SHOAL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
OF LOCUST GROVE, GA
Our History
In the year of 1825, Indian Creek Baptist Church was formed in Locust Grove of Henry County, Georgia. The charter members were primarily Caucasian: Benjamin Sansing, Mary Sansing, Joshua Stephens, Nancy Stephens, George Morris, Sarah Morris, George Lewis, Thomas McClendon, Anna Peters, and one negro slave, Eady, who belonged to Joshua Stephens. From 1825 and 1866, ninety-seven negroes became members of Indian Creek Baptist Church by letter of experience. At some point in the church’s history, the church was renamed First Baptist Church.
In 1866, ten negro women were excommunicated from Indian Creek Baptist Church: Leah, Sener, Winna, Cicen, Benah, Benny, Kish, Susan, Rosant and Charity. These women were servants of their masters who were members of Indian Creek Baptist Church, and they were members as well. Having been dismissed from Indian Creek Baptist Church, they decided to start a church of their own. On the shoals of Indian Creek in a brush arbor, the women founded Shoal Creek Baptist Church.
On the fourth Sunday in April 1867, Rev., I.G. Woolsey, pastor of Indian Creek Baptist Church, Bro. R.T. Smith, and Bro. A. Brown met to determine the future of the former negro members. On Sunday evening, May 1867, Rev. Woolsey was called as the first pastor of Shoal Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Woolsey conducted services at Indian Creek Baptist in the morning and at Shoal Creek Baptist in the evening.
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Shoal Creek Baptist Church has received many pastors throughout the years. One of the most notable pastors was the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., who was pastor from 1930-32. Martin Luther King, Jr., was just a boy during this time. The late Deacon J.W. Lemon recalled that one of his responsibilities was to keep young Martin entertained during Sunday services.
Since the church’s inception, Shoal Creek has been working to further the kingdom of God. In October 2004, Pastor Michael T. Price was chosen to serve as senior pastor of Shoal Greek. Under the leadership of he and his wife, First Lady Sheila Price, the ministry of Shoal Creek Baptist Church continues to thrive through community outreach, intercessory prayer, biblical studies, and ministry networking. We rejoice and thank God for the progress the church has made thus far. We look forward to the many blessings that lie in store for the church now and in years to come.