Our Roots....
Our Roots
Central Baptist Church traces its beginnings to the inspiring vision of Mrs. Lovey McAfee Nesbit, a devoted Christian woman full of faith in God. Recognizing the community's spiritual needs, she organized a Sunday School in the Pinckneyville schoolhouse. With a Methodist preacher as superintendent and two Baptist teachers, the non-denominational Sunday School quickly gained traction, igniting a passionate interest in the community.
On October 4, 1904, Central Baptist Church was officially founded in an old blacksmith shop owned by Reverend W. L. Jones, DD, of Atlanta. Reverend A. W. Williams was called as the first pastor, supported by a dedicated leadership team, including deacons Tom Waits, M.C. Jones, T.H. Jones, Henry Wheeler, and William Carroll. Starting with 25 faithful members, they embraced the mission of building a church grounded in unwavering faith.
Our Early Milestones
The congregation’s efforts bore fruit on June 4, 1905, when the church building was dedicated under the theme, “Rise, Shine, Give God the Glory,” inspired by Isaiah 60:1. Reverend W. L. Jones delivered the dedication message, marking the first of many victories for the growing church. Over the years, several pastors, including Reverend T. Gholston and Reverend T.H. Fannings, provided spiritual leadership and helped the church flourish.
Central Baptist Church traces its beginnings to the inspiring vision of Mrs. Lovey McAfee Nesbit, a devoted Christian woman full of faith in God. Recognizing the community's spiritual needs, she organized a Sunday School in the Pinckneyville schoolhouse. With a Methodist preacher as superintendent and two Baptist teachers, the non-denominational Sunday School quickly gained traction, igniting a passionate interest in the community.
On October 4, 1904, Central Baptist Church was officially founded in an old blacksmith shop owned by Reverend W. L. Jones, DD, of Atlanta. Reverend A. W. Williams was called as the first pastor, supported by a dedicated leadership team, including deacons Tom Waits, M.C. Jones, T.H. Jones, Henry Wheeler, and William Carroll. Starting with 25 faithful members, they embraced the mission of building a church grounded in unwavering faith.
Our Early Milestones
The congregation’s efforts bore fruit on June 4, 1905, when the church building was dedicated under the theme, “Rise, Shine, Give God the Glory,” inspired by Isaiah 60:1. Reverend W. L. Jones delivered the dedication message, marking the first of many victories for the growing church. Over the years, several pastors, including Reverend T. Gholston and Reverend T.H. Fannings, provided spiritual leadership and helped the church flourish.
Resilience Through Trials...
On January 1, 1943, tragedy struck when a devastating fire destroyed the church. Despite losing everything, including insurance coverage, a resilient group of faithful members trusted God for restoration. Reverend H. H. Battle, a recent Morehouse College graduate, accepted the call to lead the rebuilding effort. His declaration, “With God’s help, we can, and we will build a bigger and better church,” inspired the congregation to persevere. By October 1943, the congregation moved into the new sanctuary, with Reverend M.L. King, Sr., of Ebenezer Baptist Church delivering the dedication sermon.
A Legacy of Leadership
Over the years, Central Baptist Church has been blessed with 21 pastors, each contributing to the church's legacy of faith and service. Reverend Marvin C. Jones, installed on July 25, 2015, serves as our current Senior Pastor. His vision focuses on building souls through God’s Word, sowing into the community, and serving as a beacon of light to guide others in following Christ.
A Legacy of Leadership
Over the years, Central Baptist Church has been blessed with 21 pastors, each contributing to the church's legacy of faith and service. Reverend Marvin C. Jones, installed on July 25, 2015, serves as our current Senior Pastor. His vision focuses on building souls through God’s Word, sowing into the community, and serving as a beacon of light to guide others in following Christ.
A Rich Heritage and a Promising Future...
For over 115 years, Central Baptist Church has stood as a testament to God’s faithfulness. From humble beginnings in a blacksmith shop to our present sanctuary, we celebrate a rich heritage of faith, hope, and service. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless us with love and harmony as we strive to grow in grace and favor.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to serving as a shining light in the community, guided by the Holy Spirit. Together, we will continue to honor our past, shape our future, and fulfill the hope of God’s promises for generations to come.
“The hope of Christ, for one and for all.”
As we look to the future, we remain committed to serving as a shining light in the community, guided by the Holy Spirit. Together, we will continue to honor our past, shape our future, and fulfill the hope of God’s promises for generations to come.
“The hope of Christ, for one and for all.”
