Displaying items by tag: African American church

After a devastating fire destroyed the historic Pleasant Grove Baptist Church building in South Carolina, the congregation gathered in tents on their church grounds to worship and praise God. Founded in 1869, the church had been a spiritual anchor in the Back Swamp community for over a century. The fire, which engulfed the 1910 building on Saturday afternoon, left nothing salvageable. Despite the emotional blow, Pastor Eugene Thomas and his members chose to remain grounded - literally and spiritually - by holding their Sunday service amidst the ruins. Churchgoers emphasised that the true church is not the building but the people. Community leaders, firefighters, and local historians expressed sorrow over the loss of one of Darlington County’s oldest African American churches, while also commending the resilience and faith of its members. Pastor Thomas credited his congregation for the inspiration to worship on-site, describing their response as 'perfect.' Their act of faith amidst heartbreak served as a testimony of hope, perseverance, and the enduring presence of Christ among His people.