Dodge County GaArchives Church Records.....History of Eastman Baptist Church
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 December 28, 2004, 12:11 pm

THE EASTMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.

Copied from article written by the late Walter M. Lee., A.M., Th.D.

  THE EASTMAN BAPTIST CHURCH was constituted June 1, 1878, the presbytery having
been composed of Rev. W. S. Ramsay and Rev. F. C. Waite. The following members
entered the organization: Rev. F. C. Waite, from Bethel Church, Bibb County;
Deacon M. L. Burch, Mrs. E. A. Burch, Laurens County; Mrs. Georgia Vining,
Senoia Church, and the following from Sugar Creek Church, Dodge County: Noah and
Elizabeth Powell, Anna P. Ashburn, Ella Ash-burn, George C. Culbreth, Margaret
Culbreth and W. S. Waite.

  A decorum opposing traffic in liquor and participation in the dance was
adopted. Rev. A. J. Battle of Mercer University, gave great satisfaction to the
church and congregation by a sermon he preached soon after the organization. In
September, 1878, Rev. James Williamson was called to the pastorate, in which
position he continued until October 23, 1880.

  During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Williamson, a lovable and pious old gentleman
of excellent pastoral gifts, M. L. Burch was elected clerk, and G. W. Culbreth
was licensed to preach. The services were held in the court house, except at
times when court was being held, at which time the Saturday services were
dispensed with.

  During 1878 and the following years many of the members of old Sugar Creek
Church gradually united with the Eastman Church. Rev. T. C. Boykin visited the
church in February, 1879, in the interest of the Sunday School work. Rev. F. C.
Waite was dismissed by letter to remove to other parts. Rev. P. A. Jessup and
wife were received into the church by letter from South Macon August 16, 1870.
Immediately Mr. Jessup became an active member of the body. He was among the
first messengers to the New Ebenezer Association from the Eastman Church, and
led in the movement to erect the first building for the church. Out of courtesy
to the Sugar Creek Church, Rev. P. A. Jessup, on the 25th of October, 1879, made
a motion that the Eastman Baptist Church be called the Eastman Sugar Creek
Baptist Church, for the sake of harmony with the members of Sugar Creek Church,
who had a commendable pride in its history.

  The Sugar Creek Baptist Church was established about the year 1811, in what
was then Pulaski County, and was located about a mile above Eastman on the
Cochran road, just across the railroad from the cotton mill. Stone Creek Church,
Wilkinson County, into the fellowship of which the father of Rev. P. A. Jessup
had been baptized, was established in 1809. The Sugar Creek Church was dismissed
from the Hepzibah Association in 1813 to unite in forming the Ebenezer
Association. It came out of the Ebenezer with the churches that formed the New
Ebenezer.

  On October 25, 1879, the Methodist Church of Eastman offered to the Baptists
the use of their building, which offer was accepted and thanks rendered therefor
through a committee. February 21, 1880, Rev. P. A. Jessup made a motion that
plans for a church building be drawn and trustees be appointed to receive and
hold titles for the same, the trustees being appointed as follows: D. M.
Roberts, P. A. Jessup, M. L. Burch, J. J. Hamilton, H. S. Hill. The next day the
site was located and subscription lists opened, or plans for the same were laid
out. On October 23, 1880, Rev. P. A. Jessup was called to the pastorate, which
office he held at various times for eleven years. Dr. Jessup, who under God. had
been such a mighty power in the evangelization and educational uplift of South
Georgia during the past generation, was missionary at Eastman and vicinity
during the early eighties of the last century. Pastor at Eastman eleven years,
at Cochran five years, at Tifton four years, at Leesburg four years, at Cordele
one year, at Sylvester five years, and at other prominent localities a leader in
the work of Georgia Baptists, he accomplished a work that has been the
foundation for the magnificent superstructure of Baptist prosperity and growth,
which we now discover on every hand. He has left his mark on nearly every
prominent church in the southwestern section of Georgia. A member of the Georgia
Baptist State Board of Missions for nine years, secretary of the South Georgia
Baptist Convention for six years, and a trustee of Mercer University for
twenty-two and a half years, his influence was known and perceptibly felt in
every corner of the State. He was a leader in the foundation of several of the
most prominent educational institutions in South Georgia. His educational dreams
for South Georgia are just now being realized in the prosperity of the
institutions, which he aided in securing a foothold. His religious statesmanship
and prophetic foresight should receive the recognition of the denomination. His
faith in the future of South Georgia has been bright for these forty years. We
are now entering into the fruitage of his extensive labors, and sharing the
delightful realization of his prophetic dreams.

