During the summer of 1892, having service underneath a Big Jack tree, from services that were held in a house for some time the idea of planting anew church was born. The minister at the time baptized Mr. Sidney James, Mr. M.C. Robinson, and Mr. Sam Massey from Big Zion A.M.E. Zion Church (New Mt Olivet) in Rock Hill and decided, “We need another A.M.E. Zion Church." Mrs. Martha Massey, mother of Mr. Charlie Massey gave one and a half acre of land off what is now Porter Road to be used for the building of a church. The church, a small frame building, was erected and named New Salem Church. As time passed the church was renamed, Rock Grove A.M.E. Zion Church because the church sat in a beautiful grove of trees with big rocks on the landscape. It was a quiet and serene site. Rock Grove A.M.E. Zion Church became the center of life for the community of newly freed slaves, tenant farmers and sharecroppers.

 

            Later on the grounds of Rock Grove an elementary school named, Rock Grove School, set up from a grant funded in the name of Julius Rosenwald, President of Sears & Roebuck, to construct better quality black schools throughout the South. This fund aided in the construction of over 5,000 school buildings forever changing the rural Southern landscape. 500 buildings were constructed in South Carolina. At a time when State support for educating African American children was woefully inadequate, Rosenwald Schools played a critical role in educating these children in South Carolina.

 

            Rock Grove A.M.E. Zion Church has a legacy that has lasted for over 125 years. This church is rich in history and continues to be an active church in the community. Rock Grove and its members continue to strive and reach higher heights. This church continues to serve the present age and age to come.