The History of Rocky Ford Baptist Church
Original 1904 Rocky Ford Baptist Church
The Rocky Ford Baptist Church was organized in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred Four (1904) as an offspring of the Mars Hill Baptist Church. The Church was organized and established near the place of Pumpkinvine Creek with the full support and blessing of the Mother Church. The organizing founders led by the holy Spirit and under the leadership of Rev. W.C. Watkins, Deacon Charlie C. Flemister, Bro. W.C. Stamper, Bro. Hollis Glass and Bro. Tom Ham held their first services in an old house where God's spirit was a always in the midst. The members then decided to build a church edifice for worship. They purchased lumber from the Old White Oak Church to erect a new building under the guidance of the following Pastors: Rev. W.C. Watkins, Rev. Roberts, Rev. Tom Hawkshaw, Rev. Pat Hines, and Rev. Henry Hines. Under the leadership of Rev. Henry Hines, the church moved from its old location to the present one, near the old Charlie C. Flemister home.
With only six (6) members remaining, they were encouraged and charged by Deacon Charlie Flemister to carry on the work of God. Rev. John C. Strickland, Rev. W.O. Kent, Rev. O.J. Jordan, and Rev. Joe Strickland completed a span of eighty one years (81) of dedicated service.
Under the leadership of Rev. joe Strickland, in the early year of 1940 or 1941, Rev. Paul Flemister was licensed in September of 1950m and ordained in June 1953; also Bro. Isaac Fitzgerald was licensed in October 1972 and ordained in November 1974, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev Joe Strickland served as pastor of the Rocky Ford Baptist Church for 37 years.
In 1955, Rev. O.J. Jordan was called to serve as pastor. It was under his leadership that Bro. Wallace Flemister and George S. Flemister were ordained as deacons in July 1958, in that same year the first Rocky Ford Baptist Church Choir was organized.
In 1978 two (2) acres of land was donated and deeded to Rocky Ford Baptist Church by Bro. Alfred F. Flemister, and his brother's widow Sis. Odessie Flemister, to build the Rocky Ford Baptist Church at this current address - 513 Manor Mill Road, Dallas, GA - near the home of Charlie C. Flemister. Bro. Alfred Flemister, Sr. stated that he wanted his family and his brother McKinley "Mac" Flemister's family
In 1981, under the leadership of Rev. Joe Strickland, the church had a vision to build a new church edifice. Emma, Odessia, Paul and Wallace Flemister all donated land to the church to start construction on the new building in 1979.Construction was completed on the new sanctuary in 1980 and the construction begins on the fellowship hall in 1981. On July, 10, 1983, the vision became a reality. Shortly after, a cemetery was added.
We pray that God continues the sweet communion of his Holy Spirit to fall down on the Rocky Ford Baptist Church family as we are guided, and instructed towards the path of peace, love, and righteousness.
We pray that God continues the sweet communion of his Holy Spirit to fall down on the Rocky Ford Baptist Church family as we are guided, and instructed towards the path of peace, love, and righteousness.
Rocky Ford During Transition
In June 1986, the Rocky Ford Baptist Church family called Rev. Mark W. Eubanks, Sr. as their Pastor and began to hold services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. In 1987, we began to hold Sunday school classes on these Sundays. Rev. Eubanks completed a three (3) year span of dedicated service.
On February 21, 1990, the Rocky Ford Baptist Church called Rev. J. S. McCrary as their Pastor. He was installed on May 6, 1990.
On October 2, 1995, the Rocky Ford Baptist Church called Rev. Nebraska Jones as their Pastor. The Church enrollment grew from 55 to 107, currently on the church roster. Two ministers of the gospel were ordained. Six (6) deacons were ordained (with (5) remaining active). A church Sunday school and Youth choir were re-enacted, and a Youth Department was organized. A new vision was started in May, 2001, with the enlarging of the fellowship hall, pastor's study, additional classrooms, and a baptismal pool. Rev. Nebraska Jones served as pastor for 7 years.
On December, 6, 2003, The Rocky Ford Baptist Church called Stanley L. Freeland, Sr. as their Pastor. In just a short period of time the church has grown tremendously under the leadership of Pastor Freeland. The Lord has blessed him to baptize many, saving and bringing countless new souls to Christ. Even more souls have returned to rededicate their lives to Christ, since he has been at this church. One Minister of the gospel has been licensed, under his dynamic leadership.
