Most of the slaves came into this region with their owners from Virginia, Carolina and Kentucky. They settled in the region around Clarksburg, Vermont, Round Hill, and the present day Tipton area. Many of the slaves attended church with their masters and enjoyed a small degree of religious freedom.

After freedom these Christian slaves assembled for worship near a grove of trees in northeast Tipton. They came from miles around on horseback, in wagons, or walking to spread their dinners, sing, pray, and exort one another. This spot later became the site of the original Prairie Grove Baptist Church. The one-acre was given to the Negro people by William Tipton Seely in 1866. The church was organized in that year by Rev. W.P. Brooks of Moberly, Mo.

On Nov. 4, 1884, the second site for the Prairie Grove Church was purchased on Howard Street for $75.00. The first deacon of this church was Silas Howard. In 1892, the third site was purchased 30 feet east of the second site, also for $75.00. These two lots were purchased by the Nickel Mites Club.

In August, 1973, the ground was broken for the present church. It was dedicated in January 1974.

The church had had 20 pastors during its 110-year history. Rev. N.H. Coleman is the present pastor. Deacons are Galveston Shipley, James Shipley and Jack Maupins. Six young men from the church have gone into the ministry.