Est. 1881

According to the original church history, the late Rev. I. M. Maddox organized the Crawfordville Baptist Church in 1881 and resided on Irvin Bridge Rd in 1908. The church was rebuilt in 1926 on the same land and it remained until 1956 when it was built on the present site by land deeded by a former Pastor, Rev. James U. Lester, Sr (2360 Lake Rockaway Rd).

When the building was started, money had to be raised. At that time Sister Flornell Lester Knox could play a few songs on the piano and with her playing Sister Mattie Elliott started having musical programs and raised money to help buy the first blocks to build the church. The members and the Deacons worked very hard. After the blocks were up, the work could not go further. The blocks stayed up for two years. Deacon Thomas Yarbourgh borrowed money from Mercy O. Mann to put the roof on the church.  The members moved into the building with dirt floors. Brother Harvey Thomas was the first ordained Deacon for the church and said the first prayer in the building. In order to cement the floor, the men would come and haul dirt in the evening. (Brother Nathaniel Thomas played a major role in the cementing of the floor). Bro R.J. Knox was not a Deacon but anytime you called him he was there working alongside the Deacons and members. Deacon Edward Lester would walk from the city of Conyers to help with the building. At that time there was no running water so Deacon Elliott would bring or transport water with the help of the other Deacons.

After Rev. James U. Lester, Sr. retired, Rev. H.H. Dyer became the Pastor. Under Rev. Dyer’s leadership, the kitchen and the baptism pool were added for an estimated cost of $1500.00. On March 19 , 1967, the steel doors and obscure windows were added for $900.00. In 1969, Sister Sarah Lester and Sister Fannie Lester organized the Youth Church and Choir. 

In 1974, Rev. Freeman became the leader and during his tenure new pews and pulpit furniture was purchased and with the assistance of the late Sister Fannie Lester, the first organ was purchased. Also in 1974, a new roof was added. The J.L. Freeman Gospel Choir was organized in his honor and the First Sunday was added as another Sunday of worship. In 1976, under the pastorate of Rev. Freeman the Sun Beamers Choir was organized and directed by Sister Minnie Taylor. The children ranged in ages from 5-12 years old. The first Sun Beamers were Aubrey Taylor, Dawn Taylor, Tammy Taylor, Tracy Taylor, Donnie Lester, Robin Lester, Gaye Lester, Tamika Clark, Lisa Flanigan and Sharon Shepherd.

Under Pastor Sandy Allen in 1979, Sister Eloise Shepherd became the Director of the Youth Church and Children’s Choir. She worked in this capacity and sponsored the Easter Program for 23 years. Pastor Allen also appointed her as the First female Sunday School Superintendent. The Junior Usher Board was formed by Sister Flornell Knox, along with assistance of the Deacons and Rev. Aaron Lester formed the Junior Deacon Board.

Under the leadership of Rev. B. W. Jordon, the Children’s Choir was reorganized with Sister Veronica Flanigan and Sister Dorothy Smith as the leaders. Rev. Jordon ordained the following brothers as Deacons: Brother Larry Lester, Brother Lawrence Lester, Brother Nikita Lester, Brother Alan Lester and Brother Milton Jenkins. Under Rev. Jordon and the Assistant Pastor Rev Aaron Lester, the Senior Courtesy Guild was organized the summer of 1981. The members were: President- Sister Dorothy Smith, Sister Patricia Roberts, Sister Virgil Lester, Sister Wanda Lester, sister Roberta Collins, sister Elaine Benton, Sister Bernice Bryant, Sister Minnie Taylor, Sister Annie Jenkins, Sister Etta Sue Mullins and Sister Kissy Mae Lester. The organization of the Courtesy Guild was a vision of the late Deacon Larry J. Lester.

In March of 1984 the Church called Rev. William H. Gaither as the Pastor. Rev Gaither ordained Brother Jeff Easley and Brother James Collins as Deacons. In 1985, under the leadership of Rev. Gaither the church obtained it’s first bank loan for $30,000.00 to remodel the church. The remodeling project included new carpet, vinyl flooring, central heating and air conditioning, and refurbishing of the bathrooms. At the 106th Church Anniversary on October 11, 1987, the church raised $10,840.37 which was used to help pay off the church loan!

