THE HISTORY OF DIAMOND GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH, SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA
The word history, according to Webster, means a written narrative of past facts and events, affecting people, countries, and institutions. So, this is the history, the story, of our church, Diamond Grove Baptist Church, much of it told by one of its members, the late Mrs. Fanella Reeves Hargrove, an eye witness.
The beginning of what is known as Diamond Grove Baptist Church was a Sunday School known as Heber Sunday School. It was situated about a quarter of a mile behind the present church in a straw field in a tenant farmhouse that was owned by Mr. Jim Pinner. The Superintendent of this Sunday School was a Mr. Johnson. This school was started in 1899, but it did not last very long.
In May 1900, a group of God-loving sisters banded themselves together and invited Rev. Wilson Major Reid to come to a house owned by Mr. Stephen E. Reeves (Fanella Reeves Hargrove's father) to preach on the second Sunday in each month. (This is why services were held on the second Sunday.) These sisters were Mrs. Marie Reeves (Fanella's mother), Mrs. Priscilla Jordan, and Mrs. Laura Addison Randall. These services lasted a few months and came to an end.
In the fall of 1903, a man believed to have been God-inspired, Mr. Henry Chance, with the assistance of another a God-loving group of brothers and sisters organized another Sunday School. This group included John Wilson, W. H. Banks, Moses Jordan, Gilbert Fulghum, Hilliard Battle, Willie Mann, Sarah Wallace, Antonia Hicks, and Ella Hicks. The Sunday School lasted until June 1908.
In 1908, the Rev. W. M. Reid, with the help of Rev. Johnnie Wrench, Alfred Wilson of the Macedonia Baptist Church, Hobson, VA, Jacob World, Priscilla Jordan, Laura Addison Randall, Ned Hicks, Antonia Hicks, Emma Davis, and two others organized the Diamond Grove Baptist Church! After the church was organized, a former store front was purchased from Lawyer Rawls near the site of W. C. Dailey's Store. This store was renovated and became the church building.
The first revival was held at Diamond Grove Baptist Church in August, 1908. The Evangelist was Rev. Bryant from Suffolk, VA. The following persons were converted at this revival: Willie Mann, Gilbert Fulghum, Robert Mann, Whitman Hicks, Ezekiel Hicks, Walter Bell, Moses Jordan, Irene Reeves, Fanella Reeves, Henrietta Reeves, and Blanche World.The first pastor was Rev. W. H. Reid, who served from 1908 until 1911.
The church's first deacons were ordained in 1913. They were Whitman Hicks, Chairman, W. H. Banks, and Ira Lyons. The first clerks were Willie Mann and Irene Reeves. The first trustees were W. H. Banks, Gilbert Fulghum, John W. Wilson, and Ned Hicks. The first organist was Irene Reeves. Rev. Reid served, and held services on the second Sunday for a while.
Rev. W. H. Reid left Diamond Grove in 1911. Rev. Johnnie Wrench was next called to pastor the church. Under Rev. Wrench's leadership, new members were added to the church, and John Wilson and Ned Hicks were added to the Deacon Board.
In 1916, Rev. Wrench's health failed and he was called home to be with the LORD in February, 1917. Following Rev. Wrench, Rev. W. H. Harris was called to pastor Diamond Grove Baptist Church in March, 1917. Rev. Harris served for fifteen months. Diamond Grove Baptist Church grew rapidly during the time Rev. Harris served as Pastor.
Early in 1920, Diamond Grove called Rev. G. Z. Brown of Newport News, VA as Pastor. Rev. Brown served well, and in October 1920 ground was broken for a new church on the same spot upon which this church now stands. The members were very proud of the new church, and many new members were added to the fold. Rev. Brown served until the fall of 1921, when Rev. W. H. Harris was called, once again, to pastor.
In 1923, Rev. Treat was called, and served as Pastor until the second Sunday in September 1927.
In November 1927, Rev. J. M. Clark of Norfolk, VA was called to Diamond Grove Baptist Church, and served during the years of the Great Depression. He kept the church together during those difficult economic times. Even though the church was not able to pay him, Rev. Clark continued to come and preach. Physically, the church did move much in the difficult years of the Great Depression, but, spiritually, it marched forward. Rev. Clark added two deacons in 1942, James L. Diggs and Emmett Hall. Two additional deacons, Jesse G. Pittman and Willie O. Diggs were added in 1944. As a result of failing health, Rev. Clark was forced to resign.
