Early 1916 a small group of devout Christians decided that a Baptist Church was needed in East Thomasville.  Among the group were individuals that will live forever in the memory of this church, namely Mr. Will Koontz, Mrs. Marie Koontz, Mrs. Myrtle Hudson, Mrs. Charlotte Brown, Mrs. Mattie Skeens and Mrs. James Mock.  Meeting, as was custom in that day, under brush arbors in the summer and in homes in the winter the congregation soon realized the need for a church building.

 

A lot was purchased and a small structure was built and dedicated in 1921. Rev S.D. Townsend was called as the first pastor.  Rev. Townsend was followed by a succession of able ministers whom were Rev. C. Taylor, E.L. Kirby, J.W. Gray, W.M. Parker, J.W.  Hawkins, D.C. Speller, B.A. Mack, S.R. Johnson, C.M. Freeman, O.B. Cook, S. Mclendon, Sr., T. Bridges, Rev. Tony A. Barr, Sr, and our present pastor, P. Michael McNair.

 

Under Rev. Hawkins‘ administration the officials met and decided that Emmanuel Baptist Church had outgrown the old building and a new one was needed.  The Deacon Board was composed of such courageous men as M.C. Steele, O.P. Reeder, Anthony Welborn, Jeff Jackson and Andrew Jackson.

 

The new church was completed in 1948.  Rev. Hawkins served until his death in 1949.  After the death of Rev. Hawkins, the church was in dire need of leadership.  It extended a call to the Rev. D.C. Speller who assumed leadership of the church.

 

The new church took on a new life under Rev. Speller‘s administration. The debt of the church was paid off, a heating system was installed, an electrical organ was purchased, and the church pews and furniture were bought.  Rev. Speller was instrumental in forming the Young Ladies Club, Willing Workers, and Pastor‘s Aide.  Deacon Skeens was ordained during this administration and Deacon Eugene Lewis served as chairman of the Deacon board.

 

Rev. Speller resigned and the Rev. B.A. Mack was installed as Pastor. During his leadership, the entire membership worked diligently to acquire a baptismal pool, a new stove for the kitchen and electric chimes for the organ.  Additionally, a Junior Church, a Boy Scout Troop, and a Young Men‘s Club were organized.

 

Rev. Mack resigned in 1956 and Rev. S.R. Johnson, Jr. resumed the pastorate on March 4th 1956.  He took up were Rev. Mack left off, and we continued to make progress.  Rev. Johnson spearheaded the renovation of the church, bringing about doors at the entrance and the installation of lights around the church.  It could be truthfully said that this church as a church that loved its membership and this members loved the church.

 

While Rev. Johnson was with Emmanuel membership continued to grow. New equipment was purchased for the office.

 

In 1959, Rev. C.M. Freeman became the leader of Emmanuel.  Under his leadership the number of Sunday worship services were increased to every Sunday whereas they formerly were held each first and third Sunday.  He organized the Kitchen Committee and the Mother‘s Board, and was responsible for securing office equipment.  Rev. Freeman allowed the youth of the church to become active by designing the second Sunday of each month for the youth to be in charge of servies.

 

In 1970, Rev. O.B. Cook came to our church.  During his term of office two choirs were formed, The Junior Emmanuelites and the Youth Ensemble. He formed the Church Council, and Steering Committee for the Announcement System.  To aid in membership transportation two church buses were purchased.  It was under his leadership that renovation of the old church and construction of the new sanctuary were initiated.

 

In June 1977, Rev. Samuel McLendon, Sr. was installed as pastor.  During the pastorate of McLendon several ministers were called by God, namely Rev. John Canty, Rev. Thomas Bosier, Rev. Tony Barr, Sr., Min. Alan Davis, Rev. Ellis McLendon, and Evangelist Cassandra McLendon.  Rev McLendon was inspired to organize the Male Chorus, appointed females to the Trustee Board for the first time in the history of the church, and appointed and Budget & Finance Committee.

 

Building projects under his leadership included the complete renovation and modernization to the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen, two bathrooms, Pastor‘s Study, Choir Room, Conference Room, and additional property. Rev. McLendon resigned in July 2000 and in Nov. 2000, Rev. Timothy Bridges Sr. resumed the pastorate for six months.

 

In July 2001 Rev. Tony Barr, Sr. was elected to serve as interim Pastor for six months.  Pastor Barr was officially elected as Pastor of Emmanuel in November 2001.  Under Pastor Barr‘s leadership and God‘s divine directions many souls have come to Christ. One Deacon was ordained and there were one Deacon and one Deaconess-in-training during his tenure.  He formed several new ministries in the church such as The Greeter‘s Ministry, Praise in Motion, and the ROC {Outreach Witness for Christ}.  The church was blessed with a newly paved parking lot.

 

Under Pastor McNair‘s leadership and guidance addition parking space has been purchased.  Renovations of the sanctuary, including the pulpit and choir stand have been made.  Many new ministries have been prayerfully organized including: The Golden Girls, Singles and Marriage Ministry, Ministers in Training (MIT), Youth Pastor Andrew Watkins, Summer ROCK Enrichment Program, Blessed to be a Blessing Sunday (B3), Media Ministry, Wednesday Noonday Prayer, 3 Night Revival which featured a different minister preaching each night, Midnight Basketball and a strong social media presence.  We are continuing to build the church Christ is looking for, one person at a time.