the 1980s and is still in use. Although it was built in the 1940s and, of course, not in use today, the old church outhouse is still on the property. When he saw it, Chris Brook of the Atlanta History Center said that the privy remains a touchstone of the past and suggested that it be retained on the property. Brook said he especially enjoyed hearing the story of the men building the privy for the women and children of the church. A three-seater, the privy was constructed so that three children could use it at the same time. The church has two cemeteries — a newer one in back of the church and an older one across the road on Redwine Road in the county. The first burial in the new cemetery was in 1958, but the older cemetery contains the graves of Washington Arnold, the church’s founder, and Druery May, a soldier during the War of 1812. May served in Captain Tooke’s company from Pulaski County. He died in 1841, and a special grave ceremony was held on June 8, 1996, when he was honored by the Georgia State Society of the National Society & United States Daughters of 1812. This year, Holly Grove celebrates its 105th anniversary, under the leadership of the Right Rev. Frank C. Cummings, presiding bishop, and the Rev. David Morrow, pastor of Holly Grove. All members of the community are invited to join Holly Grove’s congregation this Sunday as it celebrates its rich history in the community. The church is at 400 Holly Grove Church Rd. near the southern city limits of Peachtree City.
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