Our History
Cedar Grove Christian Church
“For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.”
Hebrews 3:4
For more than a century, Cedar Grove Christian Church has stood as a place of worship, faith, fellowship, perseverance, and service. From humble beginnings in a small frame building surrounded by cedar trees to our present church home in Rowlett, Texas, God has continued to guide Cedar Grove through every generation.
1875 — The Beginning
Cedar Grove Christian Church was organized in 1875 under the leadership of Elders A. J. Hurdle, Glen Clark, C. C. Hailey, and H. S. Gerring.
The congregation first worshiped in a small 12-by-12-foot frame building located on Old Glen Road. The building stood on a hill surrounded by cedar trees. In later years, the congregation adopted the name Cedar Grove.
1882 — A New Place to Worship
In 1882, the Rockwall County School District provided materials for the construction of a one-room facility.
The land was donated by Mr. Glen Clark, a local resident, with the understanding that it would be used while the school remained in operation. Cedar Grove also began holding worship services in the building.
1928 — Faith Through Adversity
In the early summer of 1928, the building was destroyed by fire.
Without a church building, the Cedar Grove congregation continued to worship beneath shade trees during the warmer months.
Later that year, Sister Martha Roberts, a church member and community resident, offered a vacant house for rent to both the school district and Cedar Grove.
The property was located in the lower Glen Hill Settlement, an area that is now beneath the waters of Lake Ray Hubbard.
During this period, Cedar Grove was under the leadership of Elder P. Thomas.
1930 — The Tabernacle
In 1930, Sister Jody Chisolm, daughter of one of Cedar Grove's founders, provided land for the construction of a tabernacle.
The tabernacle was located approximately 100 feet southwest of a later Cedar Grove location.
The congregation was led by Elder Noah Johnson.
1940 — Moving Forward
In 1940, a new school building was constructed on land located near what is now Lake Ray Hubbard.
The land was donated by longtime church official and community resident Brother John Martin.
Cedar Grove moved its worship services from the dirt-floor tabernacle into the new schoolhouse.
At the time, Elder T. E. Campbell served both as pastor and community teacher.
1942–1952 — Building a Sanctuary
By 1942, Cedar Grove's membership had begun to grow under the leadership of Elder W. M. Waterhouse.
The congregation began raising funds for a larger place of worship. Land for the church was donated by the late Sister Chisolm.
The new structure was built by the late Brothers Houston Moton and R. T. Moton.
Under the leadership of Elder Ferguson, the sanctuary was completed in 1952.
The late Elder H. G. Smith led the congregation in its dedication service.
Cedar Grove continued to grow during the pastorates of Elder R. L. Searcy and Elder M. L. Fountain.
1976–1977 — A New Church Building
On November 14, 1976, Cedar Grove held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new church building under the leadership of the late Elder James Hollis Jennings.
During construction, worship services were temporarily held at Lake Chapel Funeral Home in Rockwall.
On May 1, 1977, Cedar Grove held a dedication service at its new location overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard, east of Interstate 30 and FM 740/Ridge Road in Rockwall County.
Elder Carlos Bates, who was serving as pastor, led the congregation during the celebration.
1982 — Continuing the Work
On July 4, 1982, Brother Gilbert Guidry Jr. was appointed pastor and served Cedar Grove faithfully.
The congregation also celebrated the burning of the loan note for the sanctuary during the fourth Sunday of January 1982, marking an important financial milestone for the church.
1988–2001 — Ministry and Growth
In October 1988, Brother Albert J. Burris was appointed pastor.
During his leadership, Cedar Grove was blessed with several associate ministers, including:
Brother James Strange, Brother Alex Spencer, Brother Lorenzo Smith, Brother W. D. Hines, and Brother Greg Wren.
Brother Burris retired in November 2001 after years of service to the congregation.
2001 — A New Chapter in Leadership
In November 2001, Brother Larry R. Robertson Sr. was appointed pastor of Cedar Grove Christian Church.
Under his leadership, Cedar Grove entered another season of ministry, growth, outreach, and preparation for the future.
In 2004, Brother Gary Nelson became Associate Pastor.
2005 — Investing in the Next Generation
In the spring of 2005, Cedar Grove established a college scholarship fund to support young people pursuing higher education.
The first scholarships were awarded in August 2005 to La Sonya Nelson and Daralyn Caraway.
That same year, the Eugene Wright Male Chorus was organized in honor of longtime and faithful choir member Eugene Wright.
In December 2005, Cedar Grove held its first annual Christmas Banquet, coordinated by Sister Edna Blackshear.
2007 — Building Toward the Future
In April 2007, under the leadership of Pastor Larry Robertson, Cedar Grove established a building fund.
On October 14, 2007, the church held its first Octoberfest Celebration.
These efforts became important steps toward Cedar Grove's future home.
2008–2009 — Preparing for a New Home
In 2008, Cedar Grove purchased property at:
4601 Sunny Brook Drive
Rowlett, Texas
On May 1, 2009, the women of Cedar Grove held their first annual Women's Retreat at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Hotel.
On October 3, 2009, Cedar Grove held its land dedication ceremony for the new property.
2012 — Closing One Chapter
On July 31, 2012, Cedar Grove administrators signed closing documents finalizing the sale of the church property overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard.
The congregation began preparing for the next chapter of Cedar Grove's ministry.
2013 — Groundbreaking and Transition
On April 13, 2013, Cedar Grove held a groundbreaking celebration for its new church home at 4601 Sunny Brook Drive in Rowlett, Texas.
On June 16, 2013, Cedar Grove held its final worship service at 2880 Horizon Road in Rockwall.
On June 23, 2013, the congregation moved temporarily to the Best Western Plus Hotel in Rockwall, where worship continued while the new church was being completed.
2014 — A New Church Home
On May 15, 2014, Cedar Grove held a parking lot extravaganza and dedication celebration at the new church property.
On June 15, 2014, the congregation held its first worship service at 4601 Sunny Brook Drive in Rowlett, Texas.
The move represented far more than a new building. It marked another chapter in the faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment of generations of Cedar Grove members.
Continuing the Legacy
From worshiping beneath shade trees to building tabernacles, schoolhouses, sanctuaries, and eventually a new church home, Cedar Grove Christian Church has remained rooted in faith.
Buildings have changed. Communities have changed. Generations have changed.
But the foundation remains the same:
Jesus Christ.
Today, Cedar Grove continues the work started by those who came before us—worshiping God, teaching His Word, serving our community, investing in our youth, strengthening families, and preparing the next generation to carry the ministry forward.
Honoring Our Past. Serving in the Present. Building for the Future.
To God be the glory for all He has done and all that is yet to come.