On February 21, 1990, the Rocky Ford Baptist Church called Rev. J. S. McCrary as their Pastor. He was installed on May 6, 1990.
On October 2, 1995, the Rocky Ford Baptist Church called Rev. Nebraska Jones as their Pastor. The Church enrollment grew from 55 to 107, currently on the church roster. Two ministers of the gospel were ordained. Six (6) deacons were ordained (with (5) remaining active). A church Sunday school and Youth choir were re-enacted, and a Youth Department was organized. A new vision was started in May, 2001, with the enlarging of the fellowship hall, pastor's study, additional classrooms, and a baptismal pool. Rev. Nebraska Jones served as pastor for 7 years.
On December, 6, 2003, The Rocky Ford Baptist Church called Stanley L. Freeland, Sr. as their Pastor. In just a short period of time the church has grown tremendously under the leadership of Pastor Freeland. The Lord has blessed him to baptize many, saving and bringing countless new souls to Christ. Even more souls have returned to rededicate their lives to Christ, since he has been at this church. One Minister of the gospel has been licensed, under his dynamic leadership.
More Changes for Rocky Ford.
hile under the leadership of Pastor Freeland, we have completed the restoration of the sanctuary (addition of new pews and carpet), including the addition of a steeple, as well as improvements to the parking lot, and the surrounding garden. We also upgraded our sound system & sound room, as well as integrating state of the art HD video equipment. Outside we dedicated a new playground in loving memory of “Ollie Mae Spears-Goler”, mother and grandmother of faithful members.
We would also like to recognize our Faithful Chairman, for more than 40 years, Deacon Wallace Flemister who began his tenure at the Rocky Ford Baptist Church over 70 years ago at the age of seven years old. He would help his father Deacon McKinnley “Mac” Flemister cleaned the church and whatever else needed to be done on the church grounds. Deacon Flemister was ordained as a Deacon on July 12, 1958 under the leadership of Pastor O. J Jordon. He later became Chairman of the Deacon Board November 12, 1970 under the leadership of Rev. Joseph “Joe” Strickland. Deacon Mac taught his son to love the church and to respect the house of worship. Because the old sanctuary did not have a baptism pool, Deacon Wallace would dig out the creek below the church for all the baptism ceremonies.
Deacon Wallace Flemister has been, and will remain, will continue to be a devoted and dedicated caretaker of the Rocky Ford Baptist Church for many years to come. He has cleaned, repaired, built things, cut the grass and many, many more things around the church. As the Chairman, he was been a good steward of the house of worship by donating his time, talent and finances to ensure the House of God is taken care of for these many years.
We pray that God continues the sweet communion of his Holy Spirit to fall down on the Rocky Ford Baptist Church family as we are guided, and instructed towards the path of peace, love, and righteousness.
We would also like to recognize our Faithful Chairman, for more than 40 years, Deacon Wallace Flemister who began his tenure at the Rocky Ford Baptist Church over 70 years ago at the age of seven years old. He would help his father Deacon McKinnley “Mac” Flemister cleaned the church and whatever else needed to be done on the church grounds. Deacon Flemister was ordained as a Deacon on July 12, 1958 under the leadership of Pastor O. J Jordon. He later became Chairman of the Deacon Board November 12, 1970 under the leadership of Rev. Joseph “Joe” Strickland. Deacon Mac taught his son to love the church and to respect the house of worship. Because the old sanctuary did not have a baptism pool, Deacon Wallace would dig out the creek below the church for all the baptism ceremonies.
Deacon Wallace Flemister has been, and will remain, will continue to be a devoted and dedicated caretaker of the Rocky Ford Baptist Church for many years to come. He has cleaned, repaired, built things, cut the grass and many, many more things around the church. As the Chairman, he was been a good steward of the house of worship by donating his time, talent and finances to ensure the House of God is taken care of for these many years.
We pray that God continues the sweet communion of his Holy Spirit to fall down on the Rocky Ford Baptist Church family as we are guided, and instructed towards the path of peace, love, and righteousness.
Current Rocky Ford
What We Believe . . .
Baptist Church Covenant
This Church adopts the Holy Bible, King James Version, as our rule in our faith, practice and methods of operation. No Bylaw or procedure shall ever outweigh the Scriptures.
This Church adopts the Baptist Church Covenant as follows:
"Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance ; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ , and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word."
This Church adopts the Baptist Church Covenant as follows:
"Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance ; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ , and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word."