Poplar Grove Baptist Church History

(this first appeared in the Homecoming 2024 Program handout)

On September 4, 1909, a small group of Baptists met at the Ohler school house near the present site of Poplar Grove Baptist Church to discuss organizing a local church. In 1909, roads were poor and travel was difficult in this region. No church existed in this rural community. Convicted by the Holy Spirit, the people agreed a new church should be established; the families were convinced of the need for a local congregation. So, from those humble beginnings of just 15 charter members, Poplar Grove Baptist Church was established.

Over the past 115 years, growth of our rural church has risen and fallen over the decades, and saw great renewal and rapid growth at the turn of this century requiring new buildings, which you see today. Poplar Grove has had 22 different pastors, several filling the pulpit multiple times. These men were as dedicated to the work of the Lord as is Pastor Bobby Joe Eaton, who has served this body of believers for 25 years. Poplar Grove was recognized in November, 2023, for the work of revitalization in our community by the Kentucky Baptist Convention. We continue to be blessed with the addition of Victor Bramlett, who became our Co-Pastor in February, 2024.

Within our walls we enjoy many great blessings – great talent and great programs for every age and stage of life. We have built a vibrant church family grounded in faith, hope, and love. We have shared countless memories, celebrated milestones, and faced challenges together – yet we have a mission field outside our doors and our vision is to reach a dying world for Christ. The church is not a building but a community of believers who are committed to use their God-given gifts and talents in service to the Church, yes, but more importantly in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our communities.

At this Homecoming, we challenge each of you to be sure that Jesus Christ is your personal Savior and Lord, to deepen your spiritual life and to continue growing in your personal relationship with Him. As we grow in our faith and love may we be ready to serve others and be disciples that make disciples and share God’s love and His invitation for a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ with the lost souls the Lord puts in our paths daily.

If you are visiting Poplar Grove for the first time today or are new to our faith community, welcome! We are so excited that you’ve been a part of this wonderful day and hope you enjoy the worship, music, food and fellowship. We have so much to offer you and your family and would love to get to know you and to serve you through our many ministries. If you have questions about your faith or about our church, we welcome you to speak with a Pastor or a staff member.

May God continue to bless Poplar Grove Baptist Church and its members as we serve and worship together and may we continue to be a blessing to the lost world around us.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8