Butts-Henry County GaArchives History .....Sardis Baptist Church-A Brief Early History. September 18, 1995 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Larry Knowles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00012.html#0002854 April 26, 2005, 9:20 pm Book Title: AN EARLY HISTORY OF SARDIS BAPTIST CHURCH (Page 1) The Baptist Church of Christ at Sardis was constituted on September 27, 1823, in Henry County. There were seven charter members: Catherine Taylor, William Taylor, G. L. Thompson, Margaret Trussel, John Trussel, Moses Cox, and Sarah O'Neal. Very little is known of the formative years, however, it seems likely that prayer meetings were first held in private homes. Public services and camp meetings were probably conducted in sheltered brush arbors. Though "called" by individual churches, circuit preachers provided "pastoral supply", their ministries rotating among the various Baptist groups. By the end of 1825, the small congregation learned they would be taken into newly formed Butts County. On February 16, 1827, James Hunt made a deed of gift of two acres on land lot #230, to "the Baptist Church called Sardis". This parcel, in the 8th district, likely became the site of the first permanent sanctuary, a shake-shingled, log building. Later found on the Roberts place, the plot is near a large old cemetery, which might contain graves of early church members(later graves are surely those of slaves). It is not known if the church formally shortened its name, records are missing between 1880 & 1904, but members, and the public, certainly influenced the change. Reasons for the relocation to Henry Co. are unknown, but the move wasn't far away. On July 25, 1843 the deacons of the church bought two acres for $10, from James Noles(Knowles)lot #202/8th Dist., the present church site. It was not unusual for small buildings to be moved over short distances, so it is possible that the church was physically relocated. In any event, services have taken place here since shortly after that date. From the beginning, communication, and good will, among sister churches(notably Macedonia and Sharon)was strong; correspondents were sent and received frequently, and regional "associations" were joined(Flint River, Central, etc.). Though there is no mention of Sunday School in early church minutes, the church evidently supported community education fully. In several other sources, there are references to schools at Sardis by 1850-and on November 3 1866, W.H. Wilson was given permission to move the school house to the "old camp ground"(perhaps the original church site). Generally, church services, and business meetings, were held monthly and minute entries indicate gatherings on Saturdays and Sundays. For members church doctrine, and regular attendance, were strictly enforced. In conference, absences, and acknowledgements thereof, were called. More serious matters were discussed openly, charges of transgressions, and overt sins of members, were leveled. Committees were named to "cite" members, and counsel with them. It was not unusual for a father to indict his own son for drunkenness, gambling, etc. Excuses for illness, being repentant, etc., usually, were sufficient for restoration to "full fellowship", but intransigent members soon found themselves "excluded". On March 24/25 1848, three members were "expelled", Solomon Underwood, Mary J. Green, and J. H. Cawthon, the latter for saying "hard things of the church". Often, after owning their sins, and asking forgiveness, wayward members were reinstated. At times, the church dealt with more worldly matters. In Summer 1852, one particularly amusing dispute, between members, John Hail(long time church clerk)and James M. Bledsoe, involving land, $50, and a "Jack"(donkey) required committees from Sharon and McDonough Churches for resolution! ______________________________________________________________________ AN EARLY HISTORY OF SARDIS BAPTIST CHURCH (Page 2) On July 22, 1848, Brother C. C. White-pastor, asked for a committee to investigate slanderous reports by "lawless individuals" upon his character. The same day, John Hail was asked to purchase a bible for "the use of the church", and joined a committee with G. L. Thompson, and T. G. Bledsoe, to examine it "before the church received it". In May, the Church had agreed to adopt the "use of Burkes Hymn Book", and appointed correspondents to Sharon, Macedonia, Countyline, Indian Creek, Enon, "Towaleggee", and McDonough churches. They also agreed to purchase a "slab" for the grave of deceased pastor John P. James. Later entries noted that the charges against Brother White were "groundless", and furnished this inscription for pastor James' grave: "Rev. John P. James-Baptist Minister, born 2 Sept 1809, died 8 Sept 1847, The departed was a faithful servant of God".(Still legible, the actual inscription varies substantially. The gravesite has recently been protected by a rustic shelter). Protracted meetings(revivals)and camp meetings, were held in late summer. In July/August 1852, many new members were added: Mary Ann and Abrilla Sharp, Mary Gray, Julia Ann Pace, George Maddox(and others)and, Harriett, slave of N. C. Williamson(whose son, Thomas, was "restored"). Slaves-and former slaves, were part of the church until April 8, 1871, when a general "church letter" was issued for dismissal, providing that their own church would follow Baptist doctrine. One source noted 37 black members at War's end! Slaves sat together in back of white members during regular services, but there were also special sermons for blacks only. Women did not hold church office, but on August 1, 1863, sister Martha Lathram was appointed chorister. There are very few records of early membership-but one roll-dated October 31, 1866, seems representative- at least for white members.(1) The Civil War, understandably, brought many changes to Sardis Baptist Church. The church minutes were quite sparse during the war years-there was a large turn-over in the position of church clerk, as well as that of church "housekeeper". Less than a month after Fort Sumter, on May 4, 1861 the church resolved to set aside the first two days of June-for fasting and prayer, for forgiveness,"for the church and Nation". On January 3 1863, it was noted that, the latest church clerk, F. M. Hail had "gone for the war". Gradually, things returned to normal at "Sardis". In 1874, William Wynn was given permission to teach school in the "church house", being held liable for any damages. Perhaps, it was this building which was later moved(near the trees and former "homecoming" picnic area)for a school in 1891, when the final wooden sanctuary was built. The latter structure, which saw varied uses, was "returned to dust" in 1990, it was a tangible link to much of the past. Still, the cemetery endures! And, the history of Sardis Baptist Church continues. ________________________________________________________________________ Note:(1) The membership list for 1850 showed an almost equal male/female ratio of 81/84. The 1863 ratio was 53/119, perhaps indicating the changes brought by war. The 37 slaves noted above were also listed. Other membership rolls: 1870 & 1877. _____________________________________ Compiled for: Sardis Baptist Church-Encampment/Troop Dedication, October 6 & 7 1995. Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp #108-"Zackry's Rangers"-McDonough, GA. Sources: Sardis Baptist Church Minutes, Georgia State Archives(microfilm)-and a pamphlet for Sanctuary Dedication-August 6, 1978(a brief history-uncredited). Additional Comments: The text above has been reconstituted to resemble the original two page summary, compiled on the date noted. There have been minor revisions since that time, but the major facts are still intact. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/butts/history/other/sardisba33nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/gafiles/ File size: 8.2 Kb