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West Mount Sinai Baptist Church History

We, the members of the West Mount Sinai Baptist Church, are proud of our rich Christian Heritage. However, much of our sequential history is unavailable.

West Mount Sinai Baptist Church had its humble origin in the year of 1868 when slaves pulled out of the balcony of the First Baptist Church and organized their own church. During the year of 1880, the church was destroyed by fire and meetings were held under a brush arbor until the members bought a church that was originally owned by whites and moved it to the corner of Perkins Alley and Elm Streets. The baptismal pool was located between Elm and Zebulon Streets. From there, baptizing was performed in a branch located behind the home of Sis. Nellie Russell Jenkins*until a pool was built in the churchyard and later installed in the church.

The church was rebuilt during the year of 1909. It was moved from Perkins Alley and Elm Streets to where it now stands at 117 Akins Street. The lot was donated by Mr. Ben Turner, Sr.*, a white citizen, who was a member of the First Baptist Church. As the church was being moved, it was reeling and rocking from side to side. The members were singing “The ole ark’s a’moving, mourner, won’t you come along; the ole ark’s a’moving, mourner, thank God.  The ole ark’s a reel, the ole ark’s a rock, and the ole ark’s a moving to the mountaintop”.

During the moving and rebuilding of the church, the missionary ladies kept food and drink available for the workers. There are some attractive stones placed in the outside walls of the church. Missionary ladies placed them there. Some of the ladies were sisters Emma Hightower*, Mattie K. Pound*, Anna Willis*, Savannah Chatfield*, Pearlie Jenkins*, Esther Harrison*, Amanda Brown*, Sallie Y. Moore*, Nannie Smith-Fallings*, Judy Pope*, Lula Bush*, Amelia Smith*, Para Lee Willis*, Ida Lee Russell Owens*, and others.

The church was opened for worship and dedicated in the summer of 1910. The first sermon was preached by Rev. John Henry Moore*. His subject was “Farther on, and still go farther; count the milestones one by one. Jesus will forsake you never. It is better farther on.” 

The church has a unique ceiling design that was designed by Bro. John H. Pound*, who was clerk of the church for 33 years. Brother Pound also donated the first 12 stained glass windows for the church. The cost of all windows was $100.00. Deacon Earnest Sullivan*served as church treasurer for 29 years. 

Many additions have been added to the church down through the years. During the year 1926, the choir stand was added. The next addition was the pastor’s study and indoor restrooms. Sister Sallie Y. Moore* organized the junior choir and made the first robes for the choir from white crape paper. The first female Sunday school teachers were Sisters Sallie Y. Moore*, Martha Taylor*, and Mary Sullivan*. Sister Gladys Worthy* held membership in every auxiliary, except the Deacon Board. Sister Lillie Mae Taylor*served as the Mother Board President for many years.

The church has had eleven pastors. They are as follows: Rev. Jim Few*, Rev. Gilmore*, Rev. Lowe*, Rev John Dubignon*, Rev. John Henry Moore*, Rev. Oscar Moore*, Rev. D. F. Fuller* (served as pastor for 36 years), Rev. W. R. Favors*, Rev. St. John Clark*, and Rev. Horace Fuller, Jr. (served as pastor for 37 years). The eleventh pastor is Rev. Waylon T. Knight, who began pastoring in January 2014.

West Mount Sinai helped organize and support the Cabin Creek Association and High School on North 6th Street in Griffin, Georgia. During the early thirties, the Cabin Creek Association split up and Rev. D. F. Fuller*, being our pastor and leader, advised West Mount Sinai to unite with the Cane Creek Association.

Among the first deacons were Deacons Sy Shehee* (called Grandpa Shehee), Peter Jenkins*, Dennis Jenkins*, Burrell Jenkins*, Phill Jenkins*, A. Brown*, Henry Smith*, Jack Head*, Will Whit*, Y. Youngblood*, Alfred Mays*, Jack Russell*, Fred Revere*, Henry Mathis*, Earnest Sullivan*, Rufus Acee*, Hull Simmons*, and Wyatt Smith*(who was chairman of the deacon board for 26 years and called “Dad”). He was also head brick mason during the building of the church.

