The word “Baptist” has a different connotation to different people. To some, it means an identification with the forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist. To others, it is but the name of the Protestant denominations. There are, however, a few who think of Baptists as a group of non-conformists, but a study of Baptist history will reveal these people down through the centuries have endeavored to be loyal to the New Testament as the spirit of God has made it clear to them. In this week’s installment of Church of the Week, The Chronicle highlights Hawhammock Baptist Church.
Hawhammock Baptist was established on the fourth Sunday of July in 1842. The original founding members were: Rev. Elisha Coleman, Lucretia Coleman, Benjamin Brinson, Mary Coleman, Celia Sconyers, Reuben Boatright, and Lacy Boatright. The church has had 26 different pastors serve since 1842 with the current pastor, Cail Pressey, being the longest servant in this capacity.
The mission statement of Hawhammock Baptist Church is to “Reach Them, Teach Them, and Send Them.” You can visit the church website for a detailed list of their Baptist Faith & Message and Church Doctrinal Statement. They are members of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, and the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Association.
They currently have 376 members at Hawhammock Baptist Church and state “anyone is welcome to join for worship services and all various other ministry events.” The church’s Christmas cantata took place on Sunday, December 5. Hawhammock also celebrated a big Christmas luncheon on Sunday, December 12, and held a special Christmas candlelight communion service on Sunday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Additionally, students will attend the Move Conference in Valdosta on December 29 and December 30.
The senior pastor of almost 30 years is Rev. Cail Pressey, and the student pastor of almost nine years is Matthew McNeely. The Children & Recreation Minister of almost nine years is Mitchell Hudson. Sharon Weatherford has served as the choir director and worship leader for almost 17 years.
“We are blessed to have many members serving in leadership roles,” said McNeely. “We have a Senior Adult Ministry, Awana Ministry, Student Ministry, Preschool Ministry, Choir Ministry, Food & Clothing Pantry Ministry, 686 Foster Care Ministry, WMU, Brotherhood Men’s Ministry, Judgment House Ministry, Upward Basketball Ministry, Praise Band, Youth Praise Band, Mission Team, Hawhammock Safety Team and many other committees that serve our church in so many ways and many are led by different volunteer leaders.”
For a list of the various Sunday school classes and church ministries, visit www.hawhammock.org. Worship services and times follow:
• Sunday breakfast, 9 a.m.
• Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.
• Sunday morning worship, 11 a.m.
• Sunday evening worship, 6 p.m.
• Awana, Wednesday from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
• Student Ministry, Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Adult choir practice, Wednesday beginning at 6:30 p.m.
• Adult Bible study/prayer meeting, Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Crossroads Chronicle extends a heartfelt thanks to McNeely for sharing the church’s information with readers. If you would like for your church to be featured in Church of the Week, email mike@thecrossroads.news. There is no charge.