Our Background
Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1885 under a brush harbor and was
first named Series Baptist Church. The first pastor was Pastor Tony Baker, and the original
officers included Deacon Ed Bailey, Jim Byrd, Ben Peek, Nora Bailey, Willie Preston, Secretary
Sis. Lillie Mae Belcher, and the Mother of the church, Sis. Jane Heard. Later, the church officers
purchased a small piece of land from Mr. Sims, and the name was changed to Sims Chapel
Baptist Church.
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1915-1978
Sims Chapel
In 1915, under the leadership of Pastor G.J. Clark, the church was rebuilt. One-tenth of an acre ofland was donated by Mr. Homer Guinn. In 1969, an additional two and one-tenth acres weregifted by Mr. James F. Arthur, the stepson of Mr. Guinn. Under Pastor Stafford, the second Sunday service was introduced, and various church ministries, including the Usher Board and choirs, were reorganized. Significant building projects were also initiated, including the annex and the remodeling of the church. Pastor Stafford resigned in 1978 due to health reasons. During this time, Deacon Irvin Nolley served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for 33 years. Sims Chapel also functioned as one of the Black schools in Newton County, and its cemetery is recognized as a Historic Cemetery of Newton County.
1979-1994
In 1979, Pastor Calvin English became the church's eighth pastor, appointing Pastor Willie Norman as his assistant for the second Sunday service. Under Pastor English’s leadership, the church underwent numerous enhancements, including new pulpit furniture, pews, chandeliers,and parking lot improvements. He became a full-time pastor in 1990, and new ministries were established, such as Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, and a Youth Department. In 1993 and 1994, the church celebrated the calling of two ministers from within its congregation: Rev. Cecil J. Rozier and Evangelist Lenora Williams. Under Pastor English's leadership, additional renovations to the foyer and restrooms were completed, and new ministries like the Advisory Board Council and Sister to Sister were introduced.
1995-2002
In 1995, God blessed the church with a vision through Pastor English to remodel and expand the
sanctuary. Construction began in 1995, and by 1996, the church had been transformed with a
larger sanctuary, a dining hall, an indoor baptismal pool, new pews, choir chairs, stained glass
windows, a church steeple, and central heat and air.
In 1999, the street where the church is located was renamed Sims Chapel Road in honor of the
church. Pastor English, who became ill in 2001, was honored as Pastor Emeritus, and a special
"Calvin English Day" was established for the fourth Sunday in January.
In January 2002, the church appointed Rev. Cecil J. Rozier as its ninth pastor. Later that year, the
church was rededicated to the Lord, with Pastor English cutting the ribbon.
Under Pastor Cecil J. Rozier's Leadership (2002-2022)
2002-2022
Under Pastor Cecil J. Rozier's Leadership
During Pastor Rozier's tenure, several ministries were reorganized and new ones added, such as the Children of Zion Choir, Junior Usher Board, Men’s Ministry, and Dance Ministry. The church also added a third Sunday service in 2004, followed by a first Sunday service later that same year. In 2016, major renovations to the church exterior were undertaken. During the renovation period, services were held at New Rock Educational Complex. The congregation returned to the newly renovated sanctuary in time for the Homecoming Celebration on August 28, 2016. In 2018, the church’s Board of Trustees was established, and the Leadership Ministry, comprising the presidents of various auxiliaries and committees, was introduced by Pastor Rozier.
2022-Present
The Next Chapter: Under the Leadership of Pastor O. Quintodd Bryant (2022–Present)
Under the Leadership of Pastor O. Quintodd Bryant (2022–Present) Pastor Cecil J. Rozier retired in March 2022, and Pastor O. Quintodd Bryant was appointed Pastor Elect. Since assuming leadership, the church has entered a new era of revival and growth. Pastor Bryant has reestablished the Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Dance Ministry. He has overseen the creation of a new media room and the installation of state-of-the-art sound and video equipment. Over 30 new members have been baptized under his leadership, and new ministries, including the Hospitality Ministry, Transportation Ministry, C.A.R.E Ministry and Media Ministry have been introduced. During the summer, he introduced midday Bible studies on Wednesdays for the elderly, fostering a space for spiritual enrichment and fellowship.
Continued...
In August 2023, under Pastor Bryant's guidance, the Fellowship Hall was renovated and dedicated in honor of Mother Emma Benton Davis Allen, acknowledging her long-standing service to the church. Additionally, the Mae Frank Stodghill Scholarship was established in September 2023, offering support to students in the church community. In June 2024, Reverend C.S. Salter was ordained as an Elder, marking a significant milestone for the ministerial team. Additionally, Sims Chapel became officially incorporated, further solidifying its foundation for future endeavors.
The rich history of Sims Chapel Baptist Church stands as a testament to the faith, dedication, and perseverance of its leaders and congregation, from its humble beginnings in 1885 to its continued growth and impact in the 21st century.
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