Some of the later deacons were Deacons Fred Williams*, T. J. Dickey*, Charlie Richardson*, Jim Sullivan*, Ben Sullivan*, Adolphus Smith*, J. L. Mays*, Walter Lowe*, Ernest Watts*, J. C. Crowder*, Philip Youngblood*, Elmore Greene*, Morgan O’Neal*, Eugene Harvey*, William Morris*, Sam Matthews*, Ulysees Lindsey*, William E. Fletcher*, Sr.*, Robert Jordan, Sr.*, and Palmer Edge*.

During the year of 1964, the house and lot next to the church were purchased. This was to become the location of what is now the fellowship hall. Like other institutions a church must expand its facility to meet the needs of its congregation. For that reason, in 1974, Dea. William E. Fletcher, Sr.* was asked to contract an annexation to the present sanctuary. With the help of God, he accepted the challenge and promised to do a good job. The plan included a pastor’s study, connecting hallway, washroom, storage rooms, kitchen, and dining area with cabinets and fixtures. The annexation would encompass 2400 square feet, being 40 feet wide and 60 feet long. After discussion, the plan was accepted and a building committee was formed, consisting of Dea. George Barrett*, Sis. Mary E. O’Neal*, Sis Mattie Williams*, Sis. Maggie Smith*, Sis. Lessie B. O’Neal*, Dea. Eugene Harvey*, Bro. Manager Penn*, Sis. Arsoba Bradley*, and Sis. Lillie M. Taylor*. Construction began August 16, 1974. Because of the unique structure of both buildings, it was a rewarding, yet complicated, experience to connect the roofs. However, this was done with success. The effort of a past generation, with wisdom and a new generation who possesses courage and strength. The building was completed and released on September 26, 1975. It was accepted by the pastor, Rev. St John Clark*, the board of deacons and the conference. The deacons were Deacons Emmett Williams*, Chairman, Adolphus Smith*, Earnest Watts*, Sam Matthews*, George Barrett*, Eugene Harvey*, Palmer Edge*, and William Morris*. It was dedicated in 1976 by Rev. Horace Fuller, Jr.*

In October 1975, Sis. Georgia Fletcher*organized the Calendar Club and presented the plan to the Church Conference. The plan was accepted to raise money for the building fund. The Calendar Club is still active.

The following accomplishments were made under the pastorate of Rev. Horace Fuller, Jr.*: carpet in the sanctuary and fellowship hall, Bible study class, two seven and one-half tons heating and air conditions units, two window air conditioner units in the fellowship hall, pianos, chairs for the choir stand, paving of the parking lot, head speakers in the sanctuary and fellowship hall, refrigerators and microwaves for the kitchen, a commercial stove and hood, title for the kitchen and dining area, drinking service for the pulpit, Holy Communion service new roofs on the sanctuary and fellowship hall, a soft drink machine, outside security lights , handicap ramp, a new 1995 church van, an altar set, ice machines, partitions for Sunday school rooms, furniture for the waiting room on the right of the choir loft, and an additional sofa for the front lounge. In 2009-10 a new roof was put on the sanctuary and fellowship, insulation installed in the sanctuary ceiling, installed handrails to the choir, re-upholstered all the necessary church furniture, cut all trees in the cemetery and removed the stumps. A total of seven lots have been purchased – one in 1983, one in 2000, one in 2005, two in 2006, one in 2007, and one in 2010. In 2012, ground fault circuit interrupter protection installed in restrooms and kitchen, barriers to prevent access to all air conditioners constructed, screening for motor vehicle drivers and all persons handling large sums of money and persons having routine contact with children instituted, guardrails on the landing steps from the sanctuary going to the fellowship hall installed, sheet metal installed behind the stove in the kitchen, updating of the church registry, updating of the church constitution/bylaws, and replaced draperies in the sanctuary.

