The history of Clover Garden A.M.E. Church dates back to about 1880, at which time the pioneers worshipped here, first, under the bush arbor. At that time our forefathers, led by the late Rev. Jiles Foster, who was not pastoring a charge at that time, set out to help establish this church along with Bros. John C. Harvey, G.F. Harvey, Robert Ireland, Joe Madkins and others.

After worshipping here for a while, bringing their families by horse or carts and mule drawn wagons; and engaging in prayer meetings with occasional sermons by Rev. Foster, the group decided to purchase land and build a better place of worship.

During the summer of 1890, when the crimson clover was in full bloom, the land was purchased. The deed signed by the late Robert Ireland and Joe Madkins is still visible on our church records today.

As the Brothers walked slowly through the green plush grass, filled with clovers and flowers and thanking God for this Blessing, they said to one another, “What shall we call this church that is about to come into being?” After some moments of consideration and thought from a group of dedicated men from the lips of Brother John C. Harvey came these words, “Clover Garden”, which must have been readily accepted by the group.

These men labored until the first frame church was built under the late Rev. Rudisal, followed by Rev. Donnie Smith, Rev. Poole, Rev. Davis, Rev. Simpson Jones and Rev. C.S. Stroud, who came to us in 1899 followed by Rev. John Tate; by this time, the early church was off to a glorious start with the help of Stewards William Madkins, W.J. Shaw, Issac Wilson, Simon Slade, W.H. Gramack, Henry Ireland and Rev. Yancey Turner, who was a dedicate Missionary Baptist Minister, but loved the A.M.E. Church and worshipped with them as did many others in the 1880’s.

Around 1913 the following ministers came, served and moved on:

Rev. C.A. Stroud Rev. Parley                      

Rev. C.L. Stevens Rev. Murray

Rev. E. Jeffries (build 2ndframe church)     Rev. Thomas Chrismon

Rev. J.O. Foster                                             Rev. P.O. Jones

Rev. R.C. Crutchfield                                    Rev. Morris

Rev. W.T. Harris                                               Rev. C.L. Steele

Rev. W.T. Hunter                                             Rev. C.R. Malloy

Rev. J.N. Reives who started the present brick structure, which was completed by Rev. C.S. Stroud on his second term as, pastor. The faithful laymen were:

Brothers:

P.E. Turner                                                            Virgle Turner

W.B. Slade                                                              Andrew Turner

Huston Turner                                                       Holt Wilson

Floyd Turner                                                         Lee Ireland

Marvin Slade                                                         Lannie Madkins

Dewey Slade                                                         C.W. Waddell

E.D. Gant                                                               George Russell

Stranger Allison                                                   Willie Ireland

Brooks Chrismon          Norman Fuller  James Johnson                  Rev. Lacy Gant

Our past leadership speaks well for itself. Rev. H.J. Jeter, Rev. C.A. Holt, Rev. G.W. Troublefield, these like many others fell with the staff in hand. Thus, the mantle fell on Rev. G.E. Turner, one of our very own, who served well until the coming of Rev. F.R. Pauling.

In the year 2025 we are still learning, growing and engaging and working toward accomplishing our goals and working through new challenges.