Church History Abstact: Zion Hope Baptist Church, Tift County, GA Submitted by Mary Beth Marchant September 2, 2002 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************************** All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** ZION HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH -ZION HOPE ROAD-TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY, GEORGIA This information has been abstracted from the 125th Anniversary Book printed by the Zion Hope Baptist Church 1984: History Committee Agnes Marchant Amos Marchant Doris Goodwin Betty Braswell Hendricks Swain Eula Daniels Thomas Daniels Omie Hutchinson Carl Ivey "Dedicated with tender devotion to our beloved members with the longest membership Hulcy A. Marchant and Agnes E. Marchant Permission has been given to print this history by: Pastor Olin Hamlin-present Pastor Jimmy Fountain-present Chairman-Board of Deacons Mildred Swain-present Church Clerk HISTORY OF ZION HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH Believing man to be created in the image of God, and desiring to set apart in the community a place where this divine Creator might be worshipped in spirit and truth; a group of interested Christians met together in the year 1859 and organized the Baptist Church of Christ at Zion Hope. Reverand Isaac L. Hobby, Dr. R.D. Sinclair, and the Cox, Davis, Marchant, and McDaniel families were among those who took a leading part in the organization of the church. Rev. W.F. Cox, who served the church during 1888-1889, was the first pastor of which the church has a written record. The first church building was a log structure erected on land originally given by Mr. Thomas S. Rigdon (north side of the church.) Some years later, Mr. Bailus C. Hutchinson gave the land on the south side of the church. Additional land, incorporated into the church cemetery, was given by Mr. W.B. Hutchinson and Mr. W.E. Farmer It is believed that Dr. R.D. Sinclair is one of the first persons to be buried in the cemetery. On November 3, 1967, Rev. Eddie Allen, a former pastor, deeded to Zion Hope Baptist Church the land located on the north side of the church and located between the church property line and the newly paved road. For approximately 25 years the church congregation assembled one Saturday afternoon and Sunday in each month to worship within the rustic beauty of the log building. When the log building had become inadequate, about the year 1884, the church erected a neat, white frame structure for its second house of worship. Here, in the year 1887, met the men and women of faith and vision who organized the Mell Baptist Association "to advise and recommend measures for increasing the harmony, the intelligence, and the spiritual power of the churches, and for the directing of their energies, their resources, their gifts, in advancing their Redeemer's Kingdom on earth." The second building was converted into a school house and the teacher of Zion Hope School was Mr. Jernigan. In the year 1895, the church erected its largest building. Also a white frame structure, this building is remembered as "the old, Big- Top Church." Mr. W.S. (Pony) Smith (contractor and builder), using local help, built the large white structure. Mr. Smith was an active Deacon in the church. Mrs. John Poole had the pews put into the building. She collected eggs, chickens, butter, etc., from the women of the church and sold them in Tifton to get money to pay for the pews. Here, in the year 1897, met the devout group of Baptist people who passed the resolution to establish Norman College as a school to be dedicated to the ideals and principles of providing Christian education and training for young men and women seeking to add to their knowledge in order to prepare themselves for a more abundant life. The Baptist Church of Christ at Zion Hope was at the time a part of Irwin County. In 1905 Tift County was formed making Zion Hope a part of Tift County. Here at Zion Hope in the year 1913, David C. Rainey, a promising young student from Norman College, began his ministry. At various intervals during the next 39 years, "Bro. Rainey" was called again and again to serve as pastor of Zion Hope. And from his first pastorate in 1913, until he retired at Zion Hope on September 21, 1952, even "unto death", Bro. Rainey was truly a "faithful servant" - faithful to Zion Hope - faithful to his fellow man - and faithful to God. After meeting in the large, rambling, white frame structure for approximately 31 years, it became apparent that a more modern and compact unit would be better suited to the needs of the congregation. Thus it was that, in October of 1926, a motion was made and approved by the church to construct a 30 x 50 ft. building at an estimated cost of $1, 115.00. Lumber