PMBC is a Christ Centered loving church. We welcome all that wants Gods Kingdom to be expanded to all in our local community, county, state and all other places.

In the Spring of 1927, Rev Thomas Fletcher Pardue came to the growing tobacco town of Reidsville to conduct a revival in McCollum Warehouse. As a result of the revival there were many converts. Some wanted to build a meetinghouse so they organized an church name Pardue Tabernacle, with 27 charter members, and under the leadership of Rev. Pardue. The congregation met in the Pinnix Warehouse until a white wooden building was erected on land purchased on Lawsonville Avenue. the church’s name was changed to Lawsonville Avenue Baptist Church at a later date.

Three years later, in 1930, Rev. Daniel Webster Overbey took over the leadership as pastor. the church embarked on new opportunities for ministry. the first was to build a new building beside the wooden structure. the church continued to grow until the depression hit. With Pastor Overbey’s strong leadership and sacrificial love, the new church building was completed. Also, the name changed to Penn Memorial in appreciation of a generous gift by Mrs. Charles A Penn, in memory of her late husband. the church was encouraged to begin its work for missions. The ladies, with their tireless energy, abundant faith, and deep consecration rose to the talk of organizing the Women’s Missionary Society. Mrs. Lydia Denny Overbey was the first president. In the years following World War II, Mrs. Lena Dunevant Wilkins was instrumental in getting leaders for the youth group and children and organizing mission groups for these age groups. In 1935 Mrs. Ballard, a teacher at Lawsonville Avenue School, taught classes on temperance. The classes were offered in the church after school each weekday for junior boys and girls of the community.

Under the leadership of Rev. William Steed (Billy) Horton, the church embarked on new opportunities of radio ministry and a creative music program. In 1948 an organ was placed in the sanctuary, given by friends of the church. the following year a baptistery was constructed. During the 1950′s and 60′s under the direction of Rev. Jewel Conrad Lanning and Rev. George Manning Bishop, the church constantly renovated and updated the buildings and grounds to make it possible to take care of the growth of its membership.

Under the strong leadership of Rev. Robert Phillip (Bob) Dukes, in 1969, twenty converts were baptized at one service. Following the Baptismal service, a new converts class was organized. Twenty-three new Christians attended the “What Baptist Believe and the Church Covenant.” During those years, Penn Memorial Missions included the supporting of NW Market Street Mission, later named Victory Baptist Church, pastured by Rev. Charles Davis, and the new building of a new structure of Oak Grove Church.

During the last 20 years this Nation has experienced major economic and social changes. Rev. Kenneth Monroe (Ken) Bowen motivated us to begin the task of adapting to the changes the church would face.

It was with great interest and anticipation that Rev. Charlie Grady Nowell became our pastor in 1977. He and his family had recently returned from Honduras., where he and his wife, Barbara, had served as missionaries. Rev. Nowell led the church to continue the work of missions and sharing Christ’s love in the community.

Through the leadership of Rev. Randy Dale Jetton, we took a major step to meet the changing needs of the congregation. We asked the Lord to lead us to commitment and sacrifice in the “Together We Build” program. the Lord led and the church achieved the goals that were set before us. The building fund grew and in 1992, under the leadership of Rev. Jeffery Todd (JT) Cromer, we purchased the site for the new church building located on the corner of Freeway drive and Moss Street. On August 8, 1993, under the leadership of interim Pastor, Rev. John Groff, we broke ground for the new church.

On October 3, 1993, Rev. Thomas Edward (Tommy) Puryear, Jr. became our pastor. He challenged the church to pray, commit, attempt, and depend upon God for all things, with the expectation of having 200 in Sunday school by the year 2000.

On January 20, 1994 was our last service in the building on Lawsonville Ave. The transition was smooth. We worshiped in the conference center at Camp Dan Valley until our new building was completed. On May 15, 1994, our first service in the new building was a day of Praise and Thanksgiving. We are continuing to grow numerically and spiritually.

Under the leadership of Pastor Tommy, the church has sponsored two Russian girls for six weeks during the summers of 1996 and 1997. Adults have had the opportunity to study many sections of the Bible, the “Survival Kit” and “Experiencing God.”

Children’s mission groups have sponsored “A Mile of Pennies” for Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Youth groups have attended camps during the summer months, where emphasis was placed on missions. Members of our church went on a mission trip to Mexico to start a building for unwed mothers.

Due to the generous gift in Memory of Rachel Dianne warren by her parents, William Lewis (Billy) Warren and Emma Kimbro Warren, we were able to burn the note on the building in 1996.

The closing words of Matthew establish the framework for the mission and ministry of every Christian and every church. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20

The growth and accomplishments of Penn Memorial are neither outstanding nor unusual. Through the years of joy, distress, and sorrow, some had the courage and conviction to continue pressing forward. The faith of these who looked to the Heavenly Father for leadership and guidance did not press forward in vain. Thanks be to the Heavenly Father.

This congregation now facing the future acknowledges God’s mercies in the past. We now strive to build the second phase of the church building. Surely a day such as today calls each of us to a personal dedication to the will of God now and forever. Our supreme and happy privilege is to send forth men, women, and children converted, called of God, grounded in the Scriptures, and well informed to live and call the people of America and the world to God.

Written by Mary Vaughn.

This brief history was presented in September 2002 at the 75th Anniversary celebration of Penn Memorial Baptist Church. Our church continues to support missions as we helped to send one of our members to China during the summer of 2003. Pastor Tommy continues to lead the church in Evangelism, winning the lost to Christ. We at Penn memorial Baptist Church want to give God all the glory for everything! God bless each and every one of you as we press toward the mark of His High Calling!

We are currently searching for our next pastor. While we are moving forward waiting for the man God is preparing for us as a new Pastor, PMBC continues to strive to see Gods Kingdom to grow. P

What does this mean for you? You're always welcome at PMBC We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be accepted as part of the PMBC's family.