  About Christmas, 1884, the Eastman Church received a handsome pulpit from a
Boston, Mass., firm. During the preceding November a fruitful revival season was
experienced, Dr. Jessup being pastor. Dr. Jessup has baptized hundreds of people
over South Georgia. Even though dead he shall still speak through his works.
Eastman Church should be thankful for having adopted this young seer in his
early struggles. The Eastman Times spoke in high terms of praise of his Easter
discourse in the spring of 1887. The church was beautifully decorated for the
occasion. Immediately after the ordination of Rev. R. E. L. Harris, in the fall
of 1889, Rev. W. M. Harris, his brother, aided Dr. Jessup in a meeting. Dr.
Jessup was frequently called upon to assist in ordaining deacons and bishops.

  During the first twenty-five years of the history of the Eastman Baptist
Church it grew from a membership of thirteen to a hundred and ninety-nine. The
latter number was reached during the pastorate of Rev. M. H. Massey.

  Rev. James Williamson, the first pastor, was a school teacher for many years.
  He taught and preached in Pulaski, Dodge, Telfair and Laurens Counties. He was
for twenty years pastor of the Haw-kinsville Church and as such laid foundations
for much of the progress of South Georgia Baptists. He left Glasgow, Scotland,
at seventeen years of age, taking passage for Nova Scotia.   Passing thence to
New Orleans, he later walked overland to Savannah, preaching as he came along
the way.   He met and married a Mrs. Harvey, a widow, in Chatham County, soon
after his arrival in Georgia.   Of this union were born two sons, Rev. Raymond
H. Williamson, who died in Clinch County, Georgia, after a useful career in the
Baptist ministry, and Dr. Curtis Williamson, a physician, who lived and died in
Laurens County, Georgia. The name of one of the three daughters of James
Williamson by this union was Mary E. Williamson, who was married to D. H. Maloy,
a mechanic. Three sons of D. H. Maloy and wife became physicians, viz., John K.,
H. S., and W. C. Maloy, the first of whom lives at Milan and the last of whom
lived at Rhine. The descendants of James Williamson have been faithful
supporters of the Baptist cause in South Georgia.   James Williamson was buried
at Sharon Church, south of Rhine.  Nearby lie many of his descendants, among
whom are the remains of Dr. W. C. Maloy, who was one of the most substantial and
liberal members of the church at Rhine. Two of the sons of James Williamson were
Baptist ministers, James W. and John K., both of whom resided and labored in
Telfair County.

  When Dr. Jessup became pastor at Easman there were only a score of members,
and the church was very weak. In the years 1883, 1886 and 1889, however, there
were great revivals. Sixty-three members were added during 1883, fifty-four in
1886, and twenty-nine in 1889. The highest figure reached by the membership
during the pastorate of Dr. Jessup was one hundred and sixty in 1889. Dr. A. J.
Battle was pastor during a portion of 1888. This was the only break in Dr.
Jessup's pastorate, which lasted until Rev. J. A. Scarboro assumed the pastorate
in 1891. There was a notable growth in mission contributions during the eleven
years of Dr. Jessup's leadership. The largest figure reached was $200.00 per annum.

