The building was erected in 1868. It was then known as Plentitude Academy, one of the best schools in the county. The building is still in a good state of preservation. There have been preaching services at this Academy through the years at intervals by all denominations.
In 1928 a union Sunday School was organized at this place, out of which grew what is now the Plentitude Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. J.J. Bennett secured a minister from the State Baptist Board for one week's revival services and Dr. bennett had the Gray Baptist Church, of which he was at that time pastor, to extend an arm to authorize the acception and baptism of members. Dr. W.F. Hinesley from Center Hill Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia conducted these services from August 25th through August 29th, 1930, in a big fine way. indeed this was a week filled with Spiritual harvest. The ingathering was great; twenty-seven (27) in number, ranging in age from 10 to 73 years.
On October 26th, 1930, Dr. J.J. Bennett preached. After preaching he called the church into conference, he acting as moderator ad Mrs. C.E. Patton acting as temporary clerk. Rev. J.R. Meek who was then studying at Mercer for his A.B. and M.A. Degrees, was called unanimously as pastor of this Mission on this date. Although he finished his work at Mercer june 20th, 1932 and moved to Atlanta, georgia to reside, he ably served in his capacity until october 1935, when he resigned to move to Oklahoma City. Bro. J. Raymond Meek possesses a fine personality and is a good preacher, liked and loved by everyone. During his pastorship the little church thrived and a goodly number was added to it's meembership. After his resignation , rev harry Meek, his father then assumed the duties of pastor.
On July 24th, 1936, the church was organized into an independent body. The minutes of the organization services follows:
Song - Standing on the Promises
Prayer - Brother Allen
Song - When the Saints Go marching In
Prayer - Rev. J.W. Ballard
Song - How Firm a Foundation
Brother Ballard brought us the message of the hour, his subject being the "Church of God". Mrs. Una H. taylor was elected clerk pro tem. Rev Ballard was then chosen moderator. A motion was made and seconded that the name "Plentitude missionary Baptist Church" be adopted. A prayer invoking God's blessing on the new church was offered by Bro. T. hunt taylor. Brother H.A. McKay and Brother F.B. Norman were elected as Deacons, Brother Norman declined to serve, Brother McKay was ordained at Willingham baptist Church, Macon, Georgia, of which Brother Ballard is pastor, Sunday August 9th, 1936. Rev harry Meek preached the ordination sermon. The church then went into the election of a clerk, Brother Hugh Hudson being unanimously elected. bearing out the fact that the youth of the church is taking an active part in it's work, it might be well to state that at the time of his election as clerk, Brother Hugh Hudson was only 18 years of age. Brother harry Meek was extended an indefinite call as pastor of the new church. During the singing of another song, the hand of Christian Fellowship was extended to the members of the newly organized body. Signed: JOHN W. BALLARD, Moderator; T.HUNT TAYLOR, Deacon; HARRY MEEK, Pastor; and UNA HOLLAND TAYLOR, Clerk
The church and one acre of land were purchased from the Board of Education of Jones County, Georgia, by Brother and Sister T. Hunt Taylor and presented to the members of the new church as a love gift.
This short church history would be incomplete if it did not say more about the Sunday School organized at this place in 1928 by Brother and Sister T. Hunt taylor, which is still in a thriving condition. In my humble opinion it had more to do with the organization of this church more than any one thing. I find it impossible to express in words the blessings that the Sunday School and Brother and Sister taylor have been to the people of this community. Had it not been for the Sunday School i really do believe that we would not have a church now. Much honor to Brother taylor and his dear lovable wife, who has walked with him through the years. I love them! They are my friends - they are more than that - they have been a geat blessing to my life and heart.
And now that we have finished this short history of Plentitude Missionary Baptist Church, let us close with this benediction:
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14.