Sweet Home Baptist Church History


November 1920 - November 2004

The year was 1920, and the place was under a brush arbor where a small group of Christains began worship under the leadership of Reverend Copes. Services were moved into a tent with the Reverend Copes serving as pastor for two years. Teh place bore no name until Reverend J.W. Gibbs, a member of the tabernacle supplied the name of Sweet Home Baptist Church

In 1922, Reverend N.C. Crain became pastor and a small white church building replaced the tent. Reverend Crain served as pastor for 3 years.

After Rev. Crain's departure, Reverend D. J. Jones assumed leadership as pastor. Under his 34 year leadership the church was remodeled adding a more modern baptismal pool, choir rooms and a pastor's study. He served faithfully until God saw fit to call him home on August 27th, 1959

In March 1960, Reverend C.W. Jones became pastor. Under his leadership, a modern cafeteria was added.

In 1967, following the death of Reverand Jones, Reverend R. B. House was called to pastor Sweet Home. He served as pastor until February 1968.

On June 8th, 1969, Reverend C. N. Franks was installed as pastor. Under his 12 years of leadership, a new church was built.

Reverend Henry Brooks became pastor in February 1982 and served as pastor for a brief time.

In January 1983, Reverend Elbert Cooksey became pastor. He served until his passing on June 26th, 2002. Under his leadership, a family life center entitled, "The Elbert Cooksey Family Life Center" was erected. On March 26th, 2003, following Rev. Cooksey's death, Reverend Richard Lee Moore Sr. became pastor. He was installed on April 13th, 2003. After Rev. Moore's departure, on August 30th, 2004 Reverend Freddie Thomas Jr., was elected to lead God's people. He was installed on September 26th, 2004. Presently under his leadership, several trainings have been implemented and several ministries are in process.
The present day church now includes a deaconess board, a senior and youth choir, senior mission, a senior and junior usher board, a youth department, Sunday School, Brotherhood, Male Chorus, pastor's aid committee, family life center, administractors and transportation specialist.




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