Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church will mark its 150th Anniversary on October 25–26, 2025. Established in November 1875, the church takes its name from the Sweet Gum trees found on its site and has been a central part of the community for 150 years.
It is one of several Black churches in the area, including Burton Chapel, Martin Chapel, Graves Chapel, Kimes Chapel, and Beulah. None of these churches are listed as “historical” in the record books. However, there are so many success stories which originate from the families in these cluster of churches.
Several notable figures have roots in this area. Alex Haley, author and producer of Roots, spent his childhood in this community. Some Sweet Gum members recall the specific areas where parts of Roots was filmed. Donna Edwards, former United States Councilwoman, grew up in the community. Thomas Day, a renowned furniture maker, lived in a nearby town…