• Church founded in the home of Mott and Phoebe Callaway.
• Phoebe Callaway asked her husband Mott and Tom Gather, both Deacons from another congregation to help lead the small group.
• Records were kept by Martha Callaway, daughter of Phoebe and Mott.
• Charter members:  Phoebe Callaway, Pearl Crew, Daisy Swift, Viola Rowe, Alice Shoemake, Walker Herndon, and Jeanette Malcome Kelly.

• Church outgrew home of the Callaways.  Group began meeting at a Benevolent Hall located in a two-story building owned by Mr. Miller, which was located across from the 3418 Panola Road property. The group selected the name “Big Miller Grove Baptist Church” because the building was set in a large grove of beautiful trees. 
• Reverend Reed Johnson, a preacher and schoolteacher served as Pastor for about one year.   He was succeeded by Reverend Goolsby.
• The first tract of land was purchased for $85 and a small slab building was built.  Names on the deeds to the property were Mott Callaway, Tom Gaither, and Tom Crew.

• Reverend Gene Jackson served as Pastor.
  (served 1911-1914)
• First formal church building erected.

• Reverend Jesse Collins served for about one year as Pastor. (Served from 1914-1924.)
• Church remodeled.

• Reverend Lewis Collins, brother of Reverend Jesse Collins served as Pastor for one year.
• Reverend W. T. Seals called as Pastor. (served 1924-1945)

• A new church building erected.
• The Willing Worker Club organized for young men, through their efforts purchased new lights for the church.
• Busy Bee Club organized by Sister Nettie Seals, wife of Reverend W.T. Seals.  Group studied the bible and sang songs.

• The Senior Usher Board was organized. 
• The church elected Deacon Doyle Benton as the first Chairman of the Deacon Board.

• Reverend Seals made his transition.
• Rev C. C. Clayton called as Pastor. (served 1945-1950)
• Sister Nettie Seals and the Busy Bee Club purchased and presented a piano to the church.
• Senior Choir organized.
• The Boys Mission Club purchased and gave the church an additional plot of land – (approximately one-half acres.)

• Reverend James Stafford called as Pastor.
  (served 1950 -1972)
• The property line was extended to include the tract of land, which the church sanctuary occupied.  This one acre was donated to the church by the Big Miller Grove Community when the county consolidated the school system.
• The church was remodeled and refurbished.
• The No. 1 Usher Board purchased and installed carpet runners and a water fountain.

• Vacation Bible School organized with the assistance of Sister Mary Thomas, the First Lady of Union Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA.  Sister Martha Ann Curney served as Principal from 1961-1971.
• Deacon Grady Brantley and Deacon Richard Morris organized the first Youth Choir.

Deaconess Board was organized.  The first officers were President, Sister Sarah Sims; Secretary, Sister Bessie Benton; Treasurer, Sister Lottie Herndon; and Chaplain Sister Ella Riley.

• The No. 2 Usher Board was organized by Sister Oda Conyers and Sister Birdie Gresham. Sister Tiny Mae Johnson served as Board Supervisor. The group was originally called the Junior Usher Board.
• The No. 2 Usher Board had a brick bulletin board erected in front of the church.

• The R. Bryant Choir was formed.  The choir was named after the Associate Minister, Reverend Rugene Bryant.
• The R. Bryant Choir purchased a P.A. Sound System and folding chairs for the choir loft.
• The J. S. Stafford Male Chorus was organized.
• A new piano and pews were purchased.

Sister Sarah Sims served as Principal of BMG Vacation Bible School.

Reverend Jimmie Lee Smith called to Pastor. (served 1973-1977)

• Church incorporated.
• Restrooms repaired, church renovated, gravel poured on parking areas.
• The first Trustee Board was added with Brother O. C. Lewis serving as the first Chairman.
• Welcome Wagon, By-Laws Committee and the Nurses Guild were added.
• The Youth Choir and Sunbeam Choir were organized under the direction of Sister Marian Davis.
• Juvenile Home started and organized under the leadership of Minster Joseph Treadwell, along with three Directors, Sister Deborah Robinson, Sister Sarah Sims, and Sister Allene Harper.
• Sister Allene S. Harper became Principal of BMG Vacation Bible School.