  On June 26, 1881, Albritton Edwards, deacon, and his wife from Piney Grove
Church, Gates County, North Carolina, were received by letter. Other members
came from this county later. On July 24, 1881, J. J. Hamilton, former deacon of
old Sugar Creek Church, was charged to sell two acres of land in lot number 11,
15th district of Dodge County, former site of Sugar Creek, the proceeds of which
were to be used for the new church building. Proceeds were $25.00. On September
25, 1881, E. H. Bacon and wife, most faithful and useful members of Eastman
Church, were received by letter from the Albany Church. Rev. J. H. DeVotie and
Rev. Richard Woodward visited the church in those days and preached. The
membership was growing rapidly, both by letter and experiences.

  The Sunday School was organized May 6, 1883, in the new building (the first
service held). Dr. E. H. Bacon was elected Superintendent; D. T. Daughtry,
Assistant Superintendent; W. J. Darden, Secretary; M. H. Collins, Assistant
Secretary; T. J. Buckner, Librarian; William Harrell, Assistant Librarian.
Resolutions expressing the "grateful remembrance in which the Christian kindness
and courtesy of the Methodists" were held because of their permission to use the
Methodist building, were passed. An offer to return the favor when needed was
made. On May 27, 1883, the first preaching service was held, and a number of
members were received. J. T. Lee, from Central Point Church, Dodge County, was
received. Dr. Jessup was appointed to confer with all the members of Sugar Creek
and ask them into the organization.

  It is said that the first Sunday School in Eastman was organized about the
year 1881 in the home of Gen. Ira Foster, with a class of two pupils taught by
his daughter, Miss Almathea Foster.

  In the meeting of July 6, 1883, when so many were received and baptized, the
records state that J. H. DeVotie and E. W. Warren were present and aided the
pastor. Twenty-five members, more or less, were received in the meeting, among
whom were Milton H. Edwards, W. M. Leggett, Lovelace Harrell, H. J. Sapp, M. H.
Collins and others. More Sugar Creek members also came afterward, and when they
tried to close the meeting the people demanded its continuance.

  The Acorn Society gave the funds on hand to plaster the church and plans were
made to heat and light the building. Rev. J. T. Lee was dismissed by letter June
22, 1884. The New Ebenezer Association met at Parkerson's Church in October,
1884, and the Eastman Church contributed through the Association to State
missions. Thus began the missionary contributions, which grew annually and were
donated to all types of missions thenceforward.

  At the request of the East Macon Church, Rev. Charles Dilworth was ordained by
the Eastman Church in 1886. The next year certain members joined the
Campbellites and were excommunicated. J. A. Buchannan was recognized as a deacon
May 6, 1888.

  In 1889 Rev. P. A. Jessup was called for full time. The church asked the State
Board to assist in mission work along the G. S. & F. Railroad.

  Just after the meeting of the New Ebenezer Association held in Cochran in
1890, Rev. J. A. Scarboro was called to the pastorate. Rev. M. H. Harris was
ordained to the ministry May 3, 1891 by the Eastman Church, and in the same
year, 1891, E. H. Bacon and M. H. Edwards were elected deacons. M. H. Edwards
was a faithful and godly deacon for twenty-seven, years and served as clerk for
nine years. October 4, 1891, he was ordained along with E. H. Bacon. Much of the
progress and growth of the church is attributed to his fidelity in service, and
many friends rise to attest his probity, honor, rectitude, sobriety and
consecration. He was an excellent business man, and a liberal supporter of the
Lord's work. T. H. Edwards was elected Treasurer and J. M. Bohannon, Clerk,
January 3. 1892. J. C. Carr was called to ordination, which event took place
October 30, 1892. The presbytery was composed of J. A. Scarboro, P. A. Jessup,
E. W. Evans, and M. H. Harris. They ordained him "Bishop," states the record.
Mrs. M. H. Edwards of the missionary society made her annual and quarterly
reports, which frequently reached nearly $200.00.