was salvaged from the third building and was used in the construction of the present house of worship which was completed in the year 1927. The interior of Zion Hope reflects the beauty of simplicity in a country church. The dark brown seats, brought from the third building, placed in the present building when it was completed in the year 1927. In 1948 the church began plans and completed four new Sunday School rooms which were constructed on the south and west side of the church at a cost of $1,416.34. Also in 1948 a small, attractive pastorium was built near the church. As the church continued to grow, more space was needed; and in 1955 a Sunday School annex was completed. This building consists of a large assembly room where mid-week prayer services and other special meetings are held, two class rooms, a kitchen, and two rest rooms. In 1958 a garage, with utility space, was build for the pastorium. After holding quarter-time services for approximately 89 years, the church began a half-time program in 1948 under the leadership of Rev. Coleman Watkins. Weekly prayer services were begun in January of 1948 and the Womens Missionary Society was organized on October 8, 1948. In 1956 a full-time program was initiated with the Rev. H. Cecil Chance serving as the first full-time pastor. In 1938 two sterling offering plates were presented to the church by the children of Mr. and Mrs. John Marchant in memory of their parents. In the fall of 1953, four beautiful new pieces of church furniture were placed in the sanctuary. Small bronze plaques identify these pieces. On the chair to the right of the pulpit, the engraved plaque reads, "In Memory of John Henry Hutchinson by Children and Grandchildren;" on the chair to the left of the pulpit, "In Memory of John Henry Hutchinson by Laura S. Hutchinson;" and on the communion table, placed directly in front of the pulpit, the words engraved on the plaque are: "In Honor of Rev. D.C. Rainey, Faithful Servant." Adding to the comfort and beauty of the interior of Zion Hope, new oak pews were installed on February 28, 1963, with a total cost of $2, 112.00. Family members paid for many of the pews in memory of relatives who had been a part of the history of Zion Hope. Small bronze plaques identify these pews. On July 5, 1959, Zion Hope celebrated her 100th anniversary of its organization. More than 300 people were present. The morning message was given by the Rev. D. Maurice Smith, pastor of Zion Hope in 1927 and 1928. Some of the older members of Zion Hope attending the Centennial celebration were: Mrs. John Henry Hutchinson, Mrs. J.R. Daniels, Mrs. Charlie Belflower, Mrs. Mattie Rutland, and Mrs. Margaret Marchant. Ten ministers were also in attendance. They were: Rev. E.A. Abbott, Rev. I. R. Hobby, Dr. Charles Standridge, Rev. Maurice Smith, Rev. W.T. Bodenhamer, Dr. George C. Gibson, Rev. Cecil M. Leverett, Rev. H. Cecil Chance, Rev. L.M. Potts, and Rev. Paul Henderson who became pastor of Zion Hope on August 9, 1959. During the month of November 1959, a new oak floor was installed in the church sanctuary. New carpet was also installed on the raised pulpit area, around the pulpit, and down the center aisle. In March of 1960, a front porch with columns was added to the front of the church building at a cost of $667.39. The columns were paid for by the children of Mrs. Becky Hutchinson in her memory. Zion Hope made a giant step forward as far as comfort is concerned, in June of 1960. That was the last month that the hand fans, so characteristic of those days, had to be used. An air conditioning system was installed at a cost of $1480.35. A new celotex ceiling was installed in the church sanctuary during December of 1961 and at a cost of $467.00. During the month of January 1963, a new central heating system was installed in the church auditorium to replace the space heaters. Total cost was $454.00. Four new Sunday School rooms were built on to the west side of the church annex during the month of May 1966. The cost of this addition was $3752.74. In November 1966, the foundation of the church building was bricked up with a total cost of $273.79. The need for a dependable water supply was taken care of on May 1, 1967. A deep well was drilled by Bishop Well Company for a total cost of $732.96. The Zion Hope pastorium was completely remodeled in August 1967 and the total cost was $10659.71 Security lights were installed on the church grounds on November 22, 1970. An aluminum carport roof was built on the south side of the church annex for cars to drive under during rainy weather. This was built in September 1971. The pulpit and choir area was enlarged and carpeted during the month of June 1973. The men of the brotherhood did the work and the cost was $200.00. In the month of August 