In 1945, Rev. T. H. Ash of Portsmouth, VA was called to pastor Diamond Grove Baptist Church, and he served well until 1952. The Great Depression was coming to an end, and naturally, the church began to grow by leaps and bounds. New members were added, more rooms were put on the church, and the first electric organ was purchased. Not only did Rev. Ash improve the physical and spiritual side of the church, but he improved its musical aspects, as well. Rev. Ash brought with him his organist from St. Mark's Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA, in the person of Mrs. Ruth Boothe. In 1952, Rev. Ash left because of ill health and passed on before he could preach his farewell sermon. While Rev. Ash was at Diamond Grove, he added Robert Hargrove to the deacon Board. Rev. Ash also licensed Brother Solomon Diggs to the Gospel Ministry on January 18, 1948, and ordained him in June 1952.
Following Rev. Ash, a number of ministers were called to serve the church before a pastor was elected. Among them were Rev. C. C. Sharp of Tarboro, NC; Rev. Obadiah Simms of Newport News, VA; Rev. C. C. Rodgers of Suffolk, VA; and our very own Rev. Solomon E. Diggs of Diamond Grove.
In December, 1953, Rev. S. E. Diggs was selected as Pastor. The members really worked well with Rev. Diggs. The church grew in membership, spiritually, financially, as well as physically. Under Rev. Diggs' administration, the old organ was paid for, a new piano was purchased, another Baldwin organ was purchased, and rest rooms were added. In addition, carpet was installed, and new pews and pulpit furniture were purchased. The Pastor's study and a first aid room were added, the interior of the church was decorated, new hymnals were purchased, a youth choir was formed, a central heating system was installed, and the school house was purchased for a fellowship building. On June 10, 1969, bricks were put on the church building, and finished in July, 1969.
In 1970, an air conditioning unit was installed. In July 1974, the church was completely air conditioned. In 1976, gutters were installed around the church building, and a walkway was laid. New lights were also installed in the church in 1976. Much work was done to the fellowship hall, including installation of rest rooms and a kitchen. The interior and exterior of the building were painted, and storm windows were added.
Under Rev. Diggs' pastorship, the following persons were added to the Deacon Board: Willie B. Fulghum, Richard Jordan, Melvin Diggs, Charles Foster, Jr., Marvin Thomas , Henry Diggs, Charles Brown, Richard Goodwin, and George Odom. Also, under his pastorship, James L. Diggs and Henry E. Diggs were called to the ministry. The following persons served as trustees: Mr. Richard Jordan, Mr. Willie B. Fulghum, and Mr. Johnnie Green.
Under Rev Diggs' administration, there have been many physical improvements to our church and fellowship hall, too numerous to name. But most recently, they have included redecorating the vestibule and Pastor's study, purchase of new storm doors, new appliances for the fellowship hall, purchase of a new organ, and the purchase of a parcel of land for additional parking.
Mrs. Eva Ensley served as our church organist until her untimely death in June of 1994.
Rev. S. E. Diggs, Pastor Emeritus, passed in July of 1994.
On Friday, November 11, 1994, Diamond Grove Baptist Church elected the Rev. Dr. Calvin A Lillard as our Pastor. Pastor Lillard was officially installed on January 22, 1995.
Pastor Lillard is a humble and anointed man sent by God. His love for God first, his family, and his church family is constantly exhibited in his life, as Pastor Lillard continues to minister and lead souls to Jesus Christ. The Church has grown spiritually and physically under Pastor Lillard's leadership.
Under God's direction, with Pastor Lillard's leadership, our Joint Board and our Church Family worked together to develop our Church Constitution and By-Laws, which were ratified by the Church membership.
In addition, under God's direction, with Pastor Lillard's leadership, our Joint Board and our Church Family working together, have had the interior of our sanctuary painted. New windows and entrance doors have been installed in the sanctuary. A handicapped ramp with handrails have been installed at the front of the church. Landscaping has been done around the church. Two (2) new central air conditioning and heating units have been installed in the church. The church's parking lot has been paved and marked for parking. In addition, a new church van has been purchased. The church's fellowship hall has been remodeled, as well as, the church's kitchen and bathrooms.
The church has been renovated, and new pews, carpeting, chancel furniture, and choir furniture have been installed in sanctuary. Furthermore, the church has purchased 18 acres of land across from the church for future development and expansion. Yes, God has truly blessed us here at Diamond Grove Baptist Church.
To God be the Gory for the great things He has done! "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9. The best is yet to come!
Yes, Diamond Grove Baptist Church started glittering in 1908. A little light began to shine for Jesus!