The Junior Usher Board was organized under the direction and guidance of Sister Josephine Wilder.

• Starcrest Nursing Home Ministry began under the leadership of Sister Sarah Sims.
• Clothes/Food Pantry organized and operated by Sister Ida B. Moody, Brother Willie J. Mosley, Sister Rosa Etta Davis, Sister Sarah Sims, and Sister Louella Daniel... Rosa Etta Davis, Sister Sarah Sims, and Sister Louella Daniel.

• Three young men accepted Christ’s call into the ministry - Minister Michael Benton, Minister Willie James Mosley, and Minister Daniel McGuire.
• BMG Building Committee formed for the new church at 2418 Panola Road.  Committee members were Brother O.C. Lewis (Chairman), Brother Marvin McGuire, Deacon Horace Benton, and Sister Allene S. Harper.

Groundbreaking Ceremonies were held for the new church at 2418 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA.

The Big Miller Grove Church family, friends and well-wishers marched into the new sanctuary.

Minister Miles E. Fowler called to Pastor. (served 1977-present)

Stone Mountain Correctional Institute Ministry began.  The ministry was organized by Minister Alice Flanagan.  Sister Louella Daniel served as the first Director.

Ministries organized and formed under Pastor Fowler’s tenure:  
E.M. Smith Usher Board, Outreach Ministry Department (bi-weekly radio broadcasts, Prison Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, bi-monthly Newsletter – The BMG Voice, Tract Ministry, Finance and Budget  Committee, Youth & Young Adult Choir, M.E. Fowler Male Chorus, Youth Ministry Department, Pastor Aid Committee, AWANA, Bus Ministry, Children’s & Teen Church, Scouts Program, Education Ministry Department, Tape Ministry, New Members class, Clothes & Food Pantry, Helping Hands Ministry, and Mother Board.
Portico and cover for church entrance added.
Piano and Church van purchased.
Steeple erected and wheelchair ramp installed.

The church mortgage was burned at 2418 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA.

Ordination Service for Minister Anthony Daniel, Airrener Farquharson, Josh Stripling, Joseph Treadwell, and Joe Whitehead.
Ordination Service for Deacon Thomas Lee Stanton.

Ministers under Pastor Fowler’s leadership during this time:
Minister Donald Andrews, Minister Gwen Artis, Minister Ronnie Atchison, Minister Tyrone Atchison, Minister George Barcolleh, Minister Noel Beckford, Minister Melvin Boston, Minister Dorothy Brown, Minister Andrew Doyle, Minister Airrener Farquharson, Minister Alfred Flanagan, Minister John Raymond Fowler, Minister Claudine Frazier, Minister Harold Fulton, Minister Tonia Fulton, Minister Frances Gregory, Minister Tommy Gregory, Minister Helen Heath, Minister Ellen Jones, Minister Melvin Jones, Minister Carlton Mathis, Minister Robert Mims, Minister Willie James Mosely, Minister Todd Murdaugh, Minister Hulet Neely, Minister Roy Palmer, Minister Helen Pitts, Minister Timothy Robinson, Minister Sarah Sims, Minister M. J. Stanton, Minister Pauline Thomas, Minister Ralph Thompson, Minister Joseph Treadwell, Minister Thomas Walker, and Minister Tommy Williams.
Minister of BMG who were pasturing and working at other churches during this time:
Minister Anne Ammons, Minister Michael Benton, Minster Thomas Bristow, Minister Roy Copeland, Minister Anthony Daniel, Minister William Davenport, Minister Fred Dudley, Minister Robert Dunson, Minister Nathaniel Lewis, Minister Willie McCalla, Minister George Mosley, Minister Jimmie Lee Smith, Minister Lonnie White, and Minister Joseph Whitehead.

