This History was found in the Butts County Probate Court and was probably written by Luther J. Washington, Ordinary of Butts County 1965-1976 and member of the church.
Transcribed and submitted by V. S. Harrison
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HISTORY OF WORTHVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
In the summer of 1887 a few devoted men and women seeing the need of church in the Worthville Section got together and after discussing the matter under the leadership of Rev. J. G. Gunn, they met together in an old community church located where L. R. Washington now lives and constituted what is now Worthville Baptist Church. There were 36 charter members and many others came in throughout the year. The first thing they did was to appoint a committee to find and purchase a place for the new church. The committee bought the two acres where the church now stands and then commenced to buy material for the building. The committee consisted of the following charter members: M. A. Benson, Monroe Gray, A. J. Roberts, and F. C. Stephens. Money was raised and many gave of their time, and the work went on.
While the work was going on, there was a new revival held by Rev. J. G. Gunn, Rev. Timothy Kimbell and Rev J. G. Kimbell. This revival put the people in great spirits, and they gave liberally of their time toward the new building.
While the building was going on, the church met in conference and called their first pastor. Some wanted Rev. Gunn, and others wanted Rev. James Kimball; so they called them both to serve jointly for one year. After the church was finished they called Rev. J. G. Kimball, who was pastor until 1895.
The work continued to grow under these noble leaders until 1895 when they called Rev. I. G. Walker, a young man just out of school who held one of the greatest meetings in the church�s history, baptising 44 at one time, others by letter, making 56 new additions that year. Brother Walker was just a young man, but became one of the outstanding men of his generation. The church has had many pastors and has always been on a progressive line. It has held on to the faith, and stands today uncompromising with sin and worldly things. There had never been a serious break in the fellowship at any time, and the membership is made up of the outstanding people of the community and of surrounding areas.
The year 1889 was the first for the church in its regular work. The church at this time was trying to complete its building and gave some to the faithful pastors for their services. One dollar was sent to the minute fund. There was no Sunday School reported. M. A. Benson and F. C. Stephens went to the Flint River Association which met a Zebulon, Georgia with the church letter and asked to be admitted as a member. The request was granted.
In 1897 the Kimbell Association was organized, and Worthville Church withdrew from the Flint River Association to become a charter member of the Kimbell Association.
In 1903 there were twelve additions, but twenty-one loses by letter. There was no Sunday School, but the people kept a cottage prayer meeting going the year around, and many prayer services were held.
The church was supplied by visiting preachers in 1907. The total gifts raised for all purposes were only $73.71.
There were twenty-six members added in 1915, and the Sunday School was in fine shape, with an enrollment of 85. There was also a program started for training the children.
In 1927, the church had a good revival. There were no additions, but large crowds enjoyed the services twice daily. The church enlisted Rev. J. B. Stodghill to do the preaching this year. He was reared near the church and joined her in December, 1903, but had been away for several years. The meeting was like a reunion to him, his old playmates, and friends. The W. M. U. and Sunbeam enrollment was 43.
In the revival season of 1928, there were seven added to the membership, making a total of 148 at the close of the year. The Sunday School enrollment was the largest on record: 140, until this year, 1956.
On the third Sunday in September, 1934, Mr. Ralph Stodghill was ordained a deacon, and Rev. R. E. Chambers to the full ministry.
In October, 1936, the church raised enough money to paint and repair the church inside and outside.
Bro. J. B. Stodghill, who was our pastor for 20 years, was taken ill in August, 1947, and even though he was unable to carry out his active duties, he remained our pastor until he died in February, 1948. He was very faithful to Worthville, and considered every member a personal friends. His memory will always be cherished by those who knew him.
The church had different preachers to supply until May 16, 1948, when Rev. Aaron L. Spinks was called to begin June 13, Semi-monthly services. In November, the brethren met and covered the north side of the church and steeple.
The church was painted outside by the members in March, 1949.
In 1952 one of the largest projects ever undertaken was completed. Six large Sunday School rooms, and an assembly room, was added to the church. Many people gave of their time and money to this project.
