As early as May 23, 1867, the First Baptist Church of Washington, Georgia had offered to help the African-American members of its congregation establish their own church now that they were free. However, the African-American members asked to remain in the First Baptist Church. On October 17, 1867, it was voted that the African-American membership would handle their own business, bringing matters to the attention of the white membership if needed. The Galleries were offered for the African-American usage if they organized a church of their own, with Dr. Tupper to remain their pastor and the white clerk would remain as their clerk. Two African-American Deacons were appointed for their portion of the Church. They were Deacons Jessie Chivers and George O'Neal.
In 1860, there were 90 white members and 217 African-American members of the First Baptist Church. In 1870, there were 100 white members and 234 African-Americans. In 1880, there were 24 African-American members of the First Baptist Church and in 1900, the last African-American member died.
On July 17, 1868, The Freedman's Baptist Church (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, were Bro. Jessie Chivers and wife, Bro. Henry Hammons and wife, Sis. Harrieat Hawkins, Bro. Elisha Gilbert, Bro. Mansfield Starks, Bro. Willis Anderson and Rev. Lewis Williams and wife. Rev. Lewis Williams was chosen as pastor. Rev. Peter Johnson ordained him, and Bro. Andrew Lewis was elected clerk. One month after the organization, a revival was held and Bro. Humphrey Binns, Bro. Harry Williams and Sis. Sarah Watts were the first members taken in for baptism.
According to an indenture in the Wilkes County Deed Book (number 14, pages 40-41) on July 10, 1869, Thomas Williams, the administrator and executor for the Freedman's Baptist Church (currently known as Springfield Baptist Church) purchased more or less of one acre of land from Charles Jones for the sum of twenty-one dollars. This land was sold and conveyed to the Trustees and their successors of the office of the Freedman's Baptist Church. This acre of land is located to the south of where the Freedman's School House was. The Trustees at that time were Brothers Thomas Williams, Elisha Gilbert, Robert Binns and Deacon Jessie Chivers.
Being the first African-American house of worship in Wilkes County, the membership greatly increased. For some time, meetings were held in the Freedman's School House, located to the north of the current building. The Methodist used it one Sunday; the Baptist used it the next.
A frame building was soon erected. 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 Bro. William Bowen, who was the founder of the first African-American choir in Wilkes County. The fame of the choir spread and people came from 15 to 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 community. He served as superintendent until 1875. Sister Sophia Scott, who served for 30 years, succeeded him. Again the building became too small to accommodate the crowds that came, so an addition at the cost of $500 was made, making the old frame cost $1200.
Many churches were granted letters of dismiss ion. Among the churches getting such letters were Young's Chapel, Mt. Carmel, Gibson Grove, Cherry Grove, Hilliard Station, Booker's Chapel and Twin Oak. The churches from the parent stem are still alive today.
Under the energetic leadership of Rev. Williams, the foundation was laid on 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 for the addition of a vestibule, which is located at the east entrance of the sanctuary. The church added to this amount, making the cost of the building $4,716.52.
On Sunday, July 17, 1898, the church celebrated its 30th anniversary. Rev. Thomas Andrews, the oldest ordained minister, preached the sermon from the church. Mr. J.M. Scott, who served as church clerk, 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 Church. 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. Under the leadership of Rev. Simmons, the church paid off its debts. After the death of Rev. Simmons, Rev. E.R. Richardson was called and served well until Rev. Frank Pascall of Atlanta, Georgia was called, but served only a short time. Again, Rev. E.R. Richardson took charge until another pastor was called.
Rev. C.J. 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 by a storm. Under the leadership of Rev. Hardy, more than $800 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. C.S. Daniels came to us from the Land of Flowers. Rev. Daniels sang himself into the hearts of the people and did a great work. He was hindered by illness 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 was raised, making it possible to erect a five-room parsonage. He resigned in 1921. Rev. J.F. Franklin came and many members 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. Sophia Scott, the Sunday School and BYPU Convention of the State came to Washington. Rev. J.P. Turner resigned and proved himself a worthy servant. He brought to us Rev. Pickette of Atlanta, who conducted a very successful revival. Rev. A.R. Raiford was asked to conduct services until a pastor was called.
In 1936, Rev. J.H. Geer was called. During his administration, many things were done to show progress such as the church and parsonage being painted, a new piano was purchased, a baptistery was built inside, drinking fountains were installed and also a furnace. The church held active membership in all local, state and national organizations. Rev. J.M. Jackson and Rev. J.T. Parks served well, leading in doing those things that they felt world make the church progressive.