In addition, during the 37 years that Rev. Fuller* was pastor, he baptized 165, took in by letter 6, reinstated 28, took in 14 by Christian experience, dedicated 12 babies, and ordained 14 deacons: Deacons Eldridge Harris, Ricky Banks*, Samuel Castlin*, Alamas Richardson*, Ulysees Lindsey*, John Williams, Hubert Rogers, Jr.*, Slayton Goodman#, James Baker, Jr., Charles Hardaway*, John Vaughn, Terry Johnson#, William Parker, and Willie Williams.

In 2013, church improvements include the purchase of two properties on Akins Street; repainting of the church van; the purchase of an outside storage unit; refurbishment of the kitchen, fellowship hall including a general deep carpet cleaning, the purchase of new tables and chairs, and the refurbishment of the entire sanctuary and access rooms. Finally, the church was the recipient of a monetary gift from the estate of Rev. Marion*and Sis. Mabel Underwood* in the amount of $5,000.00 for the benefit of some church ministries and scholarship fund.

In 1983, the Gospel Choir purchased curtains for the church and on May 26, 1999, the Gospel Choir donated the second podium. During the month of January 1984, a house and lot adjacent to the church, known as the home of Mrs. Sallie Sullivan* was purchased. In April 2000, the house and lot adjacent to the former Sullivan property was purchased. In November 2005, the other lot was purchased. On August 30, 2006, the re-carpeting of the fellowship dining hall was completed. During September 2006, the organ was converted to solid state. On November 7, 2006, two lots on Akins Street across from the church were purchased. On November 6, 2007, a lot on Akins Street across from the church was purchased. In addition, October 20, 2010, another lot on Akins Street was purchased.

Still, God’s Church must continue to build upon its solid foundation. For years, there was discussion after discussion concerning renovation and annexation to the church. In December 2000, Pastor Fuller and the Deacons of the church met with Contractor Otis Dugger. The mission was explained to Mr. Dugger. He viewed the plan and made suggestions for the renovation and annexation. In the Deacon Board meeting on Tuesday January 23, 2001, the plan was presented with suggestions for improvements. The Pastor and Board approved it. On Wednesday, January 24, 2001, Mr. Dugger was notified that Pastor Fuller and the Board of Deacons had accepted, and revised the plan, and named Dugger and Associates as the general contractor. Dea. Eldridge Harris and Dea. George Barrett*were appointed co-chairpersons for the project.

The annexation and renovation project included a porch, handicap ramp, restrooms, a lounge with new furniture, a large vestibule with furniture, decorated wall, a ceiling design that matches the original sanctuary ceiling, an enlarged pastor’s study which includes a private restroom with a shower, new furniture, extended finance room, new sanctuary lights, new sanctuary carpet, central heat and air for the fellowship hall, repaving of the churchyard, painting of the sanctuary, vinyl siding around the outside and windows, new flooring of the old vestibule area, new heat and air for the new vestibule, new plumbing and new electrical wiring for the sanctuary. Rev. Horace Fuller, Jr. dedicated it on Sunday, October 21, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. Rev. W. C. James* delivered the dedicatory sermon. On June 20, 2005 this project and all other church debts were paid in full. 

During the epoch of the church, many members have become ordained ministers. Some include Reverends Peter Bush*, S. M. Wimbush*, Matt Willis*, Lawson Few*, Robert Brown, Sr.*, Philip Youngblood*, Lorenzo Wilkes*, Dave Revere*, William K. Richardson*, Bill Wright, Willie F. Green, Jr.*, Marvin O’Neal*, and Anthony Williams.