1973, a used school bus was purchased by the church for a church bus ministry. Cost $350.00. Our church charter was voted on and approved on October 13, 1974. On May 2, 1976, a cemetery trust fund was established. The funds will be used for the perpetual care of the cemetery. The church by-laws were voted on and approved by the church on January 2, 1977. On October 1, 1977, Zion Hope started the rotation system for Deacons. A utility-storage building located behind the church pastorium was built by the men of the brotherhood in November of 1979 with a total cost of $700.29. On May 25, 1980, a new sound system was installed in the church auditorium with a cost of $404.19. To complement the beauty of the interior of the church and add to the comfort of the pews, padded cushions were installed in January 1981. Cost $1846.00. Adding to the outside of the church sanctuary, stained glass windows were installed in May 1981 with a cost of $1265.00. In June of 1981, new padded oak pews were purchased and installed in the choir area. Cost $686.10 Zion Hope Baptist Church was first established 125 years ago as a place where people could go and worship "the only true and living God." Today it still stands as a "shining light" in the community; still inviting people to come and worship and give of their time, their talent,s and their gifts that the cause of Christ may continue to be advanced, not only in the community but throughout the world. We are proud of the history of Zion Hope Baptist Church. We are proud that God has used her to be an instrument of hope and refuge through the years. We are proud that we can claim the blessings of God through our beloved.."Zion Hope Baptist Church." For her power and influence through the years we are indebted to God! List of Pastors taken from available church records of April 22, 1984 Rev. W.W. Webb No date given Rev. W.F. Cox 5-4-1888 to1-30-1889 Rev. W.J. Baker 1-4-1890 to10-4-1890 Rev. W.F. Cox 1-3-1891 to11-5-1892 Rev. John A. Cox 12-3-1892 to1-5-1893 Rev. Isaac L. Hobby 12-4-1893 to-5-1896 (Salary $65.00 per year) Rev. John A. Cox 12-5-1896 through unknown date (Salary $100.00 per year) Rev. S.E. Blitch 1903 to1904 No record here Rev. Robertson 1910 to1911 Rev. D.C. Rainey 4-12 to10-3-1925 Rev. Crocran 1-1926 to 9-4-1926 Rev. D.C. Rainey 10-25-1926 to 3-26-1927 Rev. D.M. Smith 7-3-1927 to 10-7-1928 Rev. George C. Gibson 11-3-1928 to 9-4-1929 Rev. Floyd Hobby 3-2-1930 to 10-6-1931 Rev. B. F. Barbee 12-5-1931 to 12-8-1934 No record here Rev. Coleman Watkins 12-7-1947 to 9-18-1949 Rev. D.C. Rainey(interim) retired 9-21-1952 Rev. Millard Cutchens 3-8-1953 to 10-1-1955 Rev. H. Cecil Chance 6-10-1956 to 9-1-1957 (first full-time pastor) Rev. Bartow A. Rakestraw 11-3-1957 to 5-31-1959 Rev. Paul Henderson 8-9-1959 to 4-5-1961 Rev. Eddie Allen 8-13-1961 to 4-16-1967 Rev. James Monroe 6-11-1967 to 7-7-1968 Rev. Talmadge Wilcox 8-11-1968 to 2-6-1972 Rev. George Smith 4-2-1972 to 9-17-1972 Rev. Charles Herman Warnock, III 3-4-1973 to 5-12-1974 Rev. Bobby Sheffield 7-20-1975 to 12-26-1976 Rev. Talmadge Wilcox 9-4-1977 to 8-27-1978 Rev. F. Grady Jones 1-7-1979 to 8-30-1981 Rev. John S. Gibbs, Jr. 5-9-1982 Present Pastor ZION HOPE RULES OF DECORUM FOR CHURCH GOVERNMENT-RIVISED AND ADOPTED MARCH THE THIRD, 1883 Item 1st. Each conference shall be opened with prayer or prase. Theare shall be a moderator and cleark. Whose duty it shall be to preside over the conference. The Pastor shall be the moderator when present. When absent, the church shall appoint one. Item 2nd. It shall be the duty of all male members to attend each conference and in case of missing one he is to make his excuse at the next conference and on missing the second he is also to make excuse and the excuse to be judged by the conference and on missing the third conference he is liable to be delt with and excommunicated unless he has a good and satisfactory excuse which excuse shall be judged by the conference. Item 3rd At each conference the dore of the church shall be open for the reception of members and no member shall be recd without the consent of the conference. No member shall rise to speke without addressing the moderator (illegible here) of brother and shall not be interrupted while speaking unless he departs from the subject and then only by the moderator. No member will be allowed to speak more than (illegible here) Item 4th No brother shall absent him from the conference without leave by moderator. Item 5th It shall be the duty of the church to commune every three months coming at thear January meeting if not providentially prevented. It shall be the duty of all members to take thear seats at the time of communing when present. And any member failing to commune when present it shall be the duty of the officers of