A CONCISE AND SHORT HISTORY OF HARMONY BAPTIST CHURCH

Harmony Baptist Church was organized at Poore's Academy in Walton County near the location of the present facilities on November 27, 1886. According to the Constitution, the late Reverend William Stokes Walker preached the first sermon. His text was II Corinthians 5:14; "For the Love of Christ constraineth us".

The church has been a rural fellowship for most of its history.  Agricultural products and farm families populated the church field.  The church grew incrementally in both ministry and population.  Pastors were elected on an annual schedule and until 1966 this church, like many others in the area, met only once or twice a month.

A major construction program was completed in 1948 which involved the construction of a new brick sanctuary and educational space.  The sanctuary was turned to face Harmony Church Road.

In 1951 land was acquired for a church cemetery.

In 1974 a new fellowship hall, kitchen and Sunday School rooms were included in a new addition that adjoined the existing building.  An outdoor pavilion was added in 1981.

In 1983 the church purchased additional acreage to enlarge the church grounds.

In 2000 a million dollar building was completed that included a 375-seat sanctuary, office space and more educational space.  A 13,000 square foot fellowship and educational building is currently under construction.

Today we are at our highest membership level with almost 500 members, over 200 in Sunday School.  A full-time pastor, minister of education and administrative assistant have been called to direct on-going work.  The church also employs a part-time music director and musician.

The church is able to work in the community through its choirs, women’s, men’s, children and youth ministries. 

Because of the influx of new families, new neighborhoods and the proposed addition of a new elementary school just a few hundred yards down the road from us, the church population will continue to grow.  Our expectations are to grow along with the community.

We celebrate a tremendous past and God’s continued favor upon His people.