The church has had seven clerks: Bro. John H. Pounds*, Bro. John York*, Sis. Johnnie Richardson*, Dea. Emmett Williams*, Sis. Mary E. O’Neal*, Sis. Arsoba Bradley*, (who served 27 years), and presently clerk/secretary Sis. Bettye Parker, (21 years), assistant clerk/secretary Sis. Graquetta Harris (21 years).

The first musicians were Sisters Sallie Y. Moore*, Mary Sullivan*, and Cora Gilbert, all of which were organists. Other musicians: Sis. Sallie C. Moore*, Sis. Louise Fuller*, Sis. Naomi Freeman*, Bro. Jerry Murphy*, Sis. Christine Roach*, Sis. Earline Hollinger, Bro. Terry Smith*, Bro. Larry Mathis*, Rev. Larry Newton*, Sis Brenda Smith, Bro. Nicholas Carswell, and presently Bro. Kelsey Harris, Minister of music (36 years). Bro. Jarvis Banks is the first percussionist (25 years), Bro. Justin Miller (assistant musician; 7 years), Bro. Justice Carter and Sis. NaToya Fletcher (musical directors; 6 years).

The church presently has Rev. Waylon T. Knight as pastor. (10 years). The present deacons are Deacons Eldridge Harris (Chairman for the past 37 years), John Vaughn (secretary), John Williams (treasurer), William Parker (assistant treasurer), James Baker, Jr, Willie Williams, and Terry Johnson#. In 2015, the church lost 2 long-time, dedicated deacons, Dea. George Barrett*, who served as the deacon ministry secretary and church assistant treasurer for many years, and Dea. Emmett Williams*, who served as the vice-chairman for 29 years and chairman for 20 years. Dea. Emmett Williams* was a deacon of the church for 57 years. In 2019, the church lost Dea. Hubert Rogers, Jr*. after serving many years. 

The eleventh pastor, Rev. Waylon T. Knight was called December 20, 2013. His official pastoral duties began Sunday, January 5, 2014 when he preached from Hebrew 12: 1-4: “Begin the Year with God:  Lose the Weight.” He brought the mission of the church – “to Exalt the Savior, Evangelize the Sinner and Edify the Saints”. He also instituted the church vision: “To Embrace the Past, Serve the Present Age, and Empower for the Future”.  

The church has continued to make successful accomplishments during his inaugural year as pastor/teacher. Those accomplishments include: new chair, filing cabinet, book shelf, and new desk for the pastor’s study; donation to Cane Creek Baptist Missionary Association in the amount of $2,300.00; purchased communion table and pulpit coverings in the correct liturgical colors; had two large trees cut and moved from the cemetery; began monthly donations to Cane Creek Association in the amount of $75.00; improved the back driveway; registered and attended the General Missionary Baptist Convention for the first time; completed the sealing, coating, and striping the entire churchyard. Accomplishments in 2015 include refurbishment of pulpit furniture and the enclosure of central heating and air units. 

Accomplishments for 2016 done by Contractor Dea. Otis Dugger includes installation of air conditioner in pastor’s study, new doors beside the sanctuary with hand carved frames around the doors, new door entering finance room, new baptismal pool which includes a new water heater, recessed lighting added for pool area, new wooded cross in baptismal area, new pulpit area with hardwood floor and new wooded backdrop area, converted new single restrooms with tile floors north end of sanctuary, refurbished restrooms in vestibule area with new tile and commodes, installed sensor sanctuary switches in front and rear, exit lights in front and rear of sanctuary; painted entire interior of sanctuary and constructed areas, new LED bulbs in chandeliers for increased lighting efficiency, purchased new drum set, pressured washed front of church; 2017: placed a new stained cross for churchyard entrance, recoated and markings for portion of the east side of the parking lot, purchased an additional lot on Akins Street from the Henry Family, cleaned carpet in the sanctuary and all other rooms upstairs; repaired and leveled the foundation on the left side of the sanctuary. 2019:  Installed video monitoring system in sanctuary and fellowship hall, repaired kitchen storage room that included the walls and floor, installed air conditioning unit in camera system room, and built closet for pastor study. 2020: Purchased Yamaha MX 88 Music Synthesizer. 2022: Renovated the old church entrance room for building a new sound room, demolished the old sound room an installed a door entrance from the sanctuary, installed new steps and rails for the pulpit, purchased new sound equipment for the sound room, purchased new air conditioner unit for the east side of the sanctuary, installed new exits lights for the sound room new entrance with a lock for no entrance from outside, painted the walls and windows in the sanctuary. For the 2022-2023 church year: completed media system installation with new equipment, camera, wiring, and additional electrical improvements, purchased a new iMac computer for the sound room, a new copy machine, new chair for pastor’s study, television monitors for the pastor study and finance office. For 2024, the church replaced the church entry doors, installed upgraded gutters, purchased two AED defibrillators, had the sanctuary carpet and pews deep cleaned. 

