Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church Historical Highlights
The Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Tuskegee, Alabama, originated in 1885. The founders purchased a parcel of land, and later a small, framed building (about 14’ x 16’) was erected as a shelter for the congregation. This building was later named Shady Grove because of the many oak trees that shaded the area, the humble beginning of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Some time afterward, a second sanctuary was erected and stood in varying degrees of repair until construction on the present sanctuary was begun in 1948 and completed in 1955. New pews were added, and the educational annex was completed and dedicated to the Lord in June 1970. Also, in the early seventies, city water and three five-ton combination heating and air conditioning units were installed. During the late seventies and early eighties, the choir loft was enlarged, a baptistery was installed, an organ was purchased, and worship services were extended to every Sunday.
Under the leadership of Pastor Hardy L. Graves (who served from- 1982-2005), the sanctuary ceiling was renovated; new light fixtures and carpet were installed; pews were cushioned; a junior choir was organized; the educational annex and church were re-roofed; a new storage house was built; heating and air conditioning units were replaced; paneling was installed in the educational annex; stained glass windows in the sanctuary; the roofs of the church and educational annex were re-done with metal material, and a parcel of land was purchased across the street from the church. Under the leadership of Pastor Ramble O. Ankumah (who served from – 2004-2013), chairs in the pulpit were refurbished, and new sanctuary carpet was installed. The educational annex was completely remodeled; two parking lots were paved; a sound system, VCR, camcorder, organ, and a 15-passenger bus were purchased. Under the leadership of Pastor Andrew J. Sheppard (who served from- 2013-2017), the septic tank and field lines were replaced; furniture and carpet were replaced in the office of the pastor, a projector and laptop were purchased, and a shed was erected for the church bus. Fellowship Hall renovations/purchases include a roof, gutters, chairs, desks, and a coat rack. Lighting in the parking lot was improved, and security lights were installed. The kitchen countertop was replaced; the foyer was updated with flooring and a ceiling fan. Ministries added – Education, Drama, Media, Special Events, and Health & Wellness. Installed two deacons/deaconesses, established a church website, installed media equipment to record and stream worship services, installed a fence leading to the cemetery, and installed speakers in the sanctuary. In 2021, the sanctuary was painted, new carpet was installed, and the pews were refinished and reupholstered.
We are not certain who our first pastor was, but most of our elders believed him to be the Reverend Oliver Johnson. Additional pastors have been (not in order of service): Andrew Walker, Colonel Gregory, B. Carlisle, Dennis Upshaw, B.J. Smith, J.S. Kelsey, Forrest Mills, J.H. Smith, Ben Smith, V.A. Kelsey, A.W. Wilson, J.L. Mathis, R.M. Ferrell, G.W. Bozeman, E.D. Porter, C.C. Garrett, R.J. Smith, V.A. Edwards (Interim pastor- February–August 1979), Charles Jackson, V.A. Edwards (interim pastor – May 1979-August 1982), Hardy L. Graves (1982 – 2005), Ramble O. Ankumah (November 2005 – September 2013), Andrew J. Sheppard (September 2013-March 2017), Ramble O. Ankumah, Interim Pastor (July 2017 to February 2023). Our current Pastor, Dr. Michael T. Williams (February 2023 to Present). After 138 years of service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we face the future with faith, hope, love and rededicate ourselves to the great work outlined in Matthew 28:18-20.