The Over The Hill Choir was  also formed in 1986 under the directions of Sister Hermin Morgan. The choir sang on 3rd Sundays and at numerous programs. The members were: Sister Dorothy Daniels, Sister Lillian Lester, Sister Doris Demery, Mother Sarah Hawk, Mother Flora Lester, Sister Edith Gaither and Sister Edna Kemp. Also, W.H. Gaither Young Adult Choir was organized under the leadership of Sister Veronica Flanagan and sister Brenda Johnson. In 1988, the Lord blessed the church with a new piano and organ and the Senior Choir purchased new choir robes. (The building and instruments were dedicated back to God on Sunday, August 23, 1992).  

In 1988, deacon Easley organized the church baseball team. The team was made up of boys and girls from the church family and surrounding community. It was the first Black team to play in a local church league. The games were played at Rockdale Baptist, Prospect United Methodist and Almond Baptist Church.  

Continuing with Pastor Gaither’s leadership, the Junior Courtesy Guild was organized in October of 1989 with the following members: Reginald Smith, President, Tiffany Lester, Tammy Lester, Derrick Hawk, Jason Smith, Terrica Lester, Latasha Scales and Quantel Gibson. 

While under the watch of Rev. Gaither, the church went on several retreats; Myrtle Beach, SC and to New Orleans, LA. In 1989, the Youth Department under the leadership of Deacon Jeff Easley participated in their first Christian Retreat. In June 1989, the Youth Department visited the Laguna Beach Christian Retreat in Panana City Beach, FL. A total of 60 adults and children attended the retreat. The retreat was well planned and organized with daily mandatory Bible Study and relexation and recreational activities. dale Baptist, Prospect United Methodist and Almond Baptist Church. In the fall of 1990, Deacon Easley organized the church basketball team that also participated in the church league. The games were played at  Conyers Christian Church. Both baseball and basketball teams had a banquet at the end of the season and everyone received a trophy for participation. 

On March 7, 1990, under Pastor Gaither’s leadership, the Larry J. Lester Scholarship Fund was organized in the memory of an individual, who dedicated his life to God and his church. Sister Veronica Flanigan served as the chairperson of the fund with the following members: Deacon Jeff Easley, sister Robin Lester and Sister Dorothy Smith. The scholarship committee developed the Scholarship Guidelines and the Application Form. Under sister Flanigan’s leadership 12 students received scholarships ranging from $150.00 to $1000.00. In 1990, The Junior Courtesy Guild designed a Condensed Church Director, which was given to the new members at the Guild Sponsored New Members Tea. During the same summer the Senior Guild members became Deputy Voter Registers and held voter registration drive at the church. On November 3 1990 the Senior Guild transported many of those registered voters to the polls; which gave them the opportunity to vote for the first time.

On July 25, 1993, the Senior Choir celebrated it’s 53rd Anniversary under the Presidency of Sister Roberta Collins. In the fall of 1993 the Senior Choir was renamed the CBC Sanctuary Choir with Sister Brenda Johnson as President. Sister Doris Demery organized the Pastor’s Aides Ministry and under her leadership the Pastor’s Office was redecorated with new curtains and mini blinds. The Deacon Board with the assistance of Deacon Lawrence Lester Sr. and Brother Donald Lester painted the church. Deacon Jeff Easley spear headed the building of a retaining wall around the front and left side of the church.

The following individuals were ordained as Ministers/Evangelist under Pastor Gaither: Brother Milton Jenkins, Brother James Collins, Brother Clarence Demery, Brother Chris Sneed, Brother Johnny Beasley, Brother Willie Adams, Sister Catherine Thomas, Sister Minnie Taylor and Sister Willie Bell Jones.

On July 9, 1994, the carpet was replaced and the pulpit furniture was covered.

In the fall of 1994, the church called Rev. Charles M. Hudson, Jr,  a graduate of Morehouse School of Theology. Pastor Hudson developed the church first vision/motto of “EMPOWERED TO LOVE AND RENEWED FOR CHANGE”, and the church first mission statement, “THROUGH THE POWER PRAYER AND SERIOUS TEACHING, THE CRAWFORDVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH IS COMMITTED TO LEARNING HOW TO DEMONSTRATE THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST, SO THAT WE AS AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE MAY BE FAITHFUL TO OUR CALL AS CHRISTIANS. IN OBEDIENCE TO THE GREAT COMMISION RECORDED IN MATTHEW 28: 18-20, AND BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THIS CHURCH HAS SET FORTH AS IT’S MISSION TO EVANGELIZE, TO EDIFY, TO LOVE BOTH THE INDIVIDUL AND SOCIETY AND TO ALWAYS EXALT THE SAVIOR, THROUGH WITNESS, WORD, AND DEED”.

