The history of the Greater Saunders Grove Baptist Church is very distinct. In the early 1800’s, the African Americans of this community had no place to worship so they realized the need of a central meeting place. As a result, this church was established in an old bush shelter. Some of the first leaders were Mr. Peter Parker, Mr. John Sharpe, Mr. Stephen Felton, Mr. Quinton Dail and Mr. John Chan.
The church was first pastored by Reverend George Lee. The second pastor was Reverend Burke Linnet and he served until 1895. Reverend J. H. Johnson was called and served faithfully for twenty-eight years. Reverend W. A. Lamb served for four years, followed by Reverend G. C. Owens, who served for eight years. In 1941, Reverend W. J. Moore was called and he served for three years. The church was also pastored by Reverend Curtis Proctor, Reverend Larry Moore, and Reverend Harlan Troutman. Our present pastor is the Bishop Landon B. Mason Sr., who came to us as in December 1996. Since that time God has blessed the church and it has grown immensely as we transition from membership to discipleship.
During that time, there was a man named Mr. Saunders who told some of the members that he would give them one (1) acre of deeded land to build a church. Along with the giving of one acre of land came one stipulation: the church would have to be named in honor of Mr. Saunders. The members gave their solemn promise. The church was built and dedicated in 1868 and given the name of Saunders Grove Baptist Church. All through history, humankind has reached out for someone larger than himself, someone in which to trust and someone in which to believe.
