Historical Journey of the Ward's Grove Baptist Church
In 1912, after a five-day meeting was held at the Stones River Presbyterian Church with Brother M.E. Ward of Nashville preaching, the subject of organizing a Baptist church was discussed. On the evening of October 5, 1912 after a promise of $900 for the building, it was decided to go into organization. The following ten charter members were enrolled: Mr. and Mrs. S.T. Wall, O.M. Sanders, Mrs. Nannie Creason, Miss May Peyton, Miss Hattie Peyton, C.L. Duggin, Miss Lela Duggin, Miss Vesper Duggin, and Miss Eda Duggin. The ordinance of baptism was observed on October 7, 1912 and twelve others were added to the fellowship: Mattie Cox, Willie and Hershel Wall, Mabel Reed, Daisy Duggin, Ethel and Ellis Peyton, Mamye Francis, Walter Travis, Dee Jones, Jessie Wall, and Milus Reed.
A site for the building was selected on land given by S.T. Wall on October 14, 1912, the name Ward's Grove Baptist Church was selected. September 13, 1913, S.T. Wall, C.L. Duggin, and L.D. Bowling were ordained as first deacons. On July 5, 1914, the church was declared out of debt and on August 30, 1914, the church was dedicated. In 1921, three Sunday School rooms were added.
A storm destroyed the church building July 16, 1936, but it was rebuilt in time for the revival meeting beginning August 23, 1936. At the rededication in 1942, M.E. Ward again preached the dedication sermon.
Ward's Grove Baptist Church held it's first Vacation Bible School in 1940, and has continued ever since. Three more Sunday School rooms were added in 1947. Gas heating was installed in 1949. The church was redecorated and two more Sunday School rooms and choir loft were added in 1954. In 1957, the church purchased a house and forty-five acres of land across the highway. The church began using the house as a nursery in 1962.
Plans were begun in April 1970 to build an educational wing, with further remodeling and expansion in the immediate future. It was to be on a "pay as we go" basis. The final vote was taken June 14, for the wing to include Sunday School rooms, kitchen and dining facilities and restrooms. Later an amendment was made to include central heat and air conditioning for both the new and old buildings. Homecoming was held July 26, when offerings and pledges were accepted; construction began almost immediately. The main floor was used only one Sunday, October 4; the basement was not yet completed. Early the next Sunday, October 11, 1970, members of Ward's Grove Baptist Church stood and watched the entire facility destroyed by fire. Just a few days later, the members voted to rebuild as soon as possible.
On Sunday morning, April 4, 1971, a church building proposal with an approximate cost of $54,100 was unanimously accepted by the church membership. Joe Rogers would serve as general contractor. The building program was launched on Easter Sunday, April 11, 1971, with $15,281.53 being raised. Construction on the new Ward's Grove Baptist Church building began in April and the first worship service was held in the new facility was on September 12, 1971. The building was dedicated to the Lord on October 10, 1971.
The church voted on June 1, 1997 to add an educational wing that would consist of five classrooms, a nursery with a private restroom, and four restrooms on the lower level and a kitchen, fellowship hall, two restrooms and storage areas on the upper level. The new addition would add 5,472 square feet to the church facility. This project began in the summer of 1998 with Doug Sneed as general contractor. On March 21st 1999, the church saw the need to add 864 square feet to this project to include a conference room, entrance / receptionist area, and a pastor's study. The approximate cost of the additions, furnishings and redecorating the original building was $452,000. This addition was dedicated to the Lord on September 19, 1999.
God has been good to Ward's Grove Baptist Church. Many souls have been saved as a result of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the people. "Proclaiming the Written Word of the Living Lord" continues to motivate us. "Christ Above All" is our belief!
