HISTORICAL STATEMENT
Immediately after slavery, Black Christian men and women who yearned to extend their achieved freedom to all aspects of their lives set out with a burning sense of urgency establishing churches which would meet the special needs of former slaves. Four such churches were established in Houston County near the Wellston community as a part of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Connectional Church. They were Saint Paul, Avondale, Sandy Run and Oak Ridge. These churches served well the needs of the black citizens of their respective communities and came together in quarterly meetings under the banner of the Sandy Run Circuit. Not only did they serve the spiritual needs of their parishioners but also the educational and social needs. Each of these churches housed and supported a school for the education of youth and provided a meeting place for other activities, social and political. Many souls were saved on the Sandy Run Circuit, many prayers were prayed, and God richly blessed our efforts by calling three of our own into the ministry—Rev. W. J. Johnson (1941), Rev. Milton Scott (1955), and Rev. Josh B. Kirvin (1970).
Seeds for a new CME Church were planted in 1967 when, under the pastorate of Rev. J.R. Dixon, the Dixon Tabernacle CME Church was established in Old Jody Town. Rev. H. A. Jackson and Rev. M. B. Brown nurtured the plan and tried to advance the dream. It was Rev. T. C. Rumph of Vidalia who organized the first long range fund raising effort to build a new church. At about the same time, the Central Georgia Conference had been studying the growth of the city of Warner Robins and recognized the need for a station church that would meet the needs of the growing population. The newly elected Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District, Bishop Joseph C. Coles, Jr., consulted with Rev. J. L. Key, presiding Elder of the Fort Valley-Savannah District of which Sandy Run Circuit was a part. Bishop Coles wanted to know who in the Central Georgia Conference could get the job done? Elder Key recommended the youngest preacher on the district, the Rev. Donald R. Jordan. However, in August 1974, Rev. Jordan was appointed to the pastorate of the Sandy Run Circuit. Armed with the mission to merge the two remaining congregations on the circuit, Rev. Jordan began preaching, praying, and seeking the will of God for the perfect moment to introduce each phase of that mission.
In 1976, after many hours of toils, snares, and prayers, the merger was finalized, and the new church, the Warner Robins Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. Under the very able leadership of Rev. Donald R. Jordan and the diligent work of dedicated members, the Warner Robins Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded, organized, and a beautiful edifice was built. A dream had become a reality, and on February 13, 1977, the first service in the new church building was held. The pastor’s first sermon was entitled: “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done.”
During Rev. Jordan’s ministry, we were blessed to have four of our own members called into the ministry. They were Bro. Willie Barber (1977), Sis Teresa Dixon Evans (1979) Bro. Charles Moore (1979) and Bro. Willie “Jackie” Garman (1981). After the retirement of Elder Key, Rev. Henry E. Jones, Jr., was appointed Presiding Elder and served until 1987, at which time Rev. Jerry Poole was appointed Presiding Elder and Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green was appointed pastor. With the appointment of Rev. Green in 1987, the church continued to progress in every area. The mortgage of the church was paid in full. A new Family and Community Life Center was built to include a library, nursery, gymnasium and meeting facilities for large and small groups. We were blessed to have two additional members called into the ministry. Sis. Rutha M. Jackson and Bro. John W. Jackson was called into the ministry and the Quarterly Conference confirmed both on November 3, 1990. Rev. Green served faithfully until November, 1996.
Rev. Dr. Frederick Zak was appointed by Bishop Othal H. Lakey to serve at Warner Robins CME Church starting the 4th Sunday in November 1996. Rev. Zak’s theme for the church was “Reaching Up, Reaching In and Reaching Out to God”. He developed reaching ministries to include the Radio Broadcast, Theater Advertising and the Audio Ministry. Membership increased and five members were called into the ministry. They were: Sis. Angela Wootson, Bro. Kevin McIver, Sis. Laverne McCoy, Sis. Sheryl Armstrong, and Sis. Dorethea Scott.
Following the 1st “Olympic” Sessions of the Annual Conference, August 2000, Bishop Othal H. Lakey, appointed Rev. Stevie D. McKinney to shepherd the flock at the Warner Robins CME Church. Rev. McKinney sought to strengthen the social, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the members. Membership and stewardship increased. The Line of Credit was paid off and the Annual Assessment was paid from tithes and pledges. Under his leadership, we added an 8:00 AM worship service, Noon Day Bible Study, monthly discipline and leadership classes, and twice-weekly tutorial ministry. A Women and Men’s Ministry has been developed. Our children’s ministry was strengthening through the additions of the Rossie T. Hollis Dept. and Mattie E. Coleman Circle. During the first two years of Rev. McKinney’s leadership, seven members were called into the ministry. They were: Bro. Daron Lee, Bro. Willie McCormick, Bro. Rufus Cole, Jr., Bro. Freddie Jefferson, Sis. Retha Walton, Bro. Eddie Armstrong and Sis. Trinces Jackson.
We have provided for the spiritual growth of our members through morning worship, Bible Study, prayer meetings, Sunday school, Youth Revivals, Watch Night/Candle Light Services, Ash Wednesday and Fall Revival. We have reached out to the young people by involving them in activities through the Christian Youth Fellowship, Youth Choir and the Young Adult Council.
Our yearly celebrations include the Hospitality Circle Anniversary, Missionary Founders Day Lay Day, Men’s Day, National Stewardess Day, Graduation Recognition Day, Annual Church Picnic, Faith Pledge Day, Family and Friends Day, Fall Festival, Homecoming and Fall Revivals, Youth and Young Adult Revival.
We have come a long way since the merger of the Sandy Run Circuit. It is our prayer that God will continue to bless us in all our endeavors.
