Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
This Sunday, May 24th, 2026, at 11AM, we will officially host our 187th Homecoming Celebration. Shoal Creek Baptist Church has a rich history that began almost two centuries ago. According to historical archives, Shoal Creek was originally planted as a Missionary Baptist Church by Canton First Baptist Church in 1839. Over the past 187 years, so much about our church, the community, our nation, and the world has changed. We remain grateful for the enduring truth of the Gospel and the unchanging character, nature, and promises of Jesus Christ!
For those who didn’t grow up in church, Homecoming may be unfamiliar. This wonderful time of year is a moment we pause as a church to give God thanks for His faithfulness to the generations of church members before us. It is a time to remember some of the amazing, historical facts about the church as we celebrate our roots and acknowledge our heritage. It is a time for family and friends who have experienced the life changing, life giving ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through Shoal Creek to gather to celebrate. Homecoming is also a time for new families and friends in the church to celebrate joining countless thousands across almost two hundred years to fulfill the Great Commission.
Historical list of Pastors and Leaders
If these four walls could speak… what stories they would proclaim. I imagine they would tell of so many precious memories made as married couples began their journey together at the altar. Perhaps they would tell stories of miraculous conversions and salvations that were followed by baptisms and incredible new life in Christ. No doubt the walls would share stories of deep grief and sorrow as countless families have walked through the journey of loss burying family and friends. If the walls could speak, what stories they would tell!
Over the course of 187 years, Shoal Creek has been blessed to have dozens of faithful under shepherds serving as pastor. Countless deacons, clerks, Sunday School superintendents, and treasurers, along with committee chairs, youth workers, choir members, and more have all faithfully loved, known, and followed Jesus. As countless hearts across generations have gathered hand-in-hand, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been boldly preached in Waleska and to the ends of the earth because of God’s faithful love to our little country church on a hill.
As we gather this Sunday to celebrate 187 incredible years, we hope you’ll join us to rejoice and remember. We are forever grateful that no matter what changes, and no matter what comes, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Undated photo of the original Sanctuary built in our current location at 1893 (prior to being bricked and the porch being added)
