Like most denominations of churches in Georgia that emerged during the 1st and 2nd Great Awakening in America during the 1730s to 1740s, a time that notably altered the religious climate in the American colonies, ordinary people were encouraged to make a personal connection with God. Many Baptist congregations began to form mission societies. As often happened with other denominations during this time of rediscovery, Baptist congregations disagreed on principle issues. By 1848, almost all Baptist bodies in Georgia aligned with either the Hephzibah Association or the Canoochee Association.
In our ongoing efforts to shine a spotlight on local churches through our Church of the Week series, The Crossroads Chronicle reached out to the good people at Sardis Primitive Baptist Church located on Wes Lawson Road in Kite. The following information was shared with us.
Sardis was constituted in 1853 with 15 members listed in their charter.
The mission statement of Sardis adheres to the Primitive Baptist Articles of Faith, which states, “Our mission is to reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to nurture them in their faith, and to equip them for ministry and service in His world.”
Sardis’s services begin with Bible study at 10 a.m., followed by morning worship services at 11. Services are in person with live-streaming on Sardis Primitive Baptist Church’s Facebook page.
Sardis participates in and donates to the following ministries:
• Discipling Ministries International, which promotes the proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Russia, and all nations of the world;
• Camp Hillview, a Primitive Baptist youth camp;
• Gideon International, a Bible ministry;
• The Primitive Baptist Foundation;
• The Primitive Baptist Youth and Music College Scholarships;
• Weekend Blessings of Emanuel County;
• and other local needs as they arise.
During the holiday season, Sardis participates in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Advent is recognized during the month of December.
Early pastors at Sardis include Elders C.E. Sanders, W.W. Riner, W.C. Kicklighter, and Midas R. Brantley as well as Elders A.R. Crumpton, Gus Walden, Reamer Spivey, Reid Davis, Woodrow Beasley, Lindy Webb Jr.
The current pastor of five years is Elder Sam Adkins of Waynesboro.
Officers of the church are: Laura Moore, church clerk; Harvey Anders, church treasurer and Bible study leader; Wailand Jones, Lavon Amerson, Steve Jones, and Anders, deacons; Bonnie R. Smith, song leader; Elder Adkins, pianist; and Thomas Jenkins, video/sound technician.
The Crossroads Chronicle wants to thank Pastor Adkins, Laura Moore, and Bonnie Rose Smith for helping gather this information, and the congregation would like to extend an invitation to anyone who may be looking for a church to attend to come visit them on Sunday.