On July 17, 1868, Springfield Baptist Church was organized in Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia.
Letters of organization were granted from Greenwood Baptist Church, Barnett, Ga., Warren County, Rev. Peter Johnson, pastor.
Among those present at the organization, bringing their letters from the First Baptist
Church (white) were Bro. Jesse Chivers and wife, Bro. George Oneal and wife, Bro. Dennis Cox,
Bro. Robert Butler and wife, Bro. Neil Crawford and wife, Bro. Henry Hammons and wife, Sister
Harriet Hawkins, Bro. Elisha Gilbert, Bro. Mansfield Starks, Bro. Willis Anderson, and Rev. Lewis Williams and wife.
Rev. Lewis Williams was chosen as pastor. He was ordained by Rev. Peter Johnson. Bro. Andrew Lewis was elected clerk.
One month after the organization a revival was held and Bro. Humphrey Binns, Bro. Harry Williams and Sister Sarah Watts were the first members taken in for baptism.
Being the oldest Black church in Wilkes County it was not long before her membership was greatly increased. For some time meeting was held in the old log school house that stood very near where the church stands today. The Methodists used it one Sunday, the Baptists used it the next.
The membership increased so that very shortly the early founders, desirous of having a building of their own, began to devise ways and means for the erection of a frame building. The contract was given to Mr. Edward Bonner for $700.00.
Great crowds flocked to Springfield to listen to Rev. Williams preach and to hear the singing of the choir under the leadership of Brother William Bowen who was the founder of the first Black choir in Wilkes County. The fame of the choir spread and people came from IS and 20 miles to hear the sweet singers of long ago.
Bro. William Bowen was also the founder of the first Baptist Sunday School in the county. There was an enrollment of 200 members. Both old and young were proud to attend. He served as superintendent until 1875. After this Mrs. Sophia Scott was elected and served for 30 years.
Again the building became too small to accommodate the crowds that came so an addition at the cost of $500.00 was made, making the old frame church cost $1200.
Many churches were granted letters of dismiss ion, among the churches getting such letters are Young’s Chapel, Mt. Carmel, Gibson Grove. Cherry Grove, Hilliard Station, Booker’s Chapel and Twin Oak. These churches from the parent stem, are alive today and doing well.
Under the energetic leadership of Rev. Williams the foundation was laid May 20, 1883, for the brick Structure in which we now worship. It was some time before the building was completed at a cost of $4,160.67.
The Ladies Benevolent Society gave $500.00 for the addition of a vestibule and the church added to this amount making the cost of the building $4,716.52.
On Sunday, July 17, 1898, the church celebrated the 30th anniversary. The sermon was preached by Rev. Thomas Andrews, the oldest ordained minister from the church.
Mr. J.M. Scott, who had served as church clerk since 1870, read the church history. Rev. Williams, the first pastor, served seven years after the 30th anniversary. On January 20, 1906, he passed away in his 85th year.
Since the death of Rev. Williams, many pastors have served at Springfield Baptist.
Rev. George Butler, one of the sons of Springfield, served as pastor until 1907, when Rev. F.M. Simmons of Stone Mountain, Ga., was called. Rev. Simmons served well, paid all of the debts of the church and proved himself a dedicated servant of God.
After the death of Rev. Simmons, Rev. E.R Richardson was called and served well until Rev. Frank Paschal of Atlanta was called, but served only a short while. Again Rev. E.R. Richardson took charge until another pastor was called.
Rev. CJ. Hardy, the uncompromising veteran of the gospel, came to serve as pastor. Under this leadership many members were added. On June 16. 1916, the church was severely damaged b> a storm. Under the leadership of Rev. Hardy more than $800.00 was raised to repair damages. The church was electrically lighted and otherwise beautified.
During Rev. Hardy’s administration Mrs. Emma Golatte was elected church clerk. Rev. Hardy died at his home in Atlanta on October 3, 1917.
On June 8. 1918. Rev, CS. Daniels came to us from the Land of Flowers. Rev. Daniels sang himself into the hearts of the people and did a great job. He was hindered only by ill health from doing more than he did. He resigned two weeks before his death which occurred in St. Augustine. Fla., in July 1919.
Rev. M.D. Franks then came to us from Brunswick. Ga. He soon demonstrated his ability as a financial leader. Within eight months more than $2,500.00 was raised making it possible 10 erect a five-room parsonage. He resigned in 1921. Rev. iF. Franklin came and many were added to the church during his administration.
On April 4, 1926. Rev. J.P. Turner of Atlanta was called. He organized the Junior Choir and built up a morning service that was second to none. Because of his influence and the assistance of Mrs. Sophie Scott the Sunday School and BYPU Convention of the State came to Washington. He resigned in 1935.
Rev. D.C. Bell served after Rev. Turner resigned and proved himself a worthy servant. He brought to us Rev. Pickette of Atlanta who conducted a very successful revival.
Rev. A.A. Raiford was asked to conduct services until a pastor was called.
In 1936, Rev. J.H. Geer was called. During this administration many things were done to show progress, namely, the church and parsonage were painted inside and outside: a new piano was bought: a baptismal pool was built inside; drinking fountain was installed inside and a furnace was installed.
The church held active membership in all local, state, and national organizations.
Rev. J.M. Jackson and Rev. Parks served well, leading in doing those things which they felt would make the church progressive.
Rev. M.A. Lee, the present pastor, is in his 28th year as pastor. We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the church in July 1968 at which time we made our goal a Sunday School annex. This has been accomplished with two restrooms, five classrooms, two of which can be turned into a dining room, and a well-furnished kitchen. Rev. Lee, with special interest in the young people, sees (as do the members) a greater Springfield.
A daily Vacation Bible School, conducted each summer, helps to keep the children interested. Under the leadership of Rev. Lee, the church was remodeled in 1979 and a public address system installed. This debt was paid off in February of 1985: the parsonage was repaired. The cornerstone was dedicated in 1979; new pews were purchased and this debt paid off in April 1983. Air conditioning was added in 1987.
In August of 1989, we completed the remodeling of the annex which included installing paneling, new flooring, a serving window between the kitchen and the dining room, updating the baths, and installing a PA. System in the kitchen. By the help of the Mother’s Board and members, blinds were purchased and installed on the windows. A rail has been installed leading up into the sanctuary and a ramp and rail built on the side entrance of the church.
There is still much work needed on the church and the parsonage. By the help of God, the members and friends, a lot will be accomplished.
Many souls have been saved under the leadership of Rev. Lee. He truly is dedicated to the Springfield Baptist Church and to the community. Visits to the hospital and the different homes praying for the sick and shut-in prove him to be a great asset to the community.