Pastor Hudson organized the first Finance Committee with the following members: Deacon Donald Jones, Sister Elaine Benton, Sister Brenda Johnson, Sister Veronica Flanagan, and Sister Wanda Gibson. He also organized the methods for keeping the financial records. On January 7, 1995, Pastor Hudson held the first organized leadership meeting and presented the members with the CBC Officer/Leadership Handbook. He also developed the first draft of the church by-laws. The Deaconesses were recognized as an auxiliary. Children’s Church was started with Sister Desha Hamn, Sister Tamia Reese and Sister Latasha Scales as teachers.  A TV and video tapes were purchased for the children. As a result of a commitment to the Tithing by the members, the church was able to purchase a Baby Grand Piano. This was the first major purchase for the church without having any type of fundraiser. Also a copier, fax machine and church stationary were purchased.

In the nineties the following expenses were added, the cost for maintaining  the copier and fax, speaker fees,  insurance and upkeep of the church van. As the expenses of the church became more complex, Under Pastor Hudson, the secretary had to start using spreadsheets to record church expenses and a Financial Secretary was added to assist with the new recording task. Training was arranged by Pastor Hudson for Sister Elaine Benton and Sister Patricia Roberts  to attend in Atlanta for classes on handling church finances. Sister Robin Smith, the Financial Secretary began using computer software for tracking the expenses of the church.

Pastor Reginald Litman was called as the Pastor, in January 1996. Under his leadership the church by-laws were voted on and approved by the congregation. Pastor Litman ordained Brother Jerry Newsome as a Deacon. A 15 passenger van was purchased with the assistance of Deacon Newsome. Deacon Jerry Newsome and Sister Anna Newsome played a major role in replacing the vinyl flooring and lights in the church. The plans for the new church were developed. Sister Wanda Gibson and Sister Veronica Flanigan organized the Anointed Dance Ministry. The other dancers included Sister Anna Newsome, Sis Wanda Lester, Sister Tamia Reese, Sister Robin Smith and Sister Candice Chapman.

In the spring of 1999, the finance committee with the assistance of Deacon Jerry Newsome obtained the construction loan to begin building the new Sanctuary. The following members signed the loan papers for the construction loan: Deacon Lawrence Lester, Deacon Donald Jones, Minister Willie Bell Jones, Deacon Jerry Newsome, Deacon Allen Lester, Deacon James Lester, Deacon Johnny Lester, Deacon Nikita Lester, Sister Eloise Shepherd, Sister Veronica Flanigan, Sister Wanda Lester and Sister Robin Smith. Dardy’s Construction Company was chosen to build the church and Deacon Lawrence Lester’s company installed the heating and air condition system for a minimum cost. Brother R.J. Knox made sure that the walkways were paved around the Fellowship Hall. Brother Alonza Hawk, Deacon Bruce Thomas, Brother R.J. Knox and Brother Ken Teague donated materials for the new mailbox. Brother Louis Brown donated the church hand railing and Sister Patricia Roberts paid for the tinting of the church windows.

With the inception of obtaining a 501C3 Non-Profit status for future Governmental Grants for current and future ministries, under Rev. Litman, it became necessary for the church to become incorporated. With the assistance of Deacon Jerry Newsome, the name of the church officially became Crawfordville Baptist Church Ministries, Inc.

THE CHURCH AUXILIARIES 

From the early days auxiliaries played a major role in the development of the church. The minutes refer to the Deacon Board, Motherboard, Usher Board and the Choir in the early days of the church. Later the Youth Department was added with the Children’s Choir and Courtesy Guild. In the early nineties, the auxiliaries became ministries.  In addition to the above, the church during the nineties had or added the following ministries; Deaconess Ministry, Women’s and Men’s Ministry, Board of Trustee’s Ministry, The Music Ministry (Sanctuary, Children’s, Voices of Praise and the Combined Choirs), Courtesy Guild Ministry, The Tape Ministry, Email Ministry, The Education Ministry (Sunday School, Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, State Conventions, Children’s Church, Teen Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, State Conventions, Children’s Church, Teen Bible Study, and Pastor lead Specialty Study Classes, workshops and seminars). The Performing Arts Ministry (Adults and Children Liturgical Praise Dances, and the Steppers).

