Pastors of First Jordan Grove

First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1918; and organized under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Whitaker with the following members serving on the building committee:  Rev. H.B. Brown & Rev. A. Pinkney.  Rev. Whitaker served as pastor and Sis. Nettie Gamble served as church clerk.

The members met at Little St. James Baptist Church on the corner of “I” and Albany Streets and on April 13, 1918 the church was organized.  The members purchased a lot and began clearing the land to build.  Among the members were Sis. Mary Jane Davis and Sis. Minnie Benjamin.

The name Jordan Grove was decided upon by the members of the congregation.  Led by the Power of God, the building was finished.  The regular services were held only once a month.  Many members were added to the church.  Among them was Sis. Dottie Howard and Bro. Dewitt Taylor.  Under Rev. Whitaker’s pastorage, Bro. Dewitt Taylor, Walter Jones, Charlie Tate and Allen Ancrum were ordained as Deacons.  Rev. A. Pickett was appointed assistant pastor.

Our spiritual leader, Rev. Whitaker served well until 1935.  He became ill in 1936 and was called to his just reward.  He finished his work and the church mourned his passing.  The church was without a pastor.  The Moderator and Fowltown Association came down and ordained Rev. J.T. Fisher as pastor.  Rev. Fisher served only a limited time.  Under his leadership the church purchased the present pews and pulpit set.  The church called Rev. Dixon and he served for five years.  Under his leadership the Deacon and Deaconess boards were organized.  The communion and choir rooms were added to the church.  Rev. Dixon served us well in peace and harmony but decided to resign.

The church members decided to call Rev. J.S. Wilson who served for 11 months and then resigned.  The church decided to go into prayer and ask God to send them a Shepherd. Reverend F.D. Johnson was called and served for 15 years.  Under his administration, a parsonage was built, the church was repaired and a baptism pool installed. He also ordained the following Deacons: E. Henley, J.W. Lee, F. Daniels and B.L. Small. Rev. Johnson was a faithful and capable leader until his health failed. On March 15, 1960, the church mourned his passing. July 1960 Reverend H. Anderson was called to serve as our pastor. He was a spiritual leader and many souls were saved under his administration. Brother Tommie Holloway and S.T. Thomas were ordained as deacons. Later Deacon S.T. Thomas was ordained as minister.

Brother John Lee was ordained as minister. He served as Youth Day Minister until he went away to school. Reverend Anderson served faithfully for 11 years. In December 1971, the church was again without a pastor. God sent a leader, Reverend Daniel Johnson. He was called on July 9, 1972. During his administration many improvements were made. A new order of service was instituted for Sunday School and Church. The Young Matron’s Society was organized, weekly and monthly bulletins were implemented, a new parsonage was purchased, and circles were formed to raise money for the building fund. This was very successful and plans were drawn up for a new church. Reverend Johnson ordained the following Deacons: Joe Dawson, Walter Young, Jake Barneman, Joe Wilson, Willie Wells and Eddie Hart.

On November 4, 1973, Deacon Eddie Hart preached his first sermon. Reverend Johnson served for 2 years. Once again the church was without a pastor. In September 1975, Reverend Richard W. Jordan was called to pastor. He proved to be a great leader. Under Reverend Jordan’s leadership the church began to move. He met with officers and members and they discussed plans for a new church. On April 10, 1976, we rendered a groundbreaking ceremony for the NEW First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church. On September 12, 1976, by the power of God we moved into our new church. We also purchased a lot on the corner of Stonewall and “J” Streets. Brother Willie Odom and Richard Knight were ordained as deacons on July 24, 1977. Services were rendered for laying a cornerstone by the Most Worshipful Grand Master X.L. Neal.

Reverend Jordan served for two years and seven months. On May 14, 1978 Reverend Jordan preached his last sermon. On July 24, 1978, Reverend Irvin Brogsdale was called to serve us faithfully. On September 9, 1979, Reverend Brogsdale resigned. On February 9, 1980, Reverend Wilbert Burgess was called to pastor.  He served faithfully. On December 7, 1980 Reverend Burgess preached his last sermon. The church was again without a leader and decided to go into prayer in choosing a leader. April 1981 we were led to call Reverend Thomas Davis.  Reverend Davis proved to be a spiritual leader. He came to us as a fulltime pastor on April 18, 1981. Under his leadership the church mortgage was burned, the pews were covered, a new order of service was developed, a steeple with a light and bell were purchased, awning on the outer doors were installed, and a public announcement system and wall-to-wall carpet was installed.  A church van was also purchased. The Ten Commandments and Church Covenant was purchased.

The framing of these documents was a gift to the church from the International Port Authority in memory of Deacon Frank Scriven for service rendered while serving as a President. Reverend Davis ordained the following deacons: Curtis Bell, Harry Reynolds, Willie Norris, Robert Thomas, Eddie Williams and Flemming Roberts. A few years later, Deacon Robert Thomas was ordained into the ministry by Pastor Davis. In August of 1998, Reverend Davis ordained Brothers Earl Bell, Sr. and McKinley Elkins. Reverend Michael Austin was licensed by Reverend Davis in November of 2000 and ordained on May 20, 2001. On June 24, 2001, Reverend Davis preached his farewell sermon. In 2002 Reverend Julius Hope was installed as pastor of First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Hope served for 4 years.

On March 19, 2007, Reverend Kenneth A. Adkins became pastor of First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Adkins ordained the following deacons: Robert Keith II, Clayton Wade, Rayfield Barneman, Roderick Johnson, Melvin Armond, Eugene Ethridge and Odell Rosby. Reverend Adkins resigned from his pastorship in 2010. March 2011, Reverend Lyndon Lambert, Ph.D. became pastor of First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Lambert ordained the following Deacons: Tommie Lee Herrington, Clarence Walker, Alvin Lang, William Lewis, Eleazar Herrington, Kenneth McClendon, Jr. and Lee Haugabook.

In September 2012 Reverend John E. Fields, Jr. became the pastor of First Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Fields ordained the following Deacons: Paul Green. Under the leadership of Pastor Fields, First Jordan Grove has grown in membership and stature within the Glynn County community.

In 2015, First Jordan Grove embarked on a new journey under the leadership of Pastor Fields. Under his leadership, Ministers Glenn Williams, Barbara Brockman, Cheryl Knight, William Lewis and Jennifer Higginbotham have been licensed to preach.  Also, Deacons Michael Howell, Sr., Allen Houston and Rodney Fulks have been ordained.  First Jordan Grove is in the process of securing funds to begin construction on a new building to hold classrooms, a fellowship hall and a new commercial kitchen. To God Be The Glory for the things he has done.