The Watkinsville Baptist Church was organized July 11, 1866, by Brothers Peter Dixon, James Mack, Flag Rudolph, Morris Jones, Dicie Jones, Eliza Carswell, and Reverend Nathan Walker. Mr. Pat Watkins father donated the plot of land on which they first worshipped. Reverend A.S. Wright was elected as her first Pastor. Though small in number they didn't grow as rapidly as some of the neighboring churches, but continued in the faith that was once delivered by the saints. Revered Wright worked one year, did commendable work until he was called from labor to reward. Some of the outstanding ministers who have served as Pastor are Reverends P. J. Major, Alfred McBride, W. H. Sack, Gable McTier, Conell Watkins, Addison McKenzie, Richard Lewis, Kit Jones and Reverend Joe Weaver. Reverend Weaver labored hard around the battleground and trained many soldiers until the voice of midnight came. After this came Reverend W. H. Bessant, Reverend J. H. Evans, Reverend J. L. Bennett and Reverend Tom Sapp. Reverend Sapp served only a short while, labored hard around the mountain and baptized more than twenty. Then the lamented Reverend J. L. Bennett came, a young man of sterling quality, keen insight and board in view. He brought us to our present location. In love and in peace with the entire membership and community, he pastored five years or more and baptized more than one hundred. After Reverend Sapp’s passing, we were without a pastor for a while and called upon Reverend M. M. Moody. Reverend Moody came to us as a refreshing shower to a thirsty plant; he rendered splendid service for one year. During his administration the building was destroyed by fire and the structure located down the road was erected. Reverend Moody baptized twenty-two and resigned. The Lord then sent us Reverend P.J. Jackson. A splendid minister, he served one year and six months gave excellent service and added many to the church. Having been called to a larger field, he resigned. Reverend E. W. Thompson then came to us, he stood strong by us in our struggle, did splendid work and then he too, and resigned. Afterwards, Reverend C. W. Turner came; Reverend Turner was like a bright shining light. We felt we had a strong leader and a gospel preacher. He added many to the church, served well and resigned. Then came Reverend S. M. McKelton, he served fourteen years more or less, during his administration a well was bored; we were inspired by the spirit and the members of the church to build a pool, as we had been marching through the woods for baptism. In 1950, we were inspired to remodel our church. In 1952, we were successful in undertaking our goal, it was completed and painted, and even electric lights were added. Reverend McKelton had an alert mind, a forward glance and an onward move. We felt anchored under his leadership. The sad day came May 24, 1956; the Lord saw fit to call Reverend McKelton, from labor to reward.


In October 1956, Reverend J. H. Harris became our pastor. Reverend Harris was the means for many coming to Christ. He baptized forty or more, licensed one to the ministry, Reverend Thomas Patterson, Jr. and ordained two deacons, Luther Patterson, Sr. and Grant Crawford. Reverend Harris served six years or more and was like Joel, spared to warn us. During his administration, our choir survived and the choir stand was enlarged, we even purchased a piano and organized a junior choir. In November 1962, being called to a larger field of labor, Reverend Harris offered his resignation. We were again without a shepherd, but under the leadership of our chairman and deacons we pressed onward. The inside of our church was repainted; steps were added to the choir stand and runners purchased for the aisles. In October 1963, Reverend G. W. Dixon became our pastor. He came to us as an ambitious and foregoing leader, during his administration; a rug was added to the pulpit, new lights, gas heaters, restrooms and a youth choir organized, which is now the G. W. Dixon Gospel Choir. In 1978, the church was bricked in, a room added, new windows installed and the interior remodeled. In 1983, a piano was purchased, central air and a public address system installed. In 1988, the church was renovated, a new roof was constructed, a new floor, a pastor's study, choir stand with restroom and dressing room, floor carpeted, new pews, front restrooms remodeled, ceiling fans and one new light was added.