Reverend Diante’ Waldon was called by the church in August 1999. Under Pastor Waldon, the final financing for the church was obtained with the assistance of Sister Robin Smith and Sister Wanda Lester through Quantum National Bank. The first worhip service was held in the new church the first Sunday, August 1, 1999.  The church became a member of the New Era Convention and the auxiliaries became ministries. The Men’s nad Women’s ministry was reorganized. Sister Waldon reorganized the Deaconess Ministry. The Deaconesses were Sister Donna Hanks, President; Sister Ann Lester, Sister Etta Sue Mullins, Sister Wanda Lester , Sister Noraleen Lester and Sister Anna Newsome. Sister Robin Smith and Sister Anna Newsome organized the Banners Ministry. The original members were Sister Janesha Taylor, Sister Diona Walker, Sister Ashley Glover, Sister Tiffany Thomas, Sister Christina Smith, Sister Taylor Mitchell, Brother Angelo Samuels and Brother Robert Samuels. 

The first ministers to be ordained were Reverend Leo T. Brown and Minister Willie Bell Jones. Other Ministers set aside to be ordained included Minister David Thompson and Minister Yvette Waldon. On December 2, 2001, Brother Bruce Thomas, the grandson of Deacon Harvey Thomas (the 1st ordained Deacon in the original church in 1956) and Brother Reginald Smith (the great grandson of Edward Lester) were the 1st Deacons to be ordained in the new church. Children’s Church began to be held in the Fellowship Hall (The Original structure).  Sister Dorothy Smith organized the Nutritious Snack Ministry for the children. The CBC Youth Dance Ministry was organized in February 2001 under the leadership of Sister Desha Smith with Sister Maya Smith as the instructor. The ministry began with five dancers; Kayla Collins, Tierra Lackey, Starr Ferguson, Mikaela Smith and Breanna Collins.

The Tape Ministry was organized under the leadership of Deacon Alan Lester with other members Brother Ken Teague, Angelo Samuels and Robert Samuels. Members of the congregation could purchase a tape of the service, communicate with each other via the E-Mail Ministry and access church information via the church website. 

On April 6, 2003, Pastor Jimmie Eric Gleaton preached his first sermon as the new CBC Pastor. He and his wife Sister Gloria Gleaton and daughters Jatoyia and Jasmine were welcomed as the new first family. Pastor Gleaton was installed officially on August 25, 2003. His vision for the church was “ A Growing Church For A Growing People Moving from Membership to Discipleship.”

To set his vision in motion he taught a series of Bible Study lessons on the Church Covenant and included the reciting of the Covenant with the congregation during the Sunday Morning worship service. He reorganized the Deaconess Ministry and appointed Sister Marsha Thomas as the chairperson. On the first Sunday of each month Pastor Gleaton and Sister Gleaton hosted get acquainted sessions with individual families in order to get to know the members of the church.

The Ministerial staff included Evangelist Minnie Taylor and Reverend James Collins. The current Church Officers and Ministry Leaders were established as:  Deacon Bruce Thomas, Chairman; Deacon Lawrence Lester, Treasurer; Brother Ricky Thomas, Assistant Treasurer; Sister Patricia Roberts, Secretary; Sister Robin Smith, Financial Secretary; Dorothy Smith, Sunday School Superintendent and Sister Desha Smith, Children’s Church Director; Sister Sarah Hawk, President of the Mother’s Ministry; Sister Flornell Knox, President of  Usher’s Ministry , Sister Robin Smith and Sister Anna Newsome, President of Sanctuary Choir, Sister Eloise Shepherd , Director of Children’s Choir.

Pastor Kyle Berry was called as the leader in 2004 and remained until 2007. He along with First Lady Natasha Berry and their three kids were welcomed. Rev. Berry was a graduate of Morehouse College and was recommended by his grandfather, Rev. H. H. Dyer, a former Pastor of Crawfordville. Under Pastor Berry’s leadership, a summer camp was initiated. He was actively involved in the Children’s Ministry. The Fellowship Hall (original Church Sanctuary) was renovated under his leadership and it was renamed the Johnny W. Lester Fellowship Hall and dedicated to the Lord.