• Cornerstone laid at 2418 Panola Road and included the following engraved names:  Brother O.C. Lewis, Brother Marvin McGuire, Deacon Horace Benton, and Sister Allene S. Harper.
• Conference accepted recommendation of Ella Riley Scholarship Fund for awards, funding and program.  Deacon Freddie West served as Chairman.

Members of the congregation nominated individuals to receive the E. M. Smith Award.

Construction began for Educational/Fellowship Annex.

• Groundbreaking Services for the Educational/Fellowship Annex at 2418 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA.
• Brother Marvin McGuire elected Chairman of the Building Committee.

Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association and the Board of Directors signed the loan agreement to continue the building project.

The AWANA program, a bible-teaching program for school-aged children formed at BMG.

• Dedication of Educational/Fellowship Annex Building and named The O.C. Lewis Fellowship Hall.
• Dedication Committee also planned a five night revival that included Pastors who were members of BMG>
• Dedication Committee:  Sister Louella Daniel, Sister Joyce Kneeland, Sister Rosa Etta Davis, Sister Barbara McGuire, Sister Paula Saunders, Sister Joetta Walker, and Deacon Freddie West.

Dedication Committee planned a morning and afternoon service, along with a buffet.

Sister Louella Daniel releases first CD, “Hold On.”

Photo of Deacon Seal Riley featured in March of Dimes Walk America national marketing brochure.

BMG Family Seminar held.
Sister Paula McGuire Saunders chosen as Educational Coordinator and was followed by Sister Jennifer Bradley.

• Officers chosen by nomination process for the first time.
• Deacon Seal Riley elected Chairman Emeritus of the Deacon Board.

Appreciation held for Deacon Seal Riley to commemorate his 25-years of service.

Marriage / Rededication workshop and ceremony – 30 BMG couples renewed their vows. Bishop C.E. White and Bishop Willie Fowler served as officiators of the ceremony.

Pastor Fowler spent ten days on a missionary journey in Africa.

• Dedication of “The Upper Room,” a library/reading room.
• Church purchased video equipment – VCR, Camcorder, and a 25” color television.

Early Morning Worship Service started in an effort to eliminate overcrowding conditions in the sanctuary.

The purchase of BMG’s first computer to increase organization of the church records.

• A tract of land purchased on Benton Drive by the Church. 
• The land contained a house that was used by the Scouts, the Junior High Sunday School class and the Sewing Class.

Pastor Fowler spent 7 days on a mission to West Africa, Deacon Ronnie Atchison.

BMG premiere of “ Another Day’s Journey,” the Life of Pastor Miles Edward Fowler in drama, written and directed by Paula McGuire Saunders and Pamela McGuire, starring Timothy Fowler, Ronnie Atchison, Vincent Guthrie, and Deacon William O’Kelly. Play sponsored by the Pastor’s Aid in celebration of Pastor’s Appreciation.

• First Sunday in March Ordination Service of Ronnie Atchison, Tommie Gregory, Nathaniel Lewis, Robert Dunson.
• Pastor Fowler given a vision that the church needed to purchase additional land and build a larger sanctuary to accommodate God’s people due to the continued growth and addition of new members at 2418 Panola Road.
• The conference approved the plans to purchase 28 acres and build a Christian Life Center, a larger Sanctuary, and a school.
• First Lady Helen Fowler founded the Minister’s Wives Organization.

Christian Fellowship Investment Club and Faith Investment Club formed and organized at BMG.

Black History 101 , a musical and drama on the history of African-Americans toured several churches throughout the metro area and featured New Testament, under the direction of Brother Donnell Peterson and a BMG cast.  Paula McGuire Saunders wrote play.

