Yellow River Baptist Church was organized on August 25, 1871, with 15 charter members. In 1948, the original building was replaced with a granite rock building. The church and its people figured largely in the history of Gwinnett County. Five Forks Trickum Road, formerly Stone Mountain Road, was one of the early wagon roads cut in Gwinnett County. Thomas P. Hudson's general store, and the Yellow River Post Office (which is just up the road from the church), played an important part in the early development of the area, as did Yellow River Baptist Church.
From Gwinnett County Churches
Reprint of 1911 book, Gwinnett Churches
by James C. Flanigan:
Rev. W. B. Haslett was pastor from February 10, 1883, to February 12, 1887, and during this time baptized ten members. Rev. J. E. Kennerly served the church as pastor from December 13, 1891, to April 10, 1897, with twenty-one people joining during his pastorate. Rev. J. W. Singleton was elected pastor on April 10, 1897, serving one year; then Rev. J.E. Kennerly, on September 11, 1898, serving till November 8, 1902, adding thirteen to the membership of the church. Rev. M.C. George, on November 8, 1902, served as pastor until January, 1911, during which time thirty-six people joined the church.
The middle of the 20th century was a definite turning point in Yellow River's history. During the first eighty years (1871-1951) the church was served by pastor's who were farmers, most of which had very little formal education. Their dedication to the "Call of God, to preach the gospel was evident. Their lives were an example of selfless sacrifice in service to their Lord, and to their church community. The last two of these farmer- preachers were Bro. Sammy Bryant, who served for 17 years, until 1950, and Bro. Andrew Johnson, who served from 1950 to 1955.
In 1960, a two-story educational building was added onto the back of the church. In 1963 the church was remodeled and the sanctuary enlarged. The present sanctuary was built in 1971 beside the older church building, which is still in active use today. In April of 2010, the Church embarked on an aggressive renovation campaign that would impact every building on our campus. The New Life Center, Main Auditorium, Educational Building and Fellowship Hall, and the Gymnasium. On June of 2018, all of those renovations were finished and had been completely paid for by the members of the church. Additionally, our long-term debt of approximately $300,000 had also been paid off during that same period of time. Today, Yellow River Baptist Church is completely debt free!
From Gwinnett County Churches
Reprint of 1911 book, Gwinnett Churches
by James C. Flanigan:
Rev. W. B. Haslett was pastor from February 10, 1883, to February 12, 1887, and during this time baptized ten members. Rev. J. E. Kennerly served the church as pastor from December 13, 1891, to April 10, 1897, with twenty-one people joining during his pastorate. Rev. J. W. Singleton was elected pastor on April 10, 1897, serving one year; then Rev. J.E. Kennerly, on September 11, 1898, serving till November 8, 1902, adding thirteen to the membership of the church. Rev. M.C. George, on November 8, 1902, served as pastor until January, 1911, during which time thirty-six people joined the church.
The middle of the 20th century was a definite turning point in Yellow River's history. During the first eighty years (1871-1951) the church was served by pastor's who were farmers, most of which had very little formal education. Their dedication to the "Call of God, to preach the gospel was evident. Their lives were an example of selfless sacrifice in service to their Lord, and to their church community. The last two of these farmer- preachers were Bro. Sammy Bryant, who served for 17 years, until 1950, and Bro. Andrew Johnson, who served from 1950 to 1955.
In 1960, a two-story educational building was added onto the back of the church. In 1963 the church was remodeled and the sanctuary enlarged. The present sanctuary was built in 1971 beside the older church building, which is still in active use today. In April of 2010, the Church embarked on an aggressive renovation campaign that would impact every building on our campus. The New Life Center, Main Auditorium, Educational Building and Fellowship Hall, and the Gymnasium. On June of 2018, all of those renovations were finished and had been completely paid for by the members of the church. Additionally, our long-term debt of approximately $300,000 had also been paid off during that same period of time. Today, Yellow River Baptist Church is completely debt free!