Our History
On the first Sunday of May 1888, a small group of faithful Christians met in northwest Fayette County to organize a church. This group often gathered to sing, pray and discuss plans for a building in which to worship God. Brother Joe Dorsey donated one acre of land to the group for a church site. Dr. Whitaker, one of the worshipers, named the new church “Little Divine.” Rev. H. D. Dickerson was elected pastor of the congregation and served for many years. Other ministers, whose names are not documented in Church records, also served for several years.
Rev. Jock Ware was an early pastor of the Church. Under his leadership, the Church grew and the first Deacon Board was established. The Church became known as “Little Vine.” The congregation sat on old benches. This location also served as a school for black children in the community.
In 1903, God sent R. H. Woodson, a dynamic leader, whose pastorate lasted 57 years. Rev. Woodson organized auxiliaries and the Sunday School. During this time, a number of deacons were ordained. Some of his notable accomplishments were: 1911 Senior Mother’s Board 1947 Senior Mother’s Board reorganized 1925 Senior Usher Board 1957 Young Adult Mother’s Boar 1938 Building Aid Convention 1960 Woodson Young Adult Choir
When Rev. Woodson’s health began to fail, several ministers assisted him and in carrying the Church forward. However, after 57 years of dedicated service, Rev. Woodson was called to rest by our Heavenly Father, leaving behind a bereaved flock.
Numerous interim ministers preceded Rev. Eugene Bryant, who became pastor in 1966. During his pastorship, a lunchroom was built adjacent to the Church and a baptismal pool was built in the Church. The Junior Choir was reorganized and a Junior Usher Board and Courtesy Guild were organized. Rev. Bryant remained at Little Vine for three years. Following Rev. Bryant’s departure, Rev. Roger Davenport conducted services on the first and third Sundays for two years.
In 1972, Rev. Herman H. Dyer was called as pastor. There were many achievements during his tenure. He was an organizer and aided in the organization and reorganization of many Church committees: The Youth Church Hospitality Committee Male Chorus Deacon Aides Trustee Board Benevolence Committee Pastor’s Aide Club.
In 1976, God revealed to Rev. Dyer expansion plans for the Church campus and the following additions were constructed: Fellowship Hall, Pastor’s Study, Finance Room and Men’s and Women’s Lounges.
Sent to Little Vine by God in 1989, Rev. R. L. Jones was welcomed as pastor by the Church body. Rev. Jones labored until May 2002. He was instrumental in growing the Feed the Hungry program that initially served 72 meals but greatly increased to 1400-1600 meals monthly. With continued prayer, the hand of God and Pastor Jones’ leadership, Little Vine grew and prospered in many ways as listed below: Completed renovation of the sanctuary New sound system installed Refurbished roofing on all buildings Paved parking lot Two ministers ordained Twelve deacons ordained Added 8:00 am service Trustee board organized Deaconess ministry organized and ordained Approximately three acres of land purchase.
January 2003, the Lord sent Rev. Steven G. Coleman Sr. and his family to Little Vine. On the fourth Sunday of February 2003, Rev. Coleman was installed as pastor. In November of 2007, Little Vine broke ground for a new sanctuary. August of 2009, Little Vine became incorporated as True Vine Baptist Christian Fellowship. Rev. Coleman accomplished great things through ministry: Reactivated the Children’s Choir Reorganized Bible Study Organized the Male Choir Purchased a new sound system Organized the Praise Dance Ministry Reorganized the musical staff/equipment Ordained eleven new Deacons Retired one mortgage Paid off church van Licensed and ordained three ministers Reactivated Pastor’s Aide Committee.
During the summer of 2011, the church voted to return to the old bylaws and the old name of Little Vine Baptist Church. Rev. Coleman served until January 2012.
A pastoral search launched in January 2012 and God tremendously blessed Little Vine with Rev. Roosevelt White, Sr. May of 2012, Rev. White accepted the call to shepherd Little Vine Baptist Church. He was installed July 22, 2012, by his uncle, Rev. Rodney White of Indianapolis, Indiana.
As a result of Rev. White’s anointed leadership and commitment to expository preaching, the church membership and Bible Study attendance has significantly grown, both spiritually and in number. Also, Rev. White implemented New Members Classes so new members will understand the mission and vision of Little Vine Baptist Church. To encourage church members in kingdom living and increasing their faith, Pastor White has established several ministries including: Men in Bowties, Seniors Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Youth Ministry, Young Men’s Ministry, and Young Women’s Ministry. The Youth Ministry is a cornerstone program at Little Vine. This ministry provides Children’s Church and Study Buddy Bible Study to assist the youth with spiritual growth and school homework. They have also conducted their first out of state Youth Retreat and other activities such as the Spring Eggstgravaganza and Trunk or Treat.
Additionally, under Pastor White’s leadership, the church is financially blessed with the securing of a mortgage, establishment of a building maintenance escrow account and retirement of debt.
Rev. White remains in communion with the Holy Spirit to develop the God-given vision that will ensure the Church’s impact in the present and years to come. His desire is for Little Vine to further Kingdom work by constantly sharing Christ, evolving, developing and strengthening the five pillars of the Church: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism. His steadfast reminder to the Little Vine is: “You are blessed and all your needs are met.”