Bald Rock Baptist Church History

The history of the Bald Rock Baptist Church can be best appreciated if the surrounding facts are known. Until 1870, what is now Rockdale County was part of Newton County. The earliest settlers engaged in agriculture, with settlement developing to serve the needs of the farmers. These settlements usually contained a sawmill, gristmill, post office, general store and possibly a blacksmith shop or cotton gin. One of the earliest such settlements in Newton County was at Dial Mill on Little Haynes creek, built in 1820 on the Hightower Trail. The Hightower was used by Native Americans and was one of the earliest routes into what is now Rockdale County. Costley’s Mill, at Highway 138 and Big Haynes Creek, was also built near the Hightower Trail about 1827. Costley Mill originally consisted of a sawmill and gristmill.

Rockdale County did not see any direct action during the civil War. When Atlanta fell, in 1864, and troops passed through Conyers en route to Savannah, a number of properties were destroyed.

The Bald Rock Baptist Church was founded approximately in 1861. Early members of this church included Sally Carr, Ella Canada Becky, Oscar and Jim Sims, Rhine Young, Lewis Anderson, Clarence Glenn, Dock Wallace and Richard Floyd. The church cemetery is located near the church but the date of the oldest grave is unknown. The old church building gives indication of slave labor and its construction date is unknown.

Our investigation has revealed that, the early worship services were held in a Bruch Harbor, under the leadership of the Rev. Charles Tuggle. This temporary structure served its purpose and was located on property not owned by Bald Rock church members. During this era, slaves could not own land. It is believed that the plantation in which Bald Rock Church was located, served as a place of worship for those slaves to take and share the same last name as their masters. Accordingly, we are able to trace some of our names back to slavery time.

The land where Bald Rock Baptist Church was previously purchased by Samuel Bryant in 1866 consisted of 1100 acres and was purchased by Floyd from Richard Sims, Nancy Sparks, the heirs of Ashel Richardson and Sanders Hiatt.

In 1860 Samuel Bryant possessions included 23 slaves his personal possessions later reflected the loss of his slaves and in 1870 records reflect his neighbors were a number of African American families engaged in farm work, three of whom was name Bryant. These families may have been former slaves of Samuel Bryant who were now working as sharecroppers on his plantation. In 1877 Samuel Bryant’s’ will ordered that if necessary to pay his “Bald Rock Plantation” will remain unsold and controlled for the benefit of his family, thus came for the name The Colored Bald Rock Baptist Church.

Former Pastors as we know them were Rev. Charlie Tuggle, Baker, Young, Hayes, Web Allen, Henderson, Sims, G.J. Clark (54 years); G.L. Shaw (11 years); E. D. Harris (22 years); Sandy Allen (1 year); C.L. Mapp (3 years); Jack Maultsby (3 years) and Jessie Henry, Jr. (6 months).

Our current pastor, Sr. Pastor Christopher M. Shipp has served for 23 years. The church celebrated its 155th Church Anniversary November 2016.

Initial Author Unknown

Bald Rock Baptist Church

Located at 2284 Old Covington Road Conyers, Ga 30013

The church members motorcaded from the old location to the new location July 31, 1994 and marched into the new sanctuary.

Old Bald Rock Baptist Church at Costley Mill

Dedication of the Bald Rock Baptist Church Costley Mill Location

The City of Conyers purchased the Old Bald Rock Costley Mill property when they were planning for the 1996 Olympics. The International Olympic Horse Park was developed. The City had planned to turn the site into a chapel however due to the cost of the improvements the plans were abandoned. The church sat vacant on the site for several years before being torn down. The City did talk with Bald Rock Officials about the need to demolish the building. Some of the senior members felt that the City had let them down for not maintaining the site. However, the church officials understood the situation. City Councilman Cleveland Stroud worked with Bald Rock and the City to place a monument on the old site to memorialize the contributions of Bald Rock during that era.

July 31, 2011 the monument was unveiled at the Costley Mill site. The church held a dedication service for the members to participate and bring closure to this long anticipated time. This was a significant event in that this was the 5th Sunday in July and we are reminded that it was the 5th Sunday in July 1994 when Bald Rock motorcade to the new church location on Old Covington Road for their ribbon cutting and first service in the new sanctuary. Councilman Cleveland Stroud represented the City and made remarks. The members are very proud of this memorial. We thank the City for erecting the memorial and as a lasting memory they used the rocks from the old church to encase the marble monument.

Old Bald Rock Baptist Church Building was located at 1290 Costley Mills Road but was relocated due to the Georgia International Horse Park for the 1996 Olympics

Monument now stands commemorating the landmark of the former church location

Monument Dedication July 31, 2011

Bald Rock Baptist Church

1861 – 1994

“Committed to Loving God and Helping Mankind”

The City of Conyers recognizes Bald Rock Baptist Church the oldest African American church in Rockdale County, which stood on these historical grounds for 133 years. The services were first held in a brush harbor, a tent like shelter made of tree branches loosely joined together. Later a small wooden structure was built. The founding deacons were: Deacons Anderson, Carr, Glen, Loyd, and Sims. Some of the families who worshipped and labored in this church during this period were: Andersons, Andrews, Bakers, Banks, Bigbys, Bryants, Carrs, Easleys, Giles, Glens, Hendersons, Levettes, Loyds, Penns, Robinsons, Roseberrys, Rosses, Romes, Shaws, Sims, Swifts, and Tuggles. Some of the former pastors were: Rev. Charlie Tuggle, Baker, Young, Hayes, Webb, Allen, Henderson, Sims, Rev. G. J. Clark (54 years), Rev G. L. Shaw (11 years), Rev. E.D. Harris (22 years), Rev. Sandy Allen (1 year), Rev. C. L. Mapp (3 years), Rev Jack Maultsby (3 years) and Rev. Jessie Henry Jr. (6 months).

In 1994, under the visionary leadership of Rev. Jack Maultsby, the church relocated to 2284 Old Covington Road in Conyers. This new sanctuary sits on 5+ acres of land making it conducive for expansion. The seating capacity is more than 500. Presently the church is under the spiritual leadership of Sr. Pastor Christopher Shipp. Bald Rock Baptist Church remains an integral part of our community. They are Learning the Word and Lighting the World!

Memorial erected July 24, 2014.