The history of the Ramah Grove Missionary Baptist Church of McFarlan North Carolina takes us back to around 1867.This, as we know, was just after the Civil War, we are unable to determine in what month off the year a small group of very courageous people in and around McFarlan met and as the record indicates "Banded themselves together for the purpose of worshiping God." There were no available ordained ministers at that time, but these brave people, having a pressing need to tell their troubles to God, erected a Brush Arbor a short distance North-West of the present structure under the direction of Brother Raymond Buchanan, assisted by Brother Jink Hough; both were later called to the Ministry. The first set-up was named after its originator, and at that time was known as R-a-y-m-o-n-d Baptist Church. Three officers were selected: Brother Louis Horne, Brother Dennis Hall, and Brother John Morgan. After the passing of Rev. Buchanan, Rev. Frank Parson was chosen to lead the flock in 1873,. and served for 55 years until 1928. He was stricken with paralysis and did not recover. In he 1880s the church began preparing for the first building. In 1890 one acre of land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Moore, for $15.00 in the month of May.

 

             Shortly after purchasing the land, a small square building was erected facing the Charlotte Road to the North, and its courageous and devout people worshiped for several years and then added a rostrum and choir loft to the South end of the building.

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            Since there were no schools for Blacks at the time, the place of worship served as a school in which classes were held a few hours during the day by those who had learned a little from their Master's wife. Children were taught their ABCs and to count from one to one hundred. Later they were taught to spell, read, and write. The Sanctuary was also used as a meeting place where most of the activities were carried on.

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           No one seems to know when the name of the church changed, but according to records attainable, the first message delivered by Rev. Frank Parson in he first building was taken from I Kings 18:17, "And Baasha, King of Israel came up against Judah and build Ramah;" and from II Chronicles 16:1, "In the sixth and thirteenth year of the reign of Asa, Baasah, king of Israel, came up against Judah and build Ramah to the intent that he might not let one go out to or come in to Asa." Thus the name of the church was changed from R-a-y-m-o-n-d Baptist Church to Ramah Grove Baptist Church. The Grove part came from the grove of black jacks hat surrounded the building at that time. After Rev. J.R. Fasion came in 1928, he emphasized that the word Missionary be added because of the classification of work done by the church and the name, as of now, is Ramah Grove Missionary Baptist Church. In 1949, came Rev. G.W. Coates he served us for 8 years as a servant to our congregation. Rev. J.W. Malloy blessed us in 1957 for several months until Rev. J.D. Terry was selected as our Pastor within that same year. 

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          When Rev. J.D. Terry came, he proposed to erect a block building around the old structure in 1957 which was completed after Rev. Chambers came in 1961. When the walls were completed, the plate was put on, and the old building torn out. The top went on immediately after. Most of the work on the block building was done by Bro. Robert Marshall. Rev. Chambers then wanted some better seats; so, Bro. Woodrow Redfearn said that we could get some made in Charlotte at a reasonable price. After careful consideration and calculation, he was given the authority to purchase the seas, and it was done. Bro. Redfearn family donated the Pulpit set to the church in memory of their father and grandfather Bro. Joseph Redfearn.

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        Rev. Louis Blakney came in November 1976, and wanted to go a few more rounds on Jacob's Ladder: first, by getting Rest Rooms installed in the front of the building; secondly, the present lighting system, and then, the Fellowship Hall housing the Pastor's Study, Sunday School Rooms, and a modern kitchen. The stove and refrigerator were donated by Bro. J.C. Marshall and his family. The hot water heater was donated by Rev. Blakney. The next round was to purchase a new piano for the price of $3,000.00, and this was done. With a magnanimous desire of all involved, we proceeded to change the front of the building by installing a Corner Stone and Stoop. After, Rev. Blakney their were many other ordained minister who occupied our pulpit as servant leaders, until Pastor David A. Dickey came to us in the Year of Our Lord 2014. With the help of the Master and our great leader, Ramah Grove will continue to make a difference in Anson County and beyond. 

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