As we cross the threshold into 2026, our hearts are full of gratitude as Clifton Grove Baptist Church marks 136 years of loving God and serving our community. Read below to discover the beautiful story of our humble beginnings.

 

The late Reverend George Traynham founded Clifton Grove Baptist Church in 1890.  The original Church structure was built on his property.  When Reverend Traynham’s health failed, he gave up the pastorate to his son, Reverend Lone L. Traynham who served for several years.

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Reverend E. M. Johnson followed Reverend Lone L. Traynham, serving until 1927, when he was succeeded by the Reverend J. W. Stokes.  During Reverend Stokes’ tenure the Church purchased five acres and the structure was moved on a portion of the acreage.  The structure was remodeled and enlarged.

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In 1943 Reverend Stokes gave up the pastorate and moved to Virginia. Reverend Earl Hines came to Clifton Grove and served from 1943 to 1955, creating numerous auxiliaries.  Reverend Hines passed in 1955, leaving the pulpit vacant for almost a year.

 

Reverend J. W. Hedrick was called, following Reverend Hines’ demise. Reverend Hedrick and the congregation noted the need for a new church.  A building fund was established through contributions, fund raising projects, and the fruits and labor of our tithe paying members. The Church construction began in September of 1964. Services during the construction of the Church were held in the Fellowship Hall. The Junior Choir was under the leadership of Reverend Hedrick.  The children grew up and the choir became the Youth and Young Adult Choir. Reverend Hedrick became ill and Reverend P. S. Albright and Reverend D.W. Kindle were called upon to assist.  Reverend Hedrick’s time expired in 1968.

 

Reverend Donald W. Kindle, a young man in the community took more than a usual interest in the Church.  Reverend Kindle was called upon in 1969 to Pastor Clifton Grove Baptist Church.   He was responsible for numerous projects; among them were the re-establishment of the Junior Choir and landscaping of the Church grounds. He resigned in the early months of 1989 and we were without a Pastor for several months.

 

In September of 1989, we secured the services of Reverend Larry M. Richardson, Sr.   Under his leadership the Senior Choir was established and Mid-Week Prayer Services along with Weekly Bible Study.  There were also several Church beautification projects such as the cushioning of the pews and the addition of the steeple.    

 

In January 2004, Reverend Larry M. Richardson resigned as Pastor of Clifton Grove Baptist Church. The Church was without a Pastor for about three months. The members continued to press on and work together under the direction of the senior members and deacons. The senior members started having Noon Day Prayer on Wednesdays, and through it all God answered their prayers. 

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On the 2nd Sunday in April 2004, Reverend Calvin B. Eggleston became our Pastor.    Before Reverend Eggleston became Pastor, his servant hood and dedication to Christ made him an obvious candidate to all. His love for Clifton Grove and the people of the church was shown continually, even before accepting his calling as a minister. He truly allowed God to use him in blessing Clifton Grove Baptist Church. 

 

Brother Eggleston delivered his initial sermon in October of 2001, entitled “Heart Failure” after which, God allowed him to work in His vineyard under the direction of Reverend Paul Mosley and the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.  Shortly thereafter, God took him out of the sheepfold and placed him to shepherd his flock.

 

On March 2004, the Guilford Education Missionary Baptist Association ordained him for service. God allowed him to return with the armor needed to place the church under a new direction and remain focused on Christ. His motto is, “Nothing is impossible with God.”

In November 2005, Clifton Grove purchased its first church van to glorify God through the van ministry. New members have been added by the way of confession and confirmed through water baptismal. Auxiliaries have been stimulated. In October 2007, the “Deacon” and “Deaconess” ministry was enriched to serve by adding an additional member; Deacon Bryan and Deaconess Aquinetta Faulk.

God has found favor in and across racial lines. Community churches have torn down racial walls and come together to worship in the beauty of Holiness. On June 15, 2009 Men’s and Women Day Service, Abbotts Creek Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark O. Hollar, and Clifton Grove Baptist Church worshipped together at Clifton Grove for the first time in 119 years.

 

In 2014, the trustee board was enriched by adding three (3) additional members (Bro. Robert Gathewright, Bro Michael Hucks, and Bro. Timothy Wilson. The visual border that separated the picnic /shelters from the burial ground was enhanced by adding brick pillars, metal fencing with a gated entrance to the church cemetery.

 

In 2015 we collected the services of Robbins Architecture Firm.  God allowed us to renovate and complete our fellowship hall. The renovation includes modernizing a facility that was developed in the early 1900’s to resurrect a 21st century fellowship hall, classroom, kitchen and restrooms.   And lastly, even during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, God held us tight – keeping us together through “Parking lot services – Conference calls – Face time live – Zoom - reaching families in need through Mission (in action)!” Then after 500,00 thousand (+) people succumbed to COVID19 – we have the privilege to announce and say without contradiction millions didn’t make it, but you are one of the ones that did!!! Great is the Lord, and most worthy to be "praised” … (Psalm 48:1).

 

In March (2024), the “Deacon” and “Deaconess” and Trustee ministry was enriched to serve by adding additional members; Deacon Anthony Traynham and Deaconess Helen Alston, Deaconess Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson Green and Deaconess Beverly Ware. God is doing a new thing! So, hold on Clifton Grove, after 136 years of service, God is not through with us yet!!!