In 2008, Rev. George W. Levett, Jr. was called to Pastor and remained until October of 2014. He along with First Lady Takela Levett and their combined family of 5 kids served. Under his leadership, Tuesday mid day Bible Study was established, basically for the Senior Citizens in addition to the evening Bible Study class. Pastor Levett was an excellent teacher and his Bible Study classes reflected his gift and abilities in this area. Under his leadership, with the help of Minister Viola Lockwood and her husband, Deacon Arthur Lockwood, the church began Discipleship classes and introduced various ministries to the church.

Pastor Levett introduced the church motto: “A CHURCH WHERE GOD IS GLORIFIED, SINNERS ARE JUSTIFIED AND BELIEVERS ARE EDIFIED”. His vision for the church as inspired by the Holy Spirit was: In obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ we have been called to seek that which is lost through the preaching of the gospel upon the foundation laid by the apostles the Lord Jesus Christ. We shall through the Holy Spirit let preaching, teaching and training make disciples of men as commanded by our Savior. We will fulfill the great commission of the Lord Jesus Christ and carry the gospel to every nation of people locally and abroad. Through evangelism and missionary outreach we will gather a great harvest for the Lord Jesus Christ.

On October 3, 2015, Rev. Andrew Doyle and first Lady Charri Doyle (of Big Miller Grove Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA) were called to Pastor Crawfordville. Pastor Doyle was installed as Pastor on January 10, 2016 and introduced a new church motto: “THE PLACE OF REDEMPTION (EPHESIANS 1:7). Later on that year, under his leadership, Minister Charri Doyle began S.H.A.P.E. classes to help believers determine their gifts for God’s service.

In 2018, the Mother’s Ministry was re-organized under the direction of Mother Bernice Smith. Other Mothers included: Eloise Shepherd, Dorene McNeil, Rosa Parland, Daisy Brooks, Mary Coleman and Mother Parland. Later joining and currently our oldest is Mother Eulalia Douglas and her daughter Mother Betty Morris.

On June 30, 2019, Pastor Andrew C. Doyle resigned as Pastor of Crawfordville after stating that it was the will of God for him to leave.  Pastor Doyle and First Lady Charri Doyle officially served 3 years and 5 months.

We trust God for his guidance as we  undertake this last year of mortgage payments in 2019. We know that God will supply all our needs according to his riches in Glory. And we know that God will send us a Pastor after his own heart. One who will lead us with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15).

In August 2019, Rev. Jonathan Bennett began to work with us as Spiritual Overseer and is currently still with us. The Board of Directors decided to pay off the mortgage before calling a Pastor. We must acknowledge Rev. Bennett for all he does for Crawfordville Baptist Church. He preaches every Sunday, teaches Sunday School and Tuesday Noon Day Bible Study. He has been there for us when we’ve gone through trials and tribulations, illnesses and bereavements. We praise God for Rev. Bennett and his family for their loving care of our congregation.

In August of 2020 (almost twenty years to the date) Crawfordville’s 20 year mortgage was “paid in full” with Quantum National Bank. We thank God for his faithfulness and for the faithfulness of his servants who persevered and came through by the Grace of God to witness and realize a vision fulfilled. In the midst of the worse global pandemic crisis in over 100 years, with Covid19 and all of the hard times that came with this epidemic, the Lord saw us through. In honor of the church’s 139th Anniversary (on October 11, 2020) we will virtually commemorate and rededicate the church and it’s church body to the Lord with a Mortgage Burning Ceremony in the Name of JESUS CHRIST!!

2020 Board of Deacons: Carl Folds, William Kennedy, Lawrence Lester, Jr., Michael McClinton and Bruce Thomas.

Church services, on the 3rd Sunday in March (beginning of the Pandemic) began with conference calls. Recently, with the technological expertise of Mrs. Tiffany Thomas-Charite and her mother Sis Marsha Thomas along with Rev. Bennett’s input and on occasion acting as Zoom host, Church services have been held virtually via the Zoom platform. Tiffany also set up the Church new web page, email, Texting Platform and Facebook. She has been a Godsend during these turbulent times.

In 2020, Let us continue to be prayerful and look to the Lord as we prepare to call a Pastor. We must remain vigilant as we pray for the world, our country, state and local leaders.

 Updated 9/24/2020 E.S.