Our Story

Brown Grove Baptist Church » Our Story
“…upon this rock I will build my church…” – Matthew 6:18

History of Brown Grove

Brown Grove Baptist Church was founded in 1870 by six faithful members who worshiped in a humble brush harbor. In 1893, the Brown family generously donated land for a permanent church home. A wooden church was soon built, followed by a frame structure. Early pastors provided strong spiritual leadership, helping the congregation grow in faith and purpose.

In 1941, a devastating fire destroyed the church building. Services continued at Brown Grove School until it too was lost to fire. Undeterred, the congregation rebuilt. In 1945, the current brick sanctuary was constructed, ushering in a new era. Worship expanded to weekly services, and the church proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1970.

From 1982 to 2003, under the leadership of Rev. Fernando Temple, Sr., new ministries were launched, including youth and senior programs, as well as the beloved Church in the Field tradition. Today, under Rev. Dr. Darius Beechaum, Brown Grove continues to thrive—serving the Ashland community with love, purpose, and a deep commitment to faith. In 2020, the church joyfully celebrated 150 years of ministry.

Our Pastor

Rev. Dr. Darius E. Beechaum, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, is the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Beechaum. A proud product of the Petersburg Public School System, he graduated in 1990 before pursuing higher education at several esteemed institutions, including Indiana Tech, Richard Bland College, Richmond Virginia Seminary, and the Higher Learning Bible Institute and Seminary. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate in Religious Studies and Christian Education.

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Dr. Beechaum honorably served his country as an Infantry Soldier in the United States Army National Guard for seven years, including three years as an Assistant Chaplain in the Field Artillery. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to youth development, working for five years as a youth counselor at the Peter Paul Development Center, later rising to serve as Executive Director. Under his leadership, he launched impactful initiatives such as the Youth Empowering to Achieve Progress (Y.E.A.P.) program and multiple fatherhood initiatives—one of which became the longest-running Fatherhood program in Richmond.

Currently, Dr. Beechaum serves as Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Virginia Union University and as Vice President of Infinity Bible Seminary. He also previously served with distinction as Moderator of the Chickahominy Baptist Association (CBA).

He is happily married to the lovely former Jenell James, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters, Chanell and Danielle.

Throughout his life and ministry, Dr. Beechaum has been a tireless advocate for families, children, and seniors across the Tri-City area. His service has been recognized by three Virginia Governors, numerous churches, corporations, and community organizations. Yet, despite these honors, Dr. Beechaum remains grounded in his faith. What drives him most is his unwavering commitment to doing the will of his Heavenly Father.

Jesus Christ is the center of his life. As he often says, it is not simply that he loves Christ—but that Christ first loved him. His heartfelt prayer is that if you don’t yet know the Lord, you will come to know Him today (Romans 10:9–10).

Our Team

Kenneth Spurlock, Chairman of the Deacon Board

I am proud to say that I have been a member of the Historic Brown Baptist Church for about 35 years. In the years that I have been here I was a member of the Rainey Memorial Gospel Chorus for a number of years until moving on to serve in other capacities.

I was blessed to have served as the Chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee.

Also, I am happy to say that I have the privilege of being a trustee for my church for a number of years now.

Early in my years at Brown Grove I received the calling from the LORD to teach in our Sunday school class for the adults. Currently I am the main teacher of the adult class

A later calling for me was to be a true servant in the order of being a Deacon. I was ordained in May of 2006; at present I am the Chairman of the Deacons. A position that I do not take lightly.

Alonzo Dendy, Chairman of the Trustee Board

I joined Brown Grove Baptist Church at the age of nine, and this church has been a spiritual home and guiding light in my life ever since. From an early age, I felt called to serve, and I began my journey in ministry through active participation in our Youth Choir and the Male Chorus. I also had the privilege of serving as a Youth Usher, where I learned the importance of hospitality, responsibility, and reverence in God’s house.

As I matured in both faith and service, I embraced greater responsibilities within the church. I currently serve on the Trustee Board, where I have had the honor of acting as Chairman—a role that deepened my commitment to stewardship and the long-term care of our church’s facilities and financial health. In addition, I am proud to serve as the Church Treasurer, where I strive to ensure transparency and integrity in all financial matters.

