Our Church History
Our Beginnings
Briar Fork Cumberland Presbyterian Church was established in the early 1900s under the leadership of the Reverend Anthony Bolden.
The church began with 25 members, a number often associated in Scripture with grace, restoration, and new beginnings.
The first church site was located north of the Flint River in an area known as Old Briar Fork.
Our Place by the River
The congregation later moved to the south side of the Flint River, settling on land given for church use by a local white landowner.
The church later secured permanent ownership of nearby property when Reverend Will Hayden, an African American minister, purchased and deeded land to the congregation.
The early church building was a small wooden structure on a hill, shaded by oak trees and resting near the waters of the Flint River—a peaceful place for worship and prayer.
Faithful Pastoral Leadership
Briar Fork has been blessed with many devoted pastors, including:
Reverend Anthony Bolden
Long-Serving Pastors
-
Reverend George Moore, Sr. – 1954 to 1990
-
Reverend Dr. Theodis Acklin – 1992 to 2025
During their ministries:
-
A new sanctuary was constructed in 1964 under Reverend Moore’s leadership.
-
A full sanctuary renovation was completed in 1992 under Reverend Dr. Acklin’s leadership.
-
A Fellowship Hall was dedicated in honor of Reverend George Moore, Sr.
National Church Leadership
Briar Fork holds a unique place in the denomination’s history. Four former pastors of this congregation have served as Moderator of the CPCA General Assembly, the highest elected leadership office in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America:
-
Reverend E. D. (Earl) McDonald – 1966–1967
-
Reverend R. L. (Robert) Blackburn – 1970–1971
-
Reverend Hosea Garrett – 1979–1980
-
Reverend Dr. Theodis Acklin – 2022–2023
A New Chapter
In 2026, following the passing of Reverend Dr. Theodis Acklin in 2025, Briar Fork welcomed Reverend Chantaye Elmore Knotts as Stated Supply Pastor.
She is the first woman in the church’s century-long history to serve in a pastoral role.
Our Continuing Mission
Today, Briar Fork continues to serve Christ and the community through:
-
Worship and prayer
-
Christian education
-
Community outreach
-
Faithful witness along the Flint River