History of Our Church

The Springfield Baptist Church (SBC) has stood for years as a sentinel pointing men, women, boys and girls to the straight and narrow way that leads to the Kingdom of God. In the midst of world turmoil, the face of war and strife and at a time when world ideals are crumbling the members of SBC have continued to hold high the banner of Christ. As children of God, we stand on the words of Christ who said, "Upon this rock, I build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." This promise brought together a "faithful few" who were willing to build an earthly tabernacle dedicated to bringing the lost to Christ. Deacon Sam Favors and Pat Watkins signed the original deeds for the charter congregation. The congregation has continued for 129 years with 15 different pastors leading the people as each followed the Lord for his season. The men of God who have served SBC include:

1. Rev. Clemont Sims 2. Rev. Jeff Nunnally 3. Rev. Charles Walker 4. Rev. Joseph Barnett 5. Rev. T.H. Street (co-pastor) 6. Rev. John Gordon (co-pastor) 7. Rev. John Gordon 8. Rev. A.T. Woods 9. Rev. John Henry Stevens 10. Rev. F. C. Williams 11. Rev. W. H. Caldwell 12. Rev. N. Mathis 13. Rev. Clarence Bishop 14. Rev. Troy Waymon 15. Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Alexander

Each pastor brought something special to the people of God assembled in this place. Under the leadership of Rev. N. Mathis, the present building was constructed, and he led the march from the old church to the new one on March 31, 1963. The Mother's Board and the Junior Usher Board was established under his leadership. Rev. Mathis died in the pulpit while preaching on October 24, 1965. Rev. Mathis was widely known as a devout Christian preacher whose legacy was passed on through his grandson, Rev. Clarence Bishop.

On December 15, 1972, Rev. Troy Waymon became the 14th pastor of Springfield Baptist Church; it was under his leadership that the current edifice was remodeled with the Christian Education wing being completed in 1975. Other changes included the establishment of the Step by Step Choir which was combined and later renamed the T. W. Youth Choir. The Matron Circle and The Deaconess Board was organized with Sis. Ruth Hughes as pilot and Sis. Lula Mitchell as Deaconess co-chairs. The Youth Department was formally recognized along with the Christian Education Department. At that time, the church began community workshops and an annual church retreat. Through the efforts of Dea. John Winfrey and the Matron Circle, the church-wide Birthday Program was revamped. We were blessed with the friendly and humble spirit of this man of God for 26 years. He stepped from time into eternity on December 19, 1998.

In 2000, the new millennium brought to us our 15th pastor, Reverend Dr. Jerry L. Alexander. He has stepped into his rightful place as a leader of God's children with a desire to serve and work within the vision from God. The vision involves Springfield being on a mission to lead those who live in the world into the kingdom of God. And a vision to be biblically based in our beliefs and Holy Spirit empowered in our behavior so that it is Christ who lives in and through us.

Pastor Alexander instituted quarterly leadership meetings that reflect his strong desire for members to develop as servant-leaders. With the support of our pastor and other community leaders, the SBC Technology Center was instituted for use by church members and neighborhood residents. The technology center was the catalyst that led to the development of tutoring and mentoring ministries that were critical components of Springfield’s commitment to educational excellence. Dea. Marion Terrell provided oversight for the development of a Media Ministry that has allowed the church to enhance corporate and individual growth through an interactive worship and learning environment. The church’s website was developed with the expertise of Mrs. Brenda Willis.

Collaborative partnerships have been sought by Pastor Alexander to benefit Springfield and the community it serves. It was through a series of collaborative efforts that east Athens citizens came together to protest the development of a waste transfer station before the Athens-Clarke County Commission. Also the same partnerships proved beneficial to identify the rightful ownership of Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. This action eventually led to the recognition of the historic cemetery as a historical landmark with entitlement for restoration funding. Additionally SBC has partnerships with the Athens-Clarke County Police and Sheriff’s Departments, the East Athens Development Corporation (EADC), Hancock Development Corporation, All God’s Children’s, Inc. Adoption Service, University of Georgia Athens (UGA) Office of Diversity and Office of Recruitment and Admissions, Whitefoord Community Project, Clarke County Youth Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Partners for A Prosperous Athens, and church conventions/associations at various levels.

Under the leadership of Pastor Alexander, additions were made to the Music Ministry. The J.A. Judah and New Beginnings choirs were established. The church mortgage and church van financing were paid off. Through much prayer and the favor of God, a parking lot was added to allow for the numerical growth at Springfield. Other facility improvements include foundation waterproofing, roof, aluminum siding, interior and exterior painting, media booth, and security system. The Deacon and Deacon's Wives Groups Ministry was formed in 2005. In 2006, Springfield celebrated its First Annual "National Child Adoption Day" with Father George Clements, founder of One Church One Child. The focus on ministry to the family continued through a collaboration with UGA and its Program for Strong African American Marriages (ProSAAM) and Program for Strong African American Families (ProSAAF).