There has been several improvements to our church since the history was given in 1954. On July 4, 1954, the church voted to buy a church bus. This bus was purchased in October, 1954, and has proved to be a great asset to our church. We have the largest Sunday School enrollment on record: 154.
We had two deacons ordained in December 1954: Carlton Morris and J. G. Johnson, making the total number of deacons, twelve. We lost by death this year our beloved C. F. Smith.
In January of 1955 the church bought a new piano. Then in October, 1955 we voted to install a folding curtain in our assembly room, thereby making an additional Sunday School room.
In March 1956, we installed fluorescent lighting.
We have had many improvements to the church grounds. They have been leveled, harrowed, and sown in grass. Permanent picnic tables have been completed, and new shrubbery planted. The church has also purchased a new lawn mower.
In the first part of 1956, we had the church refloored, and finished in natural shellac. One of our largest improvements since our Sunday School rooms, is of course, the purchase of new pews, our most recent addition.
It is very interesting to go back into history and compare the total gifts collected for a year. For instance, the lowest that we have recorded is $73.91 in 1907, as compared with $5718.06 in 1955. Mr. L. R. Washington reports that by the end of 1956 we will probably have collected over $6500, including donation for the pews. Or the first few years of our history, we don�t have a record of total gifts, as the pastors were paid what was collected during a service. Mr. Washington reports that pastors have been pain as little as $1.50 per service.
OFFICIALS OF WORTHVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH - 1956
Pastor M. F. Holt, Jr. Sunday School Supt. Carlton Morris B.T.U. Director Lynwood Parker Clerk L. J. Washington Treasurer L. R. Washington Pianist Mrs. Carlton Morris W.M.S. President Mrs. O. P. Stephens G. A. Counselor Mrs. Willie Hall Brotherhood President Rufus Kitchens BTU, Sunday Sch., &
Brotherhood TreasO. P. Stephens
Sunday School Teachers - 1956:
Rev. M.F. Holt Adult Mrs. M. F. Holt Ladies Adult Mrs. Carlton Morris Young Married Mrs. J. H. Pope Young Ladies J. G. Johnson Young Men R. B. Kitchens Intermediate Boys Mrs. O. P. Stephens Junior Mrs. Dolly May Bowen Junior Miss Mildred Ingram Primary Mrs. R. B. Kitchens Beginner
Training Union Leaders - 1956
J. G. Johnson Adult Mr. & Mrs. Rufus Kitchens Intermediate Carlton Morris and Mrs. L. J. Washington Junior Mrs. Alton Kitchens Primary Mrs. F. B. Mason Beginner.
Board of Deacons - 1956
L. L. Washington
L. R. Washington
L. J. Washington
Almond Washington
F. B. Mason
Alton Kitchens
Rufus Kitchens
O. P. Stephens
Acie Smith
Curtis Johnson
J. G. Johnson
Carlton Morris.
Our first full-time pastor was Rev. Miles F. Holt, Jr. Who served from 1954 until 1957 when Rev. Bob D. Sheppard was called as pastor.
In 1957, land was purchased from the Thaxton Estate for the purpose of building a church pastorium. Purchase price for the acre of land was $200.00. The Thaxton family donated $100.00 as a gift to the church, with the church paying $100.00. Many church members gave of their time and money to build the pastorium, and because of the faithfulness it was only necessary to secure a loan of $3000.00.
Under the leadership of Rev. Sheppard the first church choir was organized, as well as a children�s choir. Because of his devotion and service the church grew and prospered, and experienced much joy and happiness.
In 1960, while Rev. Wendell Banks was pastor, the church voted to build four additional Sunday School rooms because of a sizable increase in out enrollment. In 1961 (May 7, 1961) the church started a building fund for the purpose of building a new church. This was begun by Rev. Banks and Otis Stephens was appointed Treasurer of this Special Fund. To help our building fund grow, each church family was given a bank to keep on their dinner table and asked to put 1 cent per meal for each member of the family, this created much interest in our building fund. For a long time our church had been in need of a new building and through this building fund our Dream became a Reality.
In 1962, new pulpit furniture was purchased.
