Church History
The New Waters Grove Baptist Church was organized in the year of our LORD, 1910 by Reverend George Johnson with seven members: Bro. Stephen Cutter, Bro. Tannie Cutter Sr., Sis. Vena Cutter, Bro. Sam Cutter, Sis. Mamie Cutter, Bro. Richard Brazel, and Sis. Sophie Brazel. In 1916, 1.25 acre of land was purchased in the 34th G.M. District of Screven County, Georgia on behalf of the church by deacons Wesley Cutter, Tannie Cutter, William Jason, and Alonza Mathews. After the church was organized, they call Rev. George Johnson as Pastor and the first sermon text was, “And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church began to grow through the help of the LORD and many deacons were ordained:
Up until this time, nine pastors have served faithfully: Rev. George Johnson, four years; Rev. G. W. Harris, one year and six months; Rev. A. J. Thomas, seven months; Rev. A. J. Gaines, six months; Rev. H. B. Lawton, one year; Rev. R. F. Thompson, three years; and Rev. Mims Jones, twenty-seven years. Under the administration of Rev. G. W. Williams, the church was rebuilt and the cornerstone was laid. During these years, death did not fail to visit us, but knowing it was the hand of God - we worked and prayed on together. The work was hard, but in God’s name, we pressed forward. The church was painted and wired for lights. We could not stop there for the church had to march on to meet its goals. Later, we called Rev. R.F. Thompson as pastor who did great work with the help of the Lord. He started our new church in October 1955. Knowing that the church would be completed, he resigned. In January 1956, Rev. Mims Jones was called as pastor. He continued a wonderful work in carrying on the building of our church. Under Rev. Jones administration, the church building was completed including the addition of an electric pump, two bathrooms, and a church baptism pool. The church was totally remodeled inside with a new communion set, dining hall, pastor’s study, a new piano, two air conditioners, and a water fountain. On August 16, 1970 at 3:00 p. m., the Mason Brothers laid the cornerstone and labeled the church, the New Waters Grove Baptist Church. At that time, there were seven deacons and nine auxiliaries in our church. With Rev. Jones, many souls were added to the church, but God also saw fit to take some of our faithful members away from us. Seven deacons were still serving the Lord:
These past eighty-six years have been hard work and by the grace of God, the church is still holding on. The greatest task stands before us - as tomorrow comes our work will continue to make history. On December 12, 1985, our Master called Rev. Mims Jones home after serving for twenty- seven years. On June 22, 1986, Rev. Bobby Williams was called as pastor at New Waters Grove Baptist Church. This man of God served well as a pastor and a christian gentleman. By 1993, he had worked with us faithfully for seven years. We continued to pray and work together as we struggled in Jesus name to keep the church going. Under the administration of Rev. Bobby Williams, the church was rejuvenated. The front entrance was remodeled, the building was bricked in, the restrooms were painted, the floors were carpeted, and another nightlight was added to the churchyard. Rev. Williams did great work here and on September 17, 1995, he resigned after preaching here tor nine years. On March 24, 1996, Rev. Isaac Culbreth was called to serve as pastor. Under Rev. Culbreth's leadership, work was done to the fellowship hall and the pastor’s study. We are very proud of his time here because even though he stood tall in leadership, he was always close enough to us so that we could reap the benefits of his presence. Rev. Culbreth served for seven years and on January 5, 2003, he resigned. At that time, we were without a pastor until May 4, 2003. Rev. Timothy Lee was called as our pastor. Since Rev. Lee and his family have been here, twenty-five souls have joined the New Waters Grove Baptist Church. We thank God for Rev. Lee and his family. Rev. Lee’s mottoes “Walk together in unity and fellowship one with another.” Under Rev. Lee’s administration, much has been accomplished in the name of the Lord. Central air conditioning and heat and a new piano were added to the church. The church interior was painted, new hymnals, a refrigerator, and two water coolers were added. In addition, a new air conditioning unit and floor tiles were installed in the dinning/fellowship hall. God blessed New Waters Grove by moving on the hearts of Rev. and Sis. Samuel Cooper to unite their family with the New Waters Grove Baptist Church family. Since that time, Rev. Cooper has pastored at Egypt