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BRIEF HISTORY OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

During World War II in 1944, the established churches of Wellston (Warner Robins) agreed to sponsor both Catholic and Protestant services in the South Zeigler Community Building. The combined mission effort did not prosper, and First Baptist Church of Warner Robins accepted responsibility for the mission. Thus, Second Baptist had its earliest beginnings around August, 1944. Rev. Sidney J. Wheeler, an Associate Pastor of First Baptist, was assigned to the mission. Around November, 1945, the mission desired a Pastor of its own. While Rev. Wheeler was on a medical leave, Rev. William L. Clinton came to First Baptist for a Wednesday prayer service. He was asked to come back on Sunday, and in October 1946, Mr. Clinton was appointed by First Baptist Church as Pastor to the mission. In December 1947, the mission had grown enough to constitute as a church. On December 21, 1947, the organizers gathered at the South Zeigler Community Building. The group sang the hymns, Higher Ground and Blest Be the Tie. At the close of the service, 67 people signed a document asking First Baptist Church to grant their church letters to form a new church to be known as SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
The new congregation grew quickly, and in March 1947, a new location was chosen on South Sixth Street. Rev. Clinton resigned to attend seminary, and a call was issued in September 1948 to Rev. Vernon Brown, asking him to come as pastor. On Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952, services were held in the new church facilities on South Sixth Street. The Fall Revival of 1954 brought a young man by the name of Rastus Salter as guest evangelist. He was serving as Pastor of Hendricks Baptist Church in Thomaston, Georgia. Rev. Salter was called as Associate Pastor of Second Baptist in November, 1955. Vernon Brown resigned to accept the pastorate at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Rev. Rastus Salter became Pastor of Second Baptist in June 1956. Through the years, the church grew rapidly in attendance and ministries.
In February 1982, a 10-acre tract of land was purchased on Sandy Run Road. The church relocated and dedicated its new facilities on September 16, 1984. To accommodate continued growth, additional educational space was completed in May 1988.
In early 1995, plans were finalized for the building of a Family Life Center, and the I.F. “Rastus” Salter Family Life Center was dedicated on April 21, 1996, in recognition of Rev. Salter’s 40 years of service as Pastor. The current 2,228 seat Worship Center was dedicated in October 2004. After more than 50 years of ministry, Rev. Rastus Salter went home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2005.
The expanding ministries of Second Baptist continue on today. In late 2006, the church purchased 20 acres of land and two buildings on the south side of Sandy Run Road. The new property will be used for our growing Victory Sports Ministry and the Youth Ministry. We now also have a banquet/conference facility there.
Second Baptist has been blessed with a rich heritage for more than 60 years. Throughout her history, many young men and women have been called to full-time Christian service. God is still at work in her midst, and we anticipate great and mighty things to be done in the future days of HIS church.
Mission Churches of Second Baptist
Northside Baptist Church – October, 1952
Evergreen Baptist Church – October, 1954
Garrison Baptist Church – January, 1955
Shirley Hills Baptist Church – October, 1962
Green Acres Baptist Church – May, 1964
Hebron Baptist Church (Ohio) – August, 1967
Shady Grove Baptist Church – May, 1992
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