New Testament provided music for Stone Mountain Park Easter Sunrise Service on top of the mountain.

D’Vine founded by Paula McGuire Saunders and Pamela McGuire.

• Building Committee established to include Deacon John Gordon (Chairman), Deacon Freddie West, Brother Alphonso Miles, and Sister Quintella Bolden.
• Co-Chairpersons were Sister Hester Brantley, Sister Michelle West, and Minister Thomas Walker.
• Members-at-Large were Brother L.B Hodges, Sister Kathy King, Brother Glen Guthrie, Minister Tommy Gregory, Brother William Curney, Sister Allene Harper, Sister Janice Dudley, and Sister Paula Saunders.

BMG Marriage Renewal Ceremony featured in country’s first national African-American Bridal Magazine – Brides Today.

• Groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the 28 acres held.
• A “Pledge Program”implemented.  Big Miller Grove members made a vow to pledge a percentage of their income as a sacrifice for the anticipated construction of the first phase of “The City of Refuge.”  This name submitted by Pastor Fowler because he wanted the new facility to be a haven of refuge to all that need shelter when the storms of life are raging.

Evangelist Helen Heath releases her debut CD, “An Endless Praise”

• Ordination Service of Ministers Eric Parks, Pauline Thomas, Thomas Walker. 
• M. J Stanton & Scott Christian also added to the Ministerial Staff.

Christian Men Network met with Greg Crocker.

Sherman Dudley, James McCloud, Albert McCrary, Willie Thomas and Melvin Thompson added to the Deacons Board.

Old Panola Road changed to Big Miller Grove Way through the DeKalb County Zoning Board and Board of Commissioners.

Instead of the regular Wednesday night Bible Study, a christening service held at the new building, the Christian Life Center.  Pastor Fowler delivered the message for the evening.  His inspirational message came from Romans 8:31, “ What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?”

• The following ministers were added to the ministerial staff - Gwen Artis, Donald Andrews, Dorothy Brown, Frances Gregory, Mary Jeffries, Carton Mathis, and Lonnie White.
• Helping Hands Committee was reorganized.
• Church purchased the house and nearby property in a 28 acres acre package Food Pantry and Clothes items.
• Changing table installed in the women’s bathroom.

Final service for 2418 Panola Road location.  Services included a historical service to include oil lamps instead of lights and a ccapella instead of music.  Men wore overalls or jeans and sat on the left side of the church.  Women wore old clothes or all white and sat on the right side of the church.  There were no printed programs.  Ushers sat congregation from the front to the back. Offering plate was passed instead of congregation marching.  The congregation place 25 cents in the pan the first time and passed the pans on the second time.   Everyone exited at the rear of the church following services. 

First service held at the “City of Refuge” on Easter Sunday.

“The City of Refuge” was dedicated (housed in the Christian Life Center).  Dedication included a balloon release, ribbon cutting, and included political, church, and business dignitaries.

• Minister Tommy Gregory was assigned the position of Executive Director of Operations and added to the Board of Directors.
• Minister Eric Parks resigned from the position of Youth Minister and was succeeded by Minster Harold Fulton.

Christian Fellowship Investment Club featured in the Better Investing Magazine for the National Association of Investment Clubs.

• The Conference added Albert Baawo, L B Hodges, James Long and William O’Kelley to the Deacons Board.
• Deacon Leroy Sutton was also received as a Deacon.

Philip Daniels releases debut CD, “ I Will Sing Unto the Lord.”

Divine performed at The White House for the families and Executive Staff of President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore.

BMG Resource Mothers Ministry organized by Sister Allene Harper to provide care and instruction for new mothers.

• Prayer Line Ministry begins.
• 1st Sunday Evening Service began (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
• Sister Marian Davis became the Minister of Music.
• Churched purchased two new vans.

Albert Baawo, Jr. became the first Eagle Scout at BMG.

Youth Church started (ages 13-21).

Teen/Youth Church started for ages 13-21.

The South DeKalb Church Federal Credit Union (SDCFCU) named.  Church participants were Abundant Life Church, Ray of Hope Christian Church, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and Green Pastures Christian Ministry.

Credit Union chartered under the constitution and laws of the State of Georgia.

• D’Vine release first CD, “ Simply D’Vine.”
• D’Vine’s first international appearance – Brazil (13-city tour).

D’Vine performed for the 1996 Olympic Games during the Opening Ceremony, at the Olympic Village, and at the Olympic Centennial Park.

Outreach Ministry organized.

Paula Moreland Wilkerson wrote play, “ Glory Train.”

D’Vine performed at 53rd Presidential Inauguration and the Congressional Caucus Women’s Ball in Washington, D.C.

Ordination Service of Deacons Phillip Adams, Gregory Crocker, Darrell Goolsby, Glen Guthrie, Todd Murdaugh, Andrew Myers, Gerald Paige, Jimmy Thompson, Michael Wallace, Ozeia Wallace.

• The Mortgage Burning Service of the Christian Life Center (3800 Big Miller Grove Way).
• Monthly visitations to the “Ronald McDonald House” began.

Paula Moreland Wilkerson wrote play, “ Where is Your Church? ”

The following ministers were ordained:
Minister Donald Andrews, Minister Gwen Artis, Minister Melvin Boston, Minister Andrew Doyle, Minister Claudine Frazier, Minister Harold Fulton, Minister Frances Gregory, Minister Carlton Mathis and Minister Helen Pitts.

Paula Moreland Wilkerson wrote play, “Soul’s Food.”

The Big Miller Grove Learning Center, “Bright From the Start”  received its state license from Georgia Department of Early Care Learning, providing quality, affordable summer camp and after school care under the direction of Sister Josephine S. Wilder.

Pastor Miles E. Fowler consecrated as Bishop.

Groundbreaking Service for Phase II (The Sanctuary)

Bishop Miles E. Fowler spoke before the Georgia Assembly.

• Minister Ordination Service held for Noel Beckford, Marguerite Holmes, Ellen Jones, Hulet Neely, Sarah Sims, Redonna Singleton.
• Deacon Ordination Service held for Joe Artis, Gary Brooks, Robert Brown, Vincent Carter, Tommy Gaither, Dorian Hall, Tony Henry, Michael Hightower, Stanley Hudson, Darnell Johnson, Love Lawrence, Carlton Parker, Andrew Shelton, Charlie Watkins, and Leon Singleton.

Christian Fellowship Investment Club featured in Black Enterprise Magazine.

First Service Celebration in the new Sanctuary.

Pre-Dedication Revival.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Dedication Service of new Sanctuary.

First “Family & Friends” Celebration Service held.

Construction of Phase III (The Education, Administration, and Fellowship Hall)

Chelsea Brown selected to appear in the 2002 Atlanta ballet’s Nutcracker.  Chelsea also appeared in a Crest toothpaste commercial.

Dedication Service for Administration/Educational Building & O.C. Lewis Fellowship Hall.

• Ordination Services for Ministers Cecil Brown, Tanya Fulton, James Gamble, Michael Harris, Jeremy Hudson, Pamela Nolan, Keicia Reeves, Leon Singleton, Larry Shannon, James Wilson and Mark Sledge.
• Mark Sledge ordained as the youngest Minister from BMG.

• 7:00 am (Early Service) begins.
• First Youth Explosion began at 6:00 pm.  Speakers were Minister. James Gamble, Minister Jeremy Hudson, Minister Larry Shannon, Minister Mark Sledge (The Four Gospels).

Athletic Department held it first league basketball games in the gymnasium.

Athletic Department’s Basketball Teams set records by winning two first place trophies (13&14 year olds) and (15&16 year olds) and two second place trophies (5&6 year olds) and (11&12 year olds) in the BCAA League.