Baptist Church in Egypt, GA. and has since returned as a member and continues to preach God’s Word. Under Rev. Lee’s leadership, in 2010, we were blessed to purchase a pulpit cloth set, a three-piece cross communion table set, and a riding lawn mower. In 2011, some repairs and upkeep were done to the septic tank and additional soil was added to maintain the churchyard. In 2015, two gas heaters and a gas stove were purchased. On July 17, 2016, we celebrated our 106th Church Anniversary and we bless the Lord for where he has brought us from, through many dangers, toils and snares. We continue to grow in His grace under the leadership of our pastor, Rev. Timothy Lee and First Lady, Sister Barbara Lee for the past 13 years. God continues to build our spiritual and physical building through Rev. Lee’s teaching and preaching of the Word as God adds to our understanding, inspiration, and motivation. The Lord has seen fit to take Deacon Willie Parrish, Sr.(2011); Sister Frances C. Stewart (2011); Chairman Deacon Willie Moore,Sr.(May 2013); Sister Lauree Hudson (June 2013); Deaconess Sister Sadie Moore (2014); Sister Annette Atkins (2016); and Sister Alice Cutter (2017) from labor to reward, to praise, shout, lift hymns, and walk around heaven all day! “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). On October 15, 2016, the Daughter of the House, Minister Vonncina Kirkland had her Ordination Service. Under the leadership of Rev. Timothy Lee, the church kept moving forward with the help of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Death did not fail to visit us again. On March 5, 2017, our beloved pastor, Rev. Council Timothy Lee left us to join the heavenly host. Our hearts were broken and our countenance saddened. He served us faithfully for 13 years and 9 months. However, during the grieving process, we placed our trust in the LORD to help us move forward. On May 13, 2017, the church body agreed to elect Rev. Vonncina Kirkland as our interim pastor. During her service as interim pastor, three crosses were placed in the church yard. God blessed us with three chrome notebook computers and a printer which were all donated by Rev Vonncina and Deacon Herman Kirkland, Sr. In addition, Vacation Bible School was started June 19-23, 2017. On June 24, 2017, Rev. Vonncina Kirkland had her Installation Service to become our pastor for the New Waters Grove Missionary Baptist Church. As our official pastor, Wi-Fi service was installed, June 27, 2017. Under the leadership of Rev. Vonncina and Deacon Herman Kirkland, Sr., with the LORD Jesus Christ as head, our church body will continue to move forward. During the remaining of the year the following took place: August 6, 2017, 36 pew bibles and 28 Bibles for new members were donated by Rev. Vonncina and Deacon Herman Kirkland, Sr. August 7 2017, the church yard sign was placed which was donated by Rev. Vonncina and Deacon Herman Kirkland, Sr. September 28, 2017, outdoor carpet was installed by personnels from the Carpet Shop in Statesboro, Ga. October 23, 2017, the PA system was installed by Rev. Robert Johnson. The camera was installed by Brother TyJohn Kirkland. November 2, 2017, three TVs were installed by Rev. Robert Johnson. These TVs were donated by Rev. Vonncina and Deacon Herman Kirkland,Sr. November 7, 2017, three crosses were placed behind the pulpit which was donated by Al L. Freeland. In 2018, the following took place: February 28, 2018, three commodes were installed, the stalls were painted, and tiles were laid. This was done by Deacon Herman Kirkland, Sr. and Deacon John Wesley Roberts. May 2018, a large clock in the back of the church was donated by Deacon Willie Parrish, III. May 31, 2018, The ceiling was completely redone and all interior walls and ceiling was painted by Russell Sheppard. June 14, 2018, two potted plants were placed outside on the front entrance of the church which was donated by Rev. Vonncina and Deacon Herman Kirkland, Sr. The current Deacons are: Chairman Deacon John Wesley Roberts, Deacon Herman W. Kirkland, Sr., and Willie Parrish, III. Let us continue to pray and move forward in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have services on 1st and 3rd Sundays starting with fellowship breakfast 9:00 a.m., Sunday school at 10:00 a.m., Worship Service at 11:00 a.m., and Bible Study at 6:00 p. m. on Wednesday. Again, we are thankful for you this day. Without you, this day could not be possible. You are part of God’s master plan for the New Waters Grove Missionary Baptist Church at this time. Now, as we continue to press through this century, let us not forget those who have gone before us to pave the way leaning and depending on the LORD. |
