Reclaiming the stories of Harmony Grove

Diane Merritt, owner of surrounding land and congregant of Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church, looks over the historic Harmony Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The land has been passed down through generations since Ervin Merritt, Merritt’s great-grandfather and former slave, inherited over 600 acres from the Bowers family. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)
Diane Merritt, owner of surrounding land and congregant of Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church, looks over the historic Harmony Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The land has been passed down through generations since Ervin Merritt, Merritt’s great-grandfather and former slave, inherited over 600 acres from the Bowers family. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

By Adriana Cascio

Leading News Reporter

 

A white building, crowned with a modest steeple, marks the location of Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church, established as Harmony Grove Baptist Church …