"Storms have come and winds have blown, but Diamond Grove kept on glittering and growing at the same time. One day, it is going to anchor in the Haven of Rest where no storms or winds can harm her. We will be home to rest with Jesus forever more."
God Bless!
The beginning of what is known as Diamond Grove Baptist Church was a Sunday School known as Heber Sunday School. It was situated about a quarter of a mile behind the present church in a straw field in a tenant farmhouse that was owned by Mr. Jim Pinner. The Superintendent of this Sunday School was a Mr. Johnson. This school was started in 1899, but it did not last very long.
In May 1900, a group of God-loving sisters banded themselves together and invited Rev. Wilson Major Reid to come to a house owned by Mr. Stephen E. Reeves (Fanella Reeves Hargrove's father) to preach on the second Sunday in each month. (This is why services were held on the second Sunday.) These sisters were Mrs. Marie Reeves (Fanella's mother), Mrs. Priscilla Jordan, and Mrs. Laura Addison Randall. These services lasted a few months and came to an end.
In the fall of 1903, a man believed to have been God-inspired, Mr. Henry Chance, with the assistance of another a God-loving group of brothers and sisters organized another Sunday School. This group included John Wilson, W. H. Banks, Moses Jordan, Gilbert Fulghum, Hilliard Battle, Willie Mann, Sarah Wallace, Antonia Hicks, and Ella Hicks. The Sunday School lasted until June 1908.
In 1908, the Rev. W. M. Reid, with the help of Rev. Johnnie Wrench, Alfred Wilson of the Macedonia Baptist Church, Hobson, VA, Jacob World, Priscilla Jordan, Laura Addison Randall, Ned Hicks, Antonia Hicks, Emma Davis, and two others organized the Diamond Grove Baptist Church! After the church was organized, a former store front was purchased from Lawyer Rawls near the site of W. C. Dailey's Store. This store was renovated and became the church building.
The first revival was held at Diamond Grove Baptist Church in August, 1908. The Evangelist was Rev. Bryant from Suffolk, VA. The following persons were converted at this revival: Willie Mann, Gilbert Fulghum, Robert Mann, Whitman Hicks, Ezekiel Hicks, Walter Bell, Moses Jordan, Irene Reeves, Fanella Reeves, Henrietta Reeves, and Blanche World.The first pastor was Rev. W. H. Reid, who served from 1908 until 1911.
The church's first deacons were ordained in 1913. They were Whitman Hicks, Chairman, W. H. Banks, and Ira Lyons. The first clerks were Willie Mann and Irene Reeves. The first trustees were W. H. Banks, Gilbert Fulghum, John W. Wilson, and Ned Hicks. The first organist was Irene Reeves. Rev. Reid served, and held services on the second Sunday for a while.
Rev. W. H. Reid left Diamond Grove in 1911. Rev. Johnnie Wrench was next called to pastor the church. Under Rev. Wrench's leadership, new members were added to the church, and John Wilson and Ned Hicks were added to the Deacon Board.
In 1916, Rev. Wrench's health failed and he was called home to be with the LORD in February, 1917. Following Rev. Wrench, Rev. W. H. Harris was called to pastor Diamond Grove Baptist Church in March, 1917. Rev. Harris served for fifteen months. Diamond Grove Baptist Church grew rapidly during the time Rev. Harris served as Pastor.
Early in 1920, Diamond Grove called Rev. G. Z. Brown of Newport News, VA as Pastor. Rev. Brown served well, and in October 1920 ground was broken for a new church on the same spot upon which this church now stands. The members were very proud of the new church, and many new members were added to the fold. Rev. Brown served until the fall of 1921, when Rev. W. H. Harris was called, once again, to pastor.
In 1923, Rev. Treat was called, and served as Pastor until the second Sunday in September 1927.
In November 1927, Rev. J. M. Clark of Norfolk, VA was called to Diamond Grove Baptist Church, and served during the years of the Great Depression. He kept the church together during those difficult economic times. Even though the church was not able to pay him, Rev. Clark continued to come and preach. Physically, the church did move much in the difficult years of the Great Depression, but, spiritually, it marched forward. Rev. Clark added two deacons in 1942, James L. Diggs and Emmett Hall. Two additional deacons, Jesse G. Pittman and Willie O. Diggs were added in 1944. As a result of failing health, Rev. Clark was forced to resign.
