Many years have passed since our humble beginnings on East 27th and Scovill Avenue (Cleveland, Ohio), back in 1919 to where we have progressed today, here at the corner of Ease 147th and Kinsman Road (see church map). New Sardis has served as a Beacon of Light for the Mt. Pleasant Community for the past 47 years.
The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to lay on the heart of one, Elder Abraham Griskel to organize the New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church in 1919. It was with his initiative and determination that led him to organize a church in Cleveland, Ohio and name it after the Mother Church. Elder Griskel had previously served in Chattanooga at New Sardis Church that was the largest Primitive Baptist Church in the city and in eastern Tennessee.
Elder. T.J. Rice of Florence, Alabama, the father of our own Sister Mary Koontz, succeeded Elder Griskel. Elder Rice’s tenure was short, and Elder Van T. Hunt followed him. During this time, Primitive Baptists did not belive in musical instruments and Elder Hunt had drums — and this kind of left him “out of the mix.”
Times were hard, and the church members were somewhat discouraged because of their inability to “retain a shepherd over the flock.” But, the Lord always has someone waiting in the wings, prepared to step up to the plate. And, around 1940, Elder A. J. W. Warren was called to be the overseer of the congregation. He served untiringly for 27 years, until the Lord called him home in 1967.
Once again, the church was without leader, and on the second Sunday in October, 1968, Elder Terry M. Batts, Sr. was called and became the fifth Pastor of New Sardis. His tenure lasted 18 years. The church was without a leader for 19 months; and, in March, 1988, Elder Larry D. Tatum became our sixth Pastor, and has served until this present time.
Today, we celebrate our Homecoming — Church Anniversary, remembering where we have come from to where we have progressed today. Many of our most dedicated members who have gone to be with the Lord always looked to this as a big day of celebration. We, as members, must embrace the vision and accomplishments of the past and prepare our young members for future leadership responsibilities before the torch is passed.
As we remember our leaders, Griskel, Rice, Hunt, Warren, Batts, and now Tatum — let us continue to focus on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for our help because our help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and Earth; and, may we continue to keep the vision that the Lord has provided us with. Because where there is no vision, the people perish.
And upon this Rock, I will build My Church; And the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it (Matthew, 16:18).