1948 — It Began With Prayer
Mr. Wiley and Lizzie Litchfield began hosting prayer meetings in their home in the small rural community known as Litchfield Community.
These prayer meetings quickly grew into a revival. Reverend Woodrow Gatlin, pastor of the Bonneau Pentecostal Holiness Church, along with some of his church members, came to the Litchfield Community to assist with the revival services.
Held outdoors under a bush arbor, the revival was a glorious success, with many souls saved, sanctified, and revived. This was only the beginning!
These prayer meetings quickly grew into a revival. Reverend Woodrow Gatlin, pastor of the Bonneau Pentecostal Holiness Church, along with some of his church members, came to the Litchfield Community to assist with the revival services.
Held outdoors under a bush arbor, the revival was a glorious success, with many souls saved, sanctified, and revived. This was only the beginning!
1949–1958 — A Church Takes Root
Land, timber, labor, and resources were given by members of the community. Together, they built Hickory Grove Community Church—a place designed to welcome anyone, regardless of denomination or background.
In 1958, ten charter members officially organized as Hickory Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church under Rev. Gatlin.
In 1958, ten charter members officially organized as Hickory Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church under Rev. Gatlin.
Faithful Through Every Season
As the years went by, Rev. Gatlin resigned to pastor another church, which led to a decline in attendance.
For a time, the only people attending Sunday services were Mrs. Lenora Mitchum and Mrs. Susie Litchfield, who faithfully sang hymns and prayed.
Without their steadfast dedication, the church might have closed. Their steadfast faithfulness helped preserve the church through one of its most difficult seasons. The generations that followed are part of the legacy they helped protect.
For a time, the only people attending Sunday services were Mrs. Lenora Mitchum and Mrs. Susie Litchfield, who faithfully sang hymns and prayed.
Without their steadfast dedication, the church might have closed. Their steadfast faithfulness helped preserve the church through one of its most difficult seasons. The generations that followed are part of the legacy they helped protect.
Growing Through the Generations
God continued to bless Hickory Grove through the generations. As the church grew, so did its facilities and opportunities for ministry.
In December 1995, Rev. Reginald Thames Jr. was elected pastor. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow, and in 2006, a new fellowship building was constructed to accommodate the expanding congregation. After 20 years of dedicated service, Rev. Thames stepped down as senior pastor on August 3, 2015.
In December 1995, Rev. Reginald Thames Jr. was elected pastor. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow, and in 2006, a new fellowship building was constructed to accommodate the expanding congregation. After 20 years of dedicated service, Rev. Thames stepped down as senior pastor on August 3, 2015.
2015–Today — The Story Continues
Rev. Douglas Cooper was elected pastor on November 8, 2015. Under his leadership and by God’s grace, a new church sanctuary was completed in 2020. The original church building was renovated and converted into rooms for Sunday School classes and various youth programs.
Through the years, God has continued to prove His faithfulness to Hickory Grove. We have been blessed with many wonderful pastors and servants who have demonstrated the love of Christ and faithfully carried the Gospel forward.
What the Lord began in 1948 continues today—and we believe He is not finished yet.
Through the years, God has continued to prove His faithfulness to Hickory Grove. We have been blessed with many wonderful pastors and servants who have demonstrated the love of Christ and faithfully carried the Gospel forward.
What the Lord began in 1948 continues today—and we believe He is not finished yet.