In 1963, the church added a large den and utility room to the pastorium. In early May of this same year, the church voted to tear down the present auditorium and construct a new one. To provide a place for worship during this construction, a Fellowship building was built. After fulfilling this purpose, the Fellowship building has been a place for many activities and church recreation. At the present time, we have a church dinner in this building every fifth Sunday.
In the year of 1963, Labor Day served a good purpose for our church. On this day, members of our church, along with the pastor, Rev. Argin Floyd, and two former pastors, Wendell Banks and Aaron Spinks, met to begin tearing down the old auditorium.
Construction of the new auditorium was started immediately. Much of the work was done by church members as well as by Rev. Floyd. While this work was being completed the pastor along with the help of Margaret and Carlton Morris organized our present choir. Practice was started with the hope that we could be well organized by the time our new auditorium was completed.
Dedication services were held on December 8, 1963. Our guest speaker was Searcey S. Garrison, Executive Secretary of Georgia Baptist Convention. We were honored to have a charter member of our church, Mrs. Ida Townsend, present for these services. It is rather ironic that the first funeral services held in the new auditorium were or Mrs. Townsend. A picnic dinner was served on the church grounds and was enjoyed by all present.
In 1964, Bill Barnes, Roy Mitchell, and Leonard Hodges were ordained as deacons.
In 1966 our first church organ was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Bankston. Purchase price was $1500.00 less a $200.00 donation by Mr. & Mrs. Bankston, leaving a balance of $1300.00 which was paid for largely by donation of church members.
In 1967, the church installed and air conditioning system for the church auditorium. We lost one of our beloved deacons, Leonard Hodges by death, July 19, 1967.
In 1968, robes were purchased for our choir members. We had approximately thirty members under the direction of Mrs. Ben F. Stone, our pastor�s wife. In this same year concrete walk-ways were poured, a soft ball filed cleared, and an additional acre of land cleared for the church cemetery. The land for our softball field and cemetery was donated, as long a needed by the church, by Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Washington. The landscaping of the cemetery and church grounds was done by Lewis and Larry Washington without charge to the church. Five new deacons were ordained this year: Earl Hurst, Virgil Smith. Clyde Parker, Rebon Maddox, and Stacer Washington.
In 1969, a double carport was added to the pastorium. The church library was remodeled for a church office and study for the pastor. New furniture was purchased and the office carpeted as well as the church nursery.
In 1970, our church reached its all time peak of 320 in church membership. A new organ was purchased and is a welcomed addition to our church.
In 1971, a new children�s choir was organized under the direction of Pat Smith & Gail Hurst. We have an enrollment of about twenty children. Robes were made by the mothers and other ladies of the church. The men of the church undertook the project of constructing a recreation court. This is used as a tennis court, volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc. It has provided much entertainment for all members of the church, and has been a great asset in the R. A. work. A public address system was added in our auditorium.
In 1972, Central Heating and Air Conditioning was installed in our Sunday School rooms. They were also redecorated with new drapes being purchased for each room. The pastorium was also painted.
Our present enrollment in Sunday School is 124 and Training Union is 62. The average monthly offerings are approximately $1400.00.
