History of the First Baptist Church of Hardeeville :

Tradition tells us that around 1850 Mrs. Margaret Jones donated a tract of land to be used as the location of the Hardeeville Baptist Church. It is believed that the first church building was destroyed during the Civil War. In January of 1865 Union troops under General Sherman reached Hardeeville. Because of the cold, wet winter weather, they tore the church down and used it for firewood. In 1915 the Federal government paid the church $1500 as compensation for the damage to their building during the war.

The first recorded minutes of Hardeeville Baptist Church are dated January 1876. Some 41 men and women wrote and recorded the Church Charter. It reads as follows: "On the 3rd Lord's Day of January, 1876, a small company of Believers were organized as a church by the Brethren A. W. Lamar, C. A. Baynard and W. G. Rollins. Few in number, yet trusting in Jesus the Great Head of the Church, and the support of each humble follower, they gladly cast in their lot together, pledging themselves by this uniting in one body to strive together for the Master's Glory, to bear one another's burdens and to adhere faithfully to the covenant which is herein transcribed."

In that year a new church building was constructed, and it was used until 1951. The Rev. A. W. Rollins was called as pastor. In a short time he resigned to attend Theological Seminary, and the church experienced its first test, an extended period without the services of a minister. Records indicate that "prayer meetings and Sabbath School were faithfully continued, and an occasional visit from a ministerial brother afforded the proper opportunities for the worship of the Lord."

There were more periods between pastors when the members continued worship through the help and guidance of supply pastors. In 1914, Dr. W. J. Langston helped the church develop plans for future growth. The committee working with Dr. Langston on these plans consisted of R. J. Boyd, A. B. Coburn and C. M. McTeer. In 1915, during the service of Rev. C. L. Stoney, the church began to renovate their facilities. Using the money paid by the Federal gvernment along with additional donations the church building was remodeled, a baptistry was added, and construction of a parsonage was begun. After 1931, five years passed before the church received a resident pastor. Rev. Walter Black, of Ruffin, came to the aid of the members when he was called upon. Some 24 ministers extended their time and services. Rev. J. M. Lane served as Pastor from 1936 to 1941.