How it all started...
In February of 1861, a group gathered in the farm home of W.P. Surrells for the purpose of establishing a new church. Elder Uriah McKay served as the first pastor. In the spring of 1866, the first building was constructed at the corner of 5th and Fayette, and today the building is still owned and used by the Masonic Lodge.
After significant growth through the Sunday School ministry and other missions endeavors in the community, Dr. W.A. Gray, who came as pastor in 1945, led the church to begin construction of the current church building at the corner of Fayette and Banker. After a tremendous amount of sacrifice by the congregation, the building was completed in February of 1949. Led by many pastors over the years, the church grew to become a strong missions-minded Southern Baptist church.
After significant growth through the Sunday School ministry and other missions endeavors in the community, Dr. W.A. Gray, who came as pastor in 1945, led the church to begin construction of the current church building at the corner of Fayette and Banker. After a tremendous amount of sacrifice by the congregation, the building was completed in February of 1949. Led by many pastors over the years, the church grew to become a strong missions-minded Southern Baptist church.
Expanding the vision...
In the 1950s, the church continued to grow, requiring the purchase of more property and additions to the church building. In 1961, the church celebrated its 100-year anniversary, and in 1964, an education wing was completed to provide expanded ministry space.
In 1988, Dr. Roger Marshall was called as the church's pastor. Serving for 32 years, he shepherded the church through significant rebuilding, renovation, and expansion. Under his ministry, the church updated most of its facilities, purchased additional property, and constructed a three-level addition between the existing buildings.
In 1988, Dr. Roger Marshall was called as the church's pastor. Serving for 32 years, he shepherded the church through significant rebuilding, renovation, and expansion. Under his ministry, the church updated most of its facilities, purchased additional property, and constructed a three-level addition between the existing buildings.
Where we are headed...
In 2020, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the church called Nate Mason to be its new Lead Pastor. As the world continues to rebound from the pandemic and the culture continues to change in the United States, the church needs to remain a fortress of truth and love where people can find answers from the Word of God.
On June 6, 2021, the church worshipped together on Vision Sunday, a time where Pastor Nate unveiled the church's new vision for the future. Through the faithful proclamation of the greatest message in the universe, the gospel, we are committed to making deep disciples of Jesus from Effingham to the ends of the earth.
On June 6, 2021, the church worshipped together on Vision Sunday, a time where Pastor Nate unveiled the church's new vision for the future. Through the faithful proclamation of the greatest message in the universe, the gospel, we are committed to making deep disciples of Jesus from Effingham to the ends of the earth.