Present Church Officers (1972)
Pastor Billy Floyd Clerk Carol Presley Treasurer Allmon Washington Music Director Gail Hurst - Vicki Johnston Pianist Marion Maddox G. A. Director Faye Sealey R. A. Director Earl Hurst Brotherhood President David Cook Sunday School Superintendent Virgil Smith Training Union Director Bill Barnes
Present Deacons (1972)
Bill Barnes, Chairman
L. J. Washington
Rufus Kitchens
Rebon Maddox
L. L. Washington
J. Earl Hurst
L. R. Washington
Virgil Smith
Otis Stephens
S. W. Washington
S. A. Washington
Clyde Parker
Present Deacons (1972) Inactive
J. G. Johnson
F. B. Mason
Alton Kitchens
We would like to give special recognition to the following deacons who have served our church faithfully for twenty-five (25) years or longer:
Rufus Kitchens
L. L. Washington
L. R. Washington
L. J. Washington
Twenty-two years service:
Otis P. Stephens
S. A. Washington
LIST OF PASTORS WHO HAVE SERVED
Rev J. G. Gunn 1889-1894 Rev. I. G. Walker 1895 Rev. G. W. Wood 1896 Rev. N. W. Hurst 1897 Rev. Billy Cornwell 1898 Rev. A. Atkinson 1899-1900 Rev. J. A. Jackson 1901-1903 Rev. B. Lacey Hogue 1904-1906 No pastor this year 1907 Rev. W. C. Turner 1908 Rev. T. H. Vaughn 1909-1912 Rev. W. O. Sharp 1913 Rev. T. H. Vaughn 1914-1919 Rev. J. A. Bonner 1921-1922 Rev. J. E. Pate 1921-1922 Rev. H. M. Cannon 1923-1927 Rev. J. B. Stodghill 1928-1948 Rev. Aaron L. Spinks 1948-1951 Rev. T. R. Cobb 1952-1953 Rev. Miles F. Holt 1954 - Rev Bob D. Sheppard 1957 Rev. Don Voyles 1959 Rev. Wendell Banks 1960 Rev. Argin Floyd 1962 Rev. Jack S Branan 1964 Rev. Ben F. Stone 1967 Rev. James Logan 1971 Rev. Billy Floyd 1972
As we look back through the history of Worthville Baptist Church, we are deeply grateful for the many rich blessings which God has poured out upon us. Our prayer is that with His help and guidance, we may continue to �grow in grace and knowledge� of HIM.
We would like to remember Rev. R. E. Chambers, who was ordained by our church. We were saddened by his death in November, 1970.
[The remainder of this was added after the year 1976 ended]
Rev. Billy Floyd resigned as pastor of Worthville Baptist Church effective August 26, 1973.
Rev. Jack Bridges served as interim pastor after Floyd�s resignation.
Rev. Clarage Tucker was called as pastor in the church conference of October 28, 1973. He is still serving at present.
We lost two of our beloved deacons by death this year, L. Rupert Washington on August 23, and Lennie L. Washington November 13. These twp brothers were a strong pillar and inspiration to our church and community for many years.
Our church officer for 1973 were as follows:
Pianist - Marion Maddox
Clerk - Carol Presley
Organist - Vicki Johnston
Sunday School Director - Keith Washington
Training Union Director - Eddie Johnston
Brotherhood Director - Clyde Parker
WMU Director - Dot Tribble
Chairman of Deacons - Bill Barnes
Treasurer - S. A. Washington
In February 1973 we paid off the church bond building debt.
In July of 1973 a mural was purchased for the wall in the baptistery.
In July 1973 it was voted by the church to pour a cement walk-way from the side door of the church to the fellowship hall.
In 1974 we established a Cemetery Fund hoping that this fund would be sufficient to produce enough interest to meet cleaning cost each year. Every member of the church and as many people as possible with loved ones buried at Worthville was contacted and given an opportunity to contribute to this fund. The amount in this fund as of June 30, 1976 is $1425.99.
Our church officers for the years 1974, 1975 an 1976 were as follows:
Pianist - Marion Maddox
Clerk - Carol Presley
Organist - Vicki Johnston
Sunday School Director - Stanley McCart
Training Union Director - Eddy Johnston
Brotherhood Director - Clyde Parker
WMU Director - Ruby Tucker
Chairman of Deacons - Bill Barnes
Treasurer - S. A. Washington
During 1975 the pastorium was bricked and re-roofed.
In the February 2, 1975 conference it was passed that Mr. Otis Stephens and Mr. Glenn Whitaker brick the back part of the church, the Sunday School rooms. This was completed during the year.
During 1975 we purchased a movie projector and screen and elected our first Visual Aid Committee.
In November 1975 we hired our first part-time music director, Tim Humphries.
In February 1976 we purchased upholstered choir seats.
We have also in 1976 ordered new light fixtures for the auditorium. This, along with a new coat of paint for the auditorium was a great improvement.
During this year we lost two men from our Board of Deacons by death, F. B. Mason on February 3 and J. G. Johnson, March of 1976. These men served our church faithfully for many years.
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