Founded in Faith, Raised in Biblical Teaching, and Dedicated to Kingdom Service, we are: Joyously walking together, Encouraging Christian growth, Responding to the needs of our community and the world, Sharing Jesus Christ, Equipping each other for ministry, Yielding to God’s Will.

Jersey Baptist Church

About Us

A colony from New Jersey came south and settled on the banks of the Yadkin River sometime prior to 1755. Benjamin Miller, a pastor from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, preached at The Jersey Settlement; in 1755. Around 1756, John Gano, who was also from New Jersey, accepted a call to work among the people at Jersey. After two and a half years, Mr.Gano and his family returned to New Jersey because of the hostility from the Cherokee Indians. It is believed the congregation temporarily disbanded at that time. Gano later served as a Chaplain in George Washington's army and is said to have baptized Washington at his request. Church records state the church was reconstituted October 16 1784 with fourteen charter members. There are continuous records since that date except for a few years in the 1930's.

Missions and ministry have been primary in the life of Jersey. In 1907, a small band of women organized a Woman's Missionary Society. They began learning about missions, sacrificially giving to missions and praying for missions. Jersey now has a fully organized Woman's Missionary Union with all age groups actively involved in missions.

The Brotherhood was organized later and became sponsors of Royal Ambassadors which gives opportunity for men and boys to participate regularly in missions outreach.

Many youth and adults have individually, and in groups, been involved in missions on the local and state levels. Many have served as volunteers in both the home and Foreign Missions.

Ordained ministers from Jersey include Dr. J. Lee Carrick, Dr. Forrest C. Feezor, Jeanne Hollifield Baucom and Bobby Lyon. Each was either a member or former member of Jersey when ordained. Each has made a great contribution for the cause of Christ as they have served.

Records indicate there was a meeting house at Jersey in the early days of the church. The present sanctuary was built in 1842 on one-half acre of land purchased for fifty cents with the deed being made between Judith Ellis and ...trustees of the united congregation consisting of the professors of the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, and the Baptists in the Jersey Settlement.  In 1933, eight classrooms were added at the back of the sanctuary; in 1953, additional rooms were built; 1965, the Gano Building was completed; 1992, an activity building was constructed which includes a large fellowship hall, classrooms, pastor's study, offices for secretary and music directory; parlor, fully equipped kitchen, and storage rooms; 1999 the sanctuary underwent renovations.

Pastors who have served Jersey in recent years and still active today are: Rev. Robert S. Harrell, Dr Roy J. Smith, Rev. William C. Adams, Rev. Morris S. Hollifield and Dr.Brooks L. Hunt (interim). The present pastor, Rev.J. Michael Collier, has been serving the church since June 14, 1998. Jersey Church continues to grow in missions, ministry, and outreach.