Plentitude Baptist Church
"Where You are Family"
History of Plentitude Baptist Church

Written by Brother H.A. McKay, November 11th, 1936

The building was erected in 1868. It was then known as Plentitude Academy, one of the best schools in the county. The building is still in a good state of preservation. There have been preaching services at this Academy through the years at intervals by all denominations.

In 1928 a union Sunday School was organized at this place, out of which grew what is now the Plentitude Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. J.J. Bennett secured a minister from the State Baptist Board for one week's revival services and Dr. bennett had the Gray Baptist Church, of which he was at that time pastor, to extend an arm to authorize the acception and baptism of members. Dr. W.F. Hinesley from Center Hill Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia conducted these services from August 25th through August 29th, 1930, in a big fine way. indeed this was a week filled with Spiritual harvest. The ingathering was great; twenty-seven (27) in number, ranging in age from 10 to 73 years.

On October 26th, 1930, Dr. J.J. Bennett preached. After preaching he called the church into conference, he acting as moderator ad Mrs. C.E. Patton acting as temporary clerk. Rev. J.R. Meek who was then studying at Mercer for his A.B. and M.A. Degrees, was called unanimously as pastor of this Mission on this date. Although he finished his work at Mercer june 20th, 1932 and moved to Atlanta, georgia to reside, he ably served in his capacity until october 1935, when he resigned to move to Oklahoma City. Bro. J. Raymond Meek possesses a fine personality and is a good preacher, liked and loved by everyone. During his pastorship the little church thrived and a goodly number was added to it's meembership. After his resignation , rev harry Meek, his father then assumed the duties of pastor.

On July 24th, 1936, the church was organized into an independent body. The minutes of the organization services follows:

Song - Standing on the Promises

Prayer - Brother Allen

Song - When the Saints Go marching In

Prayer - Rev. J.W. Ballard

Song - How Firm a Foundation

Brother Ballard brought us the message of the hour, his subject being the "Church of God". Mrs. Una H. taylor was elected clerk pro tem. Rev Ballard was then chosen moderator. A motion was made and seconded that the name "Plentitude missionary Baptist Church" be adopted. A prayer invoking God's blessing on the new church was offered by Bro. T. hunt taylor. Brother H.A. McKay and Brother F.B. Norman were elected as Deacons, Brother Norman declined to serve, Brother McKay was ordained at Willingham baptist Church, Macon, Georgia, of which Brother Ballard is pastor, Sunday August 9th, 1936. Rev harry Meek preached the ordination sermon. The church then went into the election of a clerk, Brother Hugh Hudson being unanimously elected. bearing out the fact that the youth of the church is taking an active part in it's work, it might be well to state that at the time of his election as clerk, Brother Hugh Hudson was only 18 years of age. Brother harry Meek was extended an indefinite call as pastor of the new church. During the singing of another song, the hand of Christian Fellowship was extended to the members of the newly organized body. Signed: JOHN W. BALLARD, Moderator; T.HUNT TAYLOR, Deacon; HARRY MEEK, Pastor; and UNA HOLLAND TAYLOR, Clerk

The church and one acre of land were purchased from the Board of Education of Jones County, Georgia, by Brother and Sister T. Hunt Taylor and presented to the members of the new church as a love gift.

This short church history would be incomplete if it did not say more about the Sunday School organized at this place in 1928 by Brother and Sister T. Hunt taylor, which is still in a thriving condition. In my humble opinion it had more to do with the organization of this church more than any one thing. I find it impossible to express in words the blessings that the Sunday School and Brother and Sister taylor have been to the people of this community. Had it not been for the Sunday School i really do believe that we would not have a church now. Much honor to Brother taylor and his dear lovable wife, who has walked with him through the years. I love them! They are my friends - they are more than that - they have been a geat blessing to my life and heart.

And now that we have finished this short history of Plentitude Missionary Baptist Church, let us close with this benediction:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14.

History Highlights

1928 - A Union Sunday School was organized by Mr. and Mrs. T Hunt Taylor. Nondenominational literature was taught by Baptist and Methodist teachers. Classes met each Sunday in the Plentitude Grade School, formerly Plentitude Academy. The building was erected in 1868.

1930 - The twenty-seven Charter members joined the church during a revival. Plentitude was a ission (in name only) of Gray Baptist Church and was authorized to receive and baptize its members. The first conference was held and Rev. raymond Meek was elected as first pastor with a salry of about $8.00 a month. Services were held monthly.

1936 - On July 24th, Church was organized as an independent body, with covenane and name being adopted, Mr. henry mcKay was elected as first deacon. The organizational message was "The Church of God".

1938 - The deed was recorded and Plentitude's founders, Mr. and Mrs. T Hunt taylor presented the building and one acre of land to the church as a love gift. Mr. Henry McKay wrote the first history. In 1939 Plentitude became a member of the Rehoboth Association.

1940's - Electricity was installed. purchased Hymns of Faith song books. First mention of B.T.U. and prayer meetings were found in the records.

1950's - Church services were held twice a month and Plentitude became a member of the Macon Association. The building was remodeled with asbestos shingles, sheetrock and gas heaters. Additional Sunday School rooms were added. WMU, GA's and RA's were organized. Purchased Broadman Hymnals. In 1952 a Memorial Service was held and a plaque dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. T Hunt taylor, was presented by Rev Jimmy Waters and family. In 1956 new pews were dedicated. The second history was written by Mrs. Annette Comer.

1960's - Started full time church services. ordained first pastor, Rev JP Thomas; acquired cemetery lot; purchased fence, organ and songbooks; drilled well; installed indoor restrooms; built kitchen and fellowship hall. A new Sunday School Class was organized. Song services at Lynn haven Nursing home were started.

1970's - Began a recreational program and acquired land for a parking lot. The Better Speakers and Bible Drill program was started. in 1975 a remodeled sanctuary with air conditioning and a baptistry was dedicated. Baptis hymnals were purchased. The first full time pastor was called. The basement was completed for Sunday School rooms. WMU, RA's and GA's were revitalized and Brotherhood, Acteens and Mission Friends were organized. Deacon rotation, Children's Church and a Senior Citizens program were started. New Constitution and By-Laws were adopted. Two new Sunday School classes were organized and a bus was purchased. The third history was written by Mrs. Linda Shelton.

1980's - Built new Sunday School annex; church pews were padded; and new sound system was purchased. A new Sunday School class was organized. A pastorium was purchased September 1985 and dedicated on March 9, 1986. A new piano was dedicated in meory of Mrs. Lillian Malone on Mother's Day, 1986. Changes were made in the choir loft and pulpit area and an elevator was installed. A riding mower was also purchased.




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