Pine Grove Sabastopol

It was in the spring of 1922 that Aaron Davidson, a Primitive Baptist member, was in town one day and met a preacher named Luke Hodge from Hodge, Louisiana. Preacher Hodge mentioned that he was looking for a place to preach. Mr. Davidson invited him to his home out in the country, welcoming him to preach on his porch and stay at his house. Nightly services soon began, and the first person to receive the Holy Ghost was Lee Barrett. Preaching from the porch continued until the weather turned too cold and rainy, at which point the services were moved indoors. During these indoor services, Aaron’s wife, Nancy, even used her sewing machine as a Bible stand. As was customary for itinerant preachers, Hodge eventually moved on.

When spring arrived, a new pastor, Joe Massey, a young man, also came to the area. Soon, the men erected a brush arbor, which featured a tree trunk cut about eight feet high in the center, later used to support a bungalow-style roof. Eventually, sides were added to the arbor. Other preachers who visited and preached included Jack Crenshaw, E. J. Ellard, and Wiley Carmeans.

The current property, about half a mile from the brush arbor, was donated by Mary “Granny” King. Around 1944, while John Pope was preaching, the charter members located a Baptist church they could purchase. They dismantled the building and moved the materials to construct the first church building for the Holiness congregation. Among those who assisted with the move and reconstruction were Henry Davidson (son of Aaron Davidson), Sim Goss, and Richard Shaw. Some of the other pastors who served in the early years included Willie B. Miller, Amos Taylor, and R. L. Tolbert.

In 1972, Kenneth Rockco was elected pastor and served for 15 years. During his tenure, a new brick church was built in 1974 to the Glory of God. Following Pastor Rockco were Virgil Conditt, Mark Dooley, Daniel Livingston, and Doug Granger.

In 1998, Mark Copeland was elected pastor, and under his leadership, the church experienced tremendous growth. Many members, delivered from drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and other addictions, felt compelled to share their hope with others. The congregation soon outgrew its space, and a new gym was built for the youth department. By 2002, the church had experienced such a revival that the gym had to be used for services until a tabernacle could be built to accommodate the growing congregation.

In 2003, Pine Grove Pentecostal Church began worshiping in the building now known as the fellowship hall, which quickly filled to capacity as revival continued. Many more souls were delivered from sin, depression, and addiction, with each testifying that they had found in this church all they had longed for in life.

In 2012, Pine Grove Pentecostal Church proudly completed a 30,000-square-foot auditorium to the Glory of God. Today, God continues to pour out His Spirit on the church, bringing miracles, signs, and wonders. Under the faithful leadership of Pastor Mark Copeland, the church continues to grow, and its rich history is still being written as God blesses this congregation.