Our History
The name “Chestnut Grove” was chosen because of the grove of chestnut trees on the proposed church site and the land was donated by one of the members. The first permanent building was built of logs about forty feet west of the present building. The logs were cut and the building was erected by the men of the church. This church also served as the school house well into the 1920’s. After many years of hard work and prayer, the present Church was completed around 1887. Some of the members never saw the new building completed. However, their labor was rewarded when the Church body occupied the new building.
The Church has been led over the years by dedicated Ministers: Rev. Joseph Jones, Rev. D.M. Miller, Rev. Warner Jones, Rev. C.S. Logan, Rev, H.D. Perry, Rev. F.W. Montague, Rev. Benjamin Harris, Jr., Rev. Raleigh Bagley III, Rev, Linwood C. Faulk and Rev. Dr. Osa S. Dowdy and our current Pastor, Rev. Larry Harris.
We thank God for the members who saw the need a over 150 years ago to take steps to build this great Church. These saints must have had the faith of a mustard seed. God bless them all as we continue to carry on their legacy.
Our Senior Pastor
Rev. Larry D. Harris has a magnetic personality, blended with an explosive preaching style.
He is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and lived in Atlanta, GA for over half of his life. In 2016 he and his wife relocated to his wife's hometown of Richmond, VA.
Rev. Harris accepted the call to ministry in 1989. He was licensed as a minister of the gospel under the leadership of Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr. of Salem Baptist Church Atlanta, GA in 2000. He was later ordained in September 2001.
In 2000, Rev. Harris responded to the call of God to start a new ministry in the Atlanta metro area, and in September 2001, he formed Sacred Place Community Church, which was instrumental in equipping leaders, Community out-reach, and hosting interactive bibles studies. Throughout the years, Larry has aligned himself with other Churches in helping them strengthen ministries, equip leaders, reach the homeless, and serve where he is needed. Larry has a tremendous passion to reveal God’s Word and he has a contagious spirit of generosity that flows through every facet of his life.
Larry currently serves as senior Pastor of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Arvonia, VA.
He is married to the love of his life, Mary “Cathy” Harris, who is also a minister of the Gospel. They have four wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren.
Larry's Gospel Motto: For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16