Rev. Knight has baptized 36, taken in 7 by Christian Experience, 8 by rededication, 2 by watch care, and dedicated 12 infants; added 5 new ministries: Christian Education, Dea. Eldridge Harris, chairperson; Shepherd’s Care, Sis. Olivia Banks, chairperson; and Matthew 25, Dea. John Vaughn, chairperson; Distinguished Young Men, Bro Kelsey Harris, chairperson; Classy Young Ladies, Sis. Catina Carter, chairperson; instituted the Hour of Power services on 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays; organized the Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day Luncheons; sponsored Holy Week Easter services; organized the first church picnic/health and fitness day; began the October “Do Good for Others” month; organized early morning intercessory prayer and added “A Church of Love and Peace.” 

Those serving in church appointed positions are: Dea. Eldridge Harris, Chairman/Board & Church/Deacon Ministry Treasurer; Dea. John Vaughn Board Secretary; Dea. John C. Williams, Church Treasurer; Dea. William Parker, Asst. Church Treasurer; Sis. Betty Parker, Clerk/Secretary; Sis. Graquetta Harris, Asst. Clerk/Secretary; Sis. Catina Carter, Asst. Clerk/Secretary; Sis. Graquetta Harris, Media Director; Deaconesses, Communion Hostesses; Sis. Shirley Smith, Reporter; Bro. Kelsey Harris, Minister of Music; Bro. Jarvis Banks, percussionist; Bro. Justin Miller, assistant musician; Bro. Justice Carter, and Sis. NaToya Fletcher, musical staff/directors; historians, Sis. Vanessa Smith, Sis. Graquetta Harris, and Sis. Evelyn Harris; kitchen managers, Sis. Margaret Brownlee, Bro. Robert Rogers, Jr., Sis. Addie Carter, Dea. William Parker, Sis. Marie Miller, Bro Willie Dumas, Sis. Catherine Parker, and Bro. Leonard Lovelace; Bro. Roger Simmons, custodian; Bro. Curtis Banks, lawn service. 

The church currently has fifteen Ministries: Deacon Board, Dea. Eldridge Harris, Chairman; Mother Board, Sis. Elaine Buckner, President; Sunday School, Sis. Catina Carter, Superintendent; Dea. John Williams and Bro James Baker, III, assistant superintendents, Sis. Evelyn Harris, secretary, Sis. Margaret Brownlee, treasurer; adult teacher, Rev. Waylon T. Knight, Usher Board, Sis. Sharon Rogers, president, Dea. Willie Williams, vice president; Sis. Carolyn Goddard, secretary; Sis. Shirley Smith, assistant secretary; Sis. Elaine Williams, treasurer; Bro William Morris, chaplain; Senior Mission; Gospel Choir, Sis. Bridgette Wright, president; Youth Choir, Sis. Margaret Brownlee, advisor; Youth Advisors, Sis. Graquetta Harris and Sis. Margaret Brownlee; Health. The Health ministry replaced the Nurse’s Guild originally organized by Rev. William K. Richardson* in 1994 with Sis. Elaine Buckner as president.