In 1989, the Watkinsville Youth Choir was organized. In 1991 a new public address system was mounted in the ceilings and in 1992 a piano was purchased. In 1998, a Second Sunday service was added. The first official service took place on Sunday, March 8, 1998, there were thirty-one (31) witnesses present, twenty-two (22) were members, two (2) visitors and the remainder was children. The message came from 1st Corinthians 2:7 and Acts 20:28, Reverend Dixon's text was "Feed the Flock with God's Word". Reverend Dixon licensed two to the ministry, Reverend Carlos Newton, Jr. and Reverend William J. T. Patterson. He ordained a number deacons: William Patterson, Norris Reed, Willie Jones, Robert Huff, Sherman Jenkins, Charles Bennett, Judson Crawford and Luther Patterson, Jr. He added 184 to the church, one hundred and fifty-nine by baptism, seven by letter, and six by Christian experience and restored fourteen to the church. In March 2002, The Godbee, Lewis and Tucker Families donated 13 acres of land to be used for the construction of a sanctuary and future recreation facility. September 2002, Reverend Glenn Wiggins met with the church family to provide information concerning the building of a new sanctuary. In March 2003, the church family agreed to hire Reverend Wiggins as the contractor for the construction project. Reverend G.W. Dixon resigned, December 2002, citing failing health and his inability to carry out the duties of a pastor. Reverend James R. Dixon, one of the sons of G.W. Dixon, became our interim pastor for a six-month period in September 2003. On May 20, 2004, a unanimous conference yielded to voice of the Lord and accepted the appointment of Reverend J. R. Dixon and he was officially installed Sunday, April 18, 2004, with Reverend Sylvester Bing bringing forth the Word. In June 2004, the plans for the new church were in the hands of the architect. In September 2004, the load from First National & Trust, Sardis, GA was secured. In July 2004 the land began to be cleared and construction of our new sanctuary was underway. In April 2005, following many months of hard labor and earnest prayers, the new sanctuary was completed. The first services were held Sunday, May 1, 2005, with 90 members present. Rev. Dixon’s message was, “A Good Mother” Proverbs 31:10 – “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”…. On May 15, 2005, along with other ministers and local officials, we held a dedication service for we have nothing of our own, it all belongs to God. During his pastoral, the church services were moved from the 2nd and 3rd Sundays to the 1st and 3rd Sundays, with 1st Sunday Services beginning at 8:00 a.m. with Sunday School and Services at 9:00 a.m. Reverend Dixon reorganized the Program Committee, instituting a policy that some type of program or activity was to take place once a month outside of regular services. He also reorganized the Mission and Food Ministry. Twelve were added to the church, 5 as candidates for baptism, 5 by Christian experience and 2 through restoration. To God be the glory for all the marvelous things He has done. On Sunday, October 2, 2005, God say fit to call Reverend James Dixon home, from labor to reward. His Celebration of Life was held here on Saturday, October 6, 2005; James has his mansion now, a building not made by man’s hands. After the passing of Reverend James Dixon, the church family moved forwarded creating the James R. Dixon Society, in honor of our beloved pastor, whose purpose is spiritually educate and motivate the younger Disciples of Christ. Thereby, setting aside every 5th Sunday with programs and activities geared specifically toward their needs and interest. A Wedding Committee was formed to assist members and those desiring to have their nuptials held here. Also, a Hospitality Committee was formed to greet our guest.