  Rev. Scarboro succeeded Dr. Jessup when the latter was called to Cochran. The
work of Dr. Jessup at this latter city was phenomenally successful. He succeeded
in uniting the rended body of Christ, and a great revival ensued, in which
seventy-six members were added in one year, the year 1891. Mission gifts
increased, a commodious pastorium was erected and the membership grew to two
hundred and twenty-nine members.

  Rev. J. A. Scarboro accepted a call from the church in October, 1890. Just
before his arrival a festival was given for the purpose of raising money to
carpet the church. The Eastman Times stated that it was a success in every
particular. In March, 1891, an oyster and ice cream supper was given, netting
$45.00, funds to be used in papering the church. The Eastman Church gave the
State a notable woman in the person of Mrs. W. W. Ashburn. The W. M. S. under
the leadership of Mrs. Ashburn and Mrs. Carr gave liberally to the church
expenses and missions while Mr. Scarboro was pastor.

  In the beginning of 1892 the church was again without a pastor, but after a
short interim Rev. H. H. Harris became pastor, and served during 1892 and 1893.
He was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Brew-ton in a six-year pastorate. The pastorate
of Dr. Brewton was marked by gradual growth in membership and considerable
growth in mission liberality. The most pronounced growth, however, took place
during the pastorate of his successor, Rev. M. H. Massey. Fifty-nine members
were added during the second year of his pastorate. He began reaping the seed
which had been so faithfully sowed and cultivated by his godly predecessors in
the ministry.

  The New Ebenezer Association met at Bethel in Dodge County in 1895, at
Bethlehem in Dodge County, on October 4, 1896, at McRae, October 13, 1897, and
at Snow Hill in Laurens County, October 13, 1898. The Eastman Church was one of
the best churches in the organization.

  Rev. R. S. Johnson was called to ordination May 6, 1894, by the Pine Hill
Church, and thus was added another to the servants of God, which this great
church has sent forth to preach everlasting tidings of grace. February 13, 1898,
J. D. Page and T. J. Key were elected deacons, and only a few months afterwards,
on July 24, 1898, the Reidsville Church having requested the ordination of Rev.
J. A. Harris to the ministry, he was duly ordained by the following presbyters:
Revs. R. E. L. Harris, W. J. Barton, J. C. Brewton and M. L. Burch. E. J. Barton
delivered the charge and the record says he did it well.

  Dr. E. H. Bacon continued in office from 1884 to 1906, when he was succeeded
by M. H. Edwards. M. L. Burch was clerk of the church from 1878 to 1884, when he
was succeeded by M. H. Edwards, who served to January, 1892. J. M. Bohannon was
his successor.

  During the pastorate of Rev. J. C. Brewton, the church property was rated in
value at $5,500.00. The church raised annually about $1,000.00 for all purposes
and the Sunday School about $65.00. The ordained ministers in a body, in 1894,
were John C. Carr, R. S. Johnson, and T. W. Dean. The deacons of the church were
M. L. Burch, E. H. Bacon, M. H. Edwards, and J. L. Estes. Amoskeag Sunday School
was under the direction of the church with about fifty pupils. The church
membership numbered 137, and the Sunday School had enrolled about 100 pupils. By
1895 the number of members had increased to 180. There was a falling off in
membership for two or three years, but under the pastorate of Rev. M. H. Massey,
in 1902, the membership reached 199.

  Rev. Mr. Massey and wife experienced great sorrow at Eastman in the loss of
two of their children. Brother Massey laid firm foundations for future growth.
In March, 1906, Brother Massey was called to Statesboro. He had made Eastman a
good pastor and an able preacher of the word.

  Rev. Walter M. Gilmore, for nearly ten years pastor at Brunswick, became
pastor in 1906. Seventy members were added during the first year of his
pastorate. Contributions for missions exceeded those for current expenses. Many
improvements were going on in Eastman, and a score of residences were being
erected. Prof. W. A. Mulloy of the public schools was a strong worker in the
church. The pastor was aided in a meeting by Rev. W. H. Sledge of the Home Board
in the summer of 1907, in which there were thirty-four additions. Meetings were
held in stores and other business places down town. The entire city was moved.
The New Ebenezer Association met with the church in the fall of 1907 for the
first time in twenty years.

