1868

Sardis Missionary Baptist Church is organized...

Sardis Missionary Baptist Church was organized in August 1868 by Rev. J.J. McMullen of White Sardis Baptist Church, along with Rev. James Williford, Rev. Andy Nix, Rev. William Brown, and Rev. A. J. McGarity of the Rocky River Association of South Carolina. The First Deacon Board consisted of three members.

1868 to 1956

The first black pastor of SMBC...

Rev. J.H. Williford of South Carolina was the first black pastor of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. During this time, eight pastors were called. Records do not show how long they served. From 1868 to 1956, we had several pastors.

1956 to 1966

Our Church is destroyed...

From 1956 to 1966, we had two pastors. A Building Fund was started with three members. The Senior Missionary Club was the first auxiliary to put money into the fund. In May of 1960, the church was destroyed by a tornado. The Chairman of the Building Committee brought the plan to the church to build. The plan was accepted by the church and work began. On April 22, 1962, Sardis Pastor, members, and friends entered the new building. Rev. J.J. Grogan, Moderator of the Savannah River Association preached the entrance sermon. His subject was The People Had a Mind to Work.

1967 to 1979

Sardis has a new Pastor...

On March 25, 1967, Rev. J.J. Grogan of Atlanta, GA was called to pastor Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. Major improvements were made at the church. Dedication service was held the 4th Sunday in July 1968. The kitchen and dining room were completed in September of 1971; the driveway was improved in February 1973. The Baptismal Pool was installed in 1978.New additions were added to the church in 1979 to include; central heating and air, bathrooms in the front of the church, a water cooler, carpet in the Sanctuary, and a sound system. During that time frame a bible was also presented to the Church.

1988 to 1989

Rev. Oscar Merideth, Sr. becomes Pastor...

On September 24, 1988, Rev. Oscar Merideth, Sr. of Atlanta, GA was called as the Pastor of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the following improvements were made: floor replacement in the vestibule, paving of the parking lot, bathrooms, carpet was placed into the Sanctuary, padded pews, tables were added to the dining room along with a new stove and refrigerator for the kitchen, and furniture for the pastors study. On the 2nd Sunday of April 1989, a second Sunday service was added to Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. Bible Study classes were held on every Thursday night with 37 participants. A roof was placed on the church and chairs were purchased for the choir.

1992 to 1995

The Busy Bee Club is established...

In January of 1992, we began having our Sunday service every Sunday. Rev. Merideth organized the Busy Bee Club, purchased a commercial copier, a computer/ printer, a marquee and Bibles for the pews. In 1993, plans were drawn up for an educational wing and remodeling of the church. On the 3rd Sunday of January 1994, a ground breaking service was held. The plans were for an L shape wing to the right of the church and an addition across the back of the church. The new addition would consist of classrooms, nursery, resource room, a pastors study, utility room, two offices, handicapped equipped bathrooms, and the choir stand was extended. The Sanctuary was painted, new stained glass windows, light fixtures were installed, pews and chairs were purchased, and the pulpit upgraded. A Dedication Service was held for Sardis Missionary Baptist Church on September 24, 1995, with Pastor Merideth presiding after the Cutting of the Ribbon and the entrance of the Pastor and First Family, Pastor Scott, Pastor Whitehead, Ministers, City, County, and State Government, members and guests attended. The guest speaker that day was Rev. Alvin D. Scott of Maple Spring Baptist Church of Dewey Rose, GA.

1998 to 2009

Scholarship Ministry created...

In 1997, Sardis purchased a church van. From 1998 to 2004, Sardis has organized a Scholarship Ministry for all grades and college Students, purchased other items such as a steam table for the kitchen, a digital piano, an awning for the bus, a 52 lawn mower, books and materials for Vacation Bible School classes. In 2005, new drapes were added to the front of the Baptismal Pool, along with assigned paved parking spaces for the Pastor and Guest Minister. In 2006, a new stove was added to the church dining hall. In 2008, the audio system was updated and the Womens Ministry placed furniture in the lobby. In 2009, the Vestibule and the Mens restroom were remodeled, metal doors were installed throughout the church, and a metal roof was placed on the church.

2009 to Current

Rev. Dr. Marcus Sturgeon becomes Pastor of SMBC...

On February 11, 2010 the church paid off the mortgage and burned the mortgage papers on March 14, 2010. Dr. Marcus Sturgeon was installed as Pastor of the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church on January 9, 2011. The Rev. Mark E. Hawks, Pastor of New Era Baptist Church located in Elberton, GA and Moderator of the Savannah River Association, preached the Installation Service Sermon. Since his appointment, there have been many updated changes within SMBC:A viable Strategic Plan has been established Restructuring of the SMBC Ministries has occurred Professional and college music singers have begun to work with the various SMBC Choirs New carpet has been installed in the SMBC Sanctuary Repairing and remodeling of the vestibule restroom has been completed Enhancement of the SMBC vestibule has been doneRenovation to the outer SMBC walkways and porch have been completed Complete renovation of SMBC parking lot, church yard, and graveyard have been doneRepainting and repairing of the SMBC classrooms, office space, Baptismal Pool area, and dinning and fellowship hall have been completed On June 15-18 2011, SMBC hosted the 9th District State Convention which encompasses 12 counties under the leadership of Rev. Issac Whitehead, Pastor of First Baptist Church located in Gainesville, Ga. Rev. Clarence Moore is the Georgia Missionary Baptist Convention President.  In July of 2012, renovation and repairing of the SMBC parking lot were completed and a security system was installed.  In April 2013 the Trustee Ministry put up a fence to keep cars out of our grave yard.  Greater things have yet to come & greater things are still to be done here at SMBC.  Through Prayer, we continue to grow in Christ.