During the interim after the passing of Reverend James Dixon, several ministers aided us during our period of bereavement they were Reverend Victor Sweet, from 1st Sunday, October 2005 – 1st Sunday, January 2006, while here one came under Christian experience; Reverend Beotis Clark, from 3rd Sunday, January 2006, 1st Sunday, February 2006 and 3rd Sunday, March 2006; Reverend Elliot Bing, 3rd Sunday February and 1st Sunday March; Reverend Peter Sparks, 1st Sunday, April 2006; Reverend James Reid, from 3rd Sunday, April 2006 – 1st Sunday, May; Reverend Beotis Clark – 3rd Sunday, May 2006; Reverend James Reid – Month of June 2006; after which Reverend Beotis Clark was elected pastor but declined the position. First Sunday, July 2006, Reverend Cornelius Smith of Thankful Baptist Church, Waynesboro, GA. carried out the services. Son-of-the-House Rev. William J.T. Patterson brought forth the word for church Anniversary 2006. Then Son-of-the-House, Reverend Carlos Newton, Jr. carried on services the 1st Sunday, August 2006 then Reverend Timothy West carried on services from 3rd Sunday, August 2006; while here he received 3 for baptism – 1st Sunday November 2006; Son-of-the-House, Reverend Carlos Newton, Jr. – 3rd Sunday, November 2006; and Son-of-the-House Rev. William J.T. Patterson carried out the month of December 2006. On January 2007, Reverend Daren K. Newton, Sr., Pastor of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, Augusta, GA and the adopted son of Watkinsville Baptist Church, in accordance with a directive from God, and after much prayer and supplication, offered to moderate and assist in formulating a Pulpit Search Committee, and carried out services in the interim, in an effort to secure a pastor for this body of baptized believers called Watkinsville. While Reverend Daren Newton, Sr., was here one came for restoration. The Candidates were narrowed to Reverends Clinton Bates, Peter Sparks and Victor Sweet. Each minister carried the services of the church for a month. After which they were submitted to the criterion set forth by the committee. All information was presented to the eligible church family and on May 10, 2007, Elder Peter Sparks was elected pastor on May 10, 2007 and officially installed on Sunday June 8, 2008 with Pastor Daren K. Newton Sr., and the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Charge of Services. During his leadership, Pastor Sparks had 8 to come by baptism and 4 by way of Christian experience, an Electronic Piano purchased, a new Public Address System installed and a church Marquee erected. As part of his pastoral duties, he performed the ceremony of the cornerstone that is in front of the church; yearly programs have been implemented to help raise funds for relay for life. Continuing his pastoral duties in 2009 the Missionary Ministry has been reorganized, a 1st Sunday Services implemented, and In February a Youth Sunday School was implemented to train the youth of today for the leadership of tomorrow The journey has just begun but we are praying and looking for the Lord to do great and marvelous things in and through Pastor Sparks. In December 2009 Pastor Sparks resign as pastor of the church. Since Pastor Sparks’ resignation we’ve had several ministers to serve in the interim. They are Reverends Ernest Dixon, Terry Jones, C.W. Dawson, Sheldon Cooper, Wendell Smith, Gold Lee Walden and Alfred Cason. We continued to look to the hills for which our help comes as we were being spirit led in our search for a Pastor for this Ministry. On October 5, 2010, Dr. Alfred Cason was elected as pastor of the Watkinsville Baptist Church and was installed on January 23, 2011. Pastor Cason came with a “V.I.S.A”, Vision, Integrity, Structure, and Accountability. Since being elected as pastor, he has implemented the Tribal Ministry, Deaconess Board, reorganized the Mission Ministry, reorganized Sunday School (Small Group Study) to include an Adult Class for Men and Women, and Classes for Youth and Teens. He has Organized an Administrative Board, Implemented prayer services, incorporated Teaching and Training on Christian Stewardship, and started a 4th Sunday Service. Under Pastor Cason leadership he has baptized fourteen and restored eight to the church and five by Christian experience. Deacons presently serving are Deacons Charles Bennett, Leslie Chance, Bernard Walker, Grover Lambert, Tony Humphrey, Lonzo Henderson George Pace Jr, Sherman Jenkins, and Luther Patterson, Jr. The various people of the world during remote times, until now have cherished with mixed feelings of joy and sadness in the memory of their dead. The Apostle Paul in the Fifteenth Chapter of 1Corinthians strove to satisfy the minds of the living on the question of the resurrection and the reunion of human family after death. And since the grave does not hold a nobler set of victims, than those who died in Christ Jesus it is befitting that their memory should be kept alive for the inspiration of the present and future generations