  At the close of the third year of the pastorate of Brother Gilmore there had
been 163 members added to the church, about half of whom had come in by baptism.
The church had given eight times more for missions than it had given four years
previous. The work of Brother Gilmore is still spoken of in terms of praise by
those who are acquainted with added membership of the church.

  Rev. S. J. Parrish served the church as pastor very acceptably. His
evangelistic gifts made his ministerial labors popular, and numbers were added
to the church.

  Rev. Alec Bealer next accepted care of the church. The Sunday School
attendance was improved and a number of baptisms from the Sunday School were
reported. The W. M. S. also made marked progress. The benevolent gifts of the
church increased under the ministry of Rev. Bealer. His strong sermons were
appreciated by the membership and the congregations were good.

  He endeavored to lead the church in the erection of a new building, but the
war prevented the success of the enterprise. Dr. Bealer was succeeded by Rev. J.
S. Hartsfield, who was very popular among all classes in Eastman. He adapted
himself to all classes and made many friends. His efforts to build a new edifice
met with success, $7,500.00 being pledged at the first offering. The new church
was completed under his pastorate at a cost of $21,000.00. It was a source of
pride to the citizens of Eastman and Dodge County. The building committee
consisted of W. N. Leitch, A. P. Petway, W. L. Jessup, C. C. Clark, and S. C.
Smiley. The pastor expended a great deal of his time overseeing the work. W. L.
Jessup presented the church with a valuable pipe organ.

  Several attempts were made to organize a Sunday School convention, and the
efforts finally succeeded in 1883. The Eastman Church was a pioneer advocate of
the Sunday School in the New Ebenezer. It was also a liberal giver to the New
Ebenezer College at Cochran. The church also assisted in a substantial manner in
paying for the first house of worship at Lumber City, Chauncey and other places.
The women of the church aided in supporting the missionaries of the Association,
T. B. Windham, W. L. Geiger, W. J. Baker, D. Seigler, W. M. Miles, J. D. Rabun,
W. M. Williamson and others. The Eastman Church has developed in the midst of a
very uncongenial atmosphere. There was much antagonism to missions and education
in the early years of the church. Apathy, indifference, ignorance, stagnation,
and anti-missionism prevailed in the surrounding territory for many years.
Gambling, dram drinking, superstition, illiteracy, and non-progressiveness were
the devils which had to be cast out before the spirit of the Lord could come in.
There were almost as many devils in the wiregrass as there were gophers.

  In 1919 Brother Hartsfield left the church to accept another call, and was
succeeded by Rev. H. D. Johnson, who made many friends during his sojourn here.
He was an eloquent speaker and the church prospered under his leadership. He was
followed by Rev. W. A. Duncan, who was also a good preacher and pastor. After
the departure of Brother Duncan the Rev. H. L. Driscoll accepted the pastorate,
and under his leadership many additions were added to the church. During his
pastorate the magnificent church building was burned. Brother Driscoll and the
members began at once plans for building another church, and in a few months
another magnificent building was erected. Mr. Driscoll accepted a call to a
church in Louisiana, and Rev. W. B. Feagin was called to the pastorate. After
staying here one year he accepted a call to the Baxley church, and Rev. J. S.
Hartsfield returned to the pastorate that he had left eleven years previously.
The congregation and the town at large were delighted in having this godly man
and his consecrated wife among them again. The church continues to grow, many
new members having been added during the past year.


Additional Comments:
From:

HISTORY
OF
DODGE COUNTY

COPYRIGHT    1932
By MRS. WILTON PHILIP COBB

Printed by
FOOTE & DAVIES CO., ATLANTA.



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