In 1945, Rev. T. H. Ash of Portsmouth, VA was called to pastor Diamond Grove Baptist Church, and he served well until 1952. The Great Depression was coming to an end, and naturally, the church began to grow by leaps and bounds. New members were added, more rooms were put on the church, and the first electric organ was purchased. Not only did Rev. Ash improve the physical and spiritual side of the church, but he improved its musical aspects, as well. Rev. Ash brought with him his organist from St. Mark's Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA, in the person of Mrs. Ruth Boothe. In 1952, Rev. Ash left because of ill health and passed on before he could preach his farewell sermon. While Rev. Ash was at Diamond Grove, he added Robert Hargrove to the deacon Board. Rev. Ash also licensed Brother Solomon Diggs to the Gospel Ministry on January 18, 1948, and ordained him in June 1952.
Following Rev. Ash, a number of ministers were called to serve the church before a pastor was elected. Among them were Rev. C. C. Sharp of Tarboro, NC; Rev. Obadiah Simms of Newport News, VA; Rev. C. C. Rodgers of Suffolk, VA; and our very own Rev. Solomon E. Diggs of Diamond Grove.
In December, 1953, Rev. S. E. Diggs was selected as Pastor. The members really worked well with Rev. Diggs. The church grew in membership, spiritually, financially, as well as physically. Under Rev. Diggs' administration, the old organ was paid for, a new piano was purchased, another Baldwin organ was purchased, and rest rooms were added. In addition, carpet was installed, and new pews and pulpit furniture were purchased. The Pastor's study and a first aid room were added, the interior of the church was decorated, new hymnals were purchased, a youth choir was formed, a central heating system was installed, and the school house was purchased for a fellowship building. On June 10, 1969, bricks were put on the church building, and finished in July, 1969.
In 1970, an air conditioning unit was installed. In July 1974, the church was completely air conditioned. In 1976, gutters were installed around the church building, and a walkway was laid. New lights were also installed in the church in 1976. Much work was done to the fellowship hall, including installation of rest rooms and a kitchen. The interior and exterior of the building were painted, and storm windows were added.
Under Rev. Diggs' pastorship, the following persons were added to the Deacon Board: Willie B. Fulghum, Richard Jordan, Melvin Diggs, Charles Foster, Jr., Marvin Thomas , Henry Diggs, Charles Brown, Richard Goodwin, and George Odom. Also, under his pastorship, James L. Diggs and Henry E. Diggs were called to the ministry. The following persons served as trustees: Mr. Richard Jordan, Mr. Willie B. Fulghum, and Mr. Johnnie Green.
Under Rev Diggs' administration, there have been many physical improvements to our church and fellowship hall, too numerous to name. But most recently, they have included redecorating the vestibule and Pastor's study, purchase of new storm doors, new appliances for the fellowship hall, purchase of a new organ, and the purchase of a parcel of land for additional parking.
Mrs. Eva Ensley served as our church organist until her untimely death in June of 1994.
Rev. S. E. Diggs, Pastor Emeritus, passed in July of 1994.
On Friday, November 11, 1994, Diamond Grove Baptist Church elected the Rev. Dr. Calvin A Lillard as our Pastor. Pastor Lillard was officially installed on January 22, 1995.
Pastor Lillard is a humble and anointed man sent by God. His love for God first, his family, and his church family is constantly exhibited in his life, as Pastor Lillard continues to minister and lead souls to Jesus Christ. The Church has grown spiritually and physically under Pastor Lillard's leadership.
Under God's direction, with Pastor Lillard's leadership, our Joint Board and our Church Family worked together to develop our Church Constitution and By-Laws, which were ratified by the Church membership.
In addition, under God's direction, with Pastor Lillard's leadership, our Joint Board and our Church Family working together, have had the interior of our sanctuary painted. New windows and entrance doors have been installed in the sanctuary. A handicapped ramp with handrails have been installed at the front of the church. Landscaping has been done around the church. Two (2) new central air conditioning and heating units have been installed in the church. The church's parking lot has been paved and marked for parking. In addition, a new church van has been purchased. The church's fellowship hall has been remodeled, as well as, the church's kitchen and bathrooms.
The church has been renovated, and new pews, carpeting, chancel furniture, and choir furniture have been installed in sanctuary. Furthermore, the church has purchased 18 acres of land across from the church for future development and expansion. Yes, God has truly blessed us here at Diamond Grove Baptist Church.
To God be the Gory for the great things He has done! "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9. The best is yet to come!
Yes, Diamond Grove Baptist Church started glittering in 1908. A little light began to shine for Jesus!
"Storms have come and winds have blown, but Diamond Grove kept on glittering and growing at the same time. One day, it is going to anchor in the Haven of Rest where no storms or winds can harm her. We will be home to rest with Jesus forever more."
God Bless!