A church making a difference since 1808.

The keeping of records is as old as the human race, and when remembrances of worthwhile achievements are insured, the practice is to be commended both for information and inspiration. Certainly from the command of Christ to "Let your Light Shine," we are justified to saying, "Let your recorded deeds so shine that those who read may be inspired to do great things.

—Mrs. Bessie Ethridge Balkom, 1890-1985 WMU Notes

Historic Elam (Elim) Baptist Church was constituted in 1808 through the benevolence of Reverend Henry Hooten, a traveling preacher and early settler of Jones County, Georgia. It is believed the name originated from the nearby fresh water springs found in the area and referred to in Exodus 15:37. The springs were used as the first baptismal pools. Elam Church was associated with the Ocmulgee Baptist Association from 1810 to 1839, when the Ocmulgee “Minor” Association was organized by the several remaining mission-minded churches of the Ocmulgee. By 1833, Mercer University was established, and the church soon began a long-running relationship with the school, with a number of Mercer students, graduates and professors serving as pastor over the years. In the early 1860’s the “Minor” Association was dissolved, so Elam Church petitioned and gained admission into the Central Baptist Association.

The business of the church went on as usual during the Civil War of 1861-1865 and during each World War and following wars. General Sherman was known to camp with his troops on the site and use the pews for horse troughs. The church was a prominent gathering place for all in the community before and after every war as it was always steadfast in support of our military and remains so today.

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 the church approved the first budget, bought a new piano, and in 1928, purchased an abandoned Jones County School building to attach to the sanctuary as 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.

In early 1950 a building fund was started. The first church-sponsored Vacation Bible School was held in June 1955. In 1959 the church was completely remodeled, including the installation of central heat and air conditioning. In 1970 several additions were made to the building to meet the needs of a growing church body. A baptistry and several classrooms were added, followed by a kitchen, nursery, fellowship hall and office. In spite of a new and modern indoor baptistry, many believers still choose to be baptized in the original nearby spring.

The old church building was destroyed in 1994 when. arsonists torched the sanctuary. The church has since been rebuilt beginning with the completion of the Family Life Center in 1995. The new sanctuary was completed in 1996.

WMAZ Story on the History of Elam