the church to inquire into the cause. Item 6th All matters shall be taken up by Move and Second. Item 7th All members shall be subject to the admonition or reprof of the moderator which shall always be given in the Spirit of the Gospel. Item 8th Any member of this church that is guilty of Dancing, Drunkenness, Lying, (illegible) yousing Profane Language, Rioting, Sabbath Braking, Cheating and Defrauding His Nabor or the Sin of Fornication or Going to Law with his Brother without first bringing his case to the church as the chripturs teach and any Member Speaking Evil of his Brother or Sister or Reprotcefully will be considered in disorder and liable to be delt with and excommunicated(illegible) Standing the church may receive acknowledgments as they see proper. Business Conference Minutes Georgia Irwin County May 4th, 1888 The Baptist Church of Christ at Zion Hope met in a called conference after singing and prayer by Bro. W.F. Cox. Item 1st Open the dore of the church for the reception of members recd. Item 2nd Invited visiting members to seats. Item 3rd The moderator stated that the object of the meeting was to here the report of the commitee that was appointed last conference. The commitee reported that they had not fully discharged thear duty and ask the church to forgive them, which they did, and relived the commity. The said commitee was appointed to call in Rev. W.H.C. Olivers Credentials. By motion appointed another commitee consisting of R.D. Sinclair, J.A. Cox, and Rev. J.J. Sumner to make futher investigation in the case of Rev. W.H. C. Olivers and make theare report at the next regler conference, ther being no other business conference closed in order. Signed W.F. Cox, Moderator S.M. Self, Church Clerk This next portion is a list of members and the dates they were received into the church beginning with July, 1860 and ending with September, 1891. Martha Williams by baptism July 23, 1860 Mahaly Carnbell by baptism July 23, 1860 Elizabeth McDaniel by baptism July 23, 1860 Maryann Sinclair by letter December 28, 1860 Mazura Sutton by letter July 23, 1860 Dorah Rigdon by letter July 23, 1860 Nancy Sumner by letter December 14, 1860 Elizabeth Sutton by baptism October 16, 1863 Mary Ross by baptism September 24, 1864 Rebecca Ann Young by baptism September 25, 1864 Mary Ann Rigdon by baptism September 25, 1864 Nancy Jurdon by baptism August 25, 1866 Mary F. Corrington by baptism August 25, 1866 Sabra Liles by baptism August 25, 1866 Margia Liles by baptism August 25, 1866 Martha James by baptism August 25, 1866 Hettie Young by baptism September 24, 1866 Mary Angaline Sinclair by baptism August 27, 1867 Elizabeth Sulivan by baptism July 25, 1868 Elizabeth Sinclair by baptism July 24, 1870 Nancy Linzie by baptism July 25, 1870 Sealey Sutton by baptism August 27, 1870 Angaline Stone by baptism June 21, 1874 Martha Ann Sinclair by baptism July 18, 1874 Louisa S. Sinclair by baptism September 17, 1875 Jane Key by baptism September 20, 1875 Mary Ann Pipkin by baptism September 20, 1875 Mary Ann Balie by baptism September 20, 1875 Angeline Key by baptism September 20, 1875 Martha Conger by baptism August 18, 1877 Lana Marchant by baptism, August 20, 1877 Ellen Sumner by baptism August 21, 1877 Nancy Gaff by baptism August 21, 1877 Laney D. Rigdon by baptism August 21, 1877 Eliza (illegible) by baptism August 21, 1877 John A. Cox by letter May 30, 1884 J.Z. Sutton by voucher July 20, 18?? M.D. Young by baptism July 25, 1860 Wesley Sumner by baptism December 14, 1861 W.H. Barton by baptism August 5, 1875 T.S. Marchant by baptism September 5, 1886 W.J. Horne by baptism September 6, 1886 W.J. Marchant by baptism September 7, 1886 Jacob Marchant by baptism September 7, 1886 William Sumner by baptism September 7, 1886 A.J. Hutchinson by baptism September 7, 1886 W.J. Herring by baptism September 8, 1886 William Marchant by baptism September 8, 1886 A.R. Chambers by baptism September 8, 1886 W.O. Royal by baptism September 7, 1887 F.M. Kelley by letter September 8. 1887 S.B. Lightfoot by voucher September 8, 1887 J.H. Hutchinson by baptism September 8, 1887 A.J. Pope, Jr. by baptism September 8, 1887 G.B. Felts by letter July 1, 1888 J.G. Young by letter July 1, 1888 J.F. Paul by baptism August 6, 1888 J.B. Young by baptism August 6, 1888 Simeon McDaniel by baptism August 6, 1888 Henry McDaniel by baptism August 6, 1888 J.F. Griffin by baptism September 3, 1889 A.G. Felts by baptism September 3, 1889 J.D. Turner by baptism September 14, 1889 W.H. Johnson by baptism April, 5, 1890 Robert Stanford by baptism April 7, 1890 Joseph Sumner by baptism September 7, 1890 J.A. Lipham by baptism August 2, 1891 J.C. Young by baptism August 2, 1891 A.J. Hutchinson by baptism September 6, 1891 S.D. Thomas by baptism September 6, 1891