A Brief History of Elam (Elim) Baptist Church
Written By Mary Gatliff

God's Spirit swept through Baptist churches in North America one hundred fifty years ago to stir Baptist people to a world-encircling mission. The Holy Spirit spoke to the churches through two men, Luther Rice and Adoniram Judson. Less than a score of local Baptists moved to create and constitute Elam (Elim) Baptist Church in 1808.

Historic Elam Baptist Church was constituted through the interest and benevolence of Reverend Henry Hooten of the church community. Elam in turn aided in the constitution of several other Baptist churches including the Macon First Baptist Church in 1826.

Elam Church was associated with the Ocmulgee Baptist Association from 1810 to 1839, when the Ocmulgee "Minor" Association was organized for and by the several remaining mission minded churches of the Ocmulgee. In the early 1860's when the Ocmulgee "Minor" Association was dissolved, Elam Church petitioned for and received admission into the Central Baptist Association.

The business of the church went on as usual during the great civil strife of 1861-1865. It is believed that many men, together with their families, assembled at Elam Baptist Church prior to departing for Confederate Military Service. During the Northern Army's trek through Georgia in 1864, the invading forces made camp in the vicinity of the church and used the pews for horse troughs.

The first church sponsored Sunday School was established in 1872 and in 1914 a Women's Missionary Union was organized. The church witnessed an awakening in the late 1920's. It was during this period of time that the church approved the first budget, bought a new piano and in 1928, purchased an abandoned Jones County School building and had it moved to the church grounds. It was converted into an educational annex. During the 1930's the BYPU became an active church organization. In 1936 the church was wired for electricity. The Southern Baptist Cooperative program was supported and regular contributions were made for this purpose.

A building fund was started in early 1950. The first church sponsored Vacation Bible School was held in June 1955 and in 1959, the church was completely remodeled including the installation of central heat and air conditioning.

In the 1970's several additions were made to the building to meet the needs of a growing church body. A baptistery and several classrooms were added, followed by a kitchen, nursery, fellowship hall and office.

Yesteryear is gone, tomorrow is ever before us. Let us move into the tomorrows with confidence, unity and dedication that our image in the world shall be clear and decisive Christian Witness. And "To God Be The Glory".

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