Beyond these roles, I am also a member of the Security Ministry, helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation. One of the roles dearest to my heart is serving as a Walking Deacon. This ministry allows me to remain closely connected with members of the congregation, offering spiritual support and companionship through life’s journey.

Sunday is more than just a day of worship for me—it is the highlight of my week. It gives me the chance to gather with my Brown Grove family, lift up the name of the Lord, and draw strength and inspiration from our shared faith.

I am grateful for the many opportunities to serve and grow within this beloved church, and I look forward to continuing this journey with humility, faith, and love.

2025 SLATE OF OFFICERS- THE HISTORIC BROWN GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

POSITION 2025 OFFICER
CHAIRMAN OF DEACON MINISTRYDEACON KENNETH SPURLOCK
VICE CHAIRMAN OF DEACON MINISTRYDEACON ANTHONY HALL
PRESIDENT OF DEACONESS MINISTRYDEACONESS MELINDA SPURLOCK
CHAIRMAN OF TRUSTEE MINISTRYALONZO DENDY
CHURCH TREASURERALONZO DENDY
FINANCIAL SECRETARYLEIZER COLEMAN
CHAIRPERSON BUDGET\ FINANCE COMMITTEEARTRIANNA MORRIS
VICE CHAIRPERSON BUDGET\ FINANCE COMMITTEECHUCK JACKSON
CHURCH CLERK/ CALENDAR SECRETARYFAWN DENDY
ASSISTANT CHURCH CLERK/ CALENDAR SECRETARYNICHELLE BROOKS
DECORATING MINISTRY CHAIRPERSONJEWEL MOORE
PROGRAM MINISTRY CHAIRPERSONDEACON CARROLL BUSH
PRESIDENT OF THE MISSIONARY MINISTRYSHIRLITA MITCHELL
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE MISSIONARY MINISTRYBRENDA BROWN
PRESIDENT OF THE HOSPITALITY MINISTRYSHEILA CLARK
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE HOSPITALITY MINISTRYHELEN MINOR
PRESIDENT OF THE FRANCES MASON SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEEKIMBERELY COLEMAN
PRESIDENT OF THE USHER MINISTRYANGELA SPURLOCK
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTDEACON KENNETH SPURLOCK
ASSISTANT SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTDEACON CARROLL BUSH
WOMEN'S MINISTRY PRESIDENTDR. MILDRED REDD
MEN'S MINISTRY PRESIDENTDEACON LANNY JONES
PRESIDENT OF SENIOR CITIZEN'S MINISTRYMARTHA ANDERSON
CO-CHAIRPERSON OF HEALTH MINISTRYMARTHA ANDERSON
BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONMICHAEL MORRIS
ATHLETIC COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONKAREEM JAMES
SECURITY MINISTRY LEADERANTHONY HALL
SANCTUARY CHOIR- PRESIDENTBLANCHE CHAMPION
RAINEY MEMORIAL GOSPEL CHORUS PRESIDENTJACKIE HAYES
RAINEY MEMORIAL GOSPEL VICE PRESIDENTSAUNDRA WATKINS
MALE CHORUS PRESIDENTVACANT
YOUNG ADULT CHOIR PRESIDENTARTRIANNA MORRIS
YOUNG ADULT CHOIR VICE PRESIDENTASHILEE MORRIS
YOUTH PRESIDENTKEISHANNA JAMES
CHILDREN'S CHURCH MINISTRY LEADERNICHELLE BROOKS
ASST LEADER OF CHILDREN'S CHURCH MINISTRY MARANDA BUSH
Green field

Our Mission

Brown Grove Baptist Church exists to glorify God by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, nurturing disciples through worship, teaching, and service, and advancing justice and compassion in our community. Rooted in a legacy of faith and resilience, we are committed to empowering families, supporting our youth, and standing as a beacon of hope in Ashland and beyond.

Our Vision

To be a Christ-centered, Spirit-led church that transforms lives, uplifts generations, and boldly leads in faith, service, and justice. We envision a future where Brown Grove remains a sanctuary of healing and purpose, preserving its sacred heritage while reaching new hearts for Christ through love, unity, and community action.
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