Lawrence Baptist Church, in southern Bulloch County, recently celebrated 100 years of serving God.   
    In 1911, Mr. H.W. Burke and 13 charter members organized the church near a cemetery where the Allen D. Lawrence family was buried. The land was donated to the church by Mr. Uriah Mitchell. Fifteen descendants of the charter members and the Mitchell family attended the anniversary celebration.
     The celebration service began with the choir special, “Walking with Jesus”, featuring a duet sung by Rev. and Mrs. Albert Hodges.
     Dorothy Willis lighted candles as Jean Buchan told of their significance: white representing God’s enduring love for those who serve Him; blue for those who have served that He has called home; and yellow for those who are serving Him and for those still to come.
    Barbara Starling presented information from very old church minutes. One interesting fact reported the original wooden building cost only $125, but 30 years later it cost $133 to have electricity installed.
      Mr. and Mrs. Roland Starling and Lois Dickerson were recognized as having the longest continuous membership. They were each given a framed copy of their baptismal certificates dated 1935, 1939, and 1938 respectively.
     J. Robert White, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, sent a letter and plaque commemorating the occasion.
    He stated, “I join you in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving to God for the tremendous blessings and opportunities for ministry throughout these 100 years.” 
    The plaque was presented to Rev. Hodges by Rev. Charles Jones, who also preached the homecoming message.
     Following the service, everyone moved into the social hall for food and fellowship.