Rev. Moses A. Lee of Atlanta, Georgia was called to pastor in June of 1962. We celebrated the 100th church anniversary in July, 1968 at which time we made our goal a Sunday School annex. This has been accomplished with two restrooms, four classrooms, two of which can be turned into a dining room and a well furnished kitchen.
Under the leadership of Rev. Lee, we continued to mold into an even greater church. A daily Vacation Bible School, conducted each summer, helps to keep the children involved. The church was remodeled in 1979, and a public address system was installed. This debt was paid off in February of 1985. The parsonage was repaired, and the "Cornerstone" was dedicated in 1979. New pews were purchased, and this debt was 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 restrooms and installing a P.A. system in the kitchen. With the help of the Mother Board and other members, blinds were purchased and installed for the annex windows. A railing was added leading from the annex into the sanctuary, and a ramp with a rail was built on the side entrance of the church. The church parsonage was torn down in 1991.
In May of 1992, the outside of the church and annex were painted and roofed. In September, a cement patio was poured at the annex door. The church was soon debt free thanks to the help of the Lord. Many souls have been saved under the leadership of Rev. Lee. He proved his dedication to the church and its members by making frequent visits to the homes and hospitals praying for the sick and shut-in. Rev. Lee gave his letter of resignation in November of 1992 to be effective the 4th Sunday in December, 1992. We were thankful to Rev. Lee for 30 years of service.
The Lord has blessed us with worthy officers. Mrs. Rosa G. Warthern served for a number of years as church clerk until her health failed. She is best remembered for starting the Birthmonth club to help raise money for the building fund. We continue to promote the Birthmonth club by striving for $100 per month. Upon Mrs. Warthern’s resignation in December 1979, Ms. Eileen Moore was made co-clerk to assist Mrs. Rosa Stevens. In October 1982, it was moved that Mrs. Stevens serve as church clerk and building fund treasurer and Ms. Moore serve as finance secretary. Mrs. Lillian Tate served faithfully for a number of years as church treasurer until her health failed. Mrs. Doris Irvin was made treasurer in February 1983. Upon her resignation, Mr. Booker T. Jackson accepted the job as treasurer. Mrs. Rosa Stevens resigned her duties as church clerk in January 1984, but she remained the Finance Committee Chairman and Building Fund Treasurer until her death in 2004. In January 1984, Mrs. Adrian Hampton was elected to serve as church clerk. Deacon Howard Wilkinson served as Chairman of the Deacon’s Board until his death. Deacon J.W. Tate succeeded him and served until his death.
On January 9, 1994, Rev. R.L. White, a longstanding Christian friend of this church and community, installed Rev. Ricky Holmes of Atlanta as pastor. Rev. Holmes’ ministry included in depth teaching of God’s word, the preaching of the Gospel, with added emphasis on Sunday School and a host of energetic workshops. Rev. Norman Williams became pastor on August 25, 1995. His goal is to let as many people as possible know that being saved is as simple as believing in God. Under the leadership of Rev. Williams, new carpet has been added. Additions to the public address system include an electronic keyboard, a 16-channel mixer, and high fidelity tape recorder that are used in the Outreach Ministry. Also, two new water fountains were added to the church in 1998. New doors were added to the church in 2000. Awnings were added to the church doors in 2001. The roof was replaced in 2003.
·As early as May 23,1867, the First Baptist Church of Washington, Georgia had offered to help the African-American members of its congregation establish their own church now that they were free.
·On October 17,1867, it was voted that the African-American membership would handle their own business, bringing matters to the attention of the white membership if needed.
·On July 17, 1868,The Freedman's Baptist Church (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.
·According to an indenture in the Wilkes County Deed Book (number 14, pages 40-41) on July 10, 1869,Thomas Williams, the administrator and executor for the Freedman's Baptist Church (currently known as Springfield Baptist Church) purchased more or less of one acre of land from Charles Jones for the sum of twenty-one dollars. This land was sold and conveyed to the Trustees and their successors of the office of the Freedman's Baptist Church.
·Under the energetic leadership of Rev. Williams, the foundation was laid onMay20, 1883forthe 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 for the addition of a vestibule, which is located at the east entrance of the sanctuary. The church added to this amount, making the cost of the building$4,716.52.
· Rev. Williams, the first pastor, served seven years after the 30th anniversary. On January 20, 1906, he passed away in his 85th year.