The Diamond Members (60+ years of membership):  Sis. Elizabeth Rogers (80), Sis. Nadine James (79), Sis. Dorothy Worthy (77), Sis. Bettye Parker (74), Sis. Jessie Banks (74), Sis. Margaret Battle (73), Dea. John Vaughn (73), Sis. Mattie Mosley (72), Sis. Bennie R. Richardson (72), Bro. Robert Rogers, Jr., (72), Dea. William Parker (70), Dea. John Williams (69), Bro. Billy Williams (69), Sis. Stella Scandrick (68), Sis. Fannie Powell (68), Dea. Willie F. Williams (66), Sis. Darlene Grant (64), Sis. Shirley Smith (64), Sis Olivia Banks (63), Sis. Elaine Williams (63), Sis. Martha Reid (63), Sis. Dorothy Carter (63), Sis. Portia Hightower (63). 

The Golden Members (50-59 years of membership), Sis. Addie Carter (59), Sis. Margaret Brownlee (59), Sis. Sharon Rogers (59), Sis. Elaine Buckner (59), Sis. Marion Baker (57), Rev. Anthony Williams (57), Sis. Melinda Ball (57) and Bro. William Morris (57), Sis. Angelyn Geiger (55), Sis. Patricia Buckner (55), Bro. Lynwood Smith (55), Sis. Bridgette F. Wright (54), Bro. Tommy Lee Hughes (54), Bro. Michael Rogers (54), Sis. Connie Rogers (51), Bro. Curtis Jenkins (51), Sis. Marie Miller (51), Bro. James Richardson (50).

The Silver Members (25-49 years of membership): Dea. Eldridge Harris (49), Sis. Evelyn T. Harris (49), Sis. Kimbley H. Johnson (49), Sis. Pauline Carter (49), Sis. Orlando C. Agaba (49), Sis. Vivian Banks (48), Dea. James Baker, Jr. (46), Bro. Orland Castlin (45), Bro. Kevin Simmons (44), Sis. Betty W. Walker (43), Sis. Cora L. Fambro (44), Sis. Brenda Banks (44), Sis. Brenda W. Woods (43), Sis. Graquetta Harris (42), Bro. Reginald Smith (42), Sis. Michele Driver (41), Sis. Robin Holloway (41) Sis Felecia Carter (40), Bro. Gregory Carter (40) Bro. Kelsey Harris (39), Sis. Vanessa Smith (37), Bro. Charawls Geiger (37), Sis. Kimberly Carter-Smith (36), Sis. Suncilray Coggins (36), Sis. Lakeysha Murphy (33), Sis. Christian H. Thomas (32), Bro. Billy Kelly (32), Sis. Kathy Kelly (32), Sis. Fannie Rogers (32), Sis. Linda Williams (32), Sis. Tomekia Williams (32), Sis. Wanda Harden (32) Sis. Melody B. Ringer (32), Sis, Cherrie Holmes (32), Sis. Judy Johnson (31), Bro. Kortavious Carter (30), Bro. Jarrod Fletcher, (30), Sis. Janana Hall (30), Bro. John Hall (30), Sis. Whitney Smith (30), Sis. Whitney Williams (30), Bro. Willie T. Williams (30), Sis. Catina Carter (29), Bro. Damien Carter (29), Sis. Bridney Brown (28), Bro. Brien Brown (28), Sis. Bria Brown (27) Sis. Orlenthia Caslin (28), Bro. John Davis (28), Sis. Kinsey Jones (28), Sis. Casey Carter (28), Sis. Jasmine Brownlee (28), Sis. Andrea Geiger-Lindsey (27), Bro. Camden Foster (26). 

* Deceased 

# Inactive

This is the 25th published history of the West Mount Sinai Baptist Church.  Therefore, incompletions and inaccuracies may still occur in this printing.  However, it is open for corrections and/or additions.