February 1902

The Birth of a Vision

Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church was born out of faith real faith. In February of 1902, in Myrtle Beach, a small group of believers came together with a vision. They were known as “faith walkers” people who trusted God beyond what they could see.

The founders of Sandy Grove were 'faith walkers.' They walked by faith and not by sight."

There were no grand buildings. No large sanctuary. Only belief. It is said that Sandy Grove began as a bush shelter, surrounded by sand and sparse land.

Worship on the Shore

Worship was simple, but powerful. Baptisms were held in the ocean near 3rd Avenue North where the sound of the waves became part of the worship experience. There, under open skies, faith took root.

As the congregation grew, so did the church. A small wooden structure was first built near Oak Street. Later, a larger church was constructed on Carver Street land made possible through the support of the Chapin Foundation.

In those early days heating came from wood and coal. Worship included powerful preaching and gospel singing and Members gather not just in church but in homes .

A Living Witness to Faith

Meet Miss Carolyn, a member of the church since 1962. Watch as she shares her firsthand memories of Sandy Grove’s humble beginnings and the building of our historic sanctuary.

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1965

Building for the Community

Under the leadership of the era, the current church structure was built in 1965. By 1968, the church was debt-free. Sandy Grove wasn’t just a place of worship; it was a community.

In the 1970s, Sandy Grove expanded adding classrooms, a fellowship hall, and spaces for ministry and growth. The church didn’t just grow in size it grew in service.

Buses were purchased to transport members and the community.
Outreach efforts expanded beyond the church walls.
Ministries were created to serve every generation.

A Legacy Preserved The Gift of Our First Sanctuary.jpg

Built on Faith, Shared in Grace: Our Original Home

Before transferring to our newly built church, Sandy Grove chose a path of giving rather than tearing down. Instead of dismantling our original sanctuary, the structure was donated to the Household of Faith congregation.

Through this act of community and faith, the house of worship is still standing today at the corner of Dennison Avenue and Harlem a lasting monument to Sandy Grove's humble beginnings and enduring legacy.

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Impact & Outreach

Sandy Grove became known as a church that didn’t just gather but gave. The church embraced a broader vision: to meet the spiritual, physical, social, and economic needs of the community.

This vision led to major renovations, expanded ministries, radio outreach, and educational opportunities. The church became a place where real needs were met.

A Living Legacy

In the early 2000s, Sandy Grove entered a new season. A vision for expansion led to the construction of a new education building complete with classrooms, fellowship space and modern facilities.

Even in transition worshipping temporarily in local schools the faith of the people never wavered.

Today, Sandy Grove stands as more than a church. It is a center of community and a legacy of faith passed from generation to generation.

From a bush shelter… to a thriving ministry… Sandy Grove continues to move forward restoring lives, strengthening community and walking in purpose.