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The Jesup Primitive Baptist Church was organized around 1914 by some of the members of Bethesda Church, located about seven miles north of Jesup. The first services were held in an old armory building and in the homes of various members. Although the early records of the church have been lost, the Bethesda Association minutes indicate that the Jesup Church became a member of that body in October, 1915. Jesup Church received ten members by baptism, three by letter, and one by confession of faith, with a total membership of nineteen. Elder Jesse Johnston was pastor and J. C. Branch was clerk. The church apparently ceased to function after 1923. In 1946 a group of the remaining members from the old church and several others began a movement to revive the Jesup Church. Services were held at the Jesup Presbyterian Church monthly on Friday nights. Elder W. Henry Waters, pastor of the Salem Church in Screven, conducted the services en route to his appointments in Screven. On August 23, 1946, a resolution was passed reviving the Jesup Church. Members of the old organizations became charter members of the reactivated church. They were the following: Mr. J. M. Waters, Mrs. B. F. Woodcock, Mrs. Lena Fultz, Mrs. Katie Waters, Mrs. M. E. Brannen, and five of her children, Mrs. J. M. (Mary Jane) Waters, Mrs. Ruth Harbin, Mrs. Pearl B. Elliott, Henry Brannen, and Levy Brannen. Elder Henry Waters, instrumental in reviving the church, became the church's first pastor on September 27, 1946, and served the Jesup Church until 1949. Elder Guy E. Smith became pastor in 1949 and served until 1952. During this period, the church sanctuary was built with services held in the new building January, 1952. Elder Henry Waters was again called as pastor and served until January, 1953, resigning due to failing health. In the fall of 1953, after Elder Eugene P. May conducted the annual meeting, the church extended a pastoral call to him which he accepted on September 3, 1953. The church only had services one Sunday each month and decided to have services twice per month. After only one service on the bi-monthly schedule, the church voted to have full time services. Elder May served as pastor until April, 1961, during which time the church showed substantial growth. It was also during this time that the educational building was constructed. In the spring of 1961, the church called Elder Emerson Proctor, who became pastor in September. Except for a break from November, 1964, until November, 1965, Elder Proctor served the church until August, 1987. He was succeeded by Elder D. J. Newman who served the church from January, 1988, until December 31, 1991. Elder J. Roland Waters followed Elder Newman's pastorate until July 30, 1995. Elder Vernon Eckleberry succeeded Brother Waters August 6, 1995, and served until January 26, 1997. Elder J. Roland Waters then agreed to act as interim pastor. Elder Keith Smith served as pastor from July 6, 1997, until 2000. Elder J. Roland Waters then agreed to serve as interim pastor once again. His son, Thomas Waters, began his ministry at the Jesup Church in June, 2001. In January, 2003, The Baptist Tabernacle, a Reformed Baptist congregation, consolidated with the Jesup Church, and their pastor, Scott Leone, was called to serve as associate pastor of Jesup Primitive Baptist Church. From this church body, God has called five men to preach the Gospel. They are J. Roland Waters, Harley L. Waters, William H. Durrence, John L. Tillman, and the late David Dukes. For these men and their ministry, we are thankful to God, and pray that others may be called to labor in God's vineyard. To God, by His grace, we are most thankful for all our blessings, but trust we place the highest value upon the spiritual blessings we have received through our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have grown in grace and the knowledge of the truth. As we look to the future, we do so in prayer that God will be pleased to continue His blessings upon us and that we